Your Guide to Common Furnishing Fabric Patterns and Types

Fabric patterns come in an enormous variety of colours, shapes, sizes and repeats. It can quickly get confusing trying to remember the differences between them all.

That's why we've put together this guide to break down the basics behind some of the most popular fabric patterns out there.

Once you understand the basic structure of these patterns and how they are created, you can use them to combine fabrics in great new ways.

Let's get started.

Basketweave

Basketweave is a woven pattern that resembles a basket. It is created by weaving two or more colours of yarn in a single row and then interlacing them so that the squares and rectangles create an intricate weave pattern that looks like a basket. The result is very versatile, as it can be used for upholstery, draperies and bedding.

Damask

Damask is one of the oldest and most popular fabrics. It's a twill weave fabric, which means that it has a distinctive diagonal pattern. Damask is usually made from cotton or silk, but can also be made out of linen or synthetic fibres like polyester.

Damask fabric is characterized by its intricate design and often features beautiful gold threading woven into the surface of the cloth itself. This makes damask ideal for formal upholstery applications such as dining room chairs or couches--but if you want something more casual, there are many other options available!

Plaids

Plaids are woven with two or more colours in a repeating pattern. The most common plaids are tartan, gingham and houndstooth.

• Tartan is the name given to a pattern of stripes which vary in width and colour; it originated from Scotland.
• Gingham cloth is made from cotton fabric that has been printed with white dots on a dark blue ground colour (known as 'blue gingham').
• Houndstooth patterns consist of small checks that look like dogtooth teeth; they're commonly seen on shirts and jackets today but were originally used for hunting garments because they allowed easy movement through brushy undergrowth without snagging fabrics like wool would have done!

Jacquards & Brocades

Jacquards are a type of woven fabric that is created using a special loom to create intricate patterns. Jacquard fabrics are often used for curtains and upholstery, as they can be made in any colour and pattern desired by the designer.

The most common types of jacquards include damask and brocade, but there are many others available as well.

Chevron and Herringbone Fabric Patterns

Chevron and herringbone fabrics are characterised by a repeated zigzag pattern. These patterns date back to ancient Egypt and Greece, and are still widely used today.

The difference between chevron and herringbone patterns is that chevron is made with diagonal lines, while herringbone has horizontal and vertical lines. Chevrons are typically thinner than herringbones and usually have a more pronounced pattern.

Where does the herringbone pattern come from? It's a classic pattern that has been used for centuries, mostly in clothing. The name comes from the way herring are caught: by using a herringbone net. The chevron pattern is also known as “V” or “V-shaped” because of its distinctive look.

Flame Stitch Patterns

The flame stitch is a unique embroidery pattern that has been used for centuries. The flame stitch is so named because of its distinctive look: it resembles flames or fire. It's made with an open centre and thick, crossed stitches on either side. This pattern can be found in ancient textiles from Egypt, Rome, Greece and China—and even on some early American quilts!

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are made up of straight lines and have a very clean and crisp look. They are often used in modern design, as they can create a sense of balance and order.

Greek Key Patterns

Greek Key is a pattern that consists of a series of repeated, alternating rectangles. The design has been used in many different types of designs including textiles, architecture, and design.

It has been found in ancient Greek architecture and can still be seen today on upholstery fabrics or wallpaper patterns.

Harlequin Fabric Patterns

Harlequin is a geometric pattern made up of two colours, usually black and white or red and white. The fabric is created by repeating a diamond shape over the fabric. This creates an optical illusion of movement when viewed from different angles.

Ikat Fabrics

Ikat fabrics are a form of tie-dye, in which yarns are dyed before they're woven. The resulting patterns are unique and vibrant, with an almost-coral hue that can be seen throughout popular culture.

Ikat fabrics were originally used by the Indonesian people as protection against insects and humidity--they would tie pieces of cloth around their bodies to keep bugs out while working outside. Today, ikat fabrics are often used in upholstery or home decor because they add interest and texture to any space!

Ogee Patterns

Ogee Patterns are a series of curves that form a double curve. Ogee patterns are commonly used in architecture and design, especially for decorative purposes. They’re often found in mouldings, friezes, cornices and other places where the design is meant to be seen from a distance.

Ogee Patterns are also used in textiles, of course!

Trellis Patterns

The trellis pattern is a geometric pattern that consists of diamond-shaped grids. It's often used as an accent in larger patterns, but it can also be the main design on its own.

Over to you

With a diverse range of fabric patterns and types available, it can be a daunting task to choose the perfect one for your space. However, this guide to common furnishing fabric patterns and types has hopefully provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to make the selection process simpler and more enjoyable.

From the classic floral and geometric patterns to the more contemporary abstract and novelty designs, there is a fabric pattern to suit every taste and style. Remember to consider factors such as colour, texture, and durability when selecting the ideal fabric for your needs.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different patterns and types to create a truly unique and inviting environment. Happy decorating!

As always, we hope this blog was helpful. If you want to discuss any of these issues or ideas further, please get in touch with us directly via email.