Nautical fabric is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of purposes. It is a type of fabric that is specifically designed for use in marine environments, and it is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to water and salt. Whether you’re looking to create a nautical-themed home decor project or you need a high-quality material for your boat’s upholstery, nautical fabric is an excellent choice.
One of the most critical things to consider when purchasing nautical fabric is the type of material used. The fabric should be made from high-quality materials that are resistant to water and salt, such as acrylic or polyester. Additionally, the fabric should be UV resistant to prevent it from fading or deteriorating in the sun. It’s also essential to consider the weight and thickness of the fabric, as this can impact its durability and performance.
At the same time, it is crucial to choose a nautical fabric that suits your specific needs. For example, if you’re creating a boat cover, you’ll need a heavy-duty fabric that can withstand harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, if you’re making a pillow or cushion, a lighter weight fabric may be more appropriate.
We spent hours researching and testing various nautical fabrics to identify the ones that offer the best quality and performance. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top nautical fabrics available on the market today. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or you simply love the nautical aesthetic, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect fabric for your next project.
Best Nautical Fabrics
We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the best nautical fabrics for your next DIY project. Whether you’re looking to create beachy home decor or unique clothing, these fabrics are sure to inspire your creativity. From classic anchors to whimsical sea creatures, our list has something for every nautical enthusiast. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best nautical fabrics.
Feelyou Sea Turtle Fabric by The Yard

If you’re looking for a durable and beautiful nautical fabric, the Feelyou Sea Turtle Fabric by the Yard is a great option.
Pros
- The 3D printing technology creates exquisite designs with no fading, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
- The fabric is made of 100% polyester, which makes it waterproof and anti-stain.
- It’s easy to clean, requiring only a damp cloth or washing machine.
Cons
- The fabric is only available in one size, which may not be suitable for all projects.
- The pattern may not be to everyone’s taste.
- The fabric may not be suitable for upholstery on chairs.
We recently used this fabric to create beautiful accent pillows and curtains for a beach-themed room. The designs are truly breathtaking, and the colors are vibrant and fun. The fabric is easy to work with, and we found that it held up well to both indoor and outdoor use.
One thing to keep in mind is that the fabric is only available in one size, which may not be suitable for all projects. Additionally, the pattern may not be to everyone’s taste. However, if you’re looking for a durable and beautiful nautical fabric, the Feelyou Sea Turtle Fabric by the Yard is a great option.
Overall, we highly recommend this fabric for anyone looking to add a touch of the ocean to their home decor.
Ambesonne Nautical Fabric

If you’re looking for a durable and waterproof nautical fabric that you can use both indoors and outdoors, Ambesonne’s Nautical Fabric might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The fabric is waterproof and durable, making it perfect for outdoor use.
- The state-of-the-art digital printing technology ensures vibrant colors and bold graphics that add great perspective to any project.
- The fabric is machine washable and dryer safe, making it easy to maintain.
Cons
- The fabric is made of 100% polyester, which might not be as breathable as other materials.
- The print seems faded in some cases, which might not be ideal for those looking for a bold and vibrant design.
- The material might not be as sturdy as expected, which might not be ideal for upholstery projects that require a more heavy-duty fabric.
We recently used Ambesonne’s Nautical Fabric to create a set of outdoor cushions, and we were impressed with its durability and waterproof properties. The fabric held up well against the elements, and the vibrant colors and bold graphics added a nice touch to our outdoor space.
However, we did notice that the fabric wasn’t as breathable as we would have liked, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more comfortable fabric to sit on for extended periods of time. Additionally, the print seemed faded in some areas, which might not be ideal for those looking for a more vibrant and bold design.
Overall, if you’re looking for a waterproof and durable nautical fabric that you can use both indoors and outdoors, Ambesonne’s Nautical Fabric might be a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a more breathable and heavy-duty fabric, you might want to consider other options.
Ambesonne Anchor Fabric by The Yard

If you’re looking for nautical fabric that’s both stylish and versatile, then the Ambesonne Anchor Fabric is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The fabric is made of 100% polyester, making it durable and long-lasting.
- It’s waterproof, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- The state-of-the-art digital printing technology ensures that the colors are vibrant and the graphics are bold.
Cons
- The material is medium weight, which may not be suitable for heavy-duty upholstery projects.
- The price is a bit higher than some other nautical fabrics on the market.
- The fabric may not be as thick as some users would prefer.
This fabric is perfect for adding a touch of nautical charm to any room or project. The pattern features symmetric nautical items and marine life, making it perfect for a wide variety of applications. Whether you’re looking to upholster a chair, create decorative accents, or make a tote bag, this fabric is up to the task.
The fabric is machine washable and dryer safe, so it’s easy to care for. Plus, with every purchase, a percentage of the profits are donated to local NGOs helping with quake relief efforts in Turkey, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality nautical fabric that’s both stylish and versatile, the Ambesonne Anchor Fabric by the Yard is definitely worth checking out.
HomeBuy Marine Anchor Stripe Linen Look Print Fabric

