Fabric FAQ
Everything you need to know about ordering, caring for, and specifying our fabrics. Whether you're an interior designer sourcing for a project or a homeowner choosing the perfect upholstery, these answers will help you make confident decisions.
Ordering & Yardage
How many yards of fabric do I need for my project?
Yardage depends on your project type, furniture dimensions, and whether the fabric has a pattern repeat. For upholstery, a standard sofa typically requires 12-14 yards of 54"-wide fabric; a dining chair seat needs about 1-2 yards. For drapery, measure your finished curtain length in inches, add 16 inches for hems and headers, then divide by 36 to get yards per panel. We recommend working with your upholsterer or designer for exact calculations, especially for patterned fabrics where repeat matching increases yardage needs.
What is a pattern repeat and how does it affect how much fabric I need?
A pattern repeat is the distance before the design starts over - listed as vertical repeat (length) and horizontal repeat (width) in the specifications table. Larger repeats require more fabric because your upholsterer must match the pattern across seams, panels, and pieces. As a general rule, add one full vertical repeat per cut length to your yardage estimate. For example, if you need 3 yards per cushion and the vertical repeat is 12 inches, order approximately 3.3 yards per cushion. Your workroom or upholsterer can provide exact calculations.
How long does shipping take?
Memo samples are in stock and ship within 1-2 business days. Fabric yardage is stocked with live inventory and ships within 7 business days. If an order exceeds the yardage we have on hand, or is unusually large, allow an additional 3-4 weeks. Rush shipping is available - contact us at sales@poppyprintstudio.com for expedited options. International shipping is available on request.
Can I return fabric that has been cut?
Because fabric is cut to your custom yardage, cut fabric cannot be returned or exchanged. Uncut bolts may be returned within 14 days in original condition. Memo samples may be returned within 14 days of delivery for a refund - contact us to arrange it. If you receive defective fabric - including flaws, incorrect color, or shipping damage - contact us within 48 hours at sales@poppyprintstudio.com with photos and we will replace it at no charge.
Fabric Performance & Care
What is the rub count and how durable is this fabric?
Fabric durability is measured by its rub count - an abrasion rating from the Wyzenbeek test (also called double rubs) or the Martindale test. A rub rating of 15,000 is suitable for light residential use, 25,000-30,000 for heavy residential, and 30,000+ for commercial and contract applications. Our fabric specifications list the exact rub count and test method so you can match the fabric to your project's wear requirements. Higher counts don't always mean better - fiber content, weave structure, and finish also affect real-world performance.
How do I clean this fabric?
Every fabric has a cleaning code printed on its spec sheet. Code W means you can spot-clean with water-based cleaners. Code S means solvent-based (dry clean) only - never use water. Code WS means both water and solvent cleaners are safe. Code X means vacuum only, no liquid cleaners. Whether you're cleaning a fabric couch, upholstered chairs, or drapery panels, always test any cleaner on a hidden area first. Check the specifications table on this page for this fabric's specific cleaning code. Full cleaning and care documents are available for download on each product page.
Is this fabric durable enough for homes with pets or kids?
Yes, most of our fabrics are durable enough for homes with pets and kids. Check the double rub rating on the product page - fabrics rated at 25,000+ double rubs handle heavy residential use well, including active households. For maximum stain resistance, look for fabrics with cleaning code W or WS, which allow water-based spot cleaning. Performance fabrics with higher abrasion ratings and easy-clean finishes are ideal for high-traffic living rooms and family spaces.
Can I use any of your fabrics outdoors?
Yes, some of our fabrics are rated for outdoor use. Look for the outdoor rating in the specifications on each product page. Outdoor-rated fabrics are engineered to resist UV fading, moisture, and mildew, making them suitable for covered porches, sunrooms, and outdoor seating. For fully exposed outdoor applications, confirm the specific performance ratings for your project. Contact us at sales@poppyprintstudio.com for recommendations.
Will the printed colors fade over time?
All fabrics can fade with prolonged direct sunlight exposure, but our digitally printed linen fabrics are produced with colorfast inks tested to industry lightfastness standards. The lightfastness rating in the specifications table tells you how well the fabric resists fading - higher ratings mean better UV resistance. For drapery in sun-exposed windows, consider adding a lining to protect the print, or choose fabrics with a lightfastness rating of 4+ (on the AATCC scale). Indoor upholstery not exposed to direct sun will maintain color for years.
Understanding Our Fabrics
What is this fabric best used for?
Woven solids are the most versatile fabric type - they work for upholstery, drapery, pillows, headboards, and wall applications. Because they have no pattern direction, they coordinate easily with patterned fabrics and wallpapers. Check the specifications table for the specific abrasion rating and weight, which determine whether this fabric is best for heavy upholstery, light upholstery, or drapery use. The "Best For" field at the top of this page lists the recommended applications for this specific fabric.
What is the difference between a woven solid and a dyed solid?
Our woven solids are produced by interlacing colored yarns on a loom - the color is in the yarn itself, not applied to the surface. This gives woven solids richer texture, better color penetration, and greater durability compared to piece-dyed fabrics where color is applied after weaving. Woven solids also tend to show less fading over time because the dye is locked into the fiber structure. You'll notice subtle tonal depth in a woven solid that a flat-dyed fabric cannot achieve.
Can this fabric be railroaded?
Check the "Railroadable" field in the specifications table above. Railroading means running the fabric sideways (selvage to selvage) instead of up the bolt - this eliminates seams on wide furniture like sofas and banquettes. Solid woven fabrics are typically the easiest to railroad because there is no directional pattern to consider. If the fabric is listed as railroadable, your upholsterer can use it in either direction without affecting appearance.
