Important key qualities to look out for when sourcing fabric

Every person wants to look more fashionable and own their own unique custom piece but like most, people don't know where to begin to look. It's one thing being overwhelmed with what the fashion industry has to offer you but it's another thing to truly get the style that suits you and made up in the fabric that you want. Most turn to Instagram, fashion magazines or high end fashion brands for design inspiration, all of these sources are great but what's important from the very first initial starting point is the fabric and how most designers start designing is by fabric sourcing and then the design comes second. Designers travel all over the world to get the best fabric qualities to start the process of designing great master pieces. We're giving you the opportunity to be the designer but you don't need to travel all over the world for your fabric as we have some amazing fabrics shops right here on our door step to pick from. Click here for our fabric shop directory to start sourcing your fabrics for your next unique design creation. Before you do so please have a read below to help you pick your fabric option. 

You may already have pills of fabric just laying around your house waiting for a design to be created so in this case start   building your outfit and then we will email you the amount of fabric you will need to send us to make up your design.

1. PRINT/ PATTERN/COLOUR

African printed fabrics as well as a range of other fun, loud prints are fast becoming the nations favorites for go-to-prints. High-end brands like Stella McCartney and Dior have braced the runway with their own take of using African prints in their previous collection and we are doing the same but with a fraction of the price. It's an easy way to add some interesting colour to your wardrobe and pair them up with other modern clothing styles. What first should draw you to a fabric when shopping is the colour. I would always choose 'bright and bold' over 'dull and boring'... how else would you want to get noticed so our top tip is to gravitate towards what your favourite print pattern is, what visually looks nice, your favourite colour etc. This should be an instant reaction and if you find yourself saying 'ooooo' then pick it up, put it against your skin and visualize the design you can possibly start designing with our help.

2. QUALITY

 Once your happy with the colour option you have picked, check the quality. By this I mean the overall hand feel of the fabric. Ask yourself, is it itchy, is it smooth, is it faded, is it strong in colour? Think to yourself that you want a quality that will last you a long while. Whilst holding a fabric, if it generally feels cheap, then girl it is... ABORT MISSION and start again! Cheap quality fabric that are thin, will not last after being washed a few times or warn. We can not make you look a million dollars if the foundations have not been cemented at the first instance. Its like trying to build a house on sand...need I say more...

3. WEIGHT

Once you have picked your fabric, we believe it's important to have a medium to heavyweight fabric for African printed fabrics or any printed fabrics. The best way to determine this is by holding it up to the light. Unless its intentionally supposed to be see-through most good quality fabrics are not suppose to be transparent because its a quick sign that its poor quality if it is. GIRL ABORT MISSION and start over. Good quality options are 100% cotton which are the best quality to work with. These are smooth and soft to touch. Alternatively you can select 100% polyester options which are slightly cheaper in price but the quality is a bit more stiff in comparison. Fabrics with enough weight will generally look nicer on you and can adjust to your body better.

4.  GUT FEELING

In life I generally go by a 'if it feels right, it probably is right' feeling. After reviewing all of the above and your happy with all, then this is a sure sign that you have picked the right fabric for your next master piece. If any of the above is niggling at you THEN HOLD UP, something is up and re-evaluate all of the above and maybe start again or re-select your fabric option. Maybe go into another store, check out their options, and then go back to the original store just to be sure you have picked correctly. No-one said picking fabric is an easy task so we recommend that you take your time, maybe go with a friend for a second opinion or if your still unsure, take a clear picture of it, write down the details of the composition, weight and width of the fabric by asking the staff for help on this and email us  with the details so we can advise you further. Click this link to insure you provide us with the relevant information 

5. PRICE

We have put 'price' last before 'gut-feeling' because we believe if all of the above feel right then the price shouldn't matter in getting you perfect fabric choice. We understand most people have a budget and only want to spend a certain amount of money on fabric so of-course work towards what your pocket can afford. There are hundreds of fabric shops around London ranging from standard to really premium price brackets so asses your pockets first. Some people go to their local fabric shops that offer really competitive prices but if your a newbie to fabric sourcing, then this part might be tough for you as this is a completely new experience for you. We recommend to never buy the first fabric you see.  Like with all things, do some research, compare prices and analyse from there. 

Most African fabrics are sold in packs of 5.5 yards so you will most likely need to buy one pack but if you your going for a more voluminous, long, peplum, (it's not a word but we will go with it) design choice then chances are that you will most definitely need 2 packs of fabrics. Take a look at our design examples to give you an idea of how much fabric is used to make a design. 

HAPPY SHOPPING

Now that you have acquired all of the above fabric sourcing knowledge, it's time to go out there and spread your wings. Get INSPIRED , start DESIGNING and we will CREATE it for you.

ENJOY!