Selecting the fabric is perhaps the most crucial step in textile decoration. It impacts not just the final appearance of a piece, but also how it drapes, how well it holds its shape, how it reflects light, and how well it blends with the overall interior design.
For those new to textile crafts, this choice can be intimidating due to the sheer number of fabrics available. There are natural and man-made materials, smooth and rough finishes, light and dense fabrics, solid colors, and prints. Rather than looking for the “perfect” fabric, it’s more practical to determine which qualities are most relevant to the specific project at hand.
Identify the Goal of the Piece
First, determine what type of item you’re planning to make. Will it be a pillow cover, a wall tapestry, a placemat, a storage bag, or a hanging ornament? Each type of item requires different properties of fabric.
For instance, if the fabric will be used to construct a structured piece, it must be stable enough to keep its shape. If it is meant to serve as a flowing accent, a softer material might be more appropriate. If it will be handled frequently, the material should be durable rather than fragile.
Keeping the goal in mind helps narrow down the options and avoids choosing a fabric solely because you like its color.
Look at the Texture
Texture is an easy way to enhance textile decor. Even when two fabrics share the same color, their different textures can look completely distinct.
Smoother fabrics generally give off a clean and sleek vibe, while fabrics with a weave, stripes, embroidery, or other variations in the surface feel cozier and more inviting.
Textures can be used to create contrast. Pairing a smoother fabric with one that has a more obvious texture can make a simple piece stand out without having to use contrasting colors.
If you’re using multiple fabrics in a single project, consider how their textures will complement each other. Using too many contrasting textures can overwhelm a space, but using the right ones can add a nice layer of dimension to your design.
Consider Weight and Thickness
The thickness and weight of a fabric can affect how it’s handled when sewing, and also how it looks in the end.
Lighter-weight fabrics can yield soft, graceful draping, but may be more challenging to manipulate into a precise shape. Heavier fabrics tend to offer more stability and can help a piece retain its shape.
There is no wrong choice when it comes to weight; the right fabric depends on the project’s goals.
If you’re unsure, test the fabric. Try bending it, folding it, and holding it up. These small tests will tell you much more than a fabric label ever could.
Evaluate Color
Color should never be chosen in a vacuum. A fabric may look great on its own, but may clash with the other colors in the room when placed in context. Look at the colors already present in the space, then decide if you want your project to stand out from those colors, harmonize with them, or echo them in some way.
Fabrics in neutral tones can give a soothing base to a design, while bold colors can serve as the centerpiece. You can also play around with various tints of the same color to create a soft, unified look.
The goal here isn’t to coordinate everything. You don’t have to be afraid of using just a little bit of contrast, which can help your textile decor look more dynamic.
Be Intentional About Using Patterns
Patterns can easily draw the eye, so think about the size and use of your project before introducing one.
A big pattern can look great on a larger decorative item, but may look awkward when used on something very small. A smaller pattern might work better as a background, but it can get lost when paired with a highly textured material.
When combining patterned fabrics, think about both their size and colors. When two patterns are too alike, they tend to compete with one another. Different sizes often complement each other better.
Solid fabrics can act as a visual break when used between busier prints.
Know the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk have unique textures and qualities. They can add warmth and softness to decorative projects.
Synthetic fabrics have their own set of properties, such as resilience, consistent color, and availability of different textures.
It’s not true that all natural fibers are the best options for decorative purposes. Depending on your project, the intended look, the techniques you’ll be using, and the function of the finished item, sometimes synthetic materials are the better choice.
Rather than worrying about whether something is natural or synthetic, focus on the properties of the fabric itself.
Sample Your Fabric
Try a few tests before you begin sewing.
Take a few folds, cut a small piece, sew a few stitches, or pair it with another material. Does it fray? Does it stretch? Does it wrinkle? Does it hold its shape? How does it behave when handled?
This step is especially helpful when working with unfamiliar fabrics.
Something that seems like a good fit at the beginning of your project may prove problematic later. By doing a quick test, you’ll be able to make adjustments before moving forward with the full project.
Keep an Eye on the Edges
How a fabric behaves on the edges can change the look of your finished item.
Some fabrics stay neat after being cut, whereas others are prone to unraveling. If the pattern requires raw edges, you’ll need to think about how you’ll finish them.
A sharp edge can lend a professional feel to a simple decoration, while a rough edge can help make a decoration look more casual.
Be sure you’re making this choice with a clear intention.
Use Multiple Fabrics With a Plan
Working with a number of fabrics can lead to a rich, complex look, but more doesn’t always equal better.
Begin by picking one primary fabric that will define the look of your project. Then you add more materials that reinforce this direction. This could be a texture that contrasts, a color that works together or a small piece with a print. The extra fabrics must have a purpose. If you use everything that catches the eye, the final textile decor will lack focus.
Take into Account the Interior Style
Textile decorations should integrate with their environment.
If you have a minimalist interior, you may want to stick with lighter fabrics, muted tones and minimal textures. An eclectic interior can handle bolder prints, mixed materials and embellishments. This does not mean that you should only stick to a particular interior style.
A single fabric can look completely different depending on what it’s surrounded by. Think of your furniture, wall colors, lighting, floor covering and any other objects in the room before you choose a fabric.
Work With What You Have
It’s not always necessary to buy entirely new fabric to create textile decor. Your old curtains, leftover fabric from past projects, outdated clothing, upholstery scraps or even samples from a fabric store are potential resources.
Working with existing textiles also allows you to experiment without feeling that you have to get it right, since you don’t care too much about the outcome of a new technique. Unexpected combinations can lead to unique results.
Let the Material Inspire the Project
The fabric you’re working with might dictate what kind of project you create. Heavy, textured fabrics might make great wall hangings, but they aren’t ideal for layered decorative objects. Instead of determining a design before you find the appropriate fabric, let the properties of the fabric inform the design.
This allows you to create more organically and can result in more interesting outcomes.
Make a Collection
When you’re creating multiple decorative objects for a room, think about how they relate to each other. They do not have to match exactly. Using the same fabric and style over and over can make your decor feel too uniform.
Rather, repeat certain features like the color, texture, scale of a print or type of finish. This allows you to tie the separate objects together visually without sacrificing variety.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fabrics for home decor requires knowledge and intuition. Pay attention to the nature of your project, the fabric weight, structure, texture, color, print and how it relates to the rest of your decor. Don’t be afraid to try out unknown fabrics and combinations. Small samples are a great way to learn how a textile behaves, while mixing and matching fabrics can help you determine your own preferences.
As you gain experience, you’ll become less concerned with finding the perfect material and more concerned with which materials complement your vision. Once you view fabric as a tool for design, rather than just a medium, even a simple piece of cloth can become the foundation for something special.