Start With the Right File Before You Send It
The cleanest print starts with a file that is easy to work with. Send your artwork in the highest quality you have, and let us know what the fabric will be used for. A curtain panel, a flag, and a repeat for fashion fabric all need slightly different setup.
We usually check the file type, size, colour mode and whether the design is ready for a full repeat. If something is not right, we will tell you what needs to be changed before printing starts. That saves time and helps avoid waste, especially on bulk orders or when courier timelines are tight.
- Best results come from clear, high resolution artwork
- Tell us the final use so we can advise on scale and finish
- Keep a copy of your original source file if possible
How Repeat Patterns Are Set Up for Fabric
Repeat setup is one of the most important parts of fabric printing. A repeat must join cleanly from one panel to the next, without visible jumps or missing edges. That matters on upholstery, curtains, and any fabric where the pattern runs across a wide area.
If your artwork is a motif, border, or full pattern, we can help prepare it for the correct repeat size. Some designs need a straight repeat, while others work better with a half drop or a mirrored layout. The right choice depends on the artwork and the end use.
- Straight repeat for simple, even pattern flow
- Half drop for designs that need a softer movement
- Panel layouts for curtains, flags or branded fabric drops
Getting Scale Right for Curtains, Upholstery and Clothing
Scale changes the whole look of a print. A design that looks fine on screen can become too small on a curtain or too large on a garment panel. We help you size artwork so the printed result matches the job and not just the preview.
For home use, we often check how the pattern reads from a few metres away. For fashion or accessories, we focus on how the motif sits on the body and how often it repeats across the cloth. If you are not sure, send us the intended measurements and we will guide you.
- Use real measurements where possible, not only screen screenshots
- Tell us if the design must line up over seams or joins
- Ask for a strike-off if you want to test size before a full run
Colour Matching for Fabric Printing in South African Conditions
Colour on screen can look very different once it is printed on fabric. Light, texture and the base cloth all affect the final result. We offer colour matching support for clients who need a specific shade for interiors, retail or branded items.
This is especially useful for businesses working across multiple batches or replacing older stock. If you have a previous sample, Pantone reference or physical swatch, send it through with your artwork. We can then check the closest practical match for print on the selected fabric.
- Send a swatch, previous sample or clear photo where possible
- Note whether the fabric will be viewed indoors or outdoors
- Ask about colour shifts on natural or textured cloth
What We Check During File Review
Our file check is practical and focused on print quality. We look for problems that can affect the final fabric, such as low image quality, missing bleed, broken links, poor crop marks or incorrect repeat joins. If we spot an issue, we will explain it clearly and advise what to fix.
This step is especially helpful when clients are working under pressure or sending files from different suppliers. It avoids delays in the production line and keeps the order moving, even during load-shedding periods when planning matters more. Our Ndabeni team is used to working through tight schedules and courier cut-offs.
- We check image quality and sizing before printing
- We flag layout issues that may affect the finish
- We confirm whether the file suits the selected fabric and print run
How to Send Artwork to Our Studio
Send your artwork through our contact form and include your contact details, what the fabric will be used for, the quantity you need, and any special notes on colour or finishing. If you are in Cape Town, you can also work with us through our Ndabeni studio for more detailed support.
Clients from Woodstock, Salt River, Observatory, