Grades of Fabric Used in Upholstery

The Grading System

• Fabrics are given a grade from A to H, with A being the cheapest and H being more expensive. It is a common misconception that these grades are an indication of the quality of the material. In fact, the grade only indicates how expensive the fabric was to make. The same type of fabric, such as a cotton blend for example, can be graded anywhere on the scale of A to H. Whereas if the grade were indicating durability and quality, all cotton blend fabrics would be the same grade.

Using the System

• When you begin your search for a new upholstery fabric, the swatches of fabric you see in the shop will each have an attached card. Refer to the grade on the card to get an idea of how much the fabric cost to make. This manufacturing cost varies depending on the level of detail that went into making the fabric. Elaborately patterned fabrics, the design of the fabric, certain weaving processes, and the type and quality of yarn used all add to the manufacturing cost.

Fabric Test Label

• The National Association of Furniture Manufacturers have developed a labeling system that does give an indication of quality and durability. Fabrics are put through a series of 15 tests, and those that conform to the high standards required by the N.A.F.M are allowed to display a special insignia, consisting of two interlocking bronze circles with the manufacturer's license number included. This "Seal of Integrity" insignia is an indication that you are looking at a high quality fabric that has been thoroughly tested.

Durability Categorization

• The tests that the fabric is subjected to include abrasion, colorfastness to light, colorfastness to wet and dry rubbing, colorfastness to perspiration, piling, flammability, yarn slippage, wear, color transfer, and tear strength. When a fabric has been tested and passed to a sufficient degree to be permitted to display the "Seal of Integrity" insignia, the durability rating will be added to the card of the fabric swatch. The code "hhh" printed in green indicates heavy duty, suitable for areas of high traffic and use. If "mmm" is printed in blue, this indicates the fabric is medium duty, suitable for areas of regular but not constant use.The letters "lll" printed in yellow indicates light usage, which is more suitable for accent furniture rather than functional pieces. The letters "ddd" printed in red indicate that the fabric is delicate and should only be used on pieces that are purely for aesthetic value.