Monday, May 23, 2011

Fabrics

Fabrics!
There are so many fabrics you can use in decorating that I can't possibly list them all here. Fabrics are important in decorating because they add a soft finished look to a room. They are also important because they add color, pattern, and texture to a project.

Below is a list of fabrics that can be used for upholstery, slip covers, cushions, pillows, and bed and table covers.

So many choices, so little time:
  • Brocade
    - Cotton or cotton blend with a richly textured woven pattern it is good for cushion covers.
  • Burlap
    - Made from jute or hemp, burlap adds robust texture and can be used for table covers and on walls. Now it comes in a variety of colors.
  • Cambric - Closley woven plain weave or cotton, often used for cushion covers.
  • Chenille
    - Tufted velvet cord or yarn with an uneven double sided pile, which drapes well as a throw.
  • Chintz - Medium-weighted glazed cotton printed with floral or animal patterns. It is used mainly in living rooms.
  • Corduroy
    - Velvet with a regular ridged texture, great for cushions and covers.
  • Damask
    - Elaborate patterns in contrasting textures through its complicated silk or linen weave structure. It is used for table linen, cushions, and loose covers.
  • Gingham
    - A light, checked cotton or cotton blend that is particularly popular in kitchens.
  • Hand-woven cotten fabric - An irregular, rough weave suitable for cushion covers and bed spreads.
  • Linen Blend - A heavy hard-wearing linen-and-cotton mix often used for upholstery, but also suitable for table cloths and cushions.
  • Madras - Hand woven cotton, dyed, and often patterned.
  • Moleskin - for fitted cushions and loose covers because it is a hard-wearing cotton that is sensually soft.
  • Poplin - Light- or medium-weighted plain or printed cotton.
  • Sateen - Cotton with a slight sheen. It is sometimes mixed with a synthetic material.
  • Sheeting
    - Usually a cotton/polyester blend made extra wide for use as bed linens.
  • Ticking - Heavy linen or cotton cloth with narrow stripes.
  • Velvet
    - A heavy cotton or cotton mix with a pile cut in one direction. It is often used for cushion covers.

Here are some tips that may help you to make better decisions when it comes to choosing fabrics.
  • When choosing fabric based on the color of your walls, take a piece of white cardboard painted with the main wall color with you to the store.
  • Request or buy swatches of your favorite choices to view them in natural and artificial light in your home.
  • Check to see if the fabric is flame retardant, if not you might want to treat it with a spray or wash.
  • Check on washability. If it isn't preshrunk, allow for 10% shrinkage.
A few more tips to create perfect finishes using patterns.
  • Suble patterns add a sense of space in small rooms, but tend to get rather lost in larger areas.
  • Bold Patterns seem intimate and cozy in a large room, but over powering in a small setting.
  • Mix bold patterns with plain fabric for a calmer feel.
  • Floral patterns are very traditional in fabric design and are suitable for cushions and small items.
  • Ethnic prints are more informal and can work well with abstract-style carpets.
Thats all for now. Until next time may all your designs be courageous.

































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