de Le Cuona | Shepherd's Cloth – Pebble

Shepherd's Cloth is a plain, sturdy weave with a quiet texture, and it is one of the more practical cloths in the de Le Cuona range. It is mostly linen, with a small amount of polyamide that adds strength without changing the natural look. The hand is firm and dry, a little like a good tailoring cloth, and it holds its shape well. Pebble is a soft, stony grey with a hint of warmth, and it sits comfortably with both cool and warm materials, so it is easy to live with.

The cloth is 90% linen and 10% PA, 138 cm wide, and sold by the half metre. Its Martindale rating is 40,000 rubs, which is high and makes it a sensible choice for upholstery that sees daily use, such as family sofas and dining chairs. There is no pattern repeat to match, so cutting is simple and there is little waste. It is suitable for curtains and upholstery alike, and we would be happy to see it used for either.

We would use it on a family sofa or a pair of armchairs in a room that is used every day, where the weave will hide wear and the colour will keep its calm. It also makes a good set of curtains in a hallway or a study, where you want something with weight and a clean line. Pair it with a warmer cloth, such as a wool in rust or mustard, and with oak or walnut, so the grey feels settled and soft.

Because of its firm hand, we would ask the upholsterer to use a good-quality foam wrap and to take care at corners and arms, where a stiffer cloth needs a little more attention to sit smoothly. For curtains, allow for a generous heading and weighted hems so the cloth drops cleanly. A lining will protect the linen from light and help it hang, and professional cleaning will keep it looking its best.