What velvet print fabric is and how it behaves
Velvet Print Fabric is a printed fabric with a short pile surface that catches light in different ways across the print. It has a rich hand feel and works well when you want colour depth, texture and a more formal finish than flat woven fabric. For coastal homes in places like Cape Town, Strand and Durban, it also brings a warm look without needing thick layered decor.
This fabric is often chosen for cushions, occasional chairs, headboards, drapes and feature panels. The pile can make colours appear deeper, so we always recommend checking a strike-off or sample when the design must match existing decor closely. If you are ordering for a hotel room, showroom or home renovation, that sample step saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
Available sizes, print options and finishing choices
We print velvet fabric by the metre and can also handle small batch runs or larger production quantities. Standard widths depend on the base cloth selected, but many velvet-style fabrics are supplied in a working width around 1.4 m to 1.5 m. That width is useful for upholstery panels and curtain drops, especially where you want fewer joins.
- Custom fabric by the metre for one-off projects and sample runs
- Bulk print runs for interiors, retail and events
- Repeat pattern setup for continuous prints across multiple metres
- Colour matching for brand work and room-to-room consistency
- Hemming and finishing on selected orders for ready-to-use pieces
If you need a specific repeat size, we can set the artwork to suit a bold floral, geometric or tonal design. For upholstery, it helps to check pattern direction early because some layouts need extra allowance for matching at seams.
Where this fabric suits best in homes and commercial spaces
This fabric suits spaces where texture matters as much as the print. In a home, it works for scatter cushions, ottoman covers, padded headboards and drapes in lounges or main bedrooms. In commercial spaces, it is often used for feature seating, reception areas, boutique fitting rooms and hospitality interiors.
For statement upholstery, the velvet finish gives a richer appearance under warm lighting, which is useful in restaurants and guest houses. If you are fitting out a place in Cape Town's windy suburbs or a coastal property with strong afternoon sun, consider lining for curtains and placing upholstery away from direct, harsh light to help keep the print looking fresh for longer. It is a good choice where you want a softer touch but still need a print that stands out.
- Lounges and family rooms
- Boutique hotels and guest houses
- Reception counters and waiting areas
- Feature cushions and cushions for sofas
- Statement chairs and occasional furniture
Installation, power use and what the space needs
As a printed textile, this fabric does not need power or gas during normal use. The only power use comes in the making and finishing process, which is handled in our Cape Town base. On site, you only need the right fittings, tracks, rods or upholstery frame depending on how the fabric will be used.
For curtains, make sure the tracks are fixed securely and that the drop includes enough allowance for hems and hooks. For upholstery, the frame should be checked for sharp edges, worn foam and loose springs before covering. If the piece will sit in a load shedding area with no powered climate control, that is usually not a problem, but try to keep fabric storage and installation away from damp walls and open windows during rainy weather.
- Use lined curtains for better hang and less light show-through
- Allow extra fabric for pattern matching on large drops
- Check frame corners and staple lines before upholstery fitting
- Keep fabric rolled, flat or covered until installation
Care, cleaning and how to keep the pile looking even
Velvet print fabric needs careful handling because the pile can mark if it is rubbed too hard in one direction. For everyday care, light vacuuming with a soft brush attachment helps remove dust. Spills should be blotted quickly, not scrubbed, and heavy cleaning should be done by a professional who understands printed textiles. A quick clean is better than letting a stain set, especially on pale bases.
For curtains and cushions, rotate items where possible so one side does not fade faster than the rest. In a busy home or hospitality space, try to avoid sharp jewellery, pet claws and rough hook-and-loop fasteners that can pull the pile. If you need servicing after installation, we can assist with reordering extra metres, matching a past print run or planning a replacement panel for a damaged section.
What to check before you order
Before ordering velvet print fabric, check the finished use, the number of metres needed and whether the print must line up across joins. A small mistake in measurement can lead to extra cost, especially on large curtains or fitted upholstery. Measure twice and leave some allowance for hems, shrinkage and pattern repeat. It sounds basic, but it saves headaches later.
Also confirm the colour reference, fabric width, turnaround time and whether you need cut lengths or continuous metreage. If the order is for a business, send artwork in the correct format and check spelling on any text within the design. For repeated orders, keep a record of the previous batch number or sample approved, because velvet can vary slightly from one run to the next.
- Measure the drop, width and repeat carefully
- Confirm where the fabric will be used indoors
- Ask for a strike-off if colour must be exact
- Check whether you need hemming, trimming or only print
- Allow extra for matching stripes, borders or large motifs
Our team at Fabric Printers Studio in Ndabeni can check files, advise on fabric choice and arrange courier delivery to Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, Montague Gardens, Century City and nationwide.
Key facts
| Product type | Printed velvet-style fabric |
|---|---|
| Use | Curtains, cushions, upholstery and feature decor |
| Supply format | By the metre, small batch or bulk runs |
| Typical width | About 1.4 m to 1.5 m depending on base cloth |
| Finish options | Repeat setup, colour matching, hemming and finishing |
| Service area | Cape Town base with courier fabric nationwide |
