Cord upholstery fabric is a durable and versatile material that can be used for a variety of furniture projects. It is made from a twisted or braided cord that is woven together to create a thick and sturdy fabric. Cord upholstery fabric is often used for chairs, sofas, and other furniture pieces that require a strong and durable material.
One of the primary benefits of cord upholstery fabric is its strength and durability. It can withstand heavy use and is resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for furniture that will be used frequently. Additionally, cord upholstery fabric is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that complements any decor.
When purchasing cord upholstery fabric, it is important to pay attention to the weight and thickness of the material. The weight of the fabric will determine how durable it is, while the thickness will affect the overall look and feel of the furniture piece. It is also important to consider the color and pattern of the fabric, as well as any special care instructions that may be required.
At our company, we have spent countless hours researching and testing various types of cord upholstery fabric to identify the ones that offer the best combination of durability, style, and affordability. Whether you are looking to reupholster an old chair or create a new piece of furniture from scratch, we have the expertise and knowledge to help you find the perfect cord upholstery fabric for your project.
Best Cord Upholstery Fabrics
We have researched and tested various cord upholstery fabrics to bring you the best options available on Amazon. Cord upholstery fabric is known for its durability and texture, making it a popular choice for furniture upholstery. In this article, we will introduce you to the best cord upholstery fabrics that will add a touch of elegance and comfort to your home decor.
Great Lakes Cordage Upholstery Welt Cord

If you’re in the market for a professional-grade welt cord, Great Lakes Cordage Upholstery Welt Cord is a great option. Here’s what we found after using it:
Pros
- This extra smooth cord is far superior to imported cording found in craft stores, making it perfect for professional upholstery projects.
- The firm texture of this cord makes it easy to create straight welt lines that will hold their shape over time.
- The cord comes perfectly wound on easy-to-use 4″ spools, making it easy to work with and store.
Cons
- Some users may find it difficult to work with due to its firm texture.
- The cord is made of polypropylene filler and polyester yarns, which may not be suitable for all upholstery projects.
- While the cord is washable when encased in fabric, it may not hold up as well over time as other materials.
Overall, we highly recommend Great Lakes Cordage Upholstery Welt Cord for anyone looking for a high-quality, professional-grade welt cord. With its smooth texture and firm shape, it’s the perfect choice for creating straight, durable welt lines that will stand the test of time.
Great Lakes Cordage Cotton Piping Cord

If you’re looking for a professional-grade cotton piping cord, the Great Lakes Cordage Cotton Piping Cord is a great option.
Pros
- The cord is made in the USA with domestically grown 100% cotton filler with polyester braid, so you can feel good about supporting American manufacturers and farmers.
- The cord comes perfectly wound on an easy-to-use cardboard spool, making it easy to work with.
- The extra-smooth piping is far superior to imported cording, with twice the density, for cord that holds its shape, making better looking projects that look great for years.
Cons
- The cord is only available in one size (6/32″ or 3/16″), which may not work for all projects.
- While the cord is washable when covered in fabric, it may not hold up as well as other materials in high-wear situations.
- The price point may be higher than other options on the market.
We recently used the Great Lakes Cordage Cotton Piping Cord in a pillow-making project and were impressed with the quality of the cord. The cord held its shape well and helped create a professional-looking finished product. We also appreciated that the cord was made in the USA with domestically grown cotton.
While we did find the price point to be slightly higher than other options on the market, we felt that the quality of the cord justified the cost. Overall, we would recommend the Great Lakes Cordage Cotton Piping Cord to anyone looking for a high-quality cord for their upholstery or pillow-making projects.
Great Lakes Cordage Soft Synthetic Upholstery Welt Cord

If you’re looking for a professional-grade upholstery welt cord, the Great Lakes Cordage Soft Synthetic Upholstery Welt Cord is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The extra smooth cord is far superior to imported cording found in craft stores.
- It’s perfect for pillow and other applications where a pliable welt is required.
- Comes perfectly wound on easy-to-use 4″ spools (reels) with 6″ end flanges.
Cons
- It’s made of polypropylene filler and polyester yarns, which may not be the best option for those looking for a natural or eco-friendly product.
- It’s washable when encased in fabric, but hand wash or delicate cycle is recommended.
- The product specifications are limited to style, color, material, and brand.
We have used this cord in several upholstery projects and have been impressed with its quality and durability. The extra smooth cord makes it easy to work with and the easy-to-use spools make it convenient to store.
One thing to note is that it’s made of synthetic materials, so it may not be the best option for those looking for a natural or eco-friendly product. However, it’s washable when encased in fabric, which is a plus.
Overall, we highly recommend the Great Lakes Cordage Soft Synthetic Upholstery Welt Cord for those looking for a professional-grade product that is easy to work with and produces great results.
Great Lakes Cordage Upholstery Firm Plastic Foam Welt Cord Piping

