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Upholstery Fabric
Upholstery Fabric by the Yard
Refresh your furniture with EOVEA's upholstery fabric by the yard. Our heavy-duty cotton canvas is built to withstand daily use while looking great.
Cotton Canvas for Upholstery
Our cotton duck canvas in 10oz and 12oz weights is ideal for:
- Dining chair reupholstery
- Outdoor cushion covers
- Bench seats and window seats
- Headboards and ottomans
- Slipcovers and furniture protectors
Cotton canvas is breathable, durable, and gets softer with each wash. A natural, affordable alternative to designer upholstery fabrics.
Need large quantities for a renovation project? Check our wholesale pricing.
Canvas Weight Selection for Upholstery
| Project | Recommended Weight | Why | Yardage Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throw pillow covers (18"x18") | 7oz or 10oz | Easy to sew, soft drape | 0.5 yard per pillow |
| Dining chair seat covers | 10oz | Durable for daily use | 0.5 yard per chair |
| Sofa slipcovers | 10oz or 12oz | Heavy-duty for high use | 8-12 yards (3-seat) |
| Outdoor cushion covers | 12oz duck cloth | Maximum durability | 1-2 yards per cushion |
| Headboard (queen) | 10oz | Good drape over padding | 3-4 yards |
| Bench seat | 12oz | Handles heavy daily use | 1-2 yards |
| Window seat cushion | 10oz | Balance of comfort and structure | 1-1.5 yards |
| Ottoman cover | 10oz or 12oz | Needs to handle feet | 2-3 yards |
Reupholstery Step-by-Step: Dining Chair
Reupholstering a dining chair seat is one of the easiest furniture projects - perfect for beginners:
- Remove the seat from the chair frame (usually 4 screws underneath).
- Remove old fabric and staples. Keep the foam padding if it's still in good shape.
- Cut new canvas 3 inches larger than the seat on all sides (for staple allowance).
- Center the fabric over the seat, wrong side up. Pull taut.
- Staple the center of each side first (top, bottom, left, right) to establish tension.
- Work outward from center, stapling every 1-1.5 inches. Pull fabric snug but not distorting.
- Fold corners neatly (hospital corners or pleats). Staple securely.
- Reattach seat to chair frame.
Fabric Durability: What to Expect
Fabric durability is measured by abrasion resistance - how many times a fabric can be rubbed before showing wear. While EOVEA's cotton canvas doesn't have a formal Martindale or Wyzenbeek rating (those are for commercial contract fabrics), here's what to expect:
| Use Level | Examples | Expected Canvas Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Light (occasional) | Guest room chair, decorative pillow | 10+ years |
| Medium (daily) | Dining chairs, home office | 5-8 years |
| Heavy (constant) | Living room sofa, kids' playroom | 3-5 years |
| Outdoor (weather) | Patio cushions (with waterproofing) | 2-3 seasons |
Indoor vs Outdoor Upholstery
| Factor | Indoor Canvas | Outdoor Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10oz is fine | 12oz recommended |
| Waterproofing | Not needed | Apply Scotchgard or Thompson's Water Seal |
| UV Protection | Not a concern | Colors will fade in direct sun over time |
| Cover Design | Stapled or sewn permanently | Zippered removable covers (for washing) |
| Storage | No special needs | Bring inside during storms/winter |
Pro tip for outdoor use: Make all outdoor cushion covers with zipper closures so you can remove and wash them. Re-apply waterproofing spray every 2-3 washes. Choose darker colors - they show less dirt and fade more gracefully than whites and pastels.
Browse More Fabrics
Recommended Fabric Types: Cotton & Woven Fabric
Related Projects: Bags & Totes Fabric | Craft Fabric
Popular Colors: Grey | White | Brown | Black
Browse all fabrics by type, by color, or by project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight canvas is best for upholstery?
10oz and 12oz cotton canvas are the best choices for upholstery projects. 12oz provides maximum durability for high-use furniture, while 10oz offers a good balance of sturdiness and workability.
Can cotton canvas be used for outdoor furniture?
Cotton canvas can be used outdoors but is not inherently weather-resistant. For outdoor use, treat it with a waterproofing spray. For cushions and pillows, use removable covers that can be washed when needed.
How durable is canvas for furniture?
Cotton canvas is very durable for furniture use. The tight weave resists wear, and it actually gets softer with washing while maintaining strength. It's been used for upholstery, slipcovers, and cushion covers for centuries.