DECORATIVE TEXTILES AND FABRICS

Module 8, Part 1 — Curtain-weight Fabrics

For this assignment you are required to specify textiles for your client's home and document their use.
You need to select 4 curtain-weight fabrics, 4 upholstery-weight fabrics, and 2 wallpaper options. So 10 selections in total.   

Decorative fabrics are loosely divided into two weights: upholstery weight and curtain weight. These two different categories have different requirements so they have completely different characteristics, which include different yarns, fibres and densities. Upholstery goods are heavier than curtaining, and curtain fabrics have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Upholstery fabrics need to feel good when you sit on them, as rough or very extrude fabrics can feel sleazy. Style and colour are important considerations for the consumer, but durability will determine how well the fabric lasts. Curtain goods have to fall gracefully in folds. This is called the drape of the fabric.

Curtains and blinds are used to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help control sun, light, heat and cold. In addition, they can provide sound insulation and privacy in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.

• NAME: Canberra
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Plain
• COMPOSITION: 100% cotton
• REPEAT (cm): H24 V32
• WIDTH (cm): 128
• ROLL SIZE (m): 40
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• RUBS: 16,000
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Cotton is one of the most widely used textile fabrics, and is used for bed linens, upholsteries, curtains, and many more. During the manufacturing process, cotton ‘staples’ are graded according to length, then combed to straighten the fibres and remove impurities. Yarn made from the longest staples is strong, very soft, hard-wearing and of the highest quality. When used for bed linen, one must pay attention to the thread count. The higher the thread count, the more comfortable the fabric is.

The abrasion resistance, which is measured by a Martindale Abrasion Tester, is one of the factors that influences the durability of an an upholstery fabric. The higher the abrasion rating number, the better it performed in the abrasion test. Fabrics for commercial use need to have a ‘heavy duty’ rating between 30,000 and 100,000 rubs. The fabric I chose as an abrasion resistance rating of 16,000, which is fine for residential use (and curtains are not interacted with as much as upholstery fabrics)

The fabric I chose has embroidered textures, and I chose this specific colour because it stands out against pale walls, and it brings an earthy feel to the room.

• NAME: Parenthese
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Geometric
• COMPOSITION: 100% linen
• REPEAT (cm): H57 V40
• WIDTH (cm): 310
• ROLL SIZE (m): 35
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 229
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Curtains and blinds are used to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help control sun, light, heat and cold. In addition, they can provide sound insulation and privacy in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.

Linen fabrics are soft and luxurious. Coarser linen fabrics are harsher to handle, and depending on the type of yarn used, can be quite textural; suiting a more rustic or contemporary design scheme. Heavier linen fabrics do not drape well for window treatments. The disadvantage to linen is that it creases easily.

Parenthese has a very unique geometric design, which makes it suitable for the living area. The weight of the fabric is ideal for curtains, as curtains weight fabrics do not need to be as heavy as upholstery weight fabrics. The downside to using a 100% line fabric is that mildew thrives on natural fabrics in damp environment.

• NAME: Romane
• BRAND: Casamance Fabrics & Wallpapers
• STYLE: Geometric
• COMPOSITION: 100% linen (viscose and cotton embroidery)
• REPEAT (cm): H20 V20
• WIDTH (cm): 130
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 280
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Linen fabrics are soft and luxurious. Coarser linen fabrics are harsher to handle, and depending on the type of yarn used, can be quite textural; suiting a more rustic or contemporary design scheme. Heavier linen fabrics do not drape well for window treatments. The disadvantage to linen is that it creases easily. However, creasing is minimised when linen fibres are blended with cotton, wool, silk or polyester.

This curtain fabric is intended to be used in the bedroom. The dark shade of the fabric easily blocks out the sunlight during the day, and the geometric patterns, embroidered with viscose and cotton, adds more depth to the design. Without the embroidery, the fabric will seem flat and blend into the walls. 

• NAME: Flir
• COLLECTION: Romance
• BRAND: Christian Ficshbacher fabrics
• STYLE: Floral
• COMPOSITION: 55% linen, 35% viscose,10% silk
• REPEAT (cm): H63.5 V77
• WIDTH (cm): 137
• ROLL SIZE (m): 148
• WEIGHT (g/m2): 290
• PRODUCT USAGE: Curtains
• END USE: Residential + Commercial

Silk is a natural fibre, and aesthetically implies something different to the observer than either rattan or hand loomed cotton. The appearance, style and texture of the fabrics make them suitable for quite different end uses. Despite its luxurious, fine and fragile appearance, silk is actually one of the strongest natural fibres. However, silk fabrics will degrade if left in bright light, which is why it is not advisable to specify silk curtains for a north or west facing room.

I chose this particular fabric to be used as a curtain for the living room and study because it adds a sense of class to the entire room. The floral designs create a soothing feeling, and the soft colours makes the entire room seem more inviting.