Fabric FAQS
What does Martindale Rubs mean?
The Martindale is also known as the Rub Test, which is a measure of the durability of a fabric.
Fabrics are categorised depending on their test results, based on a set breakdown criteria and recorded on a scale: Light Domestic (10,000 to 15,000 rubs), General Domestic (15,000 to 25,000 rubs), Heavy Domestic (25,000 to 30,000) and General Contract (30,000 +).
Do your fabrics fade in light or when washed?
All the dyes used by Ian Mankin have a lightfastness of 4 or over on a scale of 1-5.
Please note that undyed natural fibres such as linen, cotton and viscose have a lightfastness of only 2 and so may fade when exposed to strong light over a period of time.
The dyes used in fabrics that are marked as washable at 30 degrees C should not fade as long as optical brighteners are not contained in the detergents.
Please note that undyed natural fibres such as linen, cotton and viscose may lighten in colour when washed.
Caution should be taken when spot cleaning natural fibres as colour may leach to form watermarks.
What is the minimum meterage I can order?
The minimum order length is 1 metre, and goes up in increments of 1cm. This applies to fabrics and braids.
Do your fabrics shrink?
Most fabrics, especially those made from natural fibres, have a tendency to shrink when washed, dry cleaned or from atmospheric conditions. Shrinkage during washing can be in the range of 5-10%. To minimise shrinkage we would recommend dry cleaning.
We would advise that an allowance is made for shrinkage when making curtains, covers and other items. We recommend that only companies experienced in cleaning furnishing fabrics are used.
How do I work out how many metres of fabric I need for curtains and blinds?
Please visit the ‘Quantity Calculator’ section on our website (located on the product listing page) for an approximate quantity of fabric needed.
What happens if I want to see a larger sample of fabric than your small swatches?
Larger returnable samples of approx. half a metre long, half width fabric can be ordered. A charge of £20 each is made for these and this will be refunded as long as the sample is received back in good condition within 28 days of order. Please contact our Head Office on 020 7722 0997, if you require a returnable sample.
Where are all your fabrics made?
We own and operate our weaving mill, where 99.9% of our fabrics are produced. The only fabrics that we can’t weave here are our linen sheers as they are very wide and require a specialist loom which is only available in Italy.
What do I do if I get a stain on my oilcloth?
Wipe the stain immediately and if the stain does not come out then try using some spray bleach and rub gently into the area. Once completed wipe the area infected to remove the bleach.
General FAQS
How much are swatches?
All swatches are charged at £0.50 per swatch.
How can I find my nearest designer or maker?
We have a fantastic network of trusted designers, makers and stockists to help you create the most stunning upholstered furniture, curtains, blinds and cushions. To find a designer or maker in your area to discuss your latest project, please visit the ‘Find a Designer or Maker’ section on our website (located in the header).
Why can I not see any prices on your website?
It is likely that you are visiting the website from outside the UK, in which case our prices are hidden.
Please contact our head office on 01282 423111 for further assistance.
How do I enquire about opening a trade account?
To open an Ian Mankin trade account, complete our Trade Application Form online, and a member of the team will be in touch to confirm that your application has been successful.
What are your delivery costs and how long does delivery take?
Delivery for UK mainland excluding Northern Ireland is within 5-10 working days and the charges are as follows:
– Lengths of up to 3 metres or 3kgs will be charged at £6.70 Inc. VAT
– Lengths of over 3 metres or 3 kgs will be charged at £14.50 Inc. VAT
– For non-mainland UK, Northern Ireland, international and trade customers, please contact us by email at orders.admin@ianmankin.com or call +44 1282 423111
Can I return my unwanted products to you and get a refund?
You can return any unused product ordered up to 7 working days commencing from the day after receipt of the products, by contacting us in writing within the 7 working day period and we will refund any payment that you have already made upon receipt of the returned item within 28 days in its original packaging and condition.
If you return products by post, please ensure you package and label them properly so that they are not lost or damaged in transit. We recommend you insure the item and retain some proof of postage in the event that the products go missing, as products remain your responsibility and property until we receive them.
What do I do if a product I want is out of stock?
Please add your email address to the waiting list and we will email you as soon as the item is back in stock.
Keep Exploring
Find a Designer or Maker
At Ian Mankin we have a trusted network of designers and makers to help you create the most stunning upholstered furniture, curtains, blinds and cushions.
Learn moreThe Yarns we Use
We work only with yarns spun or extruded from natural fibres: cotton, linen, wool, viscose and recycled and regenerated fibres.
Learn moreSustainability
We are a 6th generation weaving business based in the UK with sustainability at the core of everything we do. Increasingly sustainability is playing a part in every decision we take from the yarns we source, the way we make our products, manage our factory and of course our employment practices.
Learn more