Fabric Buying Guide

Welcome to our 'Fabric Buying Guide' section, where we offer expert advice on how to choose the right fabrics for your projects. From clothing and home decor to upholstery and drapery, selecting the right fabrics is essential to achieving a beautiful and functional end result.

Our blog posts cover a wide range of topics related to fabric selection, including how to choose the right weight and texture, what to look for in terms of quality, and how to match fabrics to your project's specific requirements.

We also offer guidance on understanding fabric terminology, such as the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics, and how to care for and maintain your fabrics over time.

Our 'Fabric Buying Guide' section is updated regularly, so be sure to check back often for new blog posts and insights. We believe that knowledge is power when it comes to fabric selection, and our blog is designed to help you make informed decisions when purchasing fabrics for your projects.

So, whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, our 'Fabric Buying Guide' section is the perfect resource for anyone looking to choose the best fabrics for their projects. We hope you find our blog posts helpful and informative, and that they help you achieve beautiful and successful results with every project.

  1. Unveiling Our Reborn Eco-Friendly Recycled Chenille Fabric

    Introducing our New Reborn Eco-Friendly Recycled Chenille Fabric | I Want Fabric

    The textile industry is home to continual innovations and advancements, and at I Want Fabric, we're always on the lookout for the next big thing. We're thrilled to introduce our latest addition: Reborn Eco-Friendly Recycled Chenille Fabric.

     

    As part of our commitment to providing customers with exceptional fabrics that are kinder to the planet, this new chenille fabric ticks all the boxes. It's luxuriously soft, durable, versatile, and manufactured using recycled materials in an eco-friendly process.

     

    The Recycled Bottle to Chenille Transformation Process


    Our eco-friendly chenille is made from recycled

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  2. A Guide to Fabric Weaves: Types, Uses, and More

    A Guide to Fabric Weaves: Types, Uses, and More


    The world of fabric weaves offers endless options for sewists and designers, but what exactly makes a plain weave different from a twill weave? How do warp and weft threads work together to create woven fabrics? 


    In our guide to fabric weaves, we explore the basics and shed light on how they impact a fabric's characteristics. 


    What Are Fabric Weaves?

    A fabric's weave refers to how the warp and weft threads are interlaced to create the material. The warp threads run vertically, while the weft threads run horizontally across the fabric. The pattern in which these two sets of threads overlap determines the weave.


    By interlacing the warp and weft in different ways, weavers can produce fabrics with unique properties suited for different purposes. The weave affects characteristics like drape, breathability, durability, texture, and more. 


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  3. A Guide to Understanding Fabric Grades for Furniture

    A Guide to Understanding Fabric Grades for Furniture


    Whether you’re looking at buying new furniture or giving new life to existing pieces, choosing the right upholstery fabric can seem daunting. With so many options like woven fabrics, leather, microfibre, and more, it can be overwhelming to decide which material is best suited for your furniture. 


    That's where understanding fabric grades comes in. Fabric grades provide insight into a material's expected performance and durability. This makes selecting the perfect upholstery or reupholstery fabrics easier.


    We explore the upholstery grading system to help you confidently pick the best textiles for covering furniture. 

    The Lowdown on Fabric Grades

    Upholstery fabrics are categorised into grades that indicate their durability and recommended uses. The grading system ranks fabrics on a scale from light domestic use to heavy commercial use. 

    Light Domestic Use

    These fabrics are delicate

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  4. 12 Fascinating Facts About the History of Fabrics

    12 Fascinating Facts About the History of Fabrics

    Fabrics, the unsung heroes of our daily lives, have a rich and dynamic history. From the clothes we wear to the upholstery we use, fabrics have been an integral part of human civilisation for thousands of years. This blog post will take you on a journey through the history and origin of fabrics, revealing 12 fascinating facts you may not know.

    1. Early Civilisations' Woven Narratives

    The first evidence of woven textiles dates back to early civilisations, from Mesopotamia to Ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley. These ancient societies mastered the art of weaving, creating intricate designs on looms using natural fibres like flax and hemp. This marked the beginning of the textile industry, a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

    2. The Silken Journey  

    China's silk production initiated

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  5. The Ultimate Guide to Velvet: From Manufacturing to Care

    The Ultimate Guide to Velvet: From Manufacturing to Care

    Do you fancy a bit of velvet? Ever wondered how this luxurious fabric is made or how to care for it? Maybe you're curious about its history, the role it plays in fashion, or its environmental impact. And wouldn't it be handy to know how to identify top-notch velvet, or maybe even fix a snag?

    Well, this comprehensive guide's got you covered. We're going to delve into the fascinating world of velvet–from its historical roots to its modern production techniques. We'll guide you through different types of velvet and help you understand their unique features. Moreover, we'll also share some practical tips on buying, storing, and cleaning velvet. Plus, we'll explore velvet's place in sustainable fashion and its use in interior design. Get ready to become a velvet virtuoso…

    Where Is Velvet From?

    Velvet is steeped in rich history. Its story begins in the Far East, specifically in China, around

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  6. Guide to Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Upholstery

    Guide to Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Upholstery

    Overwhelmed by the sheer range of upholstery fabrics in the UK market? Uncertain about jargon like 'fabric grades', 'thread count', or 'textile weave types'? Torn between synthetic fibres and natural ones? Or simply unsure whether to re-upholster or buy new, and where to find quality fabrics?

