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1524 days ago

Textile Testing - Seam Slippage

Robert Anderson from

Seam Slippage is one of four key topics (others include Abrasion Resistance, Pilling, and Colourfastness) that we are covering to provide some background as to how we test and why.

Test results provide us with critical information about textile’s durability and suitability for certain applications. We externally test all James Dunlop and Mokum textiles in Melbourne at a highly reputable laboratory who are amongst the most conservative and stringent in the world, due to the extremely harsh environmental conditions we face here in Australia and New Zealand.

We have gathered a number of frequently asked questions relating to seam slippage, so we asked our Mokum Studio designers Stephanie Moffitt and Annie Moir to share their expert knowledge.

Seam slippage is another equally important upholstery test, can you explain what seam slippage actually means?
Seam slippage is the separation or pulling apart of yarns in a fabric usually along a sewn seam or join. More often than not, the yarns don’t actually break they just separate and leave an unsightly gap along the fabric join.

What are the most common causes for seam slippage?
Seam slippage may be the result of a poorly constructed textile and /or the use of defective yarns in the fabric. But more commonly it is due to an inadequate standard of upholstery manufacturing i.e. a display of insufficient seam allowance, a deficient number of stitches in the seam or failure to overlock raw edges during the upholstery process – or a combination of all three factors.
Seam slippage usually occurs on joins that are subjected to heavy load and pressure such as seat cushions and arm rests. Certain furniture styles put more stress on fabric seams such as tub chairs and furniture with a fixed back or seat cushions.

Can composition play a part in seam slippage?
Yes, it can, Linen for example is loved for being a smooth lustrous fibre, but this can make it more susceptible to seam slippage with heavy load. For some linen textiles we would recommend discussing the need for reinforcing upholstery seams with your upholstery manufacturer.

The note “reinforce upholstery seams” is sometimes listed on our sampling specifications – what does it actually mean? Should we assume the fabric is inferior quality?
Firstly, no it doesn’t infer inferior quality. If we’ve specified it as being suitable for upholstery then it is fit for purpose, but we recommend additional seam support for that particular textile.
“Reinforce upholstery seams” simply means using an additional safeguard by stitching a tape along the seam to prevent fraying in high load areas, such as the corner back cushions. Overlocking should be used for loose woven fabric and seated cushion seams.

What’s the remedy for seam slippage? Can you fix it once it starts?
It is difficult to repair seam slippage once it starts. In almost all instances of seam slippage, it will require the furniture to be recovered, or re upholstered. It’s important to ascertain the cause of the seam slippage. If the seam slippage can be identified as being a result of inadequate manufacturing, you’ll need to work with the upholsterer to ensure appropriate manufacturing techniques are being used, including reinforcing seams if required. If the seam slippage is clearly related to the fabric, the furniture would need to be recovered, either from a different batch (if it’s an isolated batch issue) or selecting an alternative fabric which is more suitable for that particular frame.

Can you explain how the seam slippage test is performed?

The test measures how resistant a fabric is to yarns opening/ slipping under pressure along a seam line. Two fabric swatches are sewn together with a standardised seam. The swatches are pulled apart with an equal and opposite force. The test is performed in both warp and weft directions. Any seam opening is then measured while the fabric swatches are being pulled apart. According to the Australian standard, a seam opening should be less than 6mm at maximum force. A lower result indicates a smaller opening and thus a better resistance against seam slippage.


Written by: jamesdunloptextiles.com...

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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13 hours ago

Georgina's Rhubarb Crumble

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Craving a dessert that makes the most of spring's fresh produce? Look no further than Georgina's signature Rhubarb Crumble.

This delicious treat has become a favourite at Ryman’s Bert Sutcliffe Village, where the sweet and tangy aroma often wafts through the air, tempting neighbours in for a taste. It’s also a hit with Georgina's 13-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, who loves serving it warm with gooey custard or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.

Click read more for the recipe.

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6 hours ago

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night

Beds4U Tauranga

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.


You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.



Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.


Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.


Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.


Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:


1. Personal Preferences.

Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.


Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?

Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?


Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.


2. Bedroom Size.

Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.


A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.


3. Sleeping Partners.

If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.


A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.


What Size Should You Get?

Let's break it down size by size:


Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.

Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.

Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.

King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.

Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs

Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.


However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.


Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.


By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.


At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.

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