Embroidery sofa fabric adds a touch of elegance and class to your furniture. The best embroidered fabrics for upholstery have a heavy fiber content, which means they are machine-washable and stain resistant. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and textures, so you can find the perfect one to complement your style. You can also use embroidery for draperies and other home furnishings. Embroidery is a traditional craft, but modern designers are using it for everything from clothing to furniture. If you want to make a statement with your furniture, choose an embroidered fabric that reflects your personality.

The first step in embroidery is choosing a foundation fabric. Typically, embroidery was worked on off-white silk in satin weave or undyed linen in plain weave, referred to as canvas. The choice of foundation fabric was determined by the embroidery technique, with tent stitch, cross stitch, and gobelin being used on canvas, and needlepoint on silk. Mary Queen of Scots embroidered to pass the time while imprisoned by her cousin Elizabeth I, and canvas work was an important domestic craft for women. If you decide to use an undyed canvas, it should be tested for dye transfer (crocking), which occurs when the embroidery picks up rogue traces of dye from the thread and transfers them to the fabric. The test is simple, with a cotton swab dipped in water rubbed against the surface of the fabric. If the tip of the swab picks up any dye, wash the piece of fabric immediately.

Next, select the embroidery floss. For serious projects, you should always use embroidery floss rather than "craft thread." Embroidery floss is thicker and more durable than craft thread, so it is better suited for a more robust thread count. Its cotton core is also more resilient to fraying and abrasion. It comes in a variety of colors, and you can also purchase thread that is printed with a design to create a more decorative effect.

When you begin the actual stitching, it is important to plan out your design before putting thread on the fabric. You can use a stencil or a drawing to guide your stitches. It is also helpful to move from background to foreground, with the background elements getting stitched first. This will help you to create a more realistic look and feel.

Once you're done with the embroidery, it is essential to treat your fabric with stain repellent to ensure it lasts a long time. There are many different types of stains that can occur, and it is important to protect your furniture from them. You can do this by using a spot cleaner that is specifically designed for upholstery fabrics, or you can have the fabric professionally treated.

When selecting a color for your embroidered upholstery fabric, it is important to keep in mind the share of the furniture and its overall size. You should choose a color that is bold enough to compliment the pattern but also works well with the texture of your fabric.