If you’re looking for a professional-grade cord upholstery fabric, Great Lakes Cordage’s Foam Welt Cord is definitely worth considering. We’ve used it for furniture and marine applications, and here’s what we think:
Pros
- The consistent texture of this cord is far superior to imported cording found in craft stores.
- The firm texture of the foamed polyethylene welt cord is pliable for corners, making it easy to work with.
- It comes perfectly wound on easy-to-use 4″ spools and is washable.
Cons
- The cord may be too stiff to make sharp corners on outside fabric.
- It might not be as easy to bend around awkward shapes as some other cords.
- It may not be suitable for all upholstery projects.
In our experience, Great Lakes Cordage’s Foam Welt Cord is a high-quality product that’s perfect for anyone looking to give their upholstery project a professional touch. The consistent texture of the cord is far superior to imported cording found in craft stores, and it’s firm enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to work with. We found it easy to use, and it comes perfectly wound on easy-to-use 4″ spools. Plus, it’s washable, which is always a plus.
However, we did notice that the cord may be too stiff to make sharp corners on outside fabric. While it’s pliable, it might not be as easy to bend around awkward shapes as some other cords. Additionally, it may not be suitable for all upholstery projects. Overall, though, we highly recommend Great Lakes Cordage’s Foam Welt Cord for anyone looking for a high-quality cord upholstery fabric.
Mandala Crafts Assorted Maxi Piping Bias Tape with Welting Cord for Upholstery Piping Trim – Assorted Piping Cord 12 Assorted Colors Trim for Sewing – 1/2 Inch 5 x 12 Yards Lip Cord Trim 12 Assorted Colors 1/2 Inch 5 X 12 Yards

If you’re looking for a reliable and colorful cord upholstery fabric, you might want to consider the Mandala Crafts Assorted Maxi Piping Bias Tape. It’s a great option for those who want to add some personality to their upholstery projects.
Pros
- The 12 assorted colors make it easy to match any color scheme.
- The piping upholstery trim is non-stretch and colorfast, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The corded 12 assorted colors bias piping tape is easy to sew and can go through straight or curved edges.
Cons
- The corded piping is only 1/2 inch thick, which may not be suitable for larger upholstery projects.
- The fabric trims might not be as soft as other cord upholstery fabrics on the market.
- The product might not be as durable as other cord upholstery fabrics.
Overall, we recommend this product for those who are looking for a colorful and easy-to-sew cord upholstery fabric. The 12 assorted colors make it easy to match any color scheme, and the non-stretch and colorfast properties make it a durable and long-lasting option. However, the corded piping is only 1/2 inch thick, which might not be suitable for larger upholstery projects. Additionally, the fabric trims might not be as soft as other cord upholstery fabrics on the market, and the product might not be as durable as other cord upholstery fabrics.
If you’re looking for a cord upholstery fabric that is easy to sew and adds a pop of color to your upholstery projects, then the Mandala Crafts Assorted Maxi Piping Bias Tape might be the perfect option for you.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying cord upholstery fabric, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Material
Cord upholstery fabric is available in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and blends. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider factors such as durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning when choosing the right material for your project.
Cord Thickness
The thickness of the cord can affect the overall look and feel of the upholstery fabric. Thicker cords can create a more textured and prominent appearance, while thinner cords can create a more subtle and refined look. It’s important to choose a cord thickness that complements the overall style of your project.
Color and Pattern
Cord upholstery fabric is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it’s important to choose a color and pattern that complements the overall design of your project. Consider factors such as the color scheme of the room and the overall style of the furniture when choosing the right color and pattern.
Durability
Cord upholstery fabric should be durable enough to withstand regular use and wear over time. Look for fabrics that are made from high-quality materials and have a high rub count to ensure that they will hold up well over time.
Care and Maintenance
Finally, consider the care and maintenance requirements of the cord upholstery fabric you choose. Some fabrics may require special cleaning or care instructions, while others may be more low-maintenance. Choose a fabric that fits your lifestyle and is easy to care for to ensure that your upholstery will look great for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we determine the durability of cord upholstery fabric for furniture?
The durability of cord upholstery fabric can be determined by its rub count. Rub count refers to the number of rubs a fabric can withstand before showing signs of wear and tear. The higher the rub count, the more durable the fabric. Corduroy upholstery fabric with a rub count of 15,000 or more is considered durable enough for heavy use.
What are the care instructions for corduroy upholstery fabric?
Corduroy upholstery fabric should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and dust. Spot clean any spills or stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach as they can damage the fabric. Corduroy fabric should not be machine washed or dry cleaned.
Can wide wale corduroy fabric be used for heavy-duty upholstery projects?
Yes, wide wale corduroy fabric can be used for heavy-duty upholstery projects. Wide wale corduroy has a thicker pile and is more durable than regular corduroy fabric. It is ideal for use in high traffic areas such as living rooms and family rooms.
What are the advantages of using corduroy fabric for sofas?
Corduroy fabric is soft, comfortable, and adds texture to any room. It is also durable and can withstand heavy use. Corduroy fabric is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that matches your decor.
How can we find the best quality cord upholstery fabric by the yard?
The best quality cord upholstery fabric can be found by shopping at reputable fabric stores or online retailers. Look for fabrics with a high rub count and check the composition of the fabric. Corduroy fabric made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool is typically of higher quality than synthetic fabrics.
What factors affect the cost of high-quality corduroy upholstery material?
The cost of high-quality corduroy upholstery material is affected by several factors, including the composition of the fabric, the thickness of the pile, and the manufacturing process. Corduroy fabric made from natural fibers is typically more expensive than synthetic fabrics. The thickness of the pile also affects the cost, with wider wale corduroy being more expensive than regular corduroy. Finally, the manufacturing process can affect the cost, with hand-woven corduroy being more expensive than machine-woven fabric.