Upholstery Fabric: What Is It Exactly?

Upholstery fabric is a thicker type of fabric, commonly used just as the name suggests for creating interior or exterior items such as cushions, tablecloths, or picnic blankets.
At Papa Pique et Maman Coud, our upholstery fabrics are coated to provide structure and protection.

Discover everything you need to know about upholstery fabric.

Upholstery Fabric What Is It?

Our upholstery fabrics are thick, coated textiles made from cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. Heavier and more rigid than our standard coated fabrics, they are perfect for making coated tablecloths, waterproof outdoor covers, and sturdy accessories like large tote bags.

In general, upholstery fabric stands out for its strength and rigidity, thanks to its weight (also called grammage) and its coating. Its grammage is significantly higher than that of classic cotton fabrics.

Key Features of Upholstery Fabric

One of the first important characteristics is its grammage, which refers to the fabric's weight, expressed in g/m² or thickness in g/ml. Typically, a fabric intended for decoration starts at 200 g/m², but this may vary depending on the intended use.
At Papa Pique et Maman Coud, our upholstery fabrics are very robust, with widths ranging from 137 to 149 cm.

Another defining feature is the coating that makes the fabric water-resistant. Like many fabrics in the PPMC range, our upholstery fabric is coated a technique that enhances both resistance and waterproofing, making it ideal for products used outdoors.

What Is It Made Of?

Upholstery fabrics can be made from various materials: cotton, polyester, silk, velvet, linen, and more.
At PPMC, we favor coated cotton fabric, which is mostly Oeko-Tex certified (a label that guarantees the fabric is free from harmful substances). Cotton is a soft, natural, and durable material more so than many other options.

What Can You Make With Upholstery Fabric ?

What can you do with a beautiful coated upholstery fabric? The possibilities are endless and allow your creativity to shine!
This fabric is often used to create outdoor decorative items, such as:

A stylish waterproof tablecloth for your dining or garden table. Our fabrics come in a wide variety of colorful and original prints, all coated to ensure resistance and waterproofing.
Outdoor cushions that can withstand various weather conditions. PPMC’s upholstery fabric is ideal for crafting cushions that resist rain and temperature changes no need to bring them inside every evening!
A picnic blanket, of course! A cute, sturdy, and easy-to-clean throw that doubles as a picnic tablecloth.

Tip for making a coated tablecloth: Start by measuring your table, then add 30 to 40 cm to both the length and the width. This will allow for a nice overhang of 15 to 20 cm on each side.
If your table is wide, pay attention to the width of the fabric you choose.
Coated fabrics do not require hemming you can simply cut clean edges with scissors. For a neater finish, you can add a bias tape around the border.

Since upholstery fabric is thicker and heavier than standard coated cotton, it is best suited for tablecloths and outdoor creations.

Upholstery Fabric: What Is It Exactly?