As an interior decorator, I sometimes find myself assuming that my clients know what I’m talking about when I suggest a flamestitch or imperial trellis pattern for their upholstery fabric or new rug. Then I get the confused stare:
I have no idea what you are talking about . . .
Today I’m going to clear it up for you, so mark it or Pin it as a handy-dandy reference for when you are deciding on which patterns to use in your home.
Trendy Fabric Pattern Names
Infographic Created on Olioboard
Just a few notes:
Chevron and Flamestitch are different, although some Flamestitch patterns may be referred to as Chevron or Zig-Zag instead. Chevron is a simple zig-zag, usually with just 2 colors, while Flamestitch is more complicated and usually has multiple layers and colors, and is not as rigid as a Chevron.
Ikat is pronounced “ee-cot,” but nearly no one actually pronounces it that way and even people in the fabric store may be perplexed if you do!
Toile is any pattern with a landscape or a repeating scenic picture. You may have seen a lot of historic pictoral Toiles or Asian, but they can also be any kind of scenic picture, like children playing in a city park.
Zebra is the new Leopard.
Paisley is no longer a preppy 1980’s throwback. It’s form is more flowing and typically more feminine than it used to be.
Moroccan may also be referred to as Quatrefoil.
Hexagon and Tiles are often used interchangeably.
Oh, no! I thought I ordered a trellis rug but it is actually Moroccan. Thank you for rescuing me from my cluelessness. I thought I was knowledgable in this area! Yikes…
It’s all good, Karla! 😉
Thanks Kristie, this is wonderful and I will definitely be pinning it!
Thanks for the information. Very interesting although the houndstooth interior will always remind me of the car interior of the first vehicle I drove. I was mortified to be seen in at the time. How times change.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is soooo handy. I love you!!
Again, thank you!!
Very good idea to put all this info in one place with beautiful examples. …Pinned…
I’ve pinned it as well. Thank you. Nice work!
Thanks Kristie…I have always been fascinated with textiles, even as a little girl, I would lay on a interesting oriental rug when we visited my aunt an study the patterns for long stretches of time. Weavings are just amazing to me. Also, that SOMEONE thought of it and had it done! I did pin this and appreciate your taking time to put it up….
Awesome! Thanks for the good info!
I will try to pronounce ikat correctly. I always thought it was I-cat. Now I will think apricot (ee-cot).