Sourcing fabric on location - Sanderson

Sourcing Fabric on Location

Whether you want to explore more traditional options or are looking to go for something contemporary, choosing fabric is a really fun part of any upholstery project.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Pay attention to the pattern repeat. A larger pattern repeat means you will need to order more as contingency and there may be more wastage. Also consider how large your piece of furniture is, and think about how much of the pattern repeat will actually be visible.
• Visit showrooms in person or request physical samples. You can't always get a full sense of colour and texture when looking at fabrics online, so I would always recommend seeing them in real life before committing to buying large quantities.
• A lot of upholstery fabrics are sold to trade only, so once you've decided on your fabric, you may have to find a local stockist and buy it through them.
• Avoid drapery fabrics for armchairs and sofas. These will be clearly labelled, and won't be suitable for certain upholstery projects as they're not durable enough. They may however work for a headboard.
• For seating, go for fabrics with a 35,000 (Martindale) rub count. You can use fabrics with a lower rub count for more occasional furniture or headboards.
• If you are making a removable cover in order to be able to clean it, make sure the fabric you choose is washable. If you do want to put it through the washing machine, your seams will need to be overlocked to prevent fraying.
• An alternative to a washable fabric is a stain resistant fabric – this can be used for fixed upholstery. Linwood are a great brand for stain resistant fabric.
• Be kinder to the environment by making sustainable choices; wool or recycled fabrics are a great option.
• You need to take into consideration whether your chosen fabric is fire retardant. If it isn't, you will need to add a fire retardant layer. Be sure to check your country's rules and regulations regarding fire retardancy.

Exploring Different Patterns

I find that people will often gravitate towards plain fabrics, perhaps because they find prints and patterns too daunting or not in keeping with their style. I'm a firm believer in there being a pattern for everyone, and while florals and stripes might come to mind first when you think of patterns, there is actually a huge range of designs out there and there's sure to be something to suit your scheme.

Try not to be too guided by trends, as you want your upholstery project to last for decades rather than just a season. Instead, go with your gut feeling and choose something you really love.