Can this patterned fabric be railroaded?
Check the "Railroadable" field in the specifications table. Many engineered woven patterns have a directional design that only works oriented up-the-bolt - railroading a directional pattern would turn it sideways. Stripes, geometric patterns, and some abstract designs may be railroadable if the pattern reads correctly in both orientations. Non-railroadable patterns will require seaming on wide furniture; discuss this with your upholsterer before ordering to ensure proper yardage and seam placement.
Is the pattern woven into the fabric or printed on?
Our engineered woven patterns have the design created during the weaving process - each colored yarn is precisely placed on the loom according to an engineered design. This means the pattern is integral to the fabric structure, not applied to the surface. Because every yarn placement is intentional, engineered woven patterns achieve a depth and precision that surface printing cannot replicate. You can typically see the pattern on the reverse side of the fabric, which is a hallmark of quality woven construction.
How do I match the pattern across multiple pieces of furniture?
Pattern matching requires careful yardage planning and skilled installation. When ordering, ensure all yardage comes from the same dye lot by placing a single order for your full project needs. Provide your upholsterer with the pattern repeat dimensions (listed in our specifications) so they can plan cuts that align the motif across seams and between pieces. For multi-piece projects like dining chair sets, we recommend ordering 10-15% additional yardage beyond the calculated amount to allow for pattern matching waste.
What is the difference between digitally printed fabric and woven fabric?
Our digitally printed fabrics start with a natural linen ground cloth onto which the design is printed using inkjet technology - similar to a high-resolution printer, but for textiles. Woven fabrics create their pattern by interlacing different colored yarns during the weaving process. Digital printing on linen allows unlimited colors, photographic detail, and complex gradients that weaving cannot achieve, while the natural linen base adds an organic texture and warmth to every print. Woven fabrics offer the pattern on both sides, while digitally printed linen fabrics have the design only on the face - but linen's natural character gives the print a depth that flat synthetic grounds cannot match.
Is digitally printed fabric as durable as woven fabric?
Durability depends on the base cloth and the printing process, not just the printing method. Our digitally printed fabrics are printed on a natural linen base cloth - a fiber known for its exceptional strength and longevity. Linen is one of the strongest natural fibers, making it an excellent foundation for printed upholstery and drapery fabrics. The pigment inks bond directly with the linen fibers for lasting color. The abrasion rating listed in the specifications table reflects the finished fabric's actual durability, including the print. For upholstery applications, always check that the double rub count meets your project requirements regardless of whether the fabric is woven or printed.
What is the best fabric for curtains and drapery?
For curtains and drapery, look for fabrics with good drape, appropriate weight, and a lightfastness rating of 4 or higher to resist sun fading. Lighter-weight woven solids and printed linens work well for curtains that need to flow and gather. Heavier woven fabrics suit structured drapery and valances. All our fabrics list their suggested uses in the specifications - look for "Drapery" in the application field. For sun-exposed windows, consider adding a lining to protect the fabric and improve light control. Our memo samples let you test how the fabric drapes before committing to yardage.
Sampling & Color
Can I order a fabric sample before I buy?
Yes. Memo samples ship within 1-2 business days. Each sample is a 6" x 6" cutting mounted on branded card stock showing the fabric name, colorway, and fiber content. Samples are available in all colorways and are always in stock. We strongly recommend ordering a physical sample before committing to yardage - screen colors do not perfectly represent the fabric's true color, texture, or hand feel.
Does the color vary between orders or dye lots?
Minor color variation between dye lots is normal for any dyed textile and is not considered a defect. To ensure color consistency across your project, order your full yardage requirement in a single order whenever possible. If you need to reorder, reference your original order number so we can attempt to match the dye lot. We always recommend reviewing a physical sample against your existing materials before placing a large order.
Will the colors in this pattern look the same across the entire bolt?
Yes, within a single dye lot, engineered woven pattern colors remain consistent across the bolt. Because each yarn is dyed before weaving, color uniformity is maintained throughout the production run. Minor variations between dye lots are normal. To ensure consistency for larger projects, order your full yardage requirement in one order and specify that it must ship from the same dye lot. We are happy to confirm dye lot availability before you place a large order - email sales@poppyprintstudio.com.
Will the colors look the same in person as they do on screen?
Screen colors are always an approximation. Monitor calibration, brightness settings, and ambient lighting all affect what you see on screen. Woven fabrics have surface texture and sheen that photographs cannot fully convey, and linen's natural slub adds organic character to digitally printed patterns. We strongly recommend ordering a memo sample to evaluate the true colors, texture, and hand feel under your project's actual lighting conditions.
Trade & Custom Projects
Do you offer trade pricing for interior designers and architects?
Yes. Our trade program offers project pricing for interior designers, architects, specifiers, and design firms. Log in to your trade account to see trade pricing, or apply online - approval typically takes 1-2 business days. Trade members also receive dedicated project support and volume discount quotes. Contact sales@poppyprintstudio.com for project-specific quotes or to learn more.
Can I request a custom design or custom colorway?
Yes - we offer custom options across all three of our fabric types. Custom solid colors can be produced in our woven solids line with your specified yarn colors. Custom engineered woven patterns can be developed with unique colorways or original designs woven on the loom. Custom digitally printed linen patterns offer the most flexibility, allowing fully custom artwork or recolored versions of existing designs printed on our linen base cloth. All custom projects have minimum yardage requirements and longer lead times than stock fabrics. Contact us at sales@poppyprintstudio.com to discuss your project - we can produce a strike-off (test sample) for approval before the full production run.