Our fabric story

Solid-coloured fabrics are processed through dye baths and have the same colour on both sides. Patterned fabrics are usually printed by passing the fabric between printing cylinders where the colour is printed on the front side of the fabric. Another way to create patterned fabrics is to weave the fabric of different-coloured yarns. Bemz offers colour-coordinated cover collections to make decorating your home easier and more fun. Since different production techniques are used to create the design of the fabrics, a slight shade variation will be visible. For example, if you look at a dyed fabric and a printed striped fabric closely you may notice a slight variance in colour shade. However, when the covers are fitted and placed in the room, the colours are usually perceived as matching. As fabrics are dyed in colour batches, small shade differences may occur from roll to roll. If you are ordering the same colour and fabric for your covers to furnish an entire room, a good tip is to order all the covers at the same time to ensure the fabric will be cut from the same roll.

The fabrics are treated with an industrial method (Sanforisation) to resist shrinkage. As with all woven fabrics, particularly those made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen, you may note a small amount of shrinkage after the first wash. However, all Bemz fabrics undergo rigorous testing to assure quality and have been awarded the prestigious Sanforised mark. Sanforisation guarantees shape retention and minimal shrinkage, if appropriate care instructions are followed.

Most of our fabrics have been treated with a stain protector, which will keep them looking newer, longer. An invisible molecular barrier around the individual fibres of the fabric provides outstanding protection against liquid spills. Furthermore, this protection includes a component that releases ground-in stains into the detergent and water during laundering, leaving the fabric looking like new. Please note that our fabrics which are stain protected should be ironed after washing to reactivate the stain protection.

Our fabrics have been subjected to the Martindale test, a method to establish the unit for durability. This is where fabric is mounted flat and rubbed in a figure eight like motion using a piece of coarse wool cloth as the abrasive material. The number of cycles the fabric endures before it shows an objectionable change in appearance is counted and determines the fabric’s abrasion rating. The general standard expected for home interiors is an abrasion rating of 15,000 and for public interiors an abrasion rating of 30,000 Martindale. Bemz fabrics have been given excellent Martindale ratings and all fabrics pass the standard for home interiors by far. Several of the fabrics also reach the abrasion standard for public interiors!

We have searched the world over to find fabrics with a focus on 100% natural fibres. Fabrics that are long lasting, durable, machine washable, and with a quality that meets our exacting standards. The unique characteristics of each fabric depend on what type of fibre has been used and how the fabric has been woven. Here’s a brief overview of our fabrics below. Still curious? See even more details, including close up images of our fabrics.
        
Our cotton fabrics
Cotton is our principle material as it has a high degree of strength, durability and absorbency. The cotton fabric used in Bemz home textiles is always a high quality weave. The look and feel depends on the manner in which the fabric is woven and on the cotton yarn chosen for it. The fabrics are strong and robust enough to withstand heavy usage while maintaining a softness that is pleasing to the touch.
        
Our linen/cotton fabrics
Our linen fabric is woven in Belgium, a world-renowned producer of high quality linen due to favourable soil and climate conditions, along with a time-honoured tradition. This linen provides a feeling of timeless luxury. Mixed with durable yet comfortable cotton, our linen/cotton blend is the ideal indulgence. As with all woven blends, it is likely to have an uneven texture with some small irregularities in the weave, which contribute to its uniqueness.
        
Our cotton/linen/viscose fabrics
To create fascinating effects in colour and structure, yarns of varying strength and colour shades we have fabric blended with cotton, linen and viscose. The fabrics are soft and supple, but it is the structure in the weave and changing hues that give the fabric its special character. After washing, the fibres of the fabric can contract so the covers should be hung to dry at room temperature. After careful ironing, the slipcover will regain its original shape.
        
Our fabrics made of 100% recycled material
Textiles from our Respect collection are made of 100% recycled material. First, 100% cotton cutouts from clothing industry factories are gathered and colour-sorted. They’re then shredded and ground back down to their original cotton fibres, which are spun into yarn. For durability, they’re mixed with a small amount of polyester (made from recycled plastic bottles). Finally, the yarn is woven into a new textile, designed by Bemz. Waste is recycled into a beautiful, high-quality fabric without using a drop of water or dye. Respect is a stunning design choice that you’ll also feel good about having in your home.     
        
Our fabrics in pure washed linen
This beautiful 100% linen fabric from Belgium is pre-washed to create a sophisticated look and give the strong yet supple fabric a unique appearance. The slipcover does not need to be ironed after washing, if you would like to maintain the loose and somewhat wrinkled look that is typical of the shabby chic style. Because of the fabric’s unique qualities, each product is hand-cut before sewing.
          
Our fabrics in velvet
We offer covers in two kinds of velvet fabric - Zaragoza Vintage Velvet - made in collaboration with Designers Guild, boasting a thick rich pile, and Malmen - our velvet designed in-house with a short pile finish in muted Scandinavian tones. Both of our velvet fabric collections are dyed and woven in Europe.