The five core fabric categories for upholstery and curtains

Plain fabrics are characterized by their simple weaves and textures, with no complex designs.

Simple weaves include hopsacks, twills, herringbones and satins. Common fabric compositions used for plain fabrics consist of natural fibres like cotton or linen but also synthetic fibres, such as, polyester, acrylic, etc.).

Plain fabrics are perfect for a minimalist décor, while adding more textural or tactile designs can enhance it.

Printing is the process of applying coloured designs and patterns to a woven textile. One or more colors are applied only in specific parts, using thickened dyes so that they won't spread beyond those limits. The colour in quality printed fabrics is bonded with the fibre so that it won't fade when cleaned or from friction (crocking). Printing is an ancient textile manufacturing technique and there are five print production methods you can use:

Burn Out Printing:

This process uses chemicals, rather than colour, to burn or dissolve away one fibre in a fabric. The purpose is to achieve a sheer design on a solid fabric.  However, the chemical compounds used during production can make this material sensitive to ultraviolet degradation when hung in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Digital Printing:

This new printing method is a popular, commercially viable option due to its flexibility, precision and consistency. Any design can be printed onto fabric using this technique, even one with photographic detail and there are no restrictions on the variety of colours that can be used.

Engraved Roller Printing:

Engraved roller printing is used for the majority of printed fabrics worldwide. The colors are printed directly onto the fabric using one roller for each colour in the print. The more colours, the greater the definition and depth of color will be. The number of colours is indicated on the selvedge edges along with the brand name.

Hand Block Printing:

The oldest form of printing, in which dyestuffs are applied to fabric by means of wooden, linoleum or copper blocks. Each colour has its own block and the artisan must match these perfectly to create an all-over printed design.

Transfer Paper Printing:

Heat and pressure are used to transfer a printed design from paper onto the fabric, generally these are polyester/cotton blends. The print definition is generally excellent, although the technique does not provide high-resolution images when compared with digital printing.

The art of embroidery has been found worldwide and several early examples have been found dating back to 5 –3 century BC. Embroidered decoration is made on fabric by passing a needle and thread through the material repeatedly to build up patterns. Traditionally working in silk or cotton threads, today a wide variety of threads are used including polyester and viscose, as well as other materials such as pearls, beads, and sequins.

Embroidered fabrics are used in drapery and accessory applications due to their delicate nature; if you're looking create a beautiful or intricate detail, embroidery is the way to go.

Appliqué is a needlework technique in which cut out fabric designs are created and sewn onto, (or applied to), a larger piece of contrasting fabric. Most appliqué are now produced on modern embroidery machines that incorporate a computerized system for stitching, detailing, and trimming.

The best fabrics for appliqué are durable and do not fray easily; they are identifiable for their use of embellishments on quilts and blankets which can be found in many different cultures. Appliqué is a stunning way to elevate fabric with shapes or add dimension and interest whether going for a maximalist look or creating statement piece in your room.

The term jacquard indicates how a pattern is woven, not the specific pattern itself. 

Made on jacquard looms, jacquard fabrics are intricate and beautiful. The machine was designed by Joseph J.M Jacquard in 1801-1804 and can weave any pattern or design, the loom’s pattern mechanism can control hundreds of warp threads at once.

Jacquard fabrics are woven with patterns and colors embedded into the weave, as opposed to being printed or dyed onto the surface of the fabric. This makes them durable and pleasant to touch, but less resistant to wrinkling than other types of fabrics.

Traditional jacquard fabrics are brocades and damasks. 

In summary, interior furnishing fabrics can be divided into five major categories, some suitable for curtains in the home or commercial spaces and others for sofa upholstery. Learn more about the different fabric constructions in our next article.