Have a Dilemma About Fabrics?

No need to worry!  Make your project more of a “fun” experience.   If your dilemma is all in knowing what to choose, some of these tips might help.  Your project itself may help you make your decision on what to choose for fabrics.  

When recovering chair seats, check the tag on the fabric for the number of abrasives.  The higher the number, the more wear and tear it will take.  If you find an absolutely perfect match of color and design on a fabric, but the abrasive factor isn’t as high, always remember you can scotch guard the fabric to protect them as well.  It will help with the wear, and help resist stains.

If it is curtain or drapery material you are looking for, the heavier upholstery type fabrics make up beautifully in cornices.  For longer, flowing style drapes, you may want to find something a bit lighter weight in combinations of cotton and polyester.  They are easy to work with, hold up well, and are quite easy to care for.  The real thin sheer fabrics and the faux silks are great for the “sweeping look” of a pole wrap or scarf.    If you are making a free-hanging valance mounted on a board, you can use several types and weights of fabrics and be safe.  However, you need to make sure that the fabric is sturdy.  Some of the lighter weight polyesters would not be substantial enough in texture to hang properly from a board.  You could probably use this weight if you want to go through the trouble of interlining your valance, or you could use some type of fusing fabric to make it more sturdy to hang properly.

Remember to have “fun” with your fabrics!