Threads | Sarabi

Sarabi is a hand-drawn linear design from the Threads Nala Prints collection, printed on a pure linen ground. The collection takes its cue from the tribal architecture and textiles of West Africa, and Sarabi carries that structure lightly: a broad, loosely drawn motif that runs across the full 146 centimetre width and repeats every 36 centimetres down the cloth. Because the drawing is brushed rather than ruled, it reads as rhythm rather than pattern from across a room, and the linen ground keeps the whole thing matte and quiet.

The cloth is 100 per cent linen, 146 centimetres wide, with a 36 centimetre vertical repeat and a full-width horizontal repeat. The page lists it for curtains and for loose and fixed upholstery; there is no published rub count, so we treat it as a curtain and light-seating cloth rather than a sofa cover. It comes in three colourways, Indigo, Ivory and Linen: Indigo is the graphic one, while Ivory and Linen are tonal and sit more quietly against plaster and pale timber.

We tend to use Sarabi for full-length curtains in a living room or study, where the horizontal drawing balances tall windows, and for Roman blinds where the motif sits flat and can be read properly. It also makes a strong bench cushion or a pair of occasional chairs. Pair it with the plain Nala Linen or a Quintessential Naturals texture rather than another pattern. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

A 36 centimetre repeat is kind on quantities, but the full-width drawing means the pattern should be matched across widths and the seams planned where the drawing is quietest; ask your maker to check the position of the design at the heading before cutting. Line and interline curtains to protect the linen from sun, allow one extra repeat per drop, and for upholstery centre the motif on each cushion or back before the cutter starts.

• Composition: 100% linen
• Width: 146 cm (57 in)
• Pattern repeat: 36 cm vertical, 146 cm horizontal
• Suitable for: Curtains, blinds, loose and fixed upholstery, cushions
• Care: Do not wash; dry clean professionally, do not bleach and do not iron
• Collection: Nala Prints, Threads
• Colourways: 3 (Indigo, Ivory, Linen)