One of the most common questions people ask before ordering fabric is: “How many yards do I need?” The honest answer is: it depends on what you are making, the size of the piece, the fabric width, the pattern repeat, and whether the fabric has a direction.

For simple projects, yardage may seem straightforward. A small pillow may only need a yard or less, while a sofa, sectional, or full set of cushions can require many yards. But with designer fabrics, it is important to estimate carefully because many fabrics are special order, limited stock, or not returnable once cut.

The first thing to know is that fabric is usually sold by the yard, but most home décor fabrics come in widths around 54 inches. That width matters because your workroom needs to know how many pieces can be cut across the width of the fabric. A wide bench cushion, for example, may need more yardage than expected if the cushion top cannot fit across the fabric width.

Pattern repeat also affects yardage. A solid fabric is easier to estimate because there is no pattern to match. A floral, stripe, plaid, large-scale print, or embroidered fabric may require extra yardage so the pattern can be centered, matched, or placed beautifully.

Direction matters too. Some fabrics can be turned sideways, while others cannot. Velvet, stripes, plaids, scenic prints, and fabrics with a clear “up and down” direction often need more careful planning.

As a general rule, always order a little extra fabric when possible. Extra yardage is helpful for matching patterns, making welt or trim, fixing cutting mistakes, or saving for future repairs.

For pillows, cushions, drapery, Roman shades, slipcovers, or upholstery, we always recommend confirming yardage before ordering. At The ReBorn House, we can help you estimate based on your measurements, fabric choice, and project type.

Need help figuring out yardage? Send us your project measurements, fabric choice, and a photo if you have one. We’ll help guide you before you order.

When shopping for upholstery fabric, you may see a number listed as “double rubs.” This number tells you how a fabric performed in an abrasion test, which measures how well the fabric holds up to repeated rubbing or friction.

In everyday life, abrasion happens when people sit down, slide across a chair, lean against a sofa, or use a cushion over and over again. The higher the double-rub rating, the more abrasion the fabric handled during testing.

For example, a fabric with 15,000 double rubs may be suitable for many residential uses, while 30,000 double rubs or more is often considered better for heavier use. Some performance and commercial-grade fabrics test much higher.

But double rubs are not the whole story.

A high double-rub count does not automatically mean the fabric is stain-proof, pet-proof, sun-proof, washable, or indestructible. Double rubs mainly measure abrasion resistance. They do not tell you everything about cleanability, fading, softness, pilling, fiber content, or how the fabric will behave in real life.

This is why it is important to look at the full fabric information, not just one number. For a busy family room sofa, you may want a fabric with good abrasion resistance, stain resistance, and easy cleaning. For decorative pillows in a bedroom, a lower double-rub rating may be completely fine.

Here is a simple way to think about it:

Light use: decorative pillows, guest rooms, formal chairs
Everyday residential use: sofas, dining chairs, family room chairs
Heavy use: sectionals, banquettes, commercial spaces, high-traffic homes

If you have children, pets, frequent guests, or a very active household, double rubs should be part of your decision. But they should not be the only factor.

At The ReBorn House, we help you choose fabric based on how you actually live — not just what looks pretty online.

Need help choosing a durable fabric? Tell us where it will be used, who will use it, and whether you need stain resistance, outdoor durability, or easy cleaning.

“Railroaded” is one of those fabric terms that sounds confusing at first, but it is actually very useful once you understand it.

A railroaded fabric is designed so the pattern runs across the width of the fabric instead of up the roll in the usual direction. In simple terms, the design is turned sideways.

Why does this matter?

Railroaded fabric can be especially helpful for wide pieces like sofas, benches, cushions, headboards, and long upholstered seats. Because the pattern runs across the width, a workroom may be able to cover a long piece without needing as many seams.

For example, if you are making a long bench cushion, a railroaded fabric may allow the pattern to run smoothly from one end to the other. A non-railroaded fabric may require seams or extra yardage depending on the size of the cushion and the design.

