Craft & Hobby Fabric

Pick a fabric based on use: cotton and linen for breathable cushions and curtains, polyester and microfibers for stain resistance and durability, and blends for a balance of comfort and ease of care; consider texture, weight, and drape for the specific item (upholstery needs heavier weight; drapery needs good drape)

Measure height, width, and pattern repeat; add 10–20% extra for seams, hems, shrinkage, and matching patterns on upholstery, and 15–30% extra for curtains to allow for hems and fullness depending on desired pleat fullness

Check fabric weight (ounces per yard) and weave tightness, and look for rub test or double rub ratings when available; higher-weight, tightly woven fabrics and performance synthetics typically resist wear better for high-use pieces

Follow the manufacturer's care label: natural fibers often require gentle or low-temperature washing and may shrink, while many performance synthetics tolerate machine washing and spot cleaning; for upholstery, use recommended cleaning codes (W, S, WS, X) and consider professional cleaning for delicate or heavy-soiled items

Choose durable, lower-cost blends or performance synthetics with texture or patterns that mimic pricier materials, buy plain colors in bulk for larger projects, and use trim or decorative pillows to elevate the look without expensive yardage

Pattern scale should match the project size—large patterns on large surfaces—and printed or dyed fabrics vary in colorfastness, so verify fade resistance for sun-exposed items and test a small sample or review colorfastness info before purchasing

Look for fiber content, fabric weight, weave type, care instructions, abrasion/resistance ratings if provided, pattern repeat, country of origin, and any stain- or water-resistant treatments to compare performance and maintenance needs