Threads | Orbit

Orbit is a textured plain from the Threads Winch Design Indoor I Outdoor Weaves Natural collection, developed with Winch Design for cloth that has to work inside and out. There is no motif to speak of; the interest is in the weave itself, a fine, granular surface with a dry, slightly papery hand that reads as a quiet neutral from across a room. Being a performance cloth it has none of the softness of a natural fibre weave, but none of the fragility either, and it takes sun and damp without complaint.

The cloth is 100 per cent polyolefin, 134 centimetres wide, with no pattern repeat to plan around. It is rated at 40,000 rubs on the Martindale test, so it is rated for upholstery, and the page lists it for loose and fixed upholstery; being part of the Winch Design indoor-outdoor range it is also suitable for terrace and poolside seating. It comes in a single colourway, Cloud, a soft, pale neutral that works as a background to almost anything, indoors or out.

We tend to use Orbit on outdoor sofas and dining chairs, on a bench by the pool, and indoors on a window seat or a hallway bench where a hard-wearing plain earns its keep. It is also a sound choice for a boot room or a garden room that gets used in wet swimming kit. It pairs well with a printed Winch Design cloth on the cushions and with teak or powder-coated metal frames. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With no repeat, quantities are simple, but keep the weave direction consistent across seats, backs and arms, and cut every panel from the same bolt to avoid shading. The cloth can be machine washed cool on a minimum wash or dry cleaned; ask your upholsterer for zipped, removable covers if the piece is going to live outside, and do not tumble dry or iron it.

• Composition: 100% polyolefin
• Width: 134 cm (53 in)
• Abrasion resistance: 40,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Suitable for: Loose and fixed upholstery, indoor and outdoor use, cushions
• Care: Machine wash cool on a minimum wash or dry clean professionally; do not tumble dry, bleach or iron
• Collection: Winch Design Indoor I Outdoor Weaves Natural, Threads
• Colourways: 1 (Cloud)