Railroading is also important with stripes, textures, and directional patterns. A stripe may look very different depending on whether it runs vertically or horizontally. A texture may have a nap or direction that changes how light hits it. A floral may look strange if turned sideways when it was not designed that way.

Not every fabric can be railroaded. Some patterns have a clear top and bottom, such as trees, animals, figures, scenes, vines, or large florals. Turning those sideways would make the design look wrong. Velvet and other napped fabrics also need special attention because the direction can affect color and sheen.

When shopping, you may see a fabric listed as:

Railroaded: Yes
Railroaded: No
Can be railroaded
Do not railroad

This is not just a technical detail. It can affect yardage, seams, price, and the final look of your project.

At The ReBorn House, we always consider whether a fabric is railroaded before recommending it for cushions, upholstery, drapery, pillows, or slipcovers.

Choosing fabric for a wide cushion, sofa, or bench? Ask us whether the fabric can be railroaded before you order.

Performance fabric is designed to handle real life better than delicate decorative fabric. It is often made or treated to resist stains, moisture, fading, wear, or frequent cleaning.

Performance fabric is especially popular for homes with children, pets, entertaining, rental properties, outdoor spaces, dining areas, family rooms, and everyday upholstery.

But “performance” does not mean every fabric performs the same way. Some performance fabrics are highly stain-resistant. Some are indoor/outdoor. Some resist fading. Some have high abrasion ratings. Some are bleach-cleanable. Some are water-resistant. Others simply have better durability than a more delicate fabric.

That is why it is important to read the details.

When comparing performance fabrics, look for:

Abrasion rating or double rubs
Cleaning code
Indoor or outdoor rating
Fade resistance
Stain resistance
Water resistance
Fiber content
Whether it is bleach-cleanable
Whether it is suitable for upholstery, drapery, or both

Performance fabric can still be beautiful. Many modern performance fabrics look like linen, velvet, boucle, chenille, canvas, or woven designer textiles. You no longer have to choose between practical and pretty.

However, performance fabric is not magic. Spills should still be cleaned quickly. Outdoor fabrics still need proper care. Light colors may still show dirt faster than dark colors. And not every performance fabric is right for every project.

For cushions, sofas, dining chairs, breakfast banquettes, playrooms, beach houses, and high-use spaces, performance fabric is often a smart choice.

For decorative pillows, formal rooms, or low-use spaces, you may be able to choose something more delicate if you love the look.

At The ReBorn House, we help customers choose performance fabrics that match both their style and lifestyle.

Need a fabric that can handle kids, pets, guests, or outdoor use? We can help you find a performance option that still feels designer.

Choosing fabric for cushions is different from choosing fabric for a simple decorative pillow. Cushions are used, sat on, leaned against, moved around, and exposed to daily wear. The right fabric makes a big difference.

For seat cushions, bench cushions, outdoor cushions, kitchen banquettes, window seats, and chair pads, you usually want a fabric that is durable, stable, and appropriate for the location.

For indoor cushions, upholstery fabric is usually the best choice. Look for good abrasion resistance, a sturdy weave, and a cleaning code that works for your lifestyle. Performance fabrics are especially helpful for dining areas, family rooms, playrooms, and high-use seating.

For outdoor cushions, choose fabric specifically rated for outdoor use. Outdoor fabrics are designed to handle moisture, sun exposure, mildew, and fading better than standard indoor fabrics. Even so, outdoor cushions last longer when stored properly, kept clean, and allowed to dry fully.

For cushions with piping or welt, you may need extra yardage. If the fabric has a pattern, you may also need extra fabric to center or match the design.

Avoid very delicate fabrics for everyday cushions. Silk, fragile embroidery, loose weaves, delicate linens, and some decorative-only fabrics may look beautiful, but they may not hold up well to constant sitting or rubbing.

Also consider color and texture. A white cushion can be gorgeous, but it may require more maintenance. A textured weave can hide everyday use better than a very flat fabric. A small pattern can be more forgiving than a solid in busy spaces.

