Understanding Fabric Composition: Linen, Cotton, and Blends Explained
Introduction
When you’re choosing upholstery fabric, design and colour may be the first things you notice—but it’s what’s woven underneath that determines how a fabric feels, performs, and lasts. That’s where fabric composition comes in.
At Saint and Poet, every textile we create is printed on a carefully considered blend of 47% linen, 40% cotton, and 13% nylon. In this post, we’ll explain what that means, why it matters, and how this unique combination balances natural beauty, softness, and durability—making it ideal for both domestic and commercial interiors.
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What Is Fabric Composition?
Fabric composition refers to the mix of fibres that make up a textile. Each fibre—natural or synthetic—contributes different properties such as:
• Texture
• Strength
• Breathability
• Wrinkle resistance
• Print clarity
• Drape
By blending fibres in the right proportions, we can create a basecloth that performs beautifully across upholstery, curtains, and soft furnishings.
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Saint and Poet’s Signature Blend
Our upholstery fabrics are composed of:
• 47% Linen
• 40% Cotton
• 13% Nylon
Let’s take a closer look at what each fibre brings to the table:
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🌿 Linen (47%)
• Natural and breathable, with a relaxed, organic texture
• Excellent moisture wicking and cooling properties
• Adds a subtle slub and visual depth to the fabric surface
• Offers timeless appeal with modern character
Linen is the hero of our blend. It gives our fabrics their artistic, tactile presence—perfect for clients who appreciate materials that feel alive.
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🌱 Cotton (40%)
• Soft and smooth, with a familiar comfort factor
• Enhances flexibility and movement, helping fabric drape well
• Improves print definition, making our artwork crisp and expressive
• A trusted, widely used fibre for everyday interiors
Cotton brings softness and accessibility—balancing the strength of linen with a user-friendly handle.
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🧵 Nylon (13%)
• Adds strength, structure, and resistance to wear
• Minimises sagging or bagging in upholstered applications
• Helps the fabric hold shape, especially on furniture edges and seams
• Improves longevity without affecting feel
Our small percentage of nylon is what makes the blend work hard—ideal for upholstery that looks as good after 2 years as it does on day one.
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Why This Blend Works So Well
Together, this composition allows us to create fabric that is:
• ✅ Beautifully tactile and expressive
• ✅ Durable and long-lasting, with high Martindale ratings
• ✅ Versatile enough for curtains, blinds, chairs, and sofas
• ✅ Capable of handling treatments like Crib5 fire retardancy and soil resistance
• ✅ Strong enough for commercial projects, soft enough for homes
Explore our Sculpture Collection to see how this blend holds graphic lines and layered textures with effortless precision.
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Composition in Practice
Let’s say you’re designing a bold living room feature—upholstering a vintage chair and making matching blinds. Our Bird Upholstery Fabric Collection brings the hand-drawn motif, and the linen-blend base gives it strength, softness, and style in both applications.
Or if you’re looking for colour-driven warmth, the Orange Upholstery Fabric Collection lets the composition show off vibrancy and saturation with just the right level of natural grain.
For more on using Saint and Poet fabric across different applications, see our recent blog:
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Final Thoughts
Fabric composition isn’t just a technicality—it’s the foundation of feel, function, and futureproofing. The right mix of fibres ensures your chosen design can meet the demands of real-life interiors while telling a beautiful visual story.
With Saint and Poet’s linen-rich, cotton-balanced, and nylon-strengthened base, you don’t have to choose between softness and structure—you get both.
Browse our full range of thoughtfully composed upholstery fabrics and bring expressive, long-lasting design to your next interior project.
