Avoid the mistake of great idea, wrong fabric

Last year, I encountered a client who called me to "fix" a major error she had made with some fabric that she picked out. It was this great teal embroidered fabric with lots of flowers, branches and birds, reminiscent of the garden of Eden.

Her initial thoughts were that this fabric would be perfect for drapery. She bought the fabric, had it sent to the drapery shop and sure enough, the phone rang. "This fabric isn’t right for pinch-pleated drapery, it’s too heavy." Her ears were hearing not what she needed to hear. Not perfect? What was the problem? It matched everything else in the room. The fabric was appropriate for upholstery, but not for drapery.

When I saw the item in question, the fabric did seem to weigh about 400 pounds in a four-yard length. And, if one were to make pinch pleats, the pleats would be so thick a rug needle that a sewing machine boasting a John Deere engine would be needed. She made a mistake and didn’t know that some fabric is more appropriate for upholstery, some for draperies and some for other applications. Had I not been an interior designer, I would have made the same error.

How do you know what fabric is for what application — and, if you do use a fabric not ideal for the use intended, what adjustments do you make to correct your mistake? Let’s talk about applications and then the type of fabric that may be appropriate for each.

Drapery: When making draperies, look at what you’re trying to achieve in your final look. What is it you’re going for? Is it a rod and ring look, an upholstered cornice board and hanging drapery or a cable system with the material hanging from grommets?

For most rod and ring applications (and even some with no rings, like tab-topped drapery or drapery with a rod pocket), lighter weight fabric is the way to go. Sheer fabric or most silk and cotton and nylon fabrics will work. A lighter weight fabric can easily be manipulated into pinch pleats (requiring a hook in the back) or even sewn straight and suspended from clip rings.

All drapery material must be lined with the exception of sheers. This is important because it will lengthen the life of the fabric panel. Sun exposure on the back side — if it’s ever drawn to the side or seen, it will look odd because usually the "wrong side" of the fabric is usually lighter or not usable.

In the case of embroidered silk (where the backside is loose thread) lining is especially important, just to prevent anything pulling the back of the fabric. Silk is the trickiest and most difficult only because choices such as raw silk and organza need to not only be lined, but also to have another layer of material called interlining that gives the silk strength and body. It’s like putting conditioner in your hair. Some lining may be too thin to block out the sun. Try an ultra-suede lining. This comes in a very lightweight type and it’s perfect for blocking out that morning rays. Heavier fabric may be considered for the cornice board. For a rod and grommets where pleats are a non-issue, anything from a sheer or heavy fabrics will do the trick.

Upholstery: Upholstery fabric can vary. Is this for a dining room chair, living room seating or a rarely-used accent chair? Dining room chairs can run the gamut from fine embroidered fabric to cotton ticking to heavy weighted material.

Keep in mind whether this material will buckle when you staple it to the side chair seat and whether you get the seat back on afterwards. Also, consider durability. A thicker, closely woven fabric would probably handle pets and children much better than one that would barely survive one evening of claws from an affectionate pet or a pizza party with five teenagers or your closest friends. Think clean-ability as well. Are you going to have to clean this item often? Microfibre, the fabric of the new millennium, is durable and stain resistant — allowing you to clean up a battlefield of food and other stains with just a wipe. Some microfibre comes in an array of colors and simulate suede.

Bedding and other accessories: Again, think clean-ability. And, never choose custom-made bedding made without considering use. Will this duvet cover be folded at the foot of the bed or will it be actually clutched and tossed around with the person while sleeping? Recently a client wanted a twin comforter made, I talked her into a duvet cover so that it could easily be removed and cleaned or changed out depending on the season.

Put the material to your skin; could you sleep on this fabric? Would it be scratchy? Some Southwest applications could be Navajo-inspired prints oon heavy wool. Is this wool too heavy or scratchy? You be the judge. And, look at price points. A heavily used item may justify a lower-cost fabric since it will wear out longer. A higher priced fabric may be justified if the item is hardly used.

Whatever your application, choose the fabric that’s right. Consider price points, final execution and use. All that will determine the right fabric for the right job.

Next time: That oriental and Persian rug: What kinds of rugs are out there and which kind should I buy?

D. Scott Tjaden is an interior designer in St. Louis and can be contacted through his Web site at www.tjadendesign.com.