Curtain & upholstery fabrics — Curtain linings & sheers — Outdoor fabric
Every day favourites: Cotton, linen, wool, tweed, canvas — Specialty fabrics: Velvet, silk, brocade, damask, jacquard, chenille — European end-of-line designer fabrics
The Martindale Rub Test is a widely recognised method for
assessing the durability of fabrics. The test is conducted by subjecting a
sample of the fabric to a series of abrasive rubs using a circular motion. The Martindale
count indicates the number of rubs the fabric can withstand before showing
signs of wear and tear such as pilling, fraying or colour loss.
Low Durability (Under 10,000 Rubs): These
fabrics wear quite quickly and are best suited to decorative applications –
think occasional chair that sits elegantly in the corner of your bedroom.
Moderate Durability (10,000 - 20,000 Rubs): These
fabrics are more durable and work well in general use applications with regular
activity – think living room sofa or bedroom curtains.
High Durability (20,000 Rubs and Above): These
fabrics are made to withstand heavy use. They’re ideal for commercial curtains
and blinds, or homes with high traffic – think family couch subjected to pets
and little feet.
