Home Decor and Fabrics

We all want our homes to look unique. As such, all of us put unimaginable efforts to make it look like heaven. Home furnishings play a major role among all the other interior decor items that we use to embellish our homes.

Fabrics are, in fact, used by interior decorators as a useful accessory that hides any flaw of the house including architectural defects. Apart from this major purpose, home furnishing fabrics are used for providing privacy, insulation from heat and cold as also from noise. The amazing fact about fabrics, when used for home decor, is that they can be reused and recycled very easily. They can be changed without much investment too.

Although fabrics serve many purposes, they have to be chosen carefully as what one kind of fabric can provide, the other can not. Some fabrics absorb heat and light while others do not. Some are naturally resistant to fire and dust whereas some others are given special finishes such as moth resistance and anti bacterial properties. This goes to prove that there is a wide range of fabrics with different properties that can be used as per the requirement of various home furnishings. For example, upholstery fabrics are strong, durable, have resistance to seam slippage and shape retention capability. Similarly, kitchen linen fabrics are stain and flame resistant and curtain fabrics are light resistant.

Not only fabrics provide functionality but they can also assist in providing different interior decorating styles based on the fabrics selected. For example, chenille fabric and printed flocked fabric, when used with a creamy white background color, can give a trendy look to any room where as corduroy fabric when used in curtains and cushions can give a contemporary stylish look to the same room. Jacquard and brocade fabric can be used for traditional appearance of any home while knit fabric can give traditional as well as contemporary look depending upon the colors, forms, and textures of the chosen fabric.

Home Decor and Fabrics

We all want our homes to look unique. As such, all of us put unimaginable efforts to make it look like heaven. Home furnishings play a major role among all the other interior decor items that we use to embellish our homes.

Fabrics are, in fact, used by interior decorators as a useful accessory that hides any flaw of the house including architectural defects. Apart from this major purpose, home furnishing fabrics are used for providing privacy, insulation from heat and cold as also from noise. The amazing fact about fabrics, when used for home decor, is that they can be reused and recycled very easily. They can be changed without much investment too.

Although fabrics serve many purposes, they have to be chosen carefully as what one kind of fabric can provide, the other can not. Some fabrics absorb heat and light while others do not. Some are naturally resistant to fire and dust whereas some others are given special finishes such as moth resistance and anti bacterial properties. This goes to prove that there is a wide range of fabrics with different properties that can be used as per the requirement of various home furnishings. For example, upholstery fabrics are strong, durable, have resistance to seam slippage and shape retention capability. Similarly, kitchen linen fabrics are stain and flame resistant and curtain fabrics are light resistant.

Not only fabrics provide functionality but they can also assist in providing different interior decorating styles based on the fabrics selected. For example, chenille fabric and printed flocked fabric, when used with a creamy white background color, can give a trendy look to any room where as corduroy fabric when used in curtains and cushions can give a contemporary stylish look to the same room. Jacquard and brocade fabric can be used for traditional appearance of any home while knit fabric can give traditional as well as contemporary look depending upon the colors, forms, and textures of the chosen fabric.

The Making of Warm and Cozy Quilts

Quilts are a delight to eyes and cozy to feel. However, much effort is put into for making quilts so beautiful and comfortable. They are made through quilting, which is a form of sewing done either by hands, sewing machines, or by quilting machines.


The basic process of quilting involves selecting of patterns, fabrics and batting; measuring and cutting the fabrics into right sized blocks and then piecing these blocks together to make the quilt top. After that the three pieces are layered to form a quilt sandwich and then sewed with hand or machine. Excess batting is trimmed from the edges and binding is sewn to the front edges of the quilt with machine and hand-stitched to the quilt backing. Batting, binding, piecing etc. are the exclusive quilting terms one, who's interested in quilting should know.

The quilts are decorated with complex designs and patterns which depends upon the visualization and creativity of the quilter. Various quilting softwares have made this work an easy task for them. With all the embellishing needle work and techniques various quilt styles are made such as appliqué quilt, block quilt, embroidered quilt, patchwork quilts among many others.

Apart from hand quilting, machine quilting has also become very popular. Machine Quilting is done by sewing machine as well as Longarm quilting machine. In sewing machine, the layers are tacked together by laying the top, batting and backing with pinning, using large safety pins, or tacking the layers together before quilting is done. The longarm quilting machine holds and keeps the quilt stationary on rods while the machine head moves the needle across the quilt. When quilting with sewing machines, the fabric has to be moved through the machine.

