Needle Punch

Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric and Fibretex Lining Cloth

Shop needle-punch upholstery fabric for cushion platforms, furniture backs, internal linings, caravan cushions, spring coverings, dust covers and pull strips.

Needle-punch fabric is a strong non-woven material made by mechanically interlocking synthetic fibres. This creates a stable upholstery lining with good resistance to tearing, abrasion and edge fraying.

The material may also be described as:

• Fibretex
• Needle felt
• Needle-punch felt
• Non-woven upholstery fabric
• Upholstery lining felt
• Cushion backing cloth
• Furniture platform lining
• Caravan cushion base cloth
• Furniture reverse fabric
• Non-fray upholstery lining

Livedale supplies four grades in black, brown and mushroom, with fabric weights from 100gsm to 120gsm and widths from 139cm to 152cm.

All four products are available:

• By the linear metre
• As a complete 100-metre roll

Shop Needle-Punch Fabric by Weight, Width and Colour

Choose from:

• Black 100gsm Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 140cm Wide
• Black 120gsm Heavy Needle-Punch Fabric – 139cm Wide
• Brown 120gsm Heavy Needle-Punch Fabric – 152cm Wide
• Mushroom 110gsm Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 152cm Wide

The correct material depends on:

• The area being covered
• The required fabric width
• Preferred colour
• Required weight
• Expected wear
• Whether the material will remain visible
• The furniture or cushion construction

Black 100gsm Needle-Punch Fabric – 140cm Wide

The Black 100gsm Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 140cm Wide is the lightest grade in the range.

It is:

• Black
• Approximately 100gsm
• 140cm wide
• Available by the metre
• Available as a 100-metre roll
• Non-fraying
• Tear resistant
• Abrasion resistant

Potential applications include:

• Cushion backs
• Cushion base panels
• Platform linings
• Furniture backs
• Dust covers
• Inside linings
• Reverse fabric
• Pull strips
• Caravan cushion bases
• General furniture manufacture

The black colour provides a discreet finish beneath cushions and on furniture areas that are not intended to match the main upholstery fabric.

Choose this 100gsm grade where a relatively lightweight and flexible non-woven lining is sufficient.

Black 120gsm Needle-Punch Fabric – 139cm Wide

The Black 120gsm Heavy Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 139cm Wide provides a heavier alternative to the 100gsm black material.

It is:

• Black
• Approximately 120gsm
• 139cm wide
• Available by the metre
• Available as a 100-metre roll
• Resistant to fraying
• Tear resistant
• Abrasion resistant

It may be used for:

• Heavier cushion base panels
• Furniture platform linings
• Internal upholstery linings
• Furniture backs
• Spring coverings
• Dust covers
• Pull strips
• Caravan and motorhome cushions
• General production upholstery

Choose the 120gsm black fabric where a more substantial lining is preferred but the discreet black colour remains appropriate.

The heavier weight may be useful where the material will receive more handling, friction or tension than a lightweight lining.

Brown 120gsm Needle-Punch Fabric – 152cm Wide

The Brown 120gsm Heavy Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 152cm Wide combines the heaviest fabric weight in the range with the widest available format.

It is:

• Brown
• Approximately 120gsm
• 152cm wide
• Available by the metre
• Available as a 100-metre roll
• Non-fraying
• Tear resistant
• Abrasion resistant

The brown colour may coordinate well with:

• Brown upholstery fabrics
• Traditional furniture
• Timber-framed seating
• Caravan and motorhome interiors
• Neutral or earth-toned cushion covers
• Furniture where the reverse fabric may occasionally be visible

Potential applications include:

• Cushion platforms
• Cushion backs
• Caravan cushion bases
• Sofa and chair linings
• Furniture backs
• Inside panels
• Spring coverings
• Pull strips
• Dust-cover applications

The 152cm width can help cover larger cushion or furniture sections with fewer joins.

Mushroom 110gsm Needle-Punch Fabric – 152cm Wide

The Mushroom 110gsm Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric – 152cm Wide provides a neutral mid-weight option.

It is:

• Mushroom coloured
• Approximately 110gsm
• 152cm wide
• Available by the metre
• Available as a 100-metre roll
• Non-fraying
• Tear resistant
• Abrasion resistant

The neutral mushroom shade may suit:

• Beige and cream upholstery
• Caravan cushions
• Motorhome seating
• Pale furniture fabrics
• Headboards
• Cushions where a black reverse would appear too dark
• Neutral furniture interiors

Its 110gsm weight sits between the two black grades, while the 152cm width provides useful coverage across broad cushion and furniture panels.

