Upholstery fabric in durable quality
Upholstery fabric is made to withstand wear and daily use. Here you will find durable fabrics with a high Martindale rating (20,000+), suitable for reupholstering sofas, chairs and stools, as well as sewing seat pads and scatter cushions.
Choose from many different qualities, textures and colours, so you can easily find the right look.
Perfect for: Reupholstering sofas, chairs, seat pads and cushions
Texture: Firm and robust with a beautiful finish
Characteristics: Heavy-duty fabrics with high durability
Tips & tricks for sewing with upholstery fabric
How to care for upholstery fabric
Always follow the care instructions for the individual fabric, so you can look after it properly and preserve both its durability and appearance.
- Washing: Many upholstery fabrics can be washed at 30 to 40 °C, but always check the specific care instructions. If the fabric is to be used for seat pads, covers or other washable projects, we recommend washing it before cutting, as it may shrink. If the fabric is to be fixed in place for reupholstery, pre-washing is generally not necessary.
- Drying: Air dry the fabric to preserve its shape, texture and durability. Avoid tumble drying, as heat can affect both the fibres and the surface.
- Ironing: Iron at a low to medium temperature if the material allows it. You may want to place a cloth in between to protect the surface, especially with textured or synthetic qualities.
Find the right upholstery fabric for your project
At Selfmade® you will find a wide selection of upholstery fabrics in different qualities, textures and levels of durability. Explore the different types and find the fabric that suits your project, whether you are reupholstering furniture or sewing new seat pads and cushions.
Textured upholstery fabric
Upholstery fabric with a distinct texture.
Velvet upholstery fabric
Soft, lustrous surface with an exclusive look.
Cord upholstery fabric
Characterful ribbed texture with a soft surface.
Chenille upholstery fabric
Soft, full surface with a lively texture.
Teddy upholstery fabric
Full and soft surface with a teddy look.
Bouclé upholstery fabric
Uneven, lively texture with small loops.
Faux suede upholstery fabric
Faux suede with a characteristic matt surface.
Wool upholstery fabric
Heavy quality with a natural texture.
Faux leather upholstery fabric
Durable surface with a leather look.
Tips & tricks: How to sew with upholstery fabric
Upholstery fabric is heavier than ordinary fabric, but with the right tools and a little preparation, you can achieve a beautiful and durable result.
| #1 |
Needle Use a universal needle in size 80 to 100 depending on the thickness of the fabric. For heavier qualities or multiple layers, you may want to switch to a jeans needle, which is stronger and penetrates the fabric more easily. |
| #2 |
Stitch Use a regular straight stitch with a slightly longer stitch length, for example 3 to 4 mm. This gives a neater and more durable seam in heavier materials. |
| #3 |
Thread Use strong upholstery thread that can withstand strain and daily use. For scatter cushions and other projects with less wear, you can easily use ordinary polyester sewing thread. |
| #4 |
Reinforcement Reinforce exposed areas such as corners, zips and seams with extra topstitching or additional layers. This creates stronger seams that are better able to withstand daily use and wear. |
| #5 |
Presser foot You may want to use a walking foot or even-feed foot so the heavier layers feed evenly through the machine without shifting. For faux leather, a Teflon foot can make a big difference, as the material may otherwise struggle to glide smoothly. |
Which type of upholstery fabric is best?
The best upholstery fabric depends on how much your furniture is used. For sofas and chairs in daily use, we recommend durable qualities with a Martindale rating of at least 20,000.
If you want a soft and exclusive look, chenille and wool upholstery fabric are great choices. If you prefer a more robust and practical surface, faux suede upholstery fabric or woven textured fabric is ideal. Think about comfort, appearance and how much wear your furniture needs to withstand.
Would you like to know more about materials, care and choosing upholstery fabric? Then read our guide.
READ OUR GUIDE TO UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
Why choose upholstery fabric from Selfmade®
When choosing upholstery fabric, it is important that it can cope with everyday use and suits your project. That is why we have brought together a range of durable qualities that are ideal for reupholstery and home furnishing projects.
- Durable qualities
Selected for furniture that is used every day. - Wide choice of colours and textures
From soft surfaces to heavy woven qualities. - Suitable for reupholstery
Use it for both new projects and refreshing old furniture. - Guides and help
We help you get started, whatever your level.
What is Martindale?
Martindale is a standardised test that measures how durable an upholstery fabric is. The test shows how much wear the fabric can withstand before it starts to change in appearance.
During the test, the fabric is rubbed repeatedly against a surface that simulates daily use. The number of movements is given as a Martindale rating. The higher the number, the more wear the fabric can withstand.
For furniture used every day, we recommend a Martindale rating of at least 20,000. For less demanding projects such as cushions, a lower rating may be sufficient.
DIY: Reupholstering dining chairs
It is both easy and satisfying to give your dining chairs a new cover with the right upholstery tools. A new cover can change the entire look of your dining room.
Can I reupholster my furniture myself?
Yes. With the right tools and guidance, both beginners and more experienced makers can achieve great results. Start, for example, with dining chairs, where you quickly see the effect.
Get started with your upholstery project
With the right tools, working with upholstery fabric becomes both easier and more precise. These are the tools we always reach for ourselves.
| #1 |
Staple gun and staples Essential for fastening fabric during reupholstery. Gives a tight and durable result. |
| #2 |
Foam and wadding Adds comfort and fullness. Used as padding beneath the fabric. |
| #3 |
Upholstery thread Extra-strong thread that can withstand strain and daily use. |
| #4 |
Staple lifter / tack remover Used to remove old staples and tacks when reupholstering, for example, chairs and sofas. |
| #5 |
Upholstery pins Stronger and longer than ordinary pins, so they can hold several layers and thicker materials securely in place without bending. |
| #6 |
Upholstery tacks Used both decoratively and functionally to fasten fabric to furniture. |
| #7 |
Upholstery needle and curved needle Makes it possible to sew through thick layers and work in curved or hard-to-reach areas. |
Upholstery fabric can be used for much more than reupholstery
Upholstery fabric is not just for sofas and chairs. The durable qualities make it ideal for a wide range of creative projects where the fabric needs to withstand everyday use.
Use it, for example, for a dog bed, where the material needs to be robust and easy to maintain. Or make a headboard that gives your bedroom a soft and exclusive look. Upholstery fabric is also suitable for bags and even jackets, when you want extra texture and durability.
You can also use it in play corners for seat pads and seating, or for home projects such as pouffes, benches and storage solutions. Only your imagination sets the limits.
