Embroidery Upholstery Sofa Fabric is a type of fabric used to cover upholstery, typically made from cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. It is embroidered with decorative threads, beads, sequins, or other materials to create a distinctive style and aesthetic. Embroidery can be done by hand or by machine, and it can feature a wide range of designs, colors, and patterns. The choice of fabric is a crucial decision that can affect the overall look and feel of an upholstery project.
Generally speaking, fabrics for embroidery use are fairly robust and heavyweight. Embroidery can be stitched on either woven or non-woven fabrics. The most common woven fabrics for embroidery are linen, silk, and wool. However, cotton is also a popular choice because it is breathable and budget-friendly. However, it is prone to fading and staining and may require a heavier stabilizer than other fabrics.
To help you choose the best upholstery embroidered fabric for your needs, consider your intended use of the fabric and how you will clean it on a regular basis. This will impact how durable the fabric is and whether or not it is suitable for your upholstery project. You will want to look for a high double rub test rating, which is a measure of the durability of the fabric. The higher the double rub number, the better the fabric will be able to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Other important factors to consider when choosing the upholstery embroidered fabric for your project are its color and how easy it will be to clean. Many embroidered fabrics are not suitable for traditional cleaning methods and require dry cleaning or specialist cleaners. To avoid this, you should consider using a stain repellent for upholstery fabric or a protective spray that is specifically designed for embroidered fabrics.
In addition, the type of embroidery you intend to do will also influence the choice of foundation fabric. Surface embroidery, like needlepoint and petit point, is usually worked on fine, thread-thin crewel yarns or finer silks. Tent stitch and cross stitch were traditionally worked on a balanced plain-weave foundation, referred to as canvas; while gobelin was usually worked on a twill weave, often with two-ply Persian or four-ply tapestry yarns.
Originally, embroidery was stitched directly onto the foundation fabric. However, this method was time-consuming and difficult to do on large surfaces. As a result, a more durable technique was developed that involved cutting away the embroidery from the foundation fabric, leaving only the threads behind. This process was called cutwork, and it created a new kind of fabric that became known as lace.
Nowadays, embroidered fabrics for upholstery are commonly produced on a cotton-based foundation and sold with the embroidery already attached. This makes them more affordable and allows you to get the look that you want without spending an extended amount of time stitching.