For cushions, we usually look at:

Durability
Cleanability
Fabric weight
Pattern direction
Indoor vs outdoor use
Comfort
Whether the fabric can be used with welt
Whether the fabric needs lining or backing
Whether the pattern should be centered

At The ReBorn House, we can help you turn designer fabric into custom cushions that are both beautiful and functional.

Have a bench, chair, window seat, or outdoor set that needs cushions? Send us your measurements and we’ll help you choose the right fabric.

Wallpaper repeat tells you how often a pattern repeats vertically or horizontally across the wallcovering. It is one of the most important details to understand before ordering wallpaper.

A small repeat means the pattern repeats more frequently. A large repeat means the design may take more space before it starts again. Large-scale florals, scenic papers, toile patterns, chinoiserie designs, and bold geometrics often have larger repeats.

Why does this matter?

Because the repeat affects how much wallpaper you need and how the pattern lines up on the wall. When wallpaper is installed, each strip has to match the strip next to it. If the pattern repeat is large, more material may be needed to line everything up correctly.

This is why two rooms with the same square footage may need different amounts of wallpaper depending on the paper’s width, roll length, and repeat.

Wallpaper may also have different match types, such as:

Straight match
Drop match
Random match

A straight match lines up evenly across strips. A drop match shifts the pattern, often requiring more planning and more material. A random match is usually easier because the pattern does not need to line up in a precise way.

Textured wallpapers, grasscloths, and some natural wallcoverings may not have a traditional printed repeat, but they still require careful installation because texture, paneling, shading, and seams can vary.

The most important thing to know is this: do not order wallpaper based only on wall square footage. Wallpaper estimating is not the same as paint estimating.

You need to consider:

Total wall width
Ceiling height
Roll width
Roll length
Vertical repeat
Match type
Doors and windows
Installer preference
Extra material for mistakes or future repairs

At The ReBorn House, we always recommend ordering enough wallpaper before installation begins. Reordering later can be risky because dye lots may vary.

Need help estimating wallpaper? Send us your wall measurements, ceiling height, and wallpaper pattern. We can help guide you before you order.

Lining can completely change the way window treatments look, hang, and perform. While not every project requires lining, many custom drapery panels and Roman shades look more finished and last longer with the right lining.

Lining is an extra layer of fabric added to the back of the face fabric. It can help protect the decorative fabric, improve the drape, add privacy, reduce light, and give the window treatment a more professional appearance.

For drapery, lining often helps panels feel fuller and more substantial. It can also protect the face fabric from sun exposure, especially if the windows receive strong light.

For Roman shades, lining can help the shade look cleaner from both inside and outside the home. It can also add privacy and improve light control.

There are different types of lining:

Standard lining
Privacy lining
Blackout lining
Interlining
Thermal lining

Standard lining gives a finished back and some protection. Privacy lining offers more coverage. Blackout lining blocks more light, which can be helpful in bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, or sunny spaces. Interlining adds softness, body, and a more luxurious look.

However, lining is not always the right choice for every fabric. Some sheers are meant to stay unlined. Some casual fabrics may look better with a lighter lining. Some heavy fabrics may not need much extra body. Outdoor drapery may require special materials.

You should also consider how the treatment will look from the outside of your home. Lining gives a more uniform exterior appearance, especially when multiple windows face the street.

Lining can add cost, but it usually makes custom window treatments feel more finished and intentional.

At The ReBorn House, we help customers choose lining based on the room, fabric, privacy needs, light control, and overall look.

Not sure whether your curtains, drapery, or Roman shades need lining? Tell us the room, fabric, and how much light or privacy you want.

Yes, in many cases you can use your own fabric for custom pillows, cushions, Roman shades, drapery, slipcovers, or upholstery-style projects. This is often called COM, which stands for “customer’s own material.”

Using your own fabric can be a great option if you already found something you love, have leftover yardage from another project, inherited special fabric, or purchased a designer textile elsewhere.

However, not every fabric works for every project.

