Whether it’s a relaxed linen sofa, beautifully tailored curtains or the favourite armchair that everyone fights over, most of the fabrics we live with every day have one thing in common: they’re woven. Every woven fabric begins in much the same way, but changing the yarn, weave structure and finish can produce everything from crisp linens and robust upholstery weaves to soft bouclé and richly textured decorative fabrics.
Understanding how woven fabrics are made can help you choose the right fabric for your home, whether you’re looking for durability, softness, drape or simply a fabric with depth and character.
Key takeaways
• Woven fabrics are created by interlacing two sets of yarn – the warp and weft – on a loom, producing a stable and versatile construction.
• The fibre, weave structure and finish all influence how a fabric looks, feels, drapes and performs.
• Plain, twill, basket, herringbone, dobby and jacquard weaves each offer distinct textures, patterns and practical qualities.
• Woven fabrics are particularly well suited to interiors, from durable upholstery and softly draping curtains to cushions and statement furniture.
• For everyday upholstery, look for a Martindale rating of at least 20,000 rubs, with higher counts recommended for busy homes and commercial spaces.
What Is Woven Fabric?
A woven fabric is created by interlacing two sets of yarn at right angles on a loom. The lengthways threads are known as the warp, while the crossways threads are called the weft. Together they create the fabric’s structure. By varying the weave, fibres and yarns, manufacturers can create fabrics with remarkably different textures, appearances and levels of performance, even though they all begin with the same simple construction.
The weave is the foundation of every woven fabric. It influences everything from how a material drapes and reflects light to how hard-wearing, breathable or textured it feels. Combined with the choice of fibres and finishing techniques, the weave helps determine whether a fabric is best suited to upholstery, curtains or decorative accessories.
How Is Woven Fabric Made?
Although every woven fabric begins with warp and weft, the finished result can look and feel completely different depending on the choices made during the weaving process. Designers begin by selecting the fibres – from linen and cotton to wool and performance blends – before determining how tightly the yarns are woven, their thickness and texture, and the way colour is introduced. Finishing techniques then add the final character, softening the handle, enhancing durability or creating a brushed, washed or textured appearance.
It’s important to distinguish between fibre and weave: linen, cotton and wool describe what a fabric is made from, while plain, twill and jacquard etc describe how its yarns are woven.
Together, these decisions transform the same basic construction into fabrics suited to very different purposes. A crisp linen curtain, a hard-wearing upholstery fabric, such as one from the Lundy collection, and a tactile bouclé may all begin on a loom, yet each has its own distinct look, feel and performance.
What Are the Different Types of Fabric Weave?
Plain Weaves
The simplest and most versatile construction is the plain weave, created by passing the weft thread alternately over and under each warp thread. Its balanced structure produces a clean, even surface that can range from crisp and lightweight to richly textured, depending on the yarn. Loxley shows how this straightforward weave can create a fabric full of character.
Twill Weave
Recognisable by its subtle diagonal lines, twill is formed by passing the weft over two or more warp threads before weaving underneath. This creates a fabric that’s supple, durable and naturally resistant to creasing, making it a popular choice for upholstery as well as clothing. Livorno combines the practical qualities of a twill weave with a soft handle.
Basket Weave
A variation of plain weave, basket weave groups two or more warp and weft threads together, creating a softer, more relaxed appearance. This gives the fabric a generous, tactile quality that feels at home in both contemporary and country interiors. In Salta, a rhythmic chevron brings gentle movement to a practical upholstery weave.
Herringbone
Recognisable by its distinctive V-shaped pattern, herringbone is created by reversing the direction of a twill weave at regular intervals. This creates a subtle sense of rhythm while retaining the durability and soft handle associated with twill. Faroe’s small-scale herringbone gives upholstery a quiet, tailored character.
Dobby
Woven on a dobby loom, this construction uses small, repeated geometric patterns to bring subtle detail to the surface. Designs can range from simple dots and diamonds to more intricate motifs, adding interest on a smaller scale than a jacquard. In Bryher, the restrained pattern works equally well for curtains and upholstery.
Jacquard
A jacquard loom allows intricate patterns to be woven directly into the fabric rather than printed onto its surface. Designs can range from detailed florals to bold geometric motifs, often producing a richly decorative finish. Alberta combines a paisley motif with a traditional check to create a distinctive wool fabric for loose covers, upholstery and curtains.
Bouclé
Recognisable by its distinctive looped yarns, bouclé has a tactile surface that introduces warmth and softness to a room. Sienna combines linen, cotton and viscose yarns, balancing a luxurious handle with the resilience needed for upholstery.
Satin and Sateen Weaves
Rather than alternating over and under each thread, satin and sateen weaves allow the yarns to float over several threads before interlacing. This creates a smoother surface with a subtle lustre. While these weaves are widely used in fashion and bedding, they’re less commonly found in upholstery and curtain fabrics.
