The Ultimate Guide to Buying Fabric Online (UK Buyer’s Guide)

Buying fabric online can feel daunting, especially when you can’t touch, drape or see the fabric in person. Yet for many home sewers, interior designers and DIY enthusiasts, shopping online offers far greater choice, better availability and access to specialist fabrics that simply aren’t stocked locally.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying fabric online — from understanding fibre types and fabric weights to reading product descriptions properly and ordering samples with confidence. Whether you’re making curtains, upholstery, clothing or soft furnishings, this guide is designed to help you buy better, waste less and get results you’ll love.

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Why Buy Fabric Online?

Shopping for fabric online has become the norm for many makers and interiors customers — and for good reason:

• Wider choice of curtain, upholstery and furnishing fabrics

• Access to fabric by the metre in hundreds of colours and designs

• Specialist ranges including linen fabric, cotton fabric and upholstery-grade textiles

• The ability to order fabric samples online before committing

When you know what to look for, buying fabric online is often easier and more reliable than shopping in-store.

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Start With the End Use

Before you buy fabric online, be clear on what you’re making. The same fabric may work beautifully as curtain fabric but be completely unsuitable for upholstery.

Ask yourself:

• Is this fabric for curtains, upholstery, cushions or soft furnishings?

• Will it be used in a high-traffic area?

• Do you need soft drape or more structure?

• If the primary use is for upholstery, what is the Martindale Rub Count? See our upholstery buying guide for more information on this.

For example:

• Browse linen curtain fabric for relaxed, breathable window dressings

• Choose upholstery fabric by the metre for seating and furniture

Your end use should guide every decision that follows.

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Understanding Fibre Content When Buying Fabric Online

One of the most important things to check when buying fabric online is the fibre composition.

Natural Fibres

• Cotton fabric: Breathable, versatile and ideal for curtains and cushions

• Linen fabric: Strong, textured and popular for curtains and upholstery

• Wool fabric: Durable and insulating, often used in upholstery

Blended Fabrics

Cotton-linen and linen-polyester blends are common when buying fabric online, offering natural texture with improved durability — particularly useful for upholstery fabric.

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Fabric Weight & GSM Explained

Fabric weight is usually shown as GSM (grams per square metre) or weight per metre. This is essential information when buying fabric online.

• Lightweight fabrics: Linings, voiles, dress fabrics

• Medium weight fabrics: Curtains, blinds, cushions fabric

• Heavyweight fabrics: Upholstery fabric 

If weight isn’t listed, consider ordering a sample first.

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Curtain Fabric vs Upholstery Fabric

Not all fabrics sold online are suitable for every use.

Curtain Fabric Online

• Designed for drape and appearance

• Light to Medium Weight (GSM)

• Ideal for windows and soft furnishings

Upholstery Fabric Online

• Designed for durability and wear

• Heavier weight

• Often abrasion-tested

Always check whether a fabric is suitable for upholstery before purchasing.

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Reading Online Fabric Product Descriptions

A good online fabric description should clearly state:

• Fibre content

• Width

• Weight or GSM

• Recommended uses

• Care instructions

Reliable fabric shops provide detailed, practical information — not just marketing language.

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Colour Accuracy & Ordering Fabric Samples Online

Colour is one of the biggest risks when buying fabric online. Screen settings and lighting can dramatically affect how colours appear.

Ordering fabric samples online allows you to:

• See true colour

• Feel texture

• Test drape in your own space

Samples are especially important for neutral shades like white, beige and grey.

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How Much Fabric Do You Need?

Most online fabric stores sell fabric by the metre.

Tips:

• Always allow extra for pattern repeat

• Curtains typically require more fabric than expected

• Upholstery projects often need additional allowance

If unsure, ask your fabric supplier for guidance.

 

Pattern Repeat & Direction

Printed and patterned fabric bought online will usually list vertical and horizontal repeats. This directly affects how much fabric you need — especially for curtains and upholstery.

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Delivery, Returns & Cut Lengths

Because fabric is cut to order:

• Returns may be limited

• Measurements should always be double-checked

Choose online fabric retailers with clear delivery and returns information. Read our delivery & return policy.

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Final Thoughts: Buying Fabric Online With Confidence

Buying fabric online in the UK is straightforward when you understand fibre types, fabric weights and intended use. Ordering samples, reading descriptions carefully and choosing trusted fabric retailers makes all the difference.

Whether you’re buying curtain fabric online, upholstery fabric by the metre or soft furnishing textiles, a little preparation ensures professional results every time.