Fabrics are made from different types of fibres which
can be used singly or in combinations of two or more. These fibres can be
natural; such as cotton, wool, and linen or man made; such as acrylic and
acetate.
When choosing fabrics, you need a fabric that can do
the job you have in mind as there are myriads of fabrics available in the
market place with different finishes, fibre composition and weights.
Some fabrics are all-rounders and are suitable for
both curtains and sofas. As a broad guide, just note that sofa fabrics need to
be strong, durable, close-woven, able to withstand the friction of sitting,
lying, jumping or whatever else you put your sofa up to while curtain fabrics
need to have drapability – the ability to hang well.
Cotton
This is the most common and easily recognized type of
fabric. It is often laced with small amounts of synthetic fibres added to
strengthen and improve crease resistance.
Linen
Extremely strong, quite expensive and creases badly
but with the addition of cotton for economy and synthetics to reduce creasing
these days it can be used effectively in furnishing.
Please note that
both cotton and lined shrink when washed and as such generous lengths
(allowance) should be used when making anything. Man made fibres have different
properties depending on their composition but they generally resist creases and
shrinking. They are most commonly used for making nets, voiles (sheers) which
are lightweight, can stand repeated washes and not run although eventually, all
fabrics fade.
Brocade
A combination of cotton, cotton/synthetic blend of
acetate with a a woven self-pattern created by areas of different weaves
suitable for making curtains, drapes and cushion covers.
Calico
Medium weight inexpensive cotton, sometimes dyed or
printed. Available as bleached or unbleached and commonly used for lining
curtains.
Chintz
Medium weight glazed furnishing cotton, traditionally
printed with patterns of flowers like roses, animals and birds.
Damask
Close to brocade, it has a satin weave which gives it
a shiny finish. It is made from cotton, cotton/synthetic blends, and linens.
Damask is commonly used for table cloths and napkins.
Down-proof cambric
Medium weight cotton fabric especially treated to
prevent feathers from shooting out through the weave. Useful for making pillows
and chenille throws.
Gingham
Checked fabric woven from cotton or cotton/polyester
blends. Often used to create soft furnishing for the kitchen.
Hand-woven Fabric
Heavy weight or medium-weight cotton with an irregular,
tough weave used for curtains, cushion covers and bedspreads.
Lace
An open cotton or synthetic fabric, usually with a
strong pattern applied to a mesh background, used for curtains, bedspreads and
tablecloth.
Linen union
Hard wearing,heavyweight fabric made from linen/cotton
suitable for curtains, upholstery, usually floral.
Madras
An Indian hand-woven pure cotton fabric, usually dyed
in brilliant olours with a woven pattern of checks, stripes and plaids.
Poplin
Light/medium weight cotton, can either be plain or
printed.
PVC
Hard wearing treated cotton with a wipe clean plastic
coating (polyvinylchloride) from where it derives its popular name. suitable as
kitchen table cloth, etc.
Satin
Light weight cotton or cotton synthetic fabric with a
slight sheen. Suitable as curtain lining.
Velvet
Heavy fabric from cotton or cotton synthetic blends
with a cut pile used for formal curtains and cushion covers. Similar to
corduroy (needle cord), the difference is that the cut pile forms regular
ridges down corduroy.
Voile
Light semi-transparent cotton or synthetic fabric used
for sheer curtains popularly known as day blinds.
At Rosemary’s we delight in transforming
your home and office into a haven even with a limited budget. We also offer
consultancy and advisory services on all aspects of interior decoration. Call
us today on 08033069199 or 08169308907. #AskRosemarys
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