GP & J Baker | Trentham

Trentham is a textured weave from GP & J Baker's Burford Weaves II collection, the sort of cloth that does the quiet work in a scheme. The 1.5 centimetre horizontal repeat is really a weave structure rather than a pattern, giving a fine, close ribbed face that catches light without shining. Viscose in the blend adds softness; linen and cotton keep the surface dry. The blend is doing real work here: polyester is what carries the abrasion figure, and without it a cloth this soft would not last on a seat.

Composition is 47 per cent viscose, 20 per cent linen, 19 per cent polyester and 14 per cent cotton, woven 137 centimetres wide. Abrasion is tested at 35,000 rubs on the Martindale scale, which covers general domestic upholstery comfortably. Seven colourways: Parchment, Oatmeal, Red, Teal, Blue, Indigo and Ochre. Parchment and Oatmeal are the neutrals and the two we specify most; Indigo and Teal are the deepest.

We use cloths like this on the pieces that have to last, a sofa, a pair of armchairs, dining chair seats, and for curtains where a plain would look flat. It takes piping and buttoning well, and it sits under any of GP & J Baker's prints without competing. In Parchment it is the plain we would specify alongside almost anything. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

The repeat is small enough that there is no real matching, so cutting is efficient and seams fall wherever the piece needs them. It railroads cleanly, which is useful on a sofa back over 137 centimetres. Ask for a cotton interlayer over foam so the ribbed face does not print through, and cut piping on the straight rather than the bias to keep the rib running true.

• Composition: 47% Viscose 20% Linen 19% Polyester 14% Cotton
• Width: 137 cm (53.9 in)
• Pattern repeat: 1.5 cm horizontal
• Abrasion resistance: 35,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Care: Dry clean professionally only; do not wash, bleach or iron
• Collection: Burford Weaves II, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 7 (Parchment, Oatmeal, Red, Teal, Blue, Indigo, Ochre)