Fabric
Choices, Choices, and more Choices
Deciding what fabric to use will be the hardest part of your project. With a limitless array of colors, patterns and textures you have your work cut out for you. Oh and I forgot to mention trims which will be just as madding to choose. This often over looked little part of you upholstery project might be the the thing that takes great to extrodinay. So good luck and have fun.
Where to buy fabrics
- The Lucky Stitch has accounts at United Fabrics, Fabricade, Robert Allen, ect. With a large selection of sample books from United Fabrics that can be borrowed
- Fabrics Unlimited in Charlottesville has an excellent selection of fabrics as well as a very helpful and friendly staff. See links below for info.
- The Robert Allen outlet online is a great source for high end discounted fabrics. See links below.
A few words of wisdom
- Never buy a fabric you haven't seen in person. Most places that sell fabric wont mind sending you a sample of what you're considering purchasing. This will allow you to check the color, texture, and get a better idea of the repeat size.
- Always have your fabric rolled onto a cardboard tube. A critically important step for velvets especially. This insures your fabric stays nice and wrinkle free.
- Never store your rolled fabric on its end. Once again a very important rule for velvets.
- Do not buy fabric for dress making or drapery to cover your furniture with. Always make sure your fabric is suited for upholstery.
Links
United Fabrics: www.unitedfabrics.com
Robert Allen Outlet: www.robertallenoutlet.com
Fabrics Unlimited: 434-973-5641 www.fabricsunlimitedva.com
Common Fabric Terms
This refers to the orientation of the fabric. The top of the fabric is parallel to the roll. If this fabric was used on a chair the stripes would run vertically.
The top of this fabric is perpendicular to the roll or what some may consider sideways. If this fabric was used on a chair the stripes would as before run vertically. Railroaded fabric is nice for tight sofa seats and backs as no seams are needed.
Repeat
Repeat refers to the distance between identical patterns on the fabric. If you choose a fabric with a large repeat more material will be needed for proper matching of pattern.