Something rather exciting is happening at Croft Mill. We're making more room for the home, with a growing collection of furnishing fabrics ready for everything from a simple cushion cover to a complete room refresh.
We've always loved seeing what our customers create, and now we're looking forward to seeing even more curtains, cushions, upholstered furniture and beautiful handmade pieces. With new chenilles, statement stripes, designer prints and timeless textures joining our range, this really is just the beginning.
What are furnishing fabrics?
Furnishing fabrics are textiles designed or chosen for use around the home. They can be used for curtains, blinds, cushions, upholstery, table coverings and all sorts of decorative projects. Unlike dressmaking fabrics, which are often selected for their drape and comfort against the skin, furnishing fabrics may need additional body, durability or stability, depending on their intended use.
There's plenty of variety within the category, too. A soft chenille can introduce warmth and texture, a printed cotton canvas can bring pattern into a room, while a heavier linen can give a more natural, relaxed finish. The important thing is choosing a fabric that suits the project, rather than simply picking the prettiest print (although we know how tempting that can be!).
Beautiful fabrics, endless possibilities
One of the things we love most about furnishing fabrics is how much difference a relatively small project can make. You don't have to redecorate an entire room to give it a new look. Sometimes a couple of cushions, a freshly covered chair or a new pair of curtains is all it takes.
Choosing the right fabric for your project
Not every furnishing fabric is suitable for every job. Before ordering, it's worth thinking about how the finished piece will be used, how much wear it will receive and whether the fabric needs to hang softly or hold its shape.
| Project | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Curtains | A suitable drape, fabric weight and enough width for the desired fullness. Consider lining and light control. |
| Cushions | A stable woven fabric with a pleasing handle. Canvas, chenille and many furnishing prints can work well. |
| Upholstery | Fabric specifically suitable for the furniture's intended use, with appropriate durability and fire safety compliance. |
| Blinds | A stable fabric that will sit neatly when raised or lowered, with suitable lining or backing where required. |
| Home accessories | Consider canvas, cotton furnishing fabrics or linen, depending on the structure and finish you want. |
A little tip from us: always check the individual fabric details before purchasing, particularly for upholstery. Fire-retardant finishes, upholstery suitability and durability can vary between fabrics, and a fabric described as fire retardant isn't automatically suitable for every upholstered item.
Upholstery fabric: Martindale ratings and fire retardancy
If you're choosing fabric for a chair or sofa, two useful things to check are its abrasion resistance and fire safety information.
What is a Martindale rating?
The Martindale test measures how well a fabric resists surface wear from repeated rubbing. Its result is often expressed in rubs: generally, a higher figure indicates greater abrasion resistance, although it doesn't tell you everything about a fabric's durability.
| Martindale rubs | General guide |
|---|---|
| Under 10,000 | Decorative or very light use |
| 10,000–20,000 | Light domestic use |
| 20,000–30,000 | General domestic upholstery |
| 30,000+ | Heavier-use upholstery, subject to the full specification |
These are broad guidelines, not guaranteed suitability thresholds. Pilling, fading, seam strength and other factors matter too.
Does upholstery fabric need to be fire retardant?
In the UK, upholstered furniture can be subject to specific fire safety requirements. Some fabrics have fire-retardant finishes or test results, but a fire-retardant label alone doesn't confirm that a fabric is suitable for every piece of furniture. The finished furniture, its fillings and any required interliner also matter.
Our tip: check the individual product details for Martindale results and fire safety information. If these aren't listed, don't assume the fabric has been tested. For reupholstery, it's worth discussing the requirements with a qualified upholsterer.
A little designer inspiration
We're especially excited to welcome more beautiful designer furnishing fabrics into our collection, including prints from Designers Guild. Think expressive florals, interesting colour combinations and patterns that can become the starting point for an entire room.
If you're unsure about introducing a bold print, start small. A floral cushion against a plain sofa, a patterned window seat or a colourful chair can bring personality into a room without overwhelming it. You can also pick out one colour from a patterned fabric and use it elsewhere in your soft furnishings for a more coordinated look.
Texture can make just as much impact as colour
Of course, not every room needs a bold pattern. Sometimes it's the texture of a fabric that makes it special. Chenille furnishing fabrics have a soft, tactile surface that can add depth to a scheme, whether you favour warm neutrals, dusty blues or rich burgundy shades.
We're particularly pleased with the new chenilles joining our range. They offer plenty of possibilities for cushions and decorative projects, with selected fabrics also suitable for upholstery. Always check the individual product specification before deciding on your make.
Five things to check before buying furnishing fabric
- Measure carefully. Allow for seams, hems, pattern matching and the fullness needed for curtains.
- Check the width. Wider fabrics may reduce the number of joins needed, especially for larger projects.
- Think about weight and drape. A fabric that looks beautiful on a roll may behave differently when made into curtains or a cushion.
- Consider the practicalities. Check care instructions, durability and any relevant fire safety requirements.
- Order a sample where available. Colours, textures and the feel of a fabric are always easier to judge in person.
There's more to explore at Croft Mill
Our furnishing collection is growing, but it's not the only place to look for your next home sewing project. We also stock canvas, sheeting and craft fabrics that can be useful for a wide range of makes, from storage baskets and table accessories to patchwork and decorative sewing.
SHOP COLLECTION Curtain fabrics
SHOP COLLECTION Designers Guild fabrics
SHOP COLLECTION Laura Ashley fabrics
SHOP COLLECTION Canvas fabrics
SHOP COLLECTION Sheeting fabrics
SHOP COLLECTION
A new chapter for Croft Mill
We're genuinely excited to be expanding this side of Croft Mill. We've got lots more furnishing fabrics we'd love to bring you, and we're looking forward to growing the collection with even more colours, textures and interesting designs.
Whether you're an experienced upholsterer, a keen home sewer or simply fancy making your first cushion cover, we hope you'll find something that gets you planning your next project.
And as always, we'd love to see what you make. Tag @croftmillfabric in your finished projects so we can admire your handiwork!
Make something lovely for your home
Discover the new arrivals and find the fabric for your next project.
EXPLORE FURNISHING FABRICS
