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Fabric 101
By Derek B. Groves
Synthetic or man-made fibers are the show stoppers of the textile industry. These textiles look great and perform even better. Their durability makes them a great choice for heavy upholstery, yet some are so elegantly woven that they are appropriate for delicate panels of fabric flanking a bay window. It's also not uncommon to see synthetic fibers blended with other fibers, including those from natural origins. These combinations can create beautiful variations in texture and sheen. The most common synthetic fibers being used today are polyester, nylon, acrylic and olefin, and they are most often used for dining chairs, children's bedding and ottomans. The color of synthetic fiber textiles is inherent to the fiber. This means the color is the same color and intensity on the inside as it is on the outside. If fading and durability are an issue for you, then a synthetic fiber may be a perfect fit for your project.
A Word About Style


