Guide: Everything you need to know about upholstery fabric
Tired of looking at your old, worn furniture? Don't throw it away just yet! It's perfect for an upcycling project. A little paint and some upholstery fabric can make a big difference.
Upholstery fabrics are often the unsung heroes of home makeovers. These fantastic fabrics aren't just about looks – they can give your favourite furniture a whole new lease of life.
What is upholstery fabric?
Upholstery fabric is specially designed for furniture and home projects. Unlike regular fabrics, upholstery fabric is made to withstand everyday use, making it ideal for reupholstering chairs and sofas, as well as for cushions, benches and other creative projects for your home.
Upholstery fabric is durable, easy to care for and better suited to everyday stains and spills. It also comes in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures, making it easy to create a personal look – whether you prefer a classic, modern or colourful style.
We have a wide selection of upholstery fabrics, perfect for reupholstering furniture, making cushions and other creative home projects. Explore durable fabrics in beautiful colours, patterns and textures, and find the perfect fabric for your next project.
Why choose upholstery fabric?
When reupholstering furniture, it is not just about choosing a beautiful colour or texture. The fabric also needs to withstand everyday use. Whether you are reupholstering a dining chair, armchair or sofa, furniture is exposed to daily wear and tear, so it is important to choose a fabric designed for the purpose.
Upholstery fabric is designed to be extra durable and hard-wearing. A good rule of thumb is to check the fabric's Martindale rating, which shows how well it can withstand wear. The higher the Martindale rating, the better suited the fabric is to furniture that is used frequently.
What is a Martindale rating?
Martindale is a test used to measure the durability of upholstery fabric. During the test, the fabric is repeatedly rubbed to measure how well it withstands wear. The result is given as a Martindale rating. The higher the number, the more wear the fabric can withstand.
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10,000–15,000 Martindale
Suitable for lightly used items, such as decorative cushions and headboards. -
15,000–25,000 Martindale
Suitable for occasionally used furniture, such as footstools and decorative benches. -
25,000–30,000 Martindale
Suitable for everyday furniture, such as dining chairs and office chairs. -
30,000–40,000+ Martindale
Suitable for frequently used furniture, such as sofas, lounge chairs and armchairs.
If you are reupholstering dining chairs, we recommend choosing upholstery fabric with a Martindale rating of around 25,000–30,000. Ready to get started? Find our step-by-step guide to reupholstering dining chairs here.
A LITTLE SEWING TIP ♡
You can use any fabric for the back of your reupholstery projects. We usually choose cotton canvas, as it is sturdy, tightly woven and available in many colours.
Make your own headboard with upholstery fabric
An upholstered headboard is a lovely way to add a personal touch to your bedroom. As a headboard is not exposed to the same daily wear and tear as a chair or sofa, the upholstery fabric does not need to have quite as high a Martindale rating.
For a headboard, we recommend choosing upholstery fabric with a Martindale rating of around 10,000–20,000. This provides suitable durability, even if you often lean against the headboard. Upholstery fabric is also a good choice as the surface regularly comes into contact with hair and skin.
Want to make your own? Find our step-by-step guide to making an upholstered headboard here.
Make your own floor cushions with upholstery fabric
Floor cushions are perfect for cosy moments and extra seating, but they also need to withstand plenty of use. As they are both in contact with the floor and used for sitting, it is a good idea to choose a durable upholstery fabric.
For floor cushions, we recommend upholstery fabric with a Martindale rating of around 25,000–40,000. This provides suitable durability for everyday use.
Want to make your own? Follow our step-by-step guide to making floor cushions here.
Upholstery fabric for outdoor use
Dreaming of creating a cosy lounge area on your terrace, balcony or in the garden? With the right fabric, you can make everything from comfortable lounge furniture and bean bags to cushions and other projects that make your outdoor space even more inviting.
When sewing for outdoor use, it is important to choose a durable fabric that is suitable for life outdoors. This way, you can create furniture and accessories that suit your outdoor space and can be enjoyed again and again.
We have gathered a selection of fabrics for outdoor projects below, so you can find the right one for your next project.
Must-have tools for upholstery
The right tools make upholstery projects easier and more manageable. Here are some of the essential tools to have on hand when giving a piece of furniture a new lease of life.
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Staple remover and pliers
Useful for removing old staples and nails from existing upholstery. -
Heavy-duty staple gun
Used to attach upholstery fabric and wadding to the furniture frame. -
Fabric scissors
Sharp scissors make it easier to cut upholstery fabric accurately. -
Upholstery hammer or tack hammer
A lightweight hammer that makes it easier to work with tacks and nails. -
Upholstery needles
Long, strong needles designed for sewing through heavy fabrics and upholstery. Curved needles are particularly useful for hard-to-reach areas and corners. -
Chalk or fabric marker
Used to mark where to cut or sew. A self-erasing marker can be useful for this. -
Upholstery pins
Useful for temporarily holding upholstery fabric in place before securing it. -
Measuring tape
Essential for measuring upholstery fabric, foam and the furniture itself. -
Upholstery thread
A strong, durable thread that is ideal for upholstery projects.
Foam and wadding for upholstery
Does your furniture need a little extra padding and comfort? Upholstery foam and wadding can help. The foam can be cut to fit your furniture and provides a good base for the upholstery.
Then wrap the foam in wadding. This helps smooth out small imperfections, soften the edges and give the upholstery a fuller, more comfortable finish. Your furniture is now ready for the final layer of upholstery fabric.
Get inspired and share your projects
Follow us on social media for daily inspiration and much more. And when you've finished your upholstery project? Tag us with #selfmade_creators when you post it on Instagram. We'd love to see your creations!
Need help?
Our friendly staff at your preferred Selfmade store are ready to help if you have any questions about upholstery or need help with your project. Stop by and let us guide you!