YOUR FABRIC, FROM SWATCH TO YOUR FINAL PROJECT

The Fabric Guide

Whether you're recovering a family heirloom or starting fresh with new drapery, choosing the right fabric is the first and most important step. This guide walks you through everything we wish every customer knew before ordering — so you can buy with confidence and create something you'll love for years.

STEP ONE

What Are You Making?

Different projects need different fabrics. Choosing fabric suited to its purpose is the difference between a sofa that holds up for a decade and one that pills in a season. Start here.

Window Coverings

Soft, flowing fabrics that drape beautifully and filter light. Look for medium weight, good hand, and a pattern repeat.

Pillows & Accents

Versatile fabrics that bring pattern and texture. Look for medium weight with a pattern that reads at smaller scale.

Upholstery & Furniture

Durable fabrics built to withstand daily use. Look for a high double rub count, stain resistance, and heavier weight.

STEP TWO

See It. Feel It. Then Commit.

Photos can show you a fabric. Nothing replaces holding it in your hands, draping it over your sofa, and seeing it in your home's actual light at different times of day. Every fabric in our shop offers a swatch option for $4 — a small investment that ensures your final yardage purchase is the right one.

STEP THREE

Understanding Cuts & Measurements

We sell fabric in continuous yards (36 inches). For projects that need partial yardage, we offer a half-yard (18 inches) option that adds to your full yards. Your order will arrive as a single continuous piece.

A simple example — Need 2.5 yards? Add 2 yards + 1 half yard to your cart. You'll receive one continuous 2.5-yard cut.

Not sure how much to order? Our team is happy to help you calculate yardage for your specific project. Send us your measurements and what you're making.

STEP FOUR

Decoding Fabric Specs

Every fabric page on our shop lists details like double rubs, pattern repeat, and railroaded direction. Here is how to read them so you can shop like a designer.

Fabric Width

Most of our fabrics are 54 inches wide. Width affects how much yardage you need, especially for drapery panels and upholstery projects.

Pattern Repeat

The vertical and horizontal distance between repeating design elements. Larger repeats often need more yardage for matching across cushions or panels.

Railroaded

A horizontal pattern orientation that runs side-to-side across the fabric width. Ideal for continuous wide layouts or large projects to minimize vertical seams.

Up The Roll

The standard pattern orientation that runs vertically up the length of the fabric bolt. Ideal for designs to stay upright on items like drapery panels.

DURABILITY GUIDE

Double Rubs at a Glance

Rating Double Rubs Best For
Heavy Duty 15,000+ High-traffic homes, kids, pets
Medium Duty 9,000–15,000 Living rooms, family rooms
Light Duty 3,000–9,000 Occasional-use furniture
Delicate Under 3,000 Decorative use, accent pillows

STEP FIVE

Make It Last

Beautiful fabric deserves thoughtful care. Specific cleaning instructions vary by fabric — always check the Product Details & Care section on each fabric page — but these principles apply universally.

Blot, Never Rub

Spills should be blotted immediately with a clean white cloth. Rubbing pushes stains deeper into the fibers.

Test Cleaners First

Always test any cleaning product on a hidden corner before applying it to a visible area.

Protect from Sun

UV rays fade fabric over time. Rotate cushions when possible and use sheers in sun-facing windows.

Professional Cleaning

For deep cleaning, use a furniture professional familiar with the specific fabric content.

Ready When You Are

Every order is cut, packed, and shipped from our NYC studio. Questions before you order? We are here to help.

Cut-to-Order

Fresh from the bolt, never sitting in pre-cut stacks. Your fabric is cut the day it ships.

Family-Run

A small team that genuinely cares about your project and the fabric you choose.

Real Support

Email us anytime at hello@houseoffabrika.com — we read every message and write every reply.

The fabric in your hands is worth more than a thousand product photos. Questions before placing your order? Contact us below.