Longarm quilting process is a very fast process done with the help of longarm quilting machines that are 10 to 14 feet in length and consist of an industrial sewing machine head, a 10-to-14 feet long table, and a number of rollers on which the fabric layers are positioned. There are hand guided as well as computer guided quilting machines. The computer-guided machine head is attached to a computer system that lets the quilter to choose a design to be sewn onto the fabrics. With selection of the design, the machine will sew the chosen design onto the quilt without any assistance by the quilter.

There are two types of longarm quilting- pantograph designs and customized designs. Pantograph designs span the length of the longarm table which is placed beneath a plastic layer on the table and then traced using the laser found on the machine head. The design can be repeated in rows to create an all-over design on the quilt top. This is a relatively fast and easier method of quilting. Customized designs have individual designs or blocks on various parts of the quilt depending upon the requirements of the end user or the customer. Many sewing styles are adopted for the purpose, such as meandering, feathers and motifs. It is time-consuming and therefore quilts become expensive when made through this method.

The Making of Warm and Cozy Quilts

Quilts are a delight to eyes and cozy to feel. However, much effort is put into for making quilts so beautiful and comfortable. They are made through quilting, which is a form of sewing done either by hands, sewing machines, or by quilting machines.


The basic process of quilting involves selecting of patterns, fabrics and batting; measuring and cutting the fabrics into right sized blocks and then piecing these blocks together to make the quilt top. After that the three pieces are layered to form a quilt sandwich and then sewed with hand or machine. Excess batting is trimmed from the edges and binding is sewn to the front edges of the quilt with machine and hand-stitched to the quilt backing. Batting, binding, piecing etc. are the exclusive quilting terms one, who's interested in quilting should know.

The quilts are decorated with complex designs and patterns which depends upon the visualization and creativity of the quilter. Various quilting softwares have made this work an easy task for them. With all the embellishing needle work and techniques various quilt styles are made such as appliqué quilt, block quilt, embroidered quilt, patchwork quilts among many others.

Apart from hand quilting, machine quilting has also become very popular. Machine Quilting is done by sewing machine as well as Longarm quilting machine. In sewing machine, the layers are tacked together by laying the top, batting and backing with pinning, using large safety pins, or tacking the layers together before quilting is done. The longarm quilting machine holds and keeps the quilt stationary on rods while the machine head moves the needle across the quilt. When quilting with sewing machines, the fabric has to be moved through the machine.

Longarm quilting process is a very fast process done with the help of longarm quilting machines that are 10 to 14 feet in length and consist of an industrial sewing machine head, a 10-to-14 feet long table, and a number of rollers on which the fabric layers are positioned. There are hand guided as well as computer guided quilting machines. The computer-guided machine head is attached to a computer system that lets the quilter to choose a design to be sewn onto the fabrics. With selection of the design, the machine will sew the chosen design onto the quilt without any assistance by the quilter.

There are two types of longarm quilting- pantograph designs and customized designs. Pantograph designs span the length of the longarm table which is placed beneath a plastic layer on the table and then traced using the laser found on the machine head. The design can be repeated in rows to create an all-over design on the quilt top. This is a relatively fast and easier method of quilting. Customized designs have individual designs or blocks on various parts of the quilt depending upon the requirements of the end user or the customer. Many sewing styles are adopted for the purpose, such as meandering, feathers and motifs. It is time-consuming and therefore quilts become expensive when made through this method.

Table Linen for Memorable Wedding

Planning and organizing a memorable wedding party requires a good amount of attention. Table decoration is an integral part of any wedding ceremony. As such, a thoughtful selection of table linen is a must for such an important occasion. However, there are so many fabrics available these days that everyone seems to be puzzled about how to find wedding table linens. I've made an attempt to categorize some of the fabrics that can lend a special feel to your special moment.

The popular fabric choice for wedding table linen is the formal one made of damask, linen, or lace, in neutral colors like white or ivory - plain, monogrammed or embroidered. You can always deter from this formal choice and decide the look you want for your wedding table linen.

Pintuck fabric – They can be defined as narrow, sewn rows of fabric. Pintuck fabrics have interesting diamond or square patterns on them. They'll give a little bulge to the table without looking odd. However, choose your glass crockery with wider bases because the tucking on the fabric might make it difficult to balance things on it.


Bichon fabric - This fabric has a "crushed" or "wrinkly" texture, and thus, sometimes, it is referred to as crushed linens. These fabrics are a little shiny and are made of more delicate fabrics, therefore costs more than some other luxury linens.