    This guide is your easy-to-follow roadmap. In it, you'll find clear, concise explanations of these key topics and more. You’ll learn the essentials about fabric durability, the importance of British Standards, and how to test fabric samples at home. Plus, we'll explore popular choices in UK homes, compile a handy checklist for selecting your fabric, and share tips on top UK retailers. So, arm yourself with knowledge, and let's get your upholstery project off to a confident start.

    1. What Are Upholstery Fabrics?

    To start, let's talk about what upholstery fabrics are. They're special materials used to cover

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  7. Choosing the Best Fabrics for Outdoor Use

    Choosing the Best Fabrics for Outdoor Use

    The right fabric can shape your outdoor experience in the UK, wouldn't you agree? It's about battling weather tantrums, making colours last, ensuring comfort, warding off mould, and caring for the environment. But how do you know which fabric ticks all boxes without breaking the bank?

    This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know - from the importance of the fabric choice, understanding UK's weather conditions, to the durability and characteristics of robust outdoor fabrics. We'll also explore UV resistance, water and moisture resistance, breathability, mould resistance, colourfastness, ease of maintenance, top brands and much more. So, if you're ready to master the art of choosing the best fabrics for outdoor use, let's get started!

    What Makes a Fabric Suitable for Outdoor Use?

    When it comes to outdoor fabrics, the right choice can truly make or break your experience.

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  8. 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Fabric for Upholstery

    5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Fabric for Upholstery

    Choosing the right fabric for upholstery is a crucial aspect of any interior design project. The material you choose can significantly impact the aesthetics, comfort, and longevity of your furniture.

    In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the five key factors you should consider when selecting upholstery fabric.

     

    1. Durability: The Lifeline of Your Furniture

    When it comes to furniture fabric, durability is a crucial consideration. After all, the most beautiful fabric for covering sofas or chair fabrics won't be of much use if they wear out within a few years! The durability of upholstery fabrics is determined by several factors, including:

    • The fabric's thread count
    • Weave tightness
    • The material itself

    High-quality upholstery textiles are designed to withstand the rigours of daily use without showing signs of wear and tear. They

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  9. The Top Fabric Trends For Spring / Summer 2023 & How To Incorporate Them Into Your Projects & Objects

    The Top Fabric Trends For Spring / Summer 2023 & How To Incorporate Them Into Your Projects & Objects

    As the temperatures begin to rise and spring/summer 2023 is almost upon us, it's time to start thinking about what fabric trends are in this season.

    From bright colours to bold prints, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate these fabrics into your projects and make them look fresh and modern. Whether you're looking to create a stunning, timely piece of furniture, or update your existing furniture with some chic fabric additions, there's never been a better time!

    Here at I Want Fabric, we can provide a complete range of fabrics, including specialist upholstery fabrics, to help you design stunning pieces of furniture, clothing and more to match the on-trend colours and styles of 2023.

    In this article,

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  10. How to create Your Dream DIY Padded Upholstered Headboard

    How to create Your Dream DIY Padded Upholstered Headboard

    A headboard is a great addition to any bedroom. It can instantly change the look and feel of the room, making it more cozy and inviting. One way to make a headboard is by upholstering it with fabric. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of upholstering a headboard.

    Tools needed: Staple gun, upholstery fabric, dacron, foam padding. + woodworking tools if you're baseboard is not yet prepared

    Step 1: Choose the fabric

    The first step in upholstering a headboard is choosing the fabric. I Want Fabric have a wide range of fabrics to choose from, including velvet, linen, cotton, and more. Consider the color and texture of the fabric, as well as its durability and maintenance requirements. It's also important to measure the size of your headboard to ensure you purchase enough fabric.

    Step 2: Prepare the headboard

    Before you can upholster the headboard, you need to prepare it. If the headboard is already

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  11. How to measure how much fabric is needed to reupholster a sofa

    How to measure how much fabric is needed to reupholster a sofa

    Reupholstering a sofa can give it a new lease of life and is a great way to update your furniture without having to buy a new one. However, it can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to measuring the amount of upholstery fabric needed.

    But don't worry, in this article, we'll provide you with some helpful tips and tricks, and some factors to consider when choosing fabric for upholstery to make the process as easy as possible.

    If you're looking for just a rough guide, take a look at our buying guide to get an idea of how much fabric is needed for different types of furniture. Click here to view our upholstery buying guide.

    Read more »
  12. The Difference Between Natural And Synthetic Fabrics - Which One Is Best For You?

    natural vs synthetic fabric

    Fabrics have been used for clothing since ancient times, and today there are a variety of different fabrics available to choose from. Natural fabrics are made from natural sources such as cotton or wool while synthetic fabrics are created in labs by combining chemicals into fibres.

    But which one is best for you if you're looking for high-quality upholstery fabrics or other interior design fabrics?

    In this article, we will discuss the differences between natural and synthetic fabrics and how they can affect your day-to-day life. We’ll also provide some tips on which type of fabric may be the most suitable choice depending on your needs.

    What Is A Natural Fabric?

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  13. Which upholstery fabrics are most durable?

    Which upholstery fabrics are most durable?

    Upholstery fabrics are a great way to bring personality and style to any room, from your living room to your kitchen. But you may wonder how well they stand up to everyday life.

    We've put together this guide to help you choose the best upholstery fabrics for durability, so that you can enjoy them for years to come!

    Faux Leather

    Faux leather is a synthetic material that looks like genuine leather. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and has a high abrasion resistance, meaning it can withstand the stress of repeated use.

    Faux leathers are good for both domestic and commerical

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