Early-20th-century inventor Andrew Wyzenbeek devised a method to test fabric strength. He invented a machine that tests how many double rubs (considered one complete motion back and forth) a swatch of fabric can withstand before tearing. The rating should be on the fabric's label.
For residential use, 15,000-20,000 double rubs is usually an adequate Wyzenbeek durability rating. For heavier use, such as an office chair gets, 40,000 double rubs is usually required. An extremely high rating of 100,000 would be necessary for a textile receiving constant use by many people, such as in a theater or a school.
As you can see below, most good quality upholstery-weight fabrics in mid-century patterns have a durability rating that far exceeds requirements for normal home use. Before you buy bargain fabric, however, be sure to check the tag or bolt, or ask a store employee what the Wyzenbeek rating is, in order to be sure it suits your purpose.
From findarticles.com and encompassarch.com
 |
| Checker Split by Alexander Girard - 51,000 double rubs maharam.com |
 |
| Design 9297 by Josef Hoffmann - 23,000 double rubs maharam.com |
 |
| Dot Pattern by Charles and Ray Eames - 63,000 double rubs maharam.com |
 |
| Geometri by Verner Panton - 42,000 double rubs |
 |
| Pavement by George Nelson - 40,000 double rubs maharam.com |
 |
| Vases by Hella Jongerius - 100,000 double rubsmaharam.com |