Dupioni- It is also called Shatung Silk. Dupioni has an interesting stubbled texture with a slight sheen. Its unique double weave lets the two colors shine through at the same time. It is crisp to touch and doesn't wrinkle badly. In fact, many bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses are also made of this royal fabric.

Lamour – They are shiny linen, very soft to touch. Lamour is best when looking for a little shine in your event.


Bengaline – It is a poplin-like fabric having a crosswise corded effect. Therefore, it adds texture to the table design. It also has a shiny surface which makes it perfect for special occasions.

Organza or Chiffon Fabrics: If you want a softer effect, use sheer fabrics like organza or chiffon. Sometimes fitted linen is used on tables. If you want to have an overlay on the top of such regular poly cotton or damask table linen, then also, sheer fabrics are the best choice.
When you've selected the fabric of your choice, just follow some table decorating ideas and make your wedding a memorable event for yourself and your guests.

Table Linen for Memorable Wedding

Planning and organizing a memorable wedding party requires a good amount of attention. Table decoration is an integral part of any wedding ceremony. As such, a thoughtful selection of table linen is a must for such an important occasion. However, there are so many fabrics available these days that everyone seems to be puzzled about how to find wedding table linens. I've made an attempt to categorize some of the fabrics that can lend a special feel to your special moment.

The popular fabric choice for wedding table linen is the formal one made of damask, linen, or lace, in neutral colors like white or ivory - plain, monogrammed or embroidered. You can always deter from this formal choice and decide the look you want for your wedding table linen.

Pintuck fabric – They can be defined as narrow, sewn rows of fabric. Pintuck fabrics have interesting diamond or square patterns on them. They'll give a little bulge to the table without looking odd. However, choose your glass crockery with wider bases because the tucking on the fabric might make it difficult to balance things on it.


Bichon fabric - This fabric has a "crushed" or "wrinkly" texture, and thus, sometimes, it is referred to as crushed linens. These fabrics are a little shiny and are made of more delicate fabrics, therefore costs more than some other luxury linens.

Dupioni- It is also called Shatung Silk. Dupioni has an interesting stubbled texture with a slight sheen. Its unique double weave lets the two colors shine through at the same time. It is crisp to touch and doesn't wrinkle badly. In fact, many bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses are also made of this royal fabric.

Lamour – They are shiny linen, very soft to touch. Lamour is best when looking for a little shine in your event.


Bengaline – It is a poplin-like fabric having a crosswise corded effect. Therefore, it adds texture to the table design. It also has a shiny surface which makes it perfect for special occasions.

Organza or Chiffon Fabrics: If you want a softer effect, use sheer fabrics like organza or chiffon. Sometimes fitted linen is used on tables. If you want to have an overlay on the top of such regular poly cotton or damask table linen, then also, sheer fabrics are the best choice.
When you've selected the fabric of your choice, just follow some table decorating ideas and make your wedding a memorable event for yourself and your guests.

How to Care for Textile Furnishings

Fabrics intended to be used for home furnishings are quite expensive and as such they can not be replaced frequently. Select furnishing fabrics according to their intended usage. For example, when buying for sofa in the family room, where it will have maximum usage, fabric should be durable and stain resistant such as nylon, olefin, polyester or rayon. Cotton, too, is durable but is not so much stain resistant. However, the soft feel of cotton and linen provides comfort and they can be used as upholstery in the interior rooms where they'll not be used so often. Here are some other tips for caring and cleaning your upholstery.

Read the Labels: Always read labels to know the manufacturer's care instruction so that you may properly clean the fabrics without damaging them. Usually, all precautions needed for textile care is provided through symbols indicating whether a fabric can be washed, bleached, ironed, dry-cleaned or tumble-dried. Follow the instructions for longer life of your upholstery.

Clean & Care for Home Furnishings: Regular cleaning & caring is essential for all home furnishings.

• Vacuum blinds and curtains, including linings, once a week to avoid building up of dirt on them. Use an upholstery attachment for this. When cleaning delicate fabrics, stretch muslin over the nozzle. Get them professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean feather or down cushions as it will damage the fillings. Don't use soap or detergents on fixed covers as they may cause colors to bleed.

  

• Except when labeled as washable, always dry clean the loose covers. Cotton or linen covers can be hand-washed but don't rub the fabric. Squeeze it gently, and rinse extremely well. Avoid drying in direct sunshine or tumble drying, instead dry flat. Iron covers lengthwise, on a very low heat, while they are still damp.

• Keep leather upholstery away from sun, if not possible, protect with curtains and blinds. If scratched, rub it over with a wet cloth to make the scratches less visible. To wipe away spills, moisten the entire surface evenly & lightly and allow drying naturally. Don't apply direct heat.

