Cotton is a versatile and popular material for craft users that made its way into the upholstery industry. Cotton is generally considered to be a natural and environmentally friendly fibre, but it has some big advantages over synthetic fibres and blends as well:
Cotton is breathable and repels dust, which helps to keep allergens at bay. So it is best for chair covers. Dust mites – microscopic creatures – thrive on humidity and lay eggs in moist places – so if you have a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home, the presence of dust mites can become significant. This makes cotton furniture perfect for allergy sufferers.
Sitting on cotton does not build static electricity, which means less dust will cling to your clothing when you get up from your favourite chair. Cotton is also a natural fire retardant, making it an excellent material for your family’s safety.
Does not leave stains
Cotton does not tend to leave stains quickly, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your favourite sofa with a coffee stain or grape juice spill. When it comes to clean it, wipe away dirt and grime with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you choose to, you can bleach the fabric as well. However, keep in mind that bleaching will damage cotton fibres, so make sure you read up on all of your options before taking action. Many people like to apply tablecloths when they eat on their couch but remember not to place glass table tops on top of your cotton furniture, as the moisture will lead to stains or discolouration.
Cotton is durable
Cotton is also durable and long-lasting, which means you will have your furniture for many, many years if you take care of it properly. The different types of cotton are not equal when it comes to quality. Egyptian cotton is considered one of the best types in terms of durability and overall quality. Egyptian cotton is also known for its softness, which makes it perfect for bedding. But Egyptian cotton can be pricey sometimes, so make sure you understand what type of economy exists in your country before deciding. If you want to use only natural products, consider looking into organic cotton that does not contain any pesticides or production. Or you can purchase recycled cotton products if you want to be environmentally friendly.
Sorted, straight, shiny fibres are a sign of good fibre. There is a test that determines the quality of your product by burning it with a match. If it burns straight with little smoke and no flame, then it’s good material.
Cotton gets its properties through dyeing. This means that if you want to change one colour for another, you must get rid of all of the original colours first before applying new ones, or else you will have two layers of colour on top of each other, which yields uneven results.
Naturally fused fibers
Interestingly, cotton fibres are naturally fused, so they create amazing durability without any chemical treatment process. This is why cotton fibres are considered sustainable. The downside to this process is when you wash your fabrics in the machine, they can get tangled together and create lumps in the fabric. To avoid this, make sure to separate your wash by heavy, medium or light weight articles before washing them in the machine.
Upholstery that consists of different materials requires several steps to complete, but when it’s all said and done, you will have a durable structure that will last for years. If you are looking for quality upholstery, then cotton should be at the top of your list!
