African Print Fabric stands out with its bold colors and striking designs, making it a unique textile for creating eye-catching garments. Crafted from 100% high-quality cotton and printed on both sides using the wax-block technique, this fabric is a staple in African fashion. You’ll find these vibrant textiles from renowned brands like Vlisco, AfricanFabs Holland, Julius Holland, and Mitex Holland, among others.
Key Characteristics of African Print Fabric
What exactly defines African fabrics? Typically, you’ll notice the use of incredibly vibrant and colorful patterns. Authentic African prints are known for being double-sided prints on pure 100% cotton, achieved through the intricate “wax block” printing method. The standard width of these fabrics ranges from 45 to 48 inches (approximately 114 to 122 cm). Traditionally, African fabrics are produced in 6-yard lengths (about 548 cm). This standard length historically allowed for creating a complete outfit – a skirt, a top, and a headscarf or baby sling all from one piece. Recognizing the diverse creative needs of our customers who use these fabrics for a multitude of projects, we offer them starting from just 1 yard (91cm). This allows you to explore various designs and purchase exactly the amount you need for your unique creations.
Unleashing Creativity: What Can You Make?
The possibilities with African print fabric are truly limitless. Wherever you envision adding a splash of color and personality, these fabrics are an excellent choice. While they are famously used for creating stunning apparel like dresses, skirts, and tops, their versatility extends far beyond clothing. African fabrics are also popularly used to fashion striking headscarves, comfortable baby carriers, unique jewelry pieces, and even stylish shoes. Furthermore, these fabrics lend themselves beautifully to home décor projects. Imagine using them to upholster furniture, craft vibrant patchwork and quilting projects, create eye-catching lampshades, design unique tablecloths, produce captivating works of art, or add a festive touch to party decorations! Let your imagination guide you and explore the endless creative avenues these fabrics offer.
A Glimpse into the History of African Fabrics
The story of African wax fabrics begins in the early 19th century. They evolved from batik fabrics originating in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). Dutch entrepreneurs of that era mechanized the manual batik production techniques. Initially, these machine-made fabrics were intended for the Dutch East Indies market; however, they didn’t gain traction there. Serendipitously, these fabrics found immense popularity in West Africa. This shift in market led to print designs becoming more tailored to the tastes and cultural contexts of the local populations in various African nations. Over time, African fabrics have become a recognized and celebrated textile tradition, now gaining global recognition and admiration. Within Africa itself, these fabrics are known by various names, including Ankara fabrics, Kitenge fabrics, and Khanga fabrics, each carrying its own regional significance and style.
Unraveling the “Wax” Mystery
Despite being called “African wax print fabric,” many mistakenly believe that the finished product contains a stiff wax coating. This is not the case. The term “wax” refers to a crucial stage in the fabric dyeing process. During production, colors are applied to specific areas of the fabric while other sections are protected using a wax or resin resist. This resist is subsequently removed, and the fabric undergoes thorough cleaning after the entire process. The end result from reputable brands is a luxuriously soft and supple cotton fabric showcasing a vibrant, double-sided color print, completely free of any wax residue. This ensures both the beautiful aesthetic and comfortable feel of the fabric.