Before we can confirm a custom order using your own material, we need to know what the fabric is, how much you have, how wide it is, whether it has a repeat, whether it has a direction, and what you want made.

For example, a fabric that works beautifully for pillows may not be strong enough for seat cushions. A delicate embroidery may not be right for a dining banquette. A lightweight cotton may not work well for structured Roman shades. A thick upholstery fabric may not be ideal for certain drapery styles.

We also need to inspect for flaws, fading, stains, stretch, irregularities, or shortage. If the fabric is vintage, discontinued, handmade, or one-of-a-kind, extra care may be needed because replacement yardage may not be available.

When sending your own fabric, it is always best to provide more than the exact minimum yardage. Extra fabric helps with pattern placement, centering, welt, seams, mistakes, and future repairs.

Using your own fabric may also require additional approvals because the workroom cannot always guarantee how unknown fabric will behave during fabrication.

At The ReBorn House, we welcome COM projects when the fabric is suitable. We can help review the material and guide you on whether it is right for your project.

Have fabric you want to use? Send us a photo of the fabric, the yardage amount, the width, and what you want made.

Designer fabric often costs more than standard retail fabric because it is made, sourced, designed, and distributed differently.

When you purchase designer fabric, you are often paying for more than just the material. You are paying for the artwork, the design house, the quality of the yarns, the printing or weaving process, the color development, the durability testing, the exclusivity, and sometimes the heritage of the brand.

Many designer fabrics are created in smaller batches than mass-market fabrics. Some are woven in specialty mills, printed with more complex techniques, embroidered by skilled artisans, or produced using higher-quality fibers. Others are part of carefully developed collections with matching wallpapers, trims, coordinates, and color stories.

Designer fabric may also offer richer color, better scale, more interesting texture, and a more elevated look than basic fabric. The pattern may feel more layered, the colors may be more nuanced, and the textile may have more depth in person.

Another reason designer fabric costs more is that many brands serve the interior design trade. Their pricing, sampling, stock, and ordering systems are often built around designers, workrooms, and showrooms rather than direct public checkout.

This does not mean every expensive fabric is automatically better for every project. A beautiful silk may be perfect for a formal pillow but wrong for a family room sofa. A performance fabric may be more practical for a busy home. The key is choosing the right fabric for the right use.

At The ReBorn House, our goal is to help make designer-level options easier to understand and access. We help customers compare beauty, durability, price, yardage, and project needs before ordering.

Want the designer look but need help choosing wisely? We can help you find fabric that fits your style, project, and budget.

Many of the most beautiful fabrics and wallpapers in the design world are considered “to the trade.” This means the brands traditionally sell through interior designers, design centers, showrooms, approved accounts, or professional workrooms rather than directly to the general public.

For customers, this can be frustrating. You may find the perfect fabric online, but the price is hidden. You may see “available through a designer” or “log in for pricing.” You may not know how to order a sample, check stock, calculate yardage, or purchase the material.

Trade-only brands work this way for several reasons. Some want to protect designer relationships. Some have complex pricing structures. Some require professional knowledge for ordering, measuring, fabric suitability, wallpaper estimating, or custom fabrication. Some products are special order, have minimums, or are not returnable once cut.

The challenge is that the public now has access to inspiration everywhere. People see designer rooms on Instagram, Pinterest, magazines, and home tours. They know what they love, but they do not always know how to buy it or use it.

That is where The ReBorn House comes in.

We help bridge the gap between the design trade and the everyday customer. We can help you identify fabrics and wallpapers, request pricing, order samples when available, check stock, estimate yardage, and turn materials into finished pieces like pillows, cushions, window treatments, and slipcovers.

Trade-only does not have to feel intimidating. With the right guidance, the process can be simple, transparent, and exciting.

If you have a brand, pattern name, color name, photo, or inspiration image, send it to us. We will help you figure out what it is, whether we can source it, and what your next step should be.

Looking for a designer fabric or wallpaper that is hard to access? Send us the details and we’ll help you request a quote.