Fabrics

There is a phenomenal range of fabrics available and it is not always clear which is the best fabric to choose from.

Here are just a few of the fabric houses I have used; Modelli Fabrics, Crest Leather, and Hus and Hem – Scandanvian fabric designs, and Warwick Fabrics.

I am happy to source fabric for your piece which will be reflected in the quote. However, you are more than welcome to source your own fabric, you may already have some fabric that you would like to use.

Here are some links to fabric suppliers:

blendworth.co.uk/

crestleather.com/

fryetts.co.uk

futura-leathers.co.uk/

vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk

volgalinen.co.uk/

emilyburningham.com/

raptureandwright.co.uk/

stjudesfabrics.co.uk/

fabricsandpapers.com

When using your own fabric please be aware of the following factors:

Flame retardancy

All fabrics must meet the relevant Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 for all domestic chairs and frames built after 1950. This can be achieved by using fabric which has been back-coated or using a flame retardant barrier cloth.

I use the following ratings:

Not rated: this is for fabric which has not been tested for its ability to withstand fire. These fabrics can only be used in upholstery if they have been treated chemically with fire retardant treatment. This is achieved by soaking the fabric in a fire retardant chemical or by back coating (I do not perform this treatment myself and it will add to the quote if this needs doing to any fabric you choose). These treatments are not suitable for the following fabrics; acetates, polyesters, some velvets and voiles.

Requires fire retardant interliner: fabrics which have been cigarette tested and made of at least 75% natural fibres (cotton, linen, modal, silk, viscose and wool) will require the piece to be first covered with a barrier cloth that meets Crib 5 (Source 3) Fire regulations.

Match tested: Fabric can withstand a naked flame test. These fabrics meet the regulations for normal domestic upholstery.

Durability

The durability of fabrics is measured using the ‘Martindale Rub Test’. This test uses a machine to continuously rub the fabric until a thread breaks or a visible change happens. The higher the number the more durable the fabric.

Fabrics fall into the following categories:

Decorative (less than 10,000 rubs)
Recommended for decorative purposes (i.e. cushions). Not recommended for general use.
Light Domestic (10,000 to 15,000 rubs)
Recommended for use on furniture that will only receive occasional use, due either to the use of delicate yarns in the composition of the fabric or due to the delicate construction of the fabric itself
General Domestic (15,000 to 25,000 rubs)
Recommended for use on furniture that may be subjected to everyday use. However, if the level of use will be very high then a fabric rated for heavy-duty use would be more suitable. General domestic fabrics are not recommended for motion furniture (i.e. recliners) or furniture with a fixed seat or back that will put high levels of stress on the fabric.
Heavy Duty (25,000 to 30,000 rubs)
Suitable for heavy duty domestic use i.e. use on furniture that will be subjected to high levels of everyday use. Also suitable for motion furniture (i.e. recliners) and for furniture with a fixed seat or back. Also suitable for light commercial applications.
Commercial Grade (30,000 plus)
Suitable for heavy duty commercial use and heavy duty domestic use. Suitable for all commercial furniture applications and environments.

Pattern

Not all patterns will suit all chairs so you do need to consider the patterns of the fabric, including pattern size. For fabrics with patterns, more fabric is usually required to account for the size of the pattern repeat. Pattern matching can also mean an increase in labour time.