Chairs upholstered in Birch Organic Fabrics ‘Flight’ pattern
Looking for a safe, healthy fabric for your upholstery project?
We’re talking about fabrics with NO added chemicals, NO flame retardants, NO stain repellants – fabrics that are produced with respect for the Earth’s natural cycles, and for human health. I look forward to the day when there is a vast selection of non-toxic fabrics to choose from.
Below is (the beginning of) a list of sustainable fabric sellers.
NOTE: I have purchased from or spoken at length with some, but not all of these sellers. If you’ve had experience with any of them yourself (love it or not?), you can help others by leaving a comment below this post. If you have any fabric resources to add to the list, please leave a comment below. Thanks for being a part of our natural upholstery community!
Retail Fabrics (anyone can buy directly from the retailer)
- Two Sisters Ecotextiles – textiles made from 100% organic cotton or other sustainably grown fibers. I have spoken at length with both Patty & Leigh Anne (yes, they are sisters), who are dedicated to changing the way textiles are being made. They can tell you the complete life story of each fabric, every facet of production. This is one company I would put complete faith in the truth of their claims because they do the research.
- Eskayel – printed and woven linen/cotton fabrics. Note that prices reflect the one-of-a-kind handmade process that goes into their fabric production.
- Etsy – search for ‘organic upholstery fabric’, and you’ll find a wide array of sellers offering non-toxic fabrics.
- Fabric Worm – purely organic fabric – their upholstery weight fabrics are Canvas, Linen & Barkcloth. I was confused by their half-yard increment ordering system, and called to ask: They assured me the yardage is continuous (eg. if you order 4 x 1/2 yard, you get 2 continuous yards, not 4 half yard cuts).
- Harmony Art – a strictly organic cotton supplier, certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard.
- Hemp Traders – hemp & hemp blend fabrics.
- Hemp Basics – hemp canvas, linens, twills & specialty weaves.
- Le Gracieux – unique, hand-printed hemp linen fabrics (4 yard minimum purchase). Note that prices reflect the one-of-a-kind handmade process that goes into their fabric production.
- Organic Cotton Plus – hemp fabrics and organic cotton fabrics.
- Queen of Raw – “We have everything from organic cotton, peace silk, faux leather and fur, to some of the highest quality luxury deadstock (left over) fabrics that would otherwise be burned and buried if it wasn’t for you.”
- Spoonflower – choose a design & have it printed on yardage of chosen fabric.
- Archipelago Textiles (UK) – Handwoven bespoke textiles made in London by artisan Doreen Gittens.
Wholesale Fabrics (available only through designers and upholstery shops)
- Two Sisters Ecotextiles – textiles made from 100% organic cotton or other sustainably grown fibers. I have spoken at length with both Patty & Leigh Anne (yes, they are sisters), who are dedicated to changing the way textiles are being made. They can tell you the complete life story of each fabric, every facet of production. This is one company I would put complete faith in the truth of their claims because they do the research.
- Harmony Art – a strictly organic cotton supplier, certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard.
- Oliveira Textiles – beautiful, hand-printed sea inspired fabrics. Note that prices reflect the one-of-a-kind handmade process that goes into their fabric production.
- PickNatural – sustainable textiles that are good for the environment and healthy for all of us, too (10 yard minimum purchase).
See examples of chairs upholstered in Birch Fabrics’ (birds in) Flight pattern, available from Fabric Worm.
Fabulously informative site! Only drawback is the choice and shade of green shading important words. Too light and hard to read. A strong Kelly green instead?
Thank you for the feedback Dorie,
I have changed the link color to a slightly darker shade. It’s a tough call because different screens render colors in different ways. I hope this helps. Carla
Great site! Thanks for the info on tracking down fabric to reupholster a chair!
Hi Corey,
It’s great to hear this helped! If you order from any of these vendors, could you check back in and leave a quick review here in the comments? I’m NOT affiliated with, nor do I receive any monetary kick-back from these vendors. Just trying to build a place where people can find what they’re looking for and share their experiences. Thanks!
Carla
Wonderful fabric design.
Broadway Fabrics,
I see you carry some organic cotton fabrics. One example is Birch Fabrics – I believe their mill is GOTS certified. I know the GOTS certification is something that many health-conscious consumers are looking for (including myself), and noted you don’t make this distinction on the Birch Fabrics listings on your site. Is there a reason for this? It would also be super helpful to list the weight of each fabric (usually expressed in oz/sq yd), as upholstery applications require heavier fabric than something like quilting.
Hi,
I am having issues navigating these websites as it feel like there are a lot of thin linen type fabric options, but very little heavier weight fabrics for upholstery. I love that you have compiled a list, but I’m so frustrated sustainability isn’t the standard. I have to jump through so many hoops just to be ethical. It’s wild! Any suggestions as to what companies offer heavier woven fabrics?
Thank you!!
Hi Laura,
I agree, it’s frustrating. I recommend Two Sisters Ecotextiles for upholstery-weight fabrics. Some of the others on the list may have a few heavier ones as well, and you may want to request samples. Good luck!
Please correct me if I am wrong but for upholstery that is sold to customers, doesn’t the fabric have to be fire retardant or pass tests. I have been struggling to find a way around this as the law is so strict on what can be sold. Can you advise?
Hi Hayley,
In a word, yes. But… US laws have typically followed California law, which has shifted with regard to requirements for chemical flame retardants since 2013. I have a blog post in the works about this. Meanwhile, Chemical Insights, an institute of Underwriters Laboratories, has published a new (April, 2021) guidance document that addresses all of these questions pretty thoroughly. It’s long, but I believe the information that might help you starts on pg 13. Thanks for your great question – clear information on this has been a long time coming. I hope this offers a useful answer.
Carla
P.S. Adding this later, as it’s a more simplified overview of the regs – by the National Upholstery Association