Threads | Kalahari

Kalahari is a substantial cotton-polyester weave from the Threads Luxury Weaves II collection, with a fine, even grain that gives it real body without any printed or woven motif. The blend keeps the dry, natural look of a heavier cotton cloth while the polyester content adds resilience, which is why it copes so well with hard use. It is the kind of plain we reach for when a piece needs to look natural but perform like a technical cloth.

The composition is 76 per cent cotton and 24 per cent polyester, on a 137 centimetre width with no pattern repeat. It is rated at 63,000 rubs on the Wyzenbeek cotton duck test, which is a genuinely heavy-duty figure, and the page lists it for curtains and for loose and fixed upholstery. It comes in four colourways, Ivory, Parchment, Green and Verdigris: Ivory and Parchment are the two neutrals, Green is a clear, grounded tone, and Verdigris brings in a softer, weathered blue-green.

We tend to use Kalahari on sofas and armchairs that see daily use, on dining chairs, and as heavy curtains where the weight of the cloth helps the drape. It pairs well with a smaller-scale print from Great Stripes on a cushion or an occasional chair. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With no repeat, quantities are straightforward, but keep the weave direction consistent across every panel and cut all pieces for one item from the same bolt to avoid shading. Given the rub count, this is a cloth we are happy to put on a family sofa; ask your upholsterer to trim and press seams flat on tight corners, and dry clean only.

• Composition: 76% cotton, 24% polyester
• Width: 137 cm (54 in)
• Abrasion resistance: 63,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek cotton duck)
• Suitable for: Curtains, loose and fixed upholstery, cushions
• Care: Do not wash; dry clean professionally, do not bleach and do not iron
• Collection: Luxury Weaves II, Threads
• Colourways: 4 (Ivory, Parchment, Green, Verdigris)