Matelassé fabric by the yard offers a plush, textured look ideal for quilts, cushions, and elegant upholstery. This guide highlights five practical options, outlining who each is best for and why. The top picks balance reversible and single-sided patterns, durable weights, and easy-care maintenance. Use this overview to compare suitability for home décor, fashion crafts, and professional upholstery projects.
Buyer insights table: the chosen products at a glance
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roc-lon 100% Cotton Baroque Beige | Blankets, quilting enthusiasts | 108″ wide, lightweight quilt backing | 108 inches |
| MOOK Fabrics Double Faced Quilted | Reversible projects, jackets, table runners | Double-faced quilted texture | Varies by cut |
| Caprilite Blue & Beige Floral Matelasse | Residential upholstery, slipcovers | 54″ width, reversible | 54 inches |
| Fashion Fabrics Club Pink-Multi Tile Jacquard | Decorative accents, crafts | Matelassé jacquard with metallic thread | By yard |
| Caprilite Gold & Beige Floral Matelasse | Window treatments, displays | Reversible, 54″ width | 54 inches |
Roc-lon 100% Cotton Baroque Beige Pattern, 108″ Wide
Best for oversized projects: This Roc-lon fabric is 108 inches wide and made from 100% cotton, making it ideal for large quilts, lightweight backings, and cozy blankets. The generous width reduces seaming and speeds up assembly, which is valuable for row-by-row quilt projects or full-bed spreads. Best for quilters who prioritize a traditional Baroque look with soft, natural fiber. Caution: As a pure cotton, it may require careful washing to minimize shrinkage if pre-washing is not performed.
Muslin Fabric Natural Single Face Quilted Diamond
Better for lightweight, utility-backed items: This fabric features a quilted diamond pattern with a muslin base, offering a mid-weight option appropriate for covers, padding, and craft uses. Best for crafters who want a disposable, breathable backing or a budget-friendly canvas for projects that don’t require a dense matelassé texture. Limitation: It is not a pure matelassé; the backing is muslin, which changes the feel and stiffness compared to true matelassé.
LaSilk Double Gauze Cotton Fabric By The Yard
Great for breathable, soft-to-the-touch projects: While not a classic matelassé, double gauze offers a light, airy alternative for baby garments, blankets, and summer décor accents. Best for sensitive skin or baby-friendly crafts due to its hypoallergenic composition. Limitation: Not a traditional matelassé weave; texture and weight differ from typical matelassé fabrics.
Mook Fabrics Double Faced Quilted Cotton
Best for reversible designs and craft versatility: This quilted, double-faced fabric features a diamond pattern with interior batting and printed outer surfaces. It excels in projects requiring two looks in one fabric, such as reversible jackets or two-tone placemats. Choose this if you want both sides to shine and you don’t mind the slightly heavier weight. Caution: The fabric is more delicate to machine washing due to the batting layer; follow care instructions to maintain structure.
Caprilite Blue and Beige Floral Matelasse Reversible Upholstery
Best for upholstery and window treatments: This 54-inch wide, reversible matelasse fabric is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. The reversible feature provides two looks in one material, making it versatile for slipcovers, cushions, or drapery panels. Limitation: Width is narrower than some quilter-focused options, which may require more seams for large projects.
Caprilite Gold and Beige Floral Matelasse Reversible Upholstery
Best for elegant décor and full-yard upholstery: This 54-inch wide, reversible matelassé is designed for high-visibility projects like statements cushions, window treatments, or full-yard slipcovers. The reversible nature provides multiple styling options, which is ideal for designers who want flexibility. Caution: As with many upholstery fabrics, plan for a bit more yardage when covering curved or detailed frames to ensure pattern alignment.
Buying Guide: Matelasse Fabric By The Yard
- What is matelassé? A crafted weave that creates a padded, ribbed or quilted surface on the fabric, adding depth and texture suitable for upholstery and decorative projects.
- Weight and width: Consider larger widths (like 108 inches) for quilts and bed coverings to minimize seams. For upholstery, 54-inch widths are common, with reversible options offering two looks in one.
- Fiber content: Pure cotton provides breathability and a soft hand; blends (polyester or metallic threads) add sheen or durability but may affect care needs.
- Care considerations: Machine washing and drying can vary; check if fabric is pre-washed or requires special handling to preserve texture and color.
- Pattern and color: Reversible matelassé fabrics deliver two design options. If you plan to align patterns across panels, factor in yardage for matching and waste.
- Intended use: For quilts, backing, or decorative décor, choose heavier, durable options. For light upholstery or drapery, a lighter, reversible variant can be ideal.
FAQ
- What is matelassé fabric best used for? It is ideal for quilts, cushions, lightweight upholstery, and decorative home décor where a textured, padded look is desired.
- Are matelassé fabrics machine washable? Care varies by fabric; some are machine washable while others require gentle handling. Always follow the product’s care instructions.
- Is wider fabric better for quilts? Yes, wider fabric (like 108 inches) reduces the number of seams and speeds up large quilt assembly.
- What’s the advantage of reversible matelassé? Reversible fabrics provide two styling options in one fabric, which is cost-effective for projects needing versatility.
- Can matelassé be used for both indoors and outdoors? Most matelassé fabrics are intended for indoor use. For outdoor projects, select fabrics specifically rated for indoor-outdoor durability.
- How do I choose between cotton and blends? Cotton offers natural breathability and softness; blends can add durability and shimmer but may require different care.