What Is Needle-Punch Fabric?

Needle-punch fabric is produced without conventional weaving or knitting.

Loose synthetic fibres are repeatedly penetrated by specialised barbed needles. This mechanical process interlocks the fibres and produces a stable non-woven sheet.

The resulting material offers:

• Good tear resistance
• Good abrasion resistance
• Minimal edge fraying
• Flexible handling
• Consistent coverage
• Straightforward cutting
• A felt-like surface
• Suitability for stapling or sewing in appropriate applications

Because the material is non-woven, cut edges do not unravel in the same way as loose hessian or some woven lining fabrics.

This makes it particularly practical for repeated furniture-production and cushion-manufacturing work.

Needle-Punch Fabric for Cushion Platforms

Needle-punch fabric is widely used as a platform lining beneath removable cushions.

Potential applications include:

• Sofa cushion platforms
• Armchair seats
• Window seats
• Bench cushions
• Campervan cushions
• Motorhome seating
• Caravan cushions
• Boat and berth cushions

A platform lining can help:

• Provide a clean surface beneath the cushion
• Conceal internal foam or suspension
• Reduce direct wear against internal components
• Coordinate with the cushion base
• Improve the finished appearance
• Protect underlying upholstery layers

The selected fabric should be fitted flat and smooth without wrinkles that could be felt through the cushion.

Needle-Punch Fabric for Cushion Backs and Bases

The material is particularly popular on the reverse or underside of loose cushions.

It can be used instead of the main decorative fabric where the hidden cushion panel does not need to match the visible upholstery.

Potential benefits include:

• Lower material cost than using face fabric throughout
• Good resistance to rubbing
• Reduced edge fraying during manufacture
• A practical non-slip felt-like surface
• Easier identification of the cushion underside
• A neat professional finish

Common applications include:

• Seat-cushion bases
• Back-cushion reverse panels
• Caravan cushion bottoms
• Motorhome seating
• Window-seat cushions
• Removable bench cushions

When making a cushion cover, the needle-punch fabric should be cut and sewn with the same care as the main cover material.

Needle-Punch Fabric for Caravan and Motorhome Cushions

Needle-punch fabric is especially popular for use on the bases of caravan cushions.

It may be suitable for:

• Touring-caravan seat cushions
• Static-caravan seating
• Motorhome dinette cushions
• Campervan rock-and-roll beds
• Removable berth cushions
• Conversion-van seating
• Boat and leisure-vehicle cushions

Using needle punch on the underside can provide a durable base while allowing the visible surfaces to be made from upholstery fabric, vinyl or automotive seating cloth.

When designing leisure-vehicle cushions, also consider:

• Cushion shape
• Foam grade
• Ventilation
• Moisture
• Seat movement
• Fixing arrangements
• Zips
• Pattern direction
• Relevant fire requirements

Anti-slip fabric or hook-and-loop tape may be required where cushions need additional grip or positive retention.

Browse:

• Anti-Slip Cushion and Mattress Cloth
• Hook-and-Loop Upholstery Tape

Needle-Punch Fabric for Furniture Backs

Needle punch can be fitted to the reverse of furniture where a clean, durable lining is required.

Potential applications include:

• Sofa backs
• Armchair backs
• Headboards
• Upholstered wall panels
• Bed frames
• Dining benches
• Exhibition furniture
• Commercial seating

It may be particularly useful where the furniture back:

• Faces a wall
• Does not require decorative face fabric
• May receive occasional rubbing
• Needs a stronger lining than lightweight Corovin
• Requires a colour that coordinates with the furniture

The fabric should be tensioned evenly without being stretched so tightly that it distorts or tears around the fixing line.

Needle Punch as Inside Lining and Reverse Fabric

Needle-punch fabric can also be used as an internal lining or reverse fabric within suitable upholstered products.

Possible uses include:

• Inside zipped cushion covers
• Backing decorative furniture panels
• Lining storage compartments
• Covering internal foam surfaces
• Protecting fillings
• Finishing hidden furniture sections
• Supporting sewn upholstery components

Its non-fraying construction makes it useful for shaped pieces, openings and panels where a woven fabric might require additional edge finishing.

Needle-Punch Spring Covering

The product pages also identify needle punch as suitable for spring coverings.

It may be used over suitable:

• Zigzag springs
• Spring units
• Tension springs
• Other modern furniture suspension systems

A spring-covering layer may help:

• Prevent direct contact between springs and foam
• Reduce abrasion against fillings
• Contain loose internal materials
• Create a more even foundation
• Protect the cushion or foam above

Needle-punch lining is not a replacement for damaged springs, clips, webbing or spring-supporting components.

