Fabric types
SYNTHETIC FABRICS
Polyester
A synthetic fibre derived from petroleum which can replicate any texture.
Cost: $50 per metre. Best for: Cushion covers, small upholstery projects and as a durable lining for curtains.
Pros + Durable and strong + Will not absorb moisture + Pre-shrunk and resists stretching and creasing + Not damaged by mildew or sunlight + Non-allergenic
Cons + Environmentally unfriendly to produce + Tends to pill + Doesn’t breathe so not ideal for upholstery + Vulnerable to snagging and punctures + Shiny finish
Acrylic
This synthetic fibre was developed to imitate wool. It’s produced as a long fibre before being cut into short lengths similar to wool and spun into a yarn. Cost: $46 per metre.
Best for: Upholstery, blinds and curtains.
Pros + Resists stretching, wrinkling, soiling and fading + Soft and warm feel + Durable and colourfast + Machine washable + Hypoallergenic and moth-proof
Cons + Flammable + Pilling can occur in low-quality acrylics + Derived from petroleum and environmentally unfriendly to produce + Not as warm as wool
NATURAL FABRICS
Wool
Wool is a protein-based fibre that can be blended with synthetic fibres to make it easier to clean and less prone to pilling. Cost: $40-$50 per metre. Best for: Upholstery. It can also be used for cushion covers, blankets, rugs and throws.
Pros + Durable and warm + Natural elasticity so springs back into shape and doesn’t compress + Cool in summer and warm in winter + Resists tearing + Dyes beautifully
Cons + Can pill + Can itch + Affected by mould, mildew and moths + Deteriorates in sunlight
Silk
Silk is a protein-based fibre spun by the silk worm, which gives it a beautiful natural lustre.
Cost: $50-$200 per metre. Best for: Upholstery, drapery, bedding, art or in wall hangings.
Pros + Strong and durable + Drapes well + High lustre + Hypoallergenic + Breathable
Cons + Weakened by moisture and sunlight + White silk turns yellow with sun exposure + Standard processing kills the silk worm but new methods in India (Ahisma Silk) and Oregon (Peace Silk) don’t harm the worms.
Cotton
Perhaps the most versatile of all fabrics, cotton is breathable, low-maintenance and durable. Although natural, cotton is grown using large amounts of fertilisers and pesticides that can end up in waterways. Organic cotton is produced without chemicals, but is more expensive.
Cost: $50-$90 per metre. Best for: Curtain and upholstery projects, bedding, wall art, bathrobes, aprons, oven mitts, dishcloths and tea towels.
Pros + Soft + Breathable + Strong and durable + Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
Cons + Creases + Easily soiled + Burns easily + Exposure to sunlight turns cotton yellow
Linen
Despite its more than 8000-year history, linen remains on-trend for good reason. Derived from the humble flax plant, linen has clean, sustainable production to add to its biodegradability, durability, light-fastness and longevity. Cost: Upholstery $68-$90 per metre. Curtaining $36-$110 per metre.
Best for: Curtains, upholstery and small projects such as tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, chair cushions, placemats and table runners.
Pros + Resists sunlight + Won’t stretch + Resistant to moths, dust, dirt and stains + No lint or pilling + Washable and dry-cleanable + Naturally anti-static and non-allergenic + Great insulator
Cons + Wrinkles easily + Prone to mildew + Higher cost
BLENDS
Velvet
Velvet is made from cut threads spread in a short, dense and even manner, giving it a very soft, smooth feel. Velvet is traditionally made with silk or cotton, but there are semi-synthetic versions (blended with polyester) now available.
Cost: 100 percent cotton velvet $110 per metre, semi-synthetic $85 per metre. Best for: Cushions, curtains, throws and everyday upholstery.
Polyester mix
Polyester is blended with cotton or linen, offering you the best of both worlds.
Cost: $50 per metre. Best for: Soft furnishings such as sheets and pillowcases, quilts, duvet and cushion covers, blankets and throws.
Pros + A greener choice + A more natural look and feel + Breathable + Heat retardant
Cons + Wool blends may pill + Less resilient to creasing + Blending lessens practical qualities