Knowing what to look for in an upholstery fabric can help you prevent it. This common fabric problem occurs when the fibers become loose and start to move to the surface. As they move, friction will twist them into tiny balls, which is known as pilling. Here are some tips on how to identify these tiny balls of loose fibers. The best way to prevent them is to understand your fabric’s construction and materials composition. It will also help you determine its Pilling Score.
Normal wear and tear
What causes normal wear and tear on upholstery fabric? Pressure, friction, and pressure points all contribute to the fabric’s wear. Furniture that is regularly used will show signs of wear faster than furniture that is rarely used. Here are a few tips for protecting your upholstery fabric. Make sure you check the label before you purchase it! You can also check the manufacturer’s specifications for normal wear and tear. A good rule of thumb is to replace it every 10 years or so.
First, it’s important to check the weight and thickness of your upholstery fabric before making the final decision. Obviously, upholstery fabric is a lot more expensive than apparel material, so you’ll need to buy a heavier weight fabric. Similarly, upholstery fabric is typically sold in a roll, unlike the typical flat cardboard bolts. Make sure you purchase upholstery fabric from a sewing store that separates the outdoor and indoor fabrics.
Thread count
When shopping for upholstery fabric, check the thread count. Higher thread counts mean that the fabric is tightly woven and therefore will last longer. This measurement refers to the number of threads per square inch and is particularly important for fabrics used on chairs. Natural fabrics are often more durable than synthetic materials. Natural fibers are made from plants and animals. Their high thread counts make them more attractive to many buyers. But when considering the thread count of upholstery fabric, there are a few things you should look for.
The higher the thread count, the less likely it is to pill. However, higher thread counts will cost you more, so choose the highest one you can afford. Another factor to consider is the type of fabric you choose. Better quality fabrics will have tighter weaves and longer filaments. Some manufacturers, including Au Lit Fine Linens, use long staple cotton. But make sure you choose a fabric you love – and that you know won’t want to get rid of if it starts to pill.
Material composition
The key to preventing pilling of upholstery fabrics is knowing the fabric’s material composition. Unlike fabric that flakes, these fabrics won’t deteriorate due to age, and the right fabric can last for many years. Fabrics can become damaged due to UV light and exposure to sunlight, so it’s crucial to select the right type of upholstery fabric to avoid this problem. Here are some tips to prevent pilling:
The first step to preventing fabric pilling is to understand the material composition of your upholstery. Some fabrics have no lining on their interior cushioning, so the fibres from the cushion will mix with the external fabric over time. During this period, the pilling will be more prominent, especially when the fabric becomes wet or soiled. To prevent this, clean your upholstery regularly to remove pilling. You can also use a lint shaver to remove the loose fibres and prevent pilling.
Rating system
A rating system for upholstery fabric pilling identifies the worst-case scenarios for the degradation of upholstery fabrics. The ACT recognizes two tests to determine the level of pilling. ASTM D3511 Brush Pilling Test and ASTM D4970 Martindale Pilling Test illustrate the likelihood of a fabric forming a pilling layer. Both tests involve the application of a soft nylon brush in an elliptical pattern for four minutes, loosening the fibers on a sample. The Martindale test, also known as the Brush Pill Test, is a widely used test to determine fabric pilling. This test involves brushing a fabric sample in a circular motion for four minutes and then face-to-face for two more minutes. Then, the fabric samples are evaluated visually against certain standards. This test reveals the level of pilling and abrasion resistance. Hence, a rating system for upholstery fabric is needed to determine the durability of upholstery fabrics.