• Steam clean the trimmings, including tassles and fringed trimmings, on soft furnishings. Keep it gentle. Use soft artist's brushes to dust rosettes and ruched braids.

• When dry cleaning, always clean the whole set to avoid uneven color change.

• Turn the cushion covers regularly for evenly spread color fading. Also change their places as some of the seats are more used than others. This'll ensure even wear & tear. Stashing some cotton terrycloth towels under seat cushions can efficiently deal with unexpected spills.

• Don't pull or cut any loose threads. Using a needle or pin, gently push the thread back through to the underside of the fabric.

Spot Cleaning: Use fabric protectors that help in keeping spills from being absorbed into the fibers right away. Anyway, its not enough. Blot any spills immediately with a clean towel. Never rub, only blot gently. Sometimes this is enough to get rid of the stain completely, especially if the fabric has been pre-treated with a fabric protector. If using a fabric cleaner, always test in an inconspicuous area before using. Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding water based or solvent based cleaner. Try to use a mild cleaner. Apply with a soft brush in a circular motion to work into the fibers, then vacuum when dry.

How to Care for Textile Furnishings

Fabrics intended to be used for home furnishings are quite expensive and as such they can not be replaced frequently. Select furnishing fabrics according to their intended usage. For example, when buying for sofa in the family room, where it will have maximum usage, fabric should be durable and stain resistant such as nylon, olefin, polyester or rayon. Cotton, too, is durable but is not so much stain resistant. However, the soft feel of cotton and linen provides comfort and they can be used as upholstery in the interior rooms where they'll not be used so often. Here are some other tips for caring and cleaning your upholstery.

Read the Labels: Always read labels to know the manufacturer's care instruction so that you may properly clean the fabrics without damaging them. Usually, all precautions needed for textile care is provided through symbols indicating whether a fabric can be washed, bleached, ironed, dry-cleaned or tumble-dried. Follow the instructions for longer life of your upholstery.

Clean & Care for Home Furnishings: Regular cleaning & caring is essential for all home furnishings.

• Vacuum blinds and curtains, including linings, once a week to avoid building up of dirt on them. Use an upholstery attachment for this. When cleaning delicate fabrics, stretch muslin over the nozzle. Get them professionally cleaned every 2-3 years.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean feather or down cushions as it will damage the fillings. Don't use soap or detergents on fixed covers as they may cause colors to bleed.

  

• Except when labeled as washable, always dry clean the loose covers. Cotton or linen covers can be hand-washed but don't rub the fabric. Squeeze it gently, and rinse extremely well. Avoid drying in direct sunshine or tumble drying, instead dry flat. Iron covers lengthwise, on a very low heat, while they are still damp.

• Keep leather upholstery away from sun, if not possible, protect with curtains and blinds. If scratched, rub it over with a wet cloth to make the scratches less visible. To wipe away spills, moisten the entire surface evenly & lightly and allow drying naturally. Don't apply direct heat.

• Steam clean the trimmings, including tassles and fringed trimmings, on soft furnishings. Keep it gentle. Use soft artist's brushes to dust rosettes and ruched braids.

• When dry cleaning, always clean the whole set to avoid uneven color change.

• Turn the cushion covers regularly for evenly spread color fading. Also change their places as some of the seats are more used than others. This'll ensure even wear & tear. Stashing some cotton terrycloth towels under seat cushions can efficiently deal with unexpected spills.

• Don't pull or cut any loose threads. Using a needle or pin, gently push the thread back through to the underside of the fabric.

Spot Cleaning: Use fabric protectors that help in keeping spills from being absorbed into the fibers right away. Anyway, its not enough. Blot any spills immediately with a clean towel. Never rub, only blot gently. Sometimes this is enough to get rid of the stain completely, especially if the fabric has been pre-treated with a fabric protector. If using a fabric cleaner, always test in an inconspicuous area before using. Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding water based or solvent based cleaner. Try to use a mild cleaner. Apply with a soft brush in a circular motion to work into the fibers, then vacuum when dry.

Decorative Curtains- Special Window Treatments

Are you bored of the same regular types of curtains? Then we'll talk about some special window treatments that can give an aesthetic feel to your home, the Decorative Curtains!

Beaded Curtains: Beaded curtains can be used in a variety of ways, a curtain made entirely of colorful beads having strands from the top of the window right down to the floor, lends remarkable beauty to the room. A beaded curtain as a room divider defines your choicest of areas without completely closing them off from other areas. They can also close off a closet area if you have lesser space to adjust doors. Beads in contrasting colors, made of acrylic, bamboo, fabric, PVC and what not, reflect light in beautiful tones. If you don't want an entirely beaded curtain then beads can be sewn in random patterns across the fabric or can make an elegant edging. For added beauty, you may even dress up furniture with throw pillows accented with the same beaded edging as the drapes!

