A woven fabric is one where the fabric is constructed by weaving together the warp and the weft (aka the vertical and horizontal) yarns together. Woven fabrics are very strong and sturdy – they’re what we use for all of our products, from our sofas and armchairs to footstools and headboards. Read on to find out why.
Where Do We Source Our Woven Fabrics From?
All our house fabrics are sourced directly from third- and fourth-generation European mills. And we work hard to ensure that these materials are easy to care for so that they can be enjoyed by busy households for many years.
Why Are Woven Fabrics So Good For Upholstery?
Woven fabrics are a particularly reliable and durable material. Great for sofas, armchairs, a chaise longue or perhaps upholstered dining chairs that see a lot of everyday use. Want to know why? Read our top six reasons why woven fabrics are our go-to:
- Seriously durable: A criss-cross weave makes fabrics particularly strong. They can withstand general wear and tear, like lively pets and being stomped on by kids. We measure durability with the Martindale rub test, which calculates how hardwearing the material is. The perimeters for this test range from around 10,000 for light and occasional use to 50,000 or more for heavy duty use.
- Extra strong: Woven fabrics have less stretch and elasticity compared to knitted fabrics. This means they hold their shape for longer.
- Beautiful patterns: A woven fabric can come in a wide variety of styles, from boucle or herringbone or in thick and thin weaves.
- Perfect for upholstery: Woven fabrics are really well-suited for structured sofa designs because they hold their shape so well. They’re ideal for those extra details that add character from a skirt on the bottom of an armchair to deep, fluffy cushions with piping.
- Varied textures: Woven fabrics can be made from a wide selection of yarns, including cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic blends. Each of these has its own distinct characteristics, so you know your sofa will be completely unique.
- Easy to care for: Everyone likes an easy life, especially when it comes to cleaning. Which is why woven fabrics are so great. They’re normally very easy to clean and don’t require too much maintenance.
How To Care For Woven Upholstery
When it comes to looking after your sofa, it all depends on what materials have been used. But if in doubt, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Read the care label: first things first, check the label for advice. This will tell you if the fabric can be machine washed or not, and provide ironing and tumble drying tips.
- Vacuum regularly: this will help prevent crumbs and dust damaging the fabric. Make sure to hoover underneath cushions, along seams and along the back. It helps to prevent surface dirt embedding into the weave. It will also help to remove any pet hair if you have a furry friend in the house.
- Don’t scrub a stain: instead, try and use a clean damp cloth to soak up the liquid. Rubbing the stain will only make it harder to get out and will damage the fabric. For more stubborn stains a mild detergent can be used, but try to dab the mark, not scrub it.
Order Free Fabric Swatches
You can see all our fabric samples online. However, some colours on screen may differ to the colours in real life, so we always recommend ordering our samples. You can request up to eight free fabric swatches to any UK address. Simply enter your details in the form online and wait for the delivery.
Choose From These Love Your Home Woven Fabrics
So, now, the biggest question of them all: which woven fabric will you choose? Our woven fabrics come in all shapes and sizes. Here are just a few to get you started:
Artisan Weave
For a relaxed but elegant look, we have the Artisan Weave. This weave is cleverly designed to create a textured surface that is warm and soft to the touch. It comes in three sophisticated colours: a soft mustard (Buckthorn), a cool grey (Pumice) and a off white (Sourdough). To keep it in the best condition, wash at 30 degrees but do not tumble dry, or send it to the dry cleaners.
- Martindale rub test: 20,000
- Dry clean or gentle machine wash at 30 degrees if preferred.
- Composition: 40% cotton, 20% polyester, 16% linen, 12% viscose, 8% Wool, 4% Polyamide
Bouclé
This is another textured fabric with a thick pile, we have two in our collection to choose from. Our Leopard Bouclé has a very distinctive pattern, mimicking the fur of the wild cat. White piles contrast with a neutral background, providing depth and softness. It can add a jazzy pop of character to any existing sofa collection. Or we have our Sea Foam Bouclé which is a lovely plain texture in one colour. To keep them in the best condition, don’t wash, bleach or tumble dry the fabric. If it needs a wash, send it to the dry cleaners and give it an iron on a warm setting.
- Martindale rub test: 20,000
- Dry clean only
- Leopard Bouclé Composition: 25% linen, 29% polyester, 13% viscose, 27% acrylic, 6% wool
- Sea Foam Bouclé Composition:42% Wool, 25% Cotton, 25% Viscose, 8% Polyethylene.
Spinningdale Broad Weave
The Spinningdale Broad Weave is a charming and rustic fabric. The contrasting yarns of white against either Coral or dark Ink give the designs a ‘lived in’ look. Perfect for upholstering sofas that are designed to last a lifetime. The subtle but sophisticated colour palettes add a breath of fresh air to any room on their own, or can work with your existing sofa collections. Make sure not to wash, bleach, iron or tumble dry these fabrics. If it needs a wash, send it to the dry cleaners.
- Martindale rub test: 20,000
- Dry clean only
- Composition: 25% cotton, 35% viscose, 17% Wool, 18% acrylic, 5% PE
Herringbone
Last, but by no means least, we have our traditional Herringbone weave. This style comes in two shades: green and neutral. These colours bring to life a typical countryside aesthetic and go perfectly in cosy country cottages or grand estates. When they need to be cleaned, make sure not to wash, bleach or tumble dry the fabric. Instead, send them to the dry cleaners and give them an iron on a warm setting.
- Martindale rub test: 25,000
- Dry clean only
- Composition: 40% linen, 28% polyester, 22% polyacrylic, 10% viscose