How to Assess the Weave of a Fabric
One of the easiest ways to assess a woven fabric is to hold it up to the light. An open weave allows more light to pass through, while a tighter construction appears denser and more opaque. Looking closely at the spacing between the yarns will also reveal how compactly the fabric has been woven. It’s worth remembering, however, that a tighter weave isn’t necessarily better. The ideal weave depends on how the fabric will be used. More open weaves often create a softer, more relaxed look that’s well suited to decorative cushions and curtains, while tighter constructions, such as Stresa, are often chosen for upholstery where durability is a priority.
Woven vs Knitted vs Non-Woven Fabric: What’s the Difference?
Although woven fabrics are widely used for curtains and upholstery, they’re just one of three principal fabric constructions.
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing two sets of yarn – the warp and weft – at right angles on a loom. This creates a stable structure that’s prized for its durability, making woven fabrics ideal for upholstery, curtains and many decorative textiles.
Knitted fabrics are created by looping a single yarn together, rather than weaving two sets of threads. The result is a fabric with natural stretch and flexibility, which is why knitted fabrics are more commonly used for clothing than interiors.
Non-woven fabrics are made by bonding fibres together using heat, pressure or adhesives instead of weaving or knitting. They’re often used for products such as interfacing, linings and protective materials, rather than decorative furnishing fabrics.
For most interior projects, woven fabrics remain the preferred choice thanks to their strength, versatility and wide variety of textures, colours and patterns.
Is Woven Fabric Suitable for Upholstery?
One of the reasons woven fabrics are so popular for upholstery is their durability. While the weave itself plays an important role, durability is measured using the Martindale rub test, an industry-standard test that assesses how well a fabric stands up to repeated abrasion.
As a general guide, a fabric with a Martindale rub count of around 20,000 is considered suitable for most domestic upholstery, while higher figures indicate greater resistance to everyday wear. Many of Linwood’s woven upholstery fabrics achieve 30,000 Martindale rubs or more. Hartland, for example, has an impressive 45,000 Martindale rubs, while some collections reach 100,000 rubs, making them well suited to busy family homes as well as demanding commercial environments.
When selecting an upholstery fabric, think first about how the furniture will be used. A family sofa has very different demands from an occasional bedroom chair, while decorative cushions and curtains are subject to far less wear.
Best Uses for Woven Fabrics in the Home
The beauty of woven fabrics lies in their versatility. Whether you’re upholstering a hardworking family sofa, dressing a window or introducing a statement chair, choosing the right weave helps ensure a fabric is fit for purpose as well as beautiful. The woven fabric examples below illustrate how different designs can be used throughout the home.
For Everyday Upholstery
For sofas and armchairs used every day, look for woven fabrics that balance durability with comfort. Collections such as Orta, Vara (shown) and Hartland combine tactile surfaces with excellent performance, making them well suited to the demands of busy family homes.
For Curtains with Natural Drape
Woven fabrics are particularly effective for curtains, where the character of the surface can be as important as colour. The construction influences how a fabric hangs and filters the light. Loxley and Sashay from Tango Weaves II (shown) celebrate subtle woven detail, while Serrano explores linen in many forms, from pure cloths and linen blends to tactile bouclés suited to both contemporary and classic rooms.
For Adding Texture Without Pattern
Woven fabrics can add interest without relying on a bold motif. Designs such as Stresa and Freya (shown) use variation in yarn and construction to bring warmth and quiet character to a scheme.
For Statement Furniture
Woven fabrics can transform bespoke furniture into a focal point. A boldly upholstered chair, tailored headboard or colourful window seat can define a room without dominating it. Graphic weaves such as Tango have a strong architectural presence, while Lamina’s softly undulating design works particularly well across larger upholstered surfaces.
FAQs
Still have a question? Here are answers to some of the queries we’re most often asked about woven fabrics.
Does Woven Fabric Shrink or Need Special Care? Like most textiles, some woven fabrics may shrink if they’re cleaned incorrectly. Care requirements vary depending on the fibre content and finish, so it’s always important to follow the care instructions. Many upholstery fabrics are designed for professional cleaning, while some curtain and loose-cover fabrics can be machine washed.
Does Woven Fabric Fade in Sunlight? Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will eventually affect almost any fabric, although the rate varies depending on the fibres, dyes and finish. Curtains and upholstery positioned in strong south-facing windows may gradually fade over time, so lining curtains and rotating cushions can help extend their life.
Does Woven Fabric Pill? Pilling can occur on both woven and knitted fabrics, particularly during the first few months of use. It’s caused when loose fibres work their way to the surface and form small balls through friction from everyday use. While pilling can be influenced by the type of fibre used, the weave itself also plays a part, with tighter constructions generally helping to keep fibres more securely in place. Regular, gentle maintenance with a fabric comb or de-pilling tool can help keep upholstery looking its best.
Which Side Is the Right Side of a Woven Fabric? In most woven fabrics, the right side has a smoother finish, richer colour or more clearly defined pattern than the reverse. Many upholstery and curtain fabrics are also marked on the selvedge to help identify the correct side. If you’re making your own soft furnishings, it’s always worth checking before cutting.
From relaxed linen curtains and tactile bouclés to durable upholstery weaves and statement designs, discover Linwood’s collection of beautifully crafted woven fabrics. Explore our woven fabrics and order complimentary samples to experience their colour, texture and quality at home.