4 Things to Look for When Choosing Slipcover Linen
The type of linen fabric used for washable slipcovers is anything but fine and fancy.
It’s nothing like a lightweight linen blouse pressed smooth and then creases like crazy the minute you put it on. And, it’s a far cry from starched-stiff, heirloom napkins and tablecloths — the “good linens” used only for special occasions.
Instead, slipcover linen is weighty, slubby, floppy and softly dimpled after washed. It’s strong and wears well. The look is imperfect and uniquely different from any other natural fiber fabric.
Linen is offered in many different weights, weaves and finishes. Here are 4 key things to look for when choosing the right one for your slipcover project:
1. Authentic Look & Feel — a 100% linen, or a linen-rich cotton blend, will give you all the rustic character, strength and natural beauty linen offers.
I avoid linen blended with rayon or polyester. These fibers change the look, hand-feel and performance of linen: rayon adds a weird wrinkle and sheen and polyester may add pilling, seam puckering and a sheen.
2. Heavy Weight — 11 to 14 oz linen, sometimes referred to as upholstery weight, works best for slipcovers that get daily use. A weighty, supple linen will drape beautifully and provide very good coverage over upholstered furniture.
3. Tight Weave — a densely woven linen in a plain, canvas or herringbone weave will be your best bet for durability. All linen fabrics have a natural ease, so look for the tightest weave you can find. It will hold its shape better than loose weaves.
4. Washable — make sure the slipcover linen you choose can be washed and dried with good results. When yardage is preshrunk correctly, it will not have deep set creases or sharp wrinkles.
Most linen fabrics are labeled “dry clean only” but that doesn’t mean they can’t be washed. The only way to find out is to do a machine wash and dry test on a one yard piece — hot water and hot dry. This is very important to do before you commit to buying lots of yardage. Avoid linen that pills, fades, has flaws and extreme shrinkage.