Lining Cloths

Lining cloths are the hidden fabrics that separate and protect the various layers of an upholstered piece. They prevent fillings from migrating through the top fabric, stop different materials from rubbing against each other, and add an extra layer of structure that helps furniture keep its shape over years of use. While the customer never sees them, they are essential to a quality build.

Barrier cloth, sometimes called stockinette or mutton cloth, is used over foam and polyester fillings to prevent them from gripping the top fabric and causing it to ruck or pull. Interliner is a heavier-weight fabric placed between the padding and the calico or top cover, adding body and smoothing out imperfections in the underlying layers.

Bottoming cloth, closely related to cambric, is used on the underside and back panels of furniture to give a neat, enclosed finish. Platform cloth lines the deck of a sofa beneath the seat cushions, hiding the construction while providing a durable, good-looking base. Each of these lining materials serves a specific purpose, and using the right one at each stage is what separates lasting craftsmanship from a quick cover-up job.