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Choosing Fabrics - The right one for the job

Choosing fabrics is actually more complicated than just going to the fabric store and looking through the bolts. There is a lot to know about each fabric and how they work in each situation. This is just a basic overview on what works best and where. When you work with a professional generally they can steer you in the right direction of choosing fabrics. Provided they do know what they are talking about. The most important step is knowing about fabrics. Fabrics themselves are very ancient, from the first clothing of fur to the Egyptian fabrics made of flax. We have many choices of our fabric content today. Here is a list of the most popular.

LINEN-Very strong and hard wearing. Weakened by sunlight. I love this for draperies, but it wrinkles easily. I use it for non-functioning drapes. I almost always line it.

WOOL-Fairly strong but it weakens and smells like a wet sheep when wet. I t is a wonderful window treatment fabric because of it beautiful drape. It is becomong much more popular for furniture, espicially when blended with other fabrics.

SILK-Very strong natural fabric. It is not good in areas wear it has lots of sun. It must be lined for better durability in window treatments. It makes fabulous window treatments. I Have used it on furniture when it can be back by the manufacture in minimal usages. It is great for pillows, lamp shades and bedding.

VISCOSE-Is a man made fabric. It is fairly strong but weakend by the sun. It is usually blended with cotton and wool. It can be used in window treatments and furniture.

POLYESTER-Very strong with a good resistance to sunlight. I love polyester because it is being made to look and feel like silk without the sun problem. It blends well with most fabrics and can be used in multiple applications. The new Sunbrulla fabrics are 100% polyester and have a nice soft hand and can be used in indoor furniture.

ACETATE-Fairly weak and weakened by sunlight.Has ok drapability unless mixed with other fabrics. Good for draperies and furniture.

Cotton

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