I recommend a heavier fabric than you might find in your local quilt store. I always recommend staying with an upholstery-weight fabric (similar to denim jeans). Upholstery shops are usually dependable for carrying high quality fabric. If you’re buying discount fabric, here are 7 TIPS for weeding out the good from the bad:
  1. Crease test: if you fold the fabric on a corner and press it tightly between thumb & fingers, it should not leave a stiff crease, and it should not feel ‘crunchy’, which is a sign that those weak threads could break easily.
  2. Fraying: take note of how much it frays at the edge, as this could make it more difficult to work with, though fraying does not necessarily indicate low quality. Surging the edges helps with a fabric that unravels easily.
  3. Stretch test: pull the fabric across the grain, then diagonally – it will always stretch more on the (diagonal) bias. If it seems overly stretchy on the straight grain, pass it up.
  4. Workability: smooth a section of the fabric over your knee to get the feel of it’s ‘workability’ for upholstery. Does it drape nicely? Is it stiff and difficult to fold? Is it too thick and bulky? or too thin?
  5. True to grain: If there’s a pattern or print, and even with solids, make sure the grain is straight on the roll and not skewed – crooked weave is often a reason for discounting fabrics.
  6. Samples: If you’re looking at samples, check out this video on how to read fabric sample books (or memo samples labeled with fabric info).
  7. Fabrics with nap: If you’re considering a fabric with nap, check out this video for 3 tips for working with velvet and other napped fabrics.