November 18, 2025

Ep. 440: Performance Fabrics 101 with Patrick Shelton

55 minutes

This week, the ladies welcome to the show Patrick Shelton, Senior Vice President of Sales at Valdese Weavers, to decode what “performance fabrics” really mean and how to choose the right one for your home.

With hands-on training across spinning, dyeing, weaving, finishing, and testing, Patrick explains yarn-based versus finish-based performance (and where InsideOut, Crypton Home, Sunbrella, and Ballard’s Performance Queen’s Velvet fit), how to read fiber content, and what to expect for cleanability, durability, and fade resistance.

What You'll Hear This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Ballor Designs Podcast

00:56 Meet the Expert: Patrick Shelton

01:34 Understanding Performance Fabrics

06:18 Types of Performance Fabrics

20:12 Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

06:25 Avoiding Bleach on Performance Fabrics

27:42 Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs

29:42 Pet-Friendly Fabric Options

30:59 Upholstery Cleaning Tips

35:26 Understanding Fabric Repellency

39:10 Emerging Trends in Fabric Design

44:52 The Importance of Fabric in Furniture

50:08 Conclusion and Where to Find More

Key Takeaways on Performance Fabrics:

Cleaning basics: Always blot first and start with water; add a mild soap if needed and rinse thoroughly. Use diluted bleach only on bleach-safe fibers, and clean pile fabrics like velvet in the direction of the nap to avoid damage.

For busy or pet-friendly homes: Opt for tightly woven, multicolor or textured fabrics (bouclé, tweed, chenille) that better disguise wear and stains. Tackle spills quickly and clean full cushions or panels to prevent water rings.

Trends and biggest takeaway: Expect softer hands, multicolor tapestries, and warming palettes (camels, ochres, terracottas, greens). Above all, your fabric choice is the biggest determinant of how good upholstery looks over time.

Also Mentioned:

• Shop Performance Fabrics at Ballard Designs - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3LJf3Pg

• Valdese Weavers, Company Website - ⁠https://bit.ly/3X2wUD6

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!

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