If you’re looking for a versatile nautical fabric, the HomeBuy Marine Anchor Stripe Linen Look Print Fabric might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The medium weight linen look and feel of this fabric make it suitable for a wide range of craft applications, curtains, wall painting, tablecloths, bedspreads, pillowcases, bags, and other art or sewing projects.
- The polyester cotton composition of this fabric makes it hang beautifully and crease resistant, and it’s easy to wash.
- You can order any length you need, as the fabric is cut from a 55” wide roll and sold by the yard.
Cons
- The fabric might not be suitable for heavy upholstery projects, as it’s only medium weight.
- The blue and white color scheme might not be to everyone’s taste.
- Some customers have reported issues with the fabric arriving damaged or not as described.
Overall, we think the HomeBuy Marine Anchor Stripe Linen Look Print Fabric is a good choice for those looking for a versatile nautical fabric for their DIY projects. Just be aware of the potential issues with shipping and handling.
Lunarable Nautical Fabric by The Yard

If you’re looking for a durable and versatile nautical fabric, then the Lunarable Nautical Fabric by The Yard might just be what you need.
Pros
- The tight woven Turkish dock fabric is of high quality and can withstand indoor and outdoor use.
- The state-of-the-art digital printing technology used in the production of this fabric ensures that the colors and graphics are vibrant and bold.
- The fabric is waterproof and machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The fabric frays easily when cut, so extra care needs to be taken when handling it.
- The material is a bit heavy, which might make it difficult to use for some projects.
- The price is a bit high compared to other nautical fabrics on the market.
We recently used this fabric to reupholster some outdoor chairs, and we were impressed with its durability and quality. The fabric is thick and tight-woven, which means it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions without fading or tearing. The vibrant colors and bold graphics also add a great perspective to any project.
One thing we noticed, however, is that the fabric frays easily when cut. This can be a bit frustrating, especially when working on a project that requires a lot of cutting. We also found the material to be a bit heavy, which might make it difficult to use for some projects.
Overall, we think the Lunarable Nautical Fabric by The Yard is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality nautical fabric that can withstand indoor and outdoor use. However, the price might be a bit high for some people, so it’s important to keep that in mind when making a purchase decision.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the perfect nautical fabric, there are a few key features that you should take into consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Material
The material of the fabric will play a big role in its durability and performance. Look for fabrics made from high-quality materials, such as polyester or nylon, which are both strong and resistant to water and UV rays. Cotton is also a popular choice for nautical fabrics, but it is not as durable as synthetic materials and may require more maintenance.
Design
The design of the fabric is another important factor to consider. Look for patterns that fit your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your boat or outdoor space. Nautical-themed designs, such as anchors, sailboats, and compasses, are popular choices for nautical fabrics.
Color
The color of the fabric can also make a big impact on the overall look of your boat or outdoor space. Consider the colors of your existing decor and choose a fabric that complements or contrasts with them. Darker colors, such as navy and black, are popular choices for nautical fabrics, as they hide dirt and stains well.
Weight
The weight of the fabric will also affect its performance and durability. Heavier fabrics are generally more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, but they may not be as comfortable for lounging or relaxing. Lighter fabrics are more comfortable, but may not be as durable in the long run.
Maintenance
Finally, consider the maintenance requirements of the fabric. Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain, such as those that can be machine washed or wiped down with a damp cloth. Avoid fabrics that require special cleaning or maintenance, as they may be more difficult to care for in the long run.
By keeping these features in mind, you can choose the perfect nautical fabric for your boat or outdoor space with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of patterns are commonly found on nautical-themed fabric?
Nautical-themed fabric patterns often feature classic designs such as stripes, anchors, sailboats, and compasses. Other popular motifs include marine life like shells, starfish, and coral. These patterns are often created with a limited color palette of blues, whites, and reds to evoke the feeling of being at sea.
How do we choose the best nautical fabric for outdoor furniture?
When selecting nautical fabric for outdoor furniture, it is important to consider durability and resistance to the elements. Look for fabrics made with synthetic materials such as polyester or acrylic, which are known for their weather-resistant qualities and ability to resist fading. Additionally, choose fabrics with a high UV rating to ensure they can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight.
What care instructions should be followed for maintaining nautical upholstery fabric?
To maintain the quality of nautical upholstery fabric, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Generally, it is recommended to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials when cleaning the fabric. Instead, use a gentle detergent and lukewarm water to spot clean any stains. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat when drying the fabric.
Where can we find vintage designs in nautical fabric collections?
Vintage nautical fabric designs can often be found at specialty fabric stores or online retailers. Additionally, antique stores and flea markets may have vintage nautical fabrics available for purchase. When shopping for vintage fabrics, be sure to inspect the fabric for any signs of wear or damage.
What are the characteristics of high-quality nautical cotton fabric?
High-quality nautical cotton fabric should be made from 100% cotton fibers and have a tight weave. The fabric should feel soft to the touch and have a smooth, even texture. Additionally, the color should be vibrant and not fade easily, even after multiple washes.
How can we identify authentic nautical-themed fabric designs?
Authentic nautical-themed fabric designs often feature classic motifs such as anchors, sailboats, and compasses. The patterns should be well-defined and the colors should be consistent throughout the fabric. Additionally, the fabric should be of high quality and feel durable to the touch. When in doubt, look for fabrics from reputable brands or consult with a fabric expert.