Printed fabric sold by the metre, not by guesswork
Fabric by the metre is the practical choice when you need exact lengths for a room, a garment range or a small production run. At Fabric Printers Studio in Ndabeni, we print your artwork onto suitable fabric basecloths and cut to the length you need, so you can order 1 metre, 10 metres or a full bulk run with less waste and fewer offcuts.
This option works well when you are testing colourways, planning stock for a market order, or matching a client brief before committing to larger quantities. It also helps when you need repeatability across multiple batches, especially for businesses in Cape Town, Woodstock, Salt River and beyond that need the same print again later.
- Order from small sample lengths to bulk quantities
- Suitable for home, fashion, decor and trade use
- Printed locally in Cape Town and couriered nationwide
Sizes, repeats and fabric options that suit the job
We work with metre-based orders because different projects call for different allowances. Curtain makers may need extra for hems and pattern matching, while clothing labels often want exact cut lengths for sampling and production. If you need a continuous run for upholstery or display work, we can set the repeat and print length to suit the application.
Fabric choice matters too. Lightweight bases work better for fashion and drape, while heavier cloth is better for cushions, scatter covers and statement interiors. If you are not sure what to choose, send through the use case, the finish you want and the intended wash care and we will advise on a suitable basecloth.
- Common order lengths: 1 metre, 2 metres, 5 metres and above
- Repeat pattern setup available for matching panels or ongoing production
- Suitable for light, medium and heavier fabric bases depending on use
Where fabric by the metre works best
Printed fabric by the metre suits a wide range of local uses, from home updates in Century City and Observatory to small manufacturing work in Montague Gardens. It is a strong fit when you need a custom print for curtains, upholstery, table dressing, fashion samples or branded décor. Because you order only what you need, it helps with budget control and stock planning.
Many customers use it for projects that need a short lead time and a measured amount of cloth. If you are fitting out a hospitality space, preparing for a pop-up, or making product samples for a client presentation, metre orders keep the job tidy and manageable.
- Curtains and window dressing
- Upholstery and scatter covers
- Fashion sampling, garments and accessories
- Exhibition tables, displays and branded interiors
Setup needs, file checks and print planning
To get a clean result, the artwork must be prepared with the right dimensions, repeat and colour information. Our team checks files before printing and can assist with repeat pattern setup and colour matching where needed. If your design includes logos, fine text or border repeats, it is better to confirm scale before production starts rather than fixing issues after cutting.
You do not need power or gas for the fabric itself, but your project may need proper sewing, hemming or fitting after delivery. For curtain installations and upholstery work, make sure your tailor, installer or workroom has the correct measurements and enough allowance for seams, hems and joins. Load-shedding also affects many makers in Cape Town so we recommend planning fitting and sewing schedules with a buffer if you are working to a deadline.
- Send artwork in the correct size and repeat format
- Allow for hems, joins and waste in your metre count
- Confirm colour references for brand or room matching
Care, washing and everyday handling
How you care for printed fabric depends on the basecloth and the end use. Some fabrics are best kept for decorative use only, while others can handle regular washing. Before ordering, check whether the fabric will be used for curtains in a coastal home, child-friendly items, or garments that need frequent laundering. In Durbanville or along the Cape coast, humidity can affect storage so fabric should be kept dry, folded neatly and out of direct sun.
For finished items, follow the care advice supplied with the chosen fabric type. Avoid harsh detergents and very hot washing unless the fabric base is suitable for it. If the fabric will be used in a busy space or a commercial setting, ask about wear, fade resistance and the best finish for cleaning and servicing.
- Store unused fabric in a dry place away from sunlight
- Check wash instructions before cutting or sewing
- Choose heavier bases where extra wear is expected
What to confirm before you place an order
Before ordering fabric by the metre, check the project measurements twice and confirm the finished size needed. It helps to know whether you need extra for pattern matching, shrinkage or edge finishing. If you are producing stock for resale, make sure the same artwork, fabric base and repeat size can be used again later so your production stays consistent.
It is also worth confirming lead time, packing needs and courier details. Thabo and the dispatch team can assist with packing and courier arrangements from Ndabeni to clients in Salt River, Woodstock, Observatory, Montague Gardens, Century City and nationwide. If the order is for a business, send through the delivery address, contact person and any access notes so the box arrives with less back-and-forth.
- Final dimensions and total metres required
- Fabric type, finish and intended use
- Artwork repeat, colour match and print direction
- Delivery address and deadline
Key facts
| Product | Printed fabric by the metre |
|---|---|
| Use | Curtains, garments, upholstery, samples and displays |
| Order sizes | From short sample lengths to bulk metre runs |
| Print support | File checking, repeat setup, colour matching |
| Finish options | Hemming and finishing available on request |
| Fulfilment | Printed in Cape Town, couriered nationwide |
