AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY PULLMAN, WASHINGTON

EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS IN COOPERATION WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Revised April 1964 E. M. 1975

UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

We are living these days in a fast moving world with all phases trying to keep pace. For those who have not had a need to consider the changes in fiber a nd fabric, contact and the necessary decisions can bring problems. Not only have classic weaves often been replaced with novelties; man-made fibers alone and in combination have created some beautiful selections, unusual textures, and stability of wear.

Next to choice of rug, upholstery fabrics must have a fairly long life span to justify money spent. Performance must equal day-to-day appreciation of the choice. Several questions should receive consideration before a purchase i s made.

Will it hold up under the type of wear and tear it will receive? Are the colors likely to become dull and fade from sun as well as from wear? Will the fabric resist soil, or clean well when necessary?

First of all, science has come to the aid of the homemaker with applied finishes, finishes that tend to protect the fiber from soiling too rapidly. There are t wo general categories. Those that must be professionally applied, and those t hat may be used in the home. The lady of the house naturally does not have the skill and know-how to give the fabric the surface protection offered by the profess i ona lo

In an effort to give the fabric more stability and body, the manufacturer has in a great many cases added a finishing coat of latex to the back of the materialo It does just that, so be sure a shoddy fabric does not appear to be good because of the backing. However, in cleaning, especially with a dry cleaning fluid, care should be taken to keep the solution from reaching the backing. Deteriora­ tion will result if the latex and fluid combine. Remember too, if a detergent foam is used on a fabric that has been soil resistant treated, detergent rema i n­ ing in the cloth will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Vinyl has come into its own and seems to be rapidly adding new unusual color and texture selections. For upholstery use, the elasticized backing gives l onger life, but even here misuse and rough treatment can ruin appearance. Lea ther is still available, but usually it takes the expert to tell the difference between leather and vinyl in the original covering if the man-made is high qual i t y ..

Today's modern woman will choose man-made fibers in most cases because they are tough, long wearing, and resist mildew and insect damage. The scientist had worked wonders in his laboratory; now we can seldom tell by sight or touch what fibers the fabric contains. E.M. 1975 Page 2

RAYON, formerly placed in the fragile or less used upholstery fabric group, now frequently has a wool-like hand or can feel like silk. It has good wearing possibilities, and is usually in the low cost bracketo Alone and in combination, it has be­ come quite popular.

NYLON, one of the toughest of fibers offers excellent dura­ bility. Some manufacturers have changed fiber shape from round to cloverleaf to give greater bulk and unusual lustero As in rugs, nylon's ease of cleaning and long wear potential are im­ portant properties. Remember, there are various grades of nylon from less expensive to those of higher cost.

In the natural fibers, COTTON has been favored in treatment to help it resist soil and wear in combination, usually used with rayon, its effectiveness and wearability is increased. However, for hard wear areas where soil and wrinkle resistance must be seriously considered, the better grades with good repellant treatment would be a wise buy.

LINEN and SILK like cotton need treatment to resist wrinkles and soil. They are a better choice for draperies and areas where hard wear is not first consideration.

WOOL, while not as frequent a choice as man-made fibers, will when combined with nylon produce a good basic fabric. If wool is used, check should be made to be sure the material has been treated to resist insects, etc.

* Fabric construction falls into the following weaves which are generally used for upholstered fabrics:

Pile Fabrics Flat Fabrics

Frieze (uncut loop) Plain Usually "surface" is A simple weave, one fiber, the back­ often like darning. ing of another. Can be satin or twill weave. Velvet (loop cut) Short cut pile Jacquards Special looms weave Plush the pattern into the Much like velvet fabric. Includes with a higher pile. Brocade, Brocatelle, Damask, Matelasse, Tapestry

Novelties Use of yarn with irre­ gularities in color and size; broken weave patterns etc. Includes Shantung, Tweed and Boucle. EoM. 1975 Page 3

Due to public demand for really low cost fabrics, some manufacturers produce such fabrics often at a sacrifice of quality. Homemakers should keep in mind that low-cost shoddy material proves expensive in the long run because it lasts such a short time calling for fre~uent replacements. Re-upholster­ ing is expensive and time consuming and can be postponed by selecting furni­ ture with durable upholsteryo

Fabric. costs should be keeping with the price level of the furniture and the amount of wear expected~ For example, acetate might be a good buy for an elderly couple but a poor buy for a family with active youngsters.

Attractiveness and suitability to the furniture and room are as important as durability. Patterns and weaves should be in keeping with the character and design of the room and other furnishings. Elegant, formal rooms call for luxurious fabrics such as velvet, brocade and damask. Novelty weaves, corduroy and tweeds, are suitable for less formal rooms.

Sturdy, heavy material goes with oak and hand-hewn maple furniture. Rough homespun fabrics look out of place with the finely polished, delicate lines of mahogany and satinwood furniture.

Usually some contrast of the upholstery fabrics with the background colors and other furnishings in the room is desirable. This can be achieved by using different textures, colors and patterns. Colors for upholstery fabrics can generally be of greater brilliance than the wall tone because of the smaller size involved.

When furniture is poorly proportioned or when bulky pieces are used in smal l rooms, upholstery of the same color value as the walls is advisable.

If pattern is desired, choose small scale ones for small chairs and sofas, and larger scaled ones for large pieces of furniture. Patterns of a softer diffused character tend to hold up better than bright oneso Very elaborate patterns can become tiring.

All the large upholstered pieces in a conversational grouping do not have to be covered in the same material. For example, the sofa may be in one material, and two chairs in another.

* Information from DuPont Company.

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