Embroidered Curtains: For giving an exotic charm and charisma to your home, use embroidered curtains whose elegantly shaded threads will brighten up the whole surrounding. The most suitable curtain materials for them include cotton, organdy, tissue, hand loom fabrics, and polyester. If going for hand embroidered curtain then just be careful that patterns of embroidery reveal the precision and creativity of skilled craftsmen.

Lace Curtains: If you have always longed for a romantic look for your interiors then go for the simple, traditional, and beautiful lace curtains. Although they are available in many colors these days but the white lace curtains have an extra appeal in them. They can be hung alone in rooms where privacy or controlling of lights are not a consideration and alternatively can be used over simple window shades or blinds.

Valence Curtains: Frill fabrics, that are exclusive feature of valance curtains, are also good option for giving a different look to your home. The short piece of fabric or the valence that decorates the top fourth of the window, has pleats in a variety of style. These pleated headings can be decorated with braid, ribbons, tassels and trimmings and your beautiful customized valence curtain is ready.

Cafe Curtains: Although mostly used in kitchen and bathroom, they can as well be used in any other room. A little imagination and they'll become stunning! For a layered look, matching cafe curtains can be made with one hung at the top of the window and the other positioned halfway down the window. They can be made lined or unlined in lace, sheer or lightweight fabric to give that beautiful look of your dreams!

If you don't want to spend much time or efforts at the moment, then simply go for printed curtains or draped curtains. Make them or buy them. Available in various prints and designs, these curtains can easily match the different types of walls and decor. If you don't even want to invest in curtains right now then just decorate your existing curtains with ribbons, buttons, shells or any other thing that can give that new look to your curtains! So, enjoy looking at the great pieces of artwork on your windows and doors!

Decorative Curtains- Special Window Treatments

Are you bored of the same regular types of curtains? Then we'll talk about some special window treatments that can give an aesthetic feel to your home, the Decorative Curtains!

Beaded Curtains: Beaded curtains can be used in a variety of ways, a curtain made entirely of colorful beads having strands from the top of the window right down to the floor, lends remarkable beauty to the room. A beaded curtain as a room divider defines your choicest of areas without completely closing them off from other areas. They can also close off a closet area if you have lesser space to adjust doors. Beads in contrasting colors, made of acrylic, bamboo, fabric, PVC and what not, reflect light in beautiful tones. If you don't want an entirely beaded curtain then beads can be sewn in random patterns across the fabric or can make an elegant edging. For added beauty, you may even dress up furniture with throw pillows accented with the same beaded edging as the drapes!

Embroidered Curtains: For giving an exotic charm and charisma to your home, use embroidered curtains whose elegantly shaded threads will brighten up the whole surrounding. The most suitable curtain materials for them include cotton, organdy, tissue, hand loom fabrics, and polyester. If going for hand embroidered curtain then just be careful that patterns of embroidery reveal the precision and creativity of skilled craftsmen.

Lace Curtains: If you have always longed for a romantic look for your interiors then go for the simple, traditional, and beautiful lace curtains. Although they are available in many colors these days but the white lace curtains have an extra appeal in them. They can be hung alone in rooms where privacy or controlling of lights are not a consideration and alternatively can be used over simple window shades or blinds.

Valence Curtains: Frill fabrics, that are exclusive feature of valance curtains, are also good option for giving a different look to your home. The short piece of fabric or the valence that decorates the top fourth of the window, has pleats in a variety of style. These pleated headings can be decorated with braid, ribbons, tassels and trimmings and your beautiful customized valence curtain is ready.

Cafe Curtains: Although mostly used in kitchen and bathroom, they can as well be used in any other room. A little imagination and they'll become stunning! For a layered look, matching cafe curtains can be made with one hung at the top of the window and the other positioned halfway down the window. They can be made lined or unlined in lace, sheer or lightweight fabric to give that beautiful look of your dreams!

If you don't want to spend much time or efforts at the moment, then simply go for printed curtains or draped curtains. Make them or buy them. Available in various prints and designs, these curtains can easily match the different types of walls and decor. If you don't even want to invest in curtains right now then just decorate your existing curtains with ribbons, buttons, shells or any other thing that can give that new look to your curtains! So, enjoy looking at the great pieces of artwork on your windows and doors!