End Use & Origin

End Use

Fabric vendor specifications often include recommendations for how the fabric should be used. When a fabric label lists an end use—such as drapery, upholstery, or multiuse—it gives the designer an important first indication of whether the fabric is engineered and expected to perform appropriately for the intended application. It helps narrow the selection before considering the fabric purely for its color, pattern, or aesthetic appeal.

Drapery fabrics generally need enough suppleness to fold, pleat, and hang attractively, while upholstery fabrics typically need greater body and stability to withstand tension and wear. Start with end use to select appropriate fabrics for your project.

Country of Origin

When a country of origin is listed, it does not necessarily mean that the entire product was made entirely in that country. Under US Customs and International Trade Rules, the country of origin is determined by where the fabric underwent its last substantial transformation. For example, a fabric labeled "Made in Italy" may have been woven in Italy, but the fiber could have originated in China, and the yarn could have been spun in India. Country of Origin can be listed as Country of Manufacture for this reason.