How to Choose Upholstery Fabric Weight

Choosing the right upholstery weight can be confusing.

Choosing the right upholstery fabric weight is critical to rehabilitating furniture for future use. Your choices can be blurred by issues of color, texture, print and pattern, and further confused by imprecise or inadequate descriptions of fabric durability. Generally, upholstery fabric weights are expressed as "light," "medium" and "heavy." Knowing more about fabric construction, content and behavior will help you choose the weight and quality you need for your project.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery fabrics

Instructions

1. Examine the upholstery fabrics in terms of construction, content and weight. Lightweight fabrics are well suited to slipcovers, seasonal furniture and pieces with intricate curves and tucks. A lightweight fabric should be tightly woven and contain durable fibers such as cotton, linen and nylon, as well as microfibers. A good test for lightweight wear is to cut a swatch and pull on it in all directions; if it frays or fails to return to shape, it is a poor choice for heavy wear.

2. Apply the same testing to medium and heavyweight upholstery fabrics, paying particular attention to the tightness of the weave. As an illustration, burlap is heavier than cotton flannel, but its threads are combined with a loose weave, making it vulnerable to tearing, fraying and skewing. In addition to fabric content, manufacturers may provide rub-rate and other durability information.

3. Factor in texture as a durability element, especially in heavyweight fabrics. A decorative overlaid pattern, flocking or a very nubby texture may quickly develop frayed threads, especially on seams, armrests and cording. Heavier weight does not always guarantee heavier wear.

4. Learn about major upholstery-fabric manufacturers and brands before purchasing fabric. Knowing the names of reliable mills and brands will help you choose materials with a stake in reliable performance. An unidentified fabric may be the perfect choice for your project, but a known company provides recourse in case of problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Have swatches cut and try them out at home before making a final purchase. No matter how a fabric looks in the store, it may change character once it is fitted into your decor. Since some home decorating stores have a no-return policy on cut upholstery material, make sure of your choice before you purchase it.

References

• Warehouse Fabrics, Inc., "Home Decorating Fabric"
• Design Mom, "Ask-Design-Mom Week"
• National Textile Association, "Upholstery Fabric Sources"