Before covering the suspension, inspect:

• Spring condition
• Clips
• Brace wire
• Sharp ends
• Broken components
• Frame fixings
• Existing protective layers

Browse Upholstery Springs and Webbing for replacement suspension materials.

Needle-Punch Pull Strips

Needle-punch fabric may also be used to form pull strips within suitable upholstery constructions.

A pull strip provides additional material that can be gripped and tensioned during fitting.

Potential uses include:

• Pulling upholstery through frame openings
• Securing shaped cover sections
• Tensioning cushion panels
• Attaching hidden seams
• Positioning upholstery around furniture rails

The strip should be:

• Wide enough to grip safely
• Securely sewn
• Positioned away from visible seam lines
• Strong enough for the required tension
• Used without damaging the main cover fabric

Prepare a test seam before using needle punch as a heavily tensioned pull strip.

Choosing 100gsm, 110gsm or 120gsm Needle Punch

Choose 100gsm where:

• A lighter lining is sufficient
• Flexibility is a priority
• The material will mainly provide concealment
• A cost-effective black reverse fabric is needed
• The area will receive moderate rather than heavy handling

Choose 110gsm where:

• A middle-weight material is preferred
• A neutral mushroom colour is required
• A 152cm width is useful
• The material will be used on pale or neutral cushions

Choose 120gsm where:

• A heavier and more substantial lining is preferred
• Greater tear and abrasion resistance is useful
• Cushion bases will receive frequent rubbing
• Spring-covering or pull-strip work is planned
• A black or brown colour is required

Fabric weight is only one consideration. Width and colour may be equally important for reducing waste and creating the correct finished appearance.

Choosing the Correct Fabric Width

The range provides three widths:

• 139cm
• 140cm
• 152cm

Choose 139cm or 140cm fabric where:

• The furniture or cushion panels fit comfortably across the width
• A black material is required
• The narrower roll reduces waste

Choose 152cm fabric where:

• Wider cushion or furniture panels are being cut
• Fewer joins are preferred
• Brown or mushroom is required
• Caravan or motorhome sections are particularly broad

Prepare a cutting layout before ordering, especially where several cushions must be cut from one continuous length.

Needle Punch or Corovin?

Choose needle-punch fabric where:

• A more substantial non-woven material is preferred
• The fabric will be used as a cushion reverse
• Greater abrasion resistance is required
• A felt-like surface is useful
• The lining may receive direct contact
• Spring coverings or pull strips are being made

Choose Corovin, Dipryl and Upholstery Base Cloth where:

• A lightweight dust cover is sufficient
• The underside of a sofa or chair is being finished
• Economy and rapid stapling are priorities
• White fabric is required for fibre-cushion inner cases
• A lighter spunbond lining is preferred

Needle punch is generally more substantial than lightweight Corovin, while Corovin is often the more economical choice for hidden furniture undersides.

Needle Punch or Woven Platform Cloth?

Choose needle punch where:

• A non-woven, non-fraying material is preferred
• Cushion bases or reverse panels are being sewn
• A felt-like lining is required
• Caravan or motorhome cushions are being manufactured
• A modern synthetic fabric is suitable

Choose Cotton and Poly-Cotton Platform Cloth where:

• A conventional woven platform is required
• The cloth will remain visible beneath loose cushions
• A cotton or poly-cotton appearance is preferred
• The lining needs to coordinate with traditional furniture

Needle Punch or Hessian?

Needle-punch fabric and hessian perform different roles.

Choose needle punch for:

• Modern cushion backs
• Furniture linings
• Platform surfaces
• Reverse fabric
• Dust covers
• Modern spring coverings
• Pull strips

Choose Upholstery Hessian and Linen Scrim for:

• Traditional upholstery foundations
• Retaining hair and coir
• Covering tied coil springs
• Building stitched edges
• Antique furniture restoration
• Traditional natural-material construction

Needle punch should not automatically replace a structural hessian layer in traditional upholstery.

Measuring Needle-Punch Fabric

Before ordering:

1. Measure the complete length and width of each panel.
2. Include seam allowances.
3. Allow material for wrapping or fixing.
4. Check the roll width against the widest panel.
5. Plan the direction of every cushion piece.
6. Group matching items together.
7. Include pull strips and internal panels.
8. Add an allowance for cutting waste.
9. Include test-seam material.
10. Add spare fabric for later repairs where appropriate.

The materials are sold by the linear metre.

