GP & J Baker | Axis

Axis is a fine-textured weave from the Essential Colours group, its tiny 2 by 4 centimetre repeat giving the surface a light, even grain rather than a flat face. It is a cotton and linen-forward cloth, which gives it a slightly drier, more natural hand than the collection's viscose-heavy weaves, and the fine texture keeps it from ever reading as stark or flat. Of the whole Essential Colours range, Axis is one of only a few offered in a single colourway rather than a full spread.

The composition is 42 per cent cotton, 30 per cent linen, 22 per cent viscose and 6 per cent polyester. It is 137 centimetres wide, with a 2 centimetre vertical and 4 centimetre horizontal repeat, and GP & J Baker tested it to 40,000 Martindale rubs, which is rated for upholstery. There is one colourway, Azure, a clear, fresh blue from the collection's Indigo book.

We use it for a sofa or curtains in a room that wants a genuine blue without a pattern to place, and it works well as the plain half of a scheme led by a stronger archive print in a related colour. Pair it with cream, white or a warmer neutral to let the blue read cleanly against the rest of the room, or with a second, deeper blue for a more tonal effect. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

The fine repeat wastes little fabric and rarely needs careful matching, though it is worth keeping the grain consistent across a large piece. Line curtains for a good fall; for upholstery, standard construction applies, and at 40,000 rubs it is rated for genuinely heavy daily use on a family sofa or chair.

• Composition: 42% cotton, 30% linen, 22% viscose, 6% polyester
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Pattern repeat: 2 cm vertical, 4 cm horizontal
• Abrasion resistance: 40,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Upholstery, Curtains
• Care: Dry clean professionally; do not wash, bleach or iron.
• Collection: Essential Colours, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 1 (Azure)