Threads | Arapa

Arapa is a soft cotton-viscose plain from the Threads Odyssey collection, with a fine, even grain and a gentle, subtle sheen where the viscose catches the light against the more matte cotton. There is no pattern to read, just a quiet, tactile surface that suits a scheme built firmly on texture rather than colour, and the drape is soft enough to work equally well at a window or across a cushion.

The cloth is 60 per cent cotton and 40 per cent viscose, 137 centimetres wide, with no pattern repeat. It is rated at 30,000 rubs on the Martindale test, so it is rated for upholstery, and the page lists it for curtains and for loose and fixed upholstery. It comes in two colourways, Taupe and Oatmeal, both soft, warm neutrals that sit close together in tone and work equally well as a quiet base or a gentle accent.

We tend to use Arapa on sofas and armchairs where a dependable plain has to carry the whole room, on dining chairs, and as heavy curtains where the weight of the cloth helps the drape. It pairs well with a printed cushion from Faraway or a striped weave from Great Stripes on an occasional chair nearby. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With no repeat, quantities are straightforward, but the weave can shade slightly along the roll, so cut all pieces for one item from the very same bolt to avoid shading. Line and interline curtains for weight, and dry clean only; do not wash, bleach or iron it directly, and check colour consistency across bolts before committing to a large order.

• Composition: 60% cotton, 40% viscose
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Abrasion resistance: 30,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Curtains, loose and fixed upholstery, cushions
• Care: Do not wash; dry clean professionally, do not bleach and do not iron
• Collection: Odyssey, Threads
• Colourways: 2 (Taupe, Oatmeal)