When selecting
outdoor furniture fabric, you have a few different options. Whether you want to use a cotton-based material, or a more expensive synthetic fabric, the choice depends on your budget and priorities. The more expensive materials may not be the most durable or have the desirable qualities. Cotton and polyester are both economical options, and they offer the most variety of color choices. Cotton fabric can be treated to keep it from fading and is more suitable for outdoor cushions than polyester.
Outdoor fabrics made of polyester, on the other hand, are commonly used for one-season outdoor goods. They typically boast a lightfastness rating of 1000 hours and are batch-dyed. They're usually woven white and then dyed in drums to achieve the color desired. The downside of polyester fabric is that it's cheap and highly stain-prone. However, if you're building a new patio furniture set, polyester may be the best choice.
Another way to find the best fabric is to measure your furniture and the fabric you'd like to use. A good pattern maker will know the best way to maximize your fabric's yield and make a quality cushion. Cutting out the fabric and making the pattern are the most challenging parts of this process. Then, you can apply the patch by ironing it onto a flat surface. Make sure to add half an inch for seam allowance. If you want a patch to fit, measure twice before cutting it.
A new type of outdoor fabric is called Revolution Outdoor Fabric. This new fabric is made from olefin or polypropylene yarns and is woven in King Mountain, North Carolina. Its softness is unmatched. It has excellent moisture repellency and mold and mildew resistance. Another great thing about PVC fabric is that it's waterproof. If you're buying your fabric online, you can check if it's waterproof before making any cuts.
When shopping for outdoor furniture fabric, you should consider its weather resistance and ease of cleaning. While most commercial brands claim that their fabrics are water repellent, they don't always do so. The key is to choose a fabric that won't bleed, absorb water, or become moldy or mildewed. When purchasing outdoor furniture fabric, make sure to check out the manufacturer's website for their specific instructions. Then, shop around.