One linear metre provides a piece approximately:

• 100cm long
• The full selected width of 139cm, 140cm or 152cm

Buying by the Metre or 100-Metre Roll

Order by the metre where:

• One item of furniture is being repaired
• A small number of cushions are being made
• Different weights or colours are being compared
• Workshop storage is limited
• Only occasional use is expected

Choose a 100-metre roll where:

• Caravan cushions are manufactured regularly
• Furniture production requires a continuous supply
• A workshop frequently replaces cushion backing
• Commercial upholstery work is undertaken
• Several matching furniture ranges are being produced
• Reducing repeat orders is useful

Store the roll in a clean, dry area away from oil, adhesive overspray and sharp objects.

Cutting Needle-Punch Fabric

Use sharp Upholstery Shears and Fabric-Cutting Tools.

Before cutting:

• Lay the material flat
• Check the colour and width
• Mark panels accurately
• Include seam and fixing allowances
• Label matching pieces
• Keep the fabric clean
• Avoid stretching the material while marking
• Use a cutting layout to reduce waste

Although needle-punch fabric does not fray easily, cut panels should still be handled carefully to avoid stretching or distorting their edges.

Sewing Needle-Punch Fabric

Needle punch can be sewn into cushion covers and other suitable upholstery components.

Browse Upholstery Sewing Threads and Barbobs.

Before sewing the completed panel:

1. Prepare a test seam.
2. Select a suitable needle.
3. Choose appropriate upholstery thread.
4. Set a practical stitch length.
5. Adjust the thread tension.
6. Check the presser-foot pressure.
7. Confirm that adjoining materials feed evenly.
8. Test the completed seam under tension.

Avoid placing stitches unnecessarily close together, particularly where the fabric is being used as a pull strip or high-tension cushion panel.

Stapling Needle-Punch Fabric

Needle-punch lining may also be secured to suitable timber furniture frames using upholstery staples.

Browse:

• Upholstery Staples
• Pneumatic Upholstery Guns and Tackers

A practical fitting sequence is:

1. Position the fabric centrally.
2. Fix the centre of one side.
3. Apply light tension to the opposite side.
4. Secure the remaining centres.
5. Work gradually towards the corners.
6. Keep the tension even.
7. Avoid excessive stretching.
8. Form corners neatly.
9. Complete the fixing line.
10. Trim unnecessary excess material.

Keep staples far enough from the cut edge to reduce the risk of the fixing pulling through.

Bonding Needle Punch to Foam or Furniture Panels

Some furniture constructions may require needle punch to be bonded to foam, fibreboard or another compatible surface.

Browse Upholstery Adhesives and Aerosols.

Before bonding:

• Confirm compatibility with both materials
• Test the adhesive on an offcut
• Avoid excessive application
• Check for visible strike-through
• Allow the correct tack time
• Position the panel accurately
• Press the material evenly
• Allow the adhesive to cure fully

An excessive amount of adhesive can harden the surface, soak through the cloth or affect the flexibility of the finished component.

Fire Performance

The needle-punch products comply with:

• BS 5852 Schedule 4 Part 2
• BS 5852 Schedule 5 Part 3

The fabric should still be used as part of a correctly specified furniture or cushion construction.

Its stated performance does not automatically make the completed furniture suitable for every domestic, caravan, marine or contract environment.

The complete construction may also include:

• Cover fabric
• Foam
• Fillings
• Barrier cloth
• Sewing thread
• Adhesives
• Platform materials
• Upholstery fixings
• Permanent fire labels

Check the requirements that apply to the finished product and its intended use.

Related Upholstery Lining Materials

Browse:

• Platform Cloth, Base Cloth and Furniture Linings
• Corovin, Dipryl and Upholstery Base Cloth
• Calico, Cambric and Crib 5 Interliners
• Cotton and Poly-Cotton Platform Cloth
• Stretch Polyester Upholstery Linings
• Upholstery Hessian and Linen Scrim

Choose each material according to its position, level of visibility, required strength, flexibility and fire specification.

Trade Needle-Punch Upholstery Fabric

Livedale supplies needle-punch and Fibretex lining material to professional upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, caravan and motorhome converters, cushion manufacturers, bedding companies and training workshops throughout the UK.

The range includes:

• Black 100gsm needle punch
• Mushroom 110gsm needle punch
• Black 120gsm needle punch
• Brown 120gsm needle punch
• Widths from 139cm to 152cm
• Material by the metre
• Full 100-metre rolls

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the grade according to its weight, width, colour, position within the furniture and expected level of handling or abrasion.