Upholstery Fabric

At Fabrics Galore we have a huge range of designer and other upholstery fabrics waiting for your next upholstery project. As only the hardest wearing fabrics are suitable for upholstery we try to differentiate between occasional use and frequent use upholstery fabric.

 

Different Types of Upholstery Fabric

Upholstery fabric is important in determining both the look and durability of furniture. There are various types of upholstery fabric available, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding these fabric types, their suitability for upholstery, and how to choose the right one can greatly enhance the success of your sewing projects.

What Makes a Fabric Suitable for Upholstery?

One key factor that makes a fabric suitable for upholstery is durability. Upholstery on chairs and sofas is subject to frequent use, so the fabric needs to be strong and resilient to wear and tear. Fabrics that are tightly woven or have a high thread count, like canvas or twill, tend to be more durable and resistant to abrasion.

Additionally, upholstery fabric needs to be easy to clean and maintain. Look for fabrics with stain-resistant finishes or synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon, which are known for their durability and ease of cleaning. Natural fibres like cotton panama or linen can also work well, but may require more frequent cleaning. Linen upholstery fabric may also crease more than other types. 

How to Choose Upholstery Fabrics

When it comes to choosing the right upholstery fabric, consider the specific project at hand. Different types of upholstery fabrics are suitable for various items such as occasional chairs, dining chairs, sofas, ottomans, or cushions. For example, a heavier fabric like corduroy or velvet could be ideal for a statement piece that gets a lot of use, while a lighter fabric like cotton panama or linen might be better suited for occasional use furniture.

When selecting upholstery fabrics, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, think about the style and mood you want to achieve. Upholstery fabric comes in a wide range of patterns, colours, and textures, so choose one that complements your overall design aesthetic. Secondly, consider the durability and care requirements . Ensure the fabric is suitable for the level of use the project will undergo and that it can be easily cleaned as needed.

What is a Typical Upholstery Fabric Width?

Lastly, don't forget to check the fabric's width before purchasing. Upholstery fabric typically comes in wider widths than regular fabrics, often around 140cm. This is important to ensure you have enough fabric to cover your entire item without having to sew multiple pieces together.

What Other Uses are there for Upholstery Fabric?

In terms of sewing projects, upholstery fabrics can be used for much more than just furniture. It can be a great choice for creating sturdy bags, totes, or backpacks that need to withstand daily use. Upholstery fabric can also be used to make outdoor cushions, patio furniture covers, or even pet beds.

 

The Benefits of High Quality Upholstery Fabric

In conclusion, upholstery fabric comes in various types, each with its own unique characteristics and suitability for upholstery projects. When choosing upholstery fabric, consider factors like durability, ease of cleaning, project type, and personal style preferences. By carefully selecting the right fabric and using proper sewing techniques, you can create beautiful, long-lasting upholstered items that will stand the test of time.

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One stop fabric shop

Welcome to the Fabrics Galore London online store, packed full of beautiful fabrics to inspire your next dressmaking, patchwork quilting, craft or home furnishing sewing project. We stock a huge range of different materials alongside designer fabrics from Liberty, Cath Kidston, Orla Kiely, Laura Ashley, William Morris and Alexander Henry. We source the highest quality fabrics, so whether it be a cotton, linen, viscose, chambray, jersey or wool, we have you covered.Check out our dressmaking fabric for something with drape, fabulous Liberty cotton lawn prints, quilting fabrics for patchwork inspiration or the home furnishing section to pimp your pad. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get sewing!

Frequently Asked Questions

We sell by the half metre on our website (the price is therefore displayed by the half metre) to allow our customers more flexibility. If you wish to buy a metre, you need to buy two units, but don’t worry, it will always be cut in one continuous length. 

We can send your fabric by courier which should arrive the next day, for the additional cost of £12. The simplest way to do this is by sending us an email  howdy@fabricsgalore.co.uk or by calling the shop on 0207 738 9589. We would need to know before 1pm, and we are unable to organise a Saturday delivery. 

Yes, we ship to Europe. For all the details, see our Shipping Page.  

We do, our samples are 10 cm by the width of the fabric (usually 112cm or 137cm) and cost 10% of the fabric’s metre price plus £1.50 for postage. Simply go to our Request a Swatch page.

Yes, we have a shop in South London. All the fabrics, which are available online (and more) are in the shop alongside a small haberdashery and pattern range. 

The address is 52-54 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 5RH.

We are a fabric retailer rather than a wholesaler so the short answer is no, but if you are looking for a large quantity of fabric, it is best to email us on  howdy@fabricsgalore.co.uk to see if we can help you out.

OEKO-TEX 100 means the fabric has been tested for 100 harmful substances. The testing and certification process extends far beyond existing legal requirements, testing not only for substances already banned, but also for chemicals known to be unsafe, but not yet controlled by legislation. Fabrics which meet OEKO-TEX 100 are great for children’s clothing or underwear. 

All our orders are sent out by Royal Mail First Class so should be with you within a few days of fulfilment and often within 1-2 days. We send fabric out on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. During busy periods such as sales, deliveries may take slightly longer, and we are always grateful for your patience.

We stock British fabrics as well as fabrics from suppliers all over the world - including Germany, Italy, Taiwan and India. 

In recent years we have cut back on the number of shows we attend but we do still go to several. For the full list have a look on our Events Page.   

We select our fabrics from various ranges to create the interesting collections we offer and it’s rare that we buy the whole range. If you have a specific fabric you are looking for, it’s best to email us to find out if we can help you. Our email address is howdy@fabricsgalore.co.uk

When we sell out of a popular fabric such as our cream bouclé, we will try very hard to get it back in quickly. As soon as it arrives, it will go straight back on our website, and we will notify our customers via social media or our weekly newsletter. If you wanted to sign up so you never miss a thing, subscribe on our simple sign up form

Yes, we do have a few different types: you can buy a voucher for Free Postage for a Whole Year gift card. Or you can buy vouchers for £10, £25, £50 or £100 which will be emailed over to you immediately, in case it’s a last-minute gift. See our gift voucher page.

GSM stands for grams per square metre; the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the fabric will be. For example, a denim or a sweatshirt fabric will have a much higher GSM than a satin. 

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