Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/3/2010

Question
Hello Mark,
  I recently read your answer regarding the direction of the nap when reupholstering covers for a couch. I would like to know is it ok to use a material when reupholstering and have the nap go in a horizontal direction?  I like a particular pattern, but only if I was able to place it vertically which makes the nap go horizontally.....any thoughts?  Thanks  Kathleen

Answer
Hello Kathleen,

First I would like to clarify an important point.  You say that you have a couch,  a couch is a sofa without cushions,  a sofa with cushions is just that a sofa.  

When there are no cushions (a couch) it does not matter which way you run the nap of a velvet - running it sideways - called rail-roading a fabric presents no problems.  

Please be aware that when you run a velvet sideways that it will look light if one stands at one end of the furniture and dark if one stands at the opposite end - looking into the nap will make a velvet appear darker.  If you run a nap sideways and there are loose cushions, when the cushions are turned over the nap on the cushions will run the opposite direction of the nap on the back, and when that happens it could look like there are two different fabrics - that is the reason it is best to run the nap going forward or down when there are loose cushions.  

If there are no cushions then by all means run a velvet sideways,  since the nap on the seat and the back will always run the same direction - also you will avoid seams which don't look great on a velvet.  

Even if there are cushions - you write that you like the pattern which makes me conclude that you may have a material called a cut velvet.  Cut velvets are often woven to be used sideways since they have very little nap.  So there may be a good reason why you prefer to run the fabric sideways - it may very well be the correct way.

So, after all this, I hope I have not confused you, in my opinion the answer to your question is definitely yes, run your fabric in the direction that you think will look best.  The direction in which you run your fabric will have no effect as far as wear and tear or comfort is concerned.

I hope knowing the above helps,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions or concerns.  Good luck - enjoy your new couch.

Mark Miller.