Double Rubs, Pattern Repeat and Cleaning Codes: Fabric Specifications Explained

You find two fabrics in a catalog that look equally promising for an armchair. One costs slightly more and lists 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs, a Crypton stain finish, and solvent-based cleaning. The other lists 30,000 double rubs, a 12-inch vertical pattern repeat, and a water-based cleaning code. Both are described as upholstery fabric.

A specification sheet is the technical summary behind the photo. When you know how to read it, those lines of text tell you how the material will need to be cut, how it will perform under daily use, and how to care for it over time.

The first line to check on any fabric detail page is its stated application. A fabric photograph shows color and pattern, but it does not show whether the cloth was engineered for a sofa cushion or a pair of bedroom drapes.

Upholstery fabrics require sufficient tensile strength, seam integrity, and abrasion resistance to withstand being stretched over a frame and sat on repeatedly. Drapery or sheer fabrics, by contrast, are woven to hang flexibly and may lack the structure needed for a tight seat.

When browsing Charlotte Fabrics, look under the specifications section for listed applications such as Upholstery, Contract, or Drapery. Some fabrics carry multiple listed applications, while others are intended strictly for single uses. Never assume that every decorative fabric suits a seat cushion.

Three physical dimensions dictate how a roll of fabric transforms into cut pieces for furniture: roll width, pattern repeat, and pattern direction.

Roll width vs. usable width: Most standard residential upholstery fabrics are listed at 54 inches wide. However, the edges of the roll (the selvage) may contain small pinholes or color test swatches from manufacturing. The usable width is the actual span of flawless fabric available for cutting panels.

Pattern repeat: If a fabric features a grid, floral motif, or geometric weave, the specification sheet will state a horizontal and vertical repeat. A horizontal repeat describes how far the design travels across the width of the roll before repeating. A vertical repeat describes the distance along the length of the roll between identical motifs. A solid fabric lists no repeat, allowing cut pieces to be positioned with minimal waste. A large motif, such as a 12-inch vertical repeat, means the upholsterer must advance the roll to align matching flowers or medallions across separate cushions.

Pattern direction (Up the Roll vs. Railroaded): Direction tells you how the design is oriented on the bolt. In an up-the-roll orientation (sometimes called directional), the top of the pattern points along the length of the bolt. To keep the pattern upright on a sofa back, panels must be cut vertically down the roll. In a railroaded orientation, the pattern is turned 90 degrees across the width. This allows a single continuous piece of fabric to span a long sofa back or bench without vertical seams.

Because pattern repeats and directional orientation directly alter how much material your project requires, review our guide on estimating furniture fabric yardage before finalizing your order.

Fiber content lists the raw materials spun into the yarns, expressed as percentages such as 100% Polyester or 72% Olefin / 28% Polyester. Fibers fall broadly into natural (cotton, linen, wool), synthetic (polyester, nylon, acrylic), and solution-dyed synthetics (olefin, solution-dyed acrylic).

Fiber content alone does not reveal how a fabric feels or wears. Two fabrics with identical 100% polyester content can differ completely: one might be a thin satin weave suitable only for light accent pillows, while the other is a heavy chenille engineered for 100,000 double rubs. The weave structure, yarn density, and backing material work in tandem with the fiber blend.

One of the most discussed specifications on an upholstery listing is the abrasion rating, typically measured in Wyzenbeek double rubs or Martindale cycles.

How the Wyzenbeek test works: In North America, woven upholstery is tested using a Wyzenbeek machine. A piece of cotton duck fabric or wire mesh is rubbed back and forth over the test sample until noticeable yarn breakage or surface wear occurs. One back-and-forth motion counts as one double rub.

Martindale vs. Wyzenbeek: In Europe and international testing, the Martindale method uses an 8-figure figure-eight motion rather than a linear rub. Because the mechanical motions differ completely, Martindale cycles and Wyzenbeek double rubs are not directly convertible by a formula.

Understanding the guidelines: The Association for Contract Textiles (ACT) sets voluntary performance standards for commercial and residential applications:

The high-number misconception: A common mistake is assuming that a fabric tested to 100,000 double rubs will last twice as long in a living room as one rated at 50,000 double rubs. As the Association for Contract Textiles notes in its official guidelines, test results exceeding high-traffic standards are not an indicator of longer product lifespan. In real-world homes, fabrics rarely fail from flat surface abrasion alone. They are far more likely to show wear from improper cleaning, pet claws, seam slippage, or prolonged sunlight.

Cleaning codes define which liquid agents may be safely applied to spot-clean a spill. Standard industry codes include:

• •W (Water-based): Clean with water-based cleaning agents or mild water-based foam.
• •S (Solvent-based): Clean with mild, water-free dry-cleaning solvents only. Using water on an S-coded fabric can cause water rings, dye bleeding, or shrinkage.
• •WS (Water or Solvent): Can be cleaned with water-based cleaning agents, foam, or pure solvents.

Performance finishes (e.g., Crypton): Specialty performance treatments coat yarns or bind a moisture barrier to the back of the cloth. For instance, Crypton fabrics in the Charlotte Fabrics collection carry an integrated moisture barrier that prevents liquids, stains, and odors from penetrating into the cushion foam below. Always read the specific product's cleaning guide rather than applying a single cleaning method across different fabrics.

A thorough specification sheet includes additional testing references that provide valuable peace of mind:

• •Flammability: Standard flammability tests such as California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (Cal 117), UFAC Class 1, or NFPA 260 indicate cigarette ignition resistance for residential furniture upholstery.
• •Environmental certifications: Labels such as Greenguard Gold or OEKO-TEX verify low chemical emissions for indoor air quality.

When comparing finalists for a reupholstery project, list these key specifications side by side:

• •Product Name & Pattern SKU
• •Stated Application (e.g., Upholstery)
• •Roll Width & Usable Width
• •Horizontal & Vertical Pattern Repeat
• •Pattern Direction (Up the Roll or Railroaded)
• •Fiber Content & Backing details
• •Wyzenbeek Double Rub Rating
• •Cleaning Code (W, S, or WS) & Care Instructions
• •Special Finishes (e.g., Stain Resistance, Moisture Barrier)

If you are also evaluating texture, color matching, and household habits, read our guide on how to choose upholstery fabric for your home.

When you are ready to review detailed product specifications for thousands of patterns, browse the MK's Fabric Library with your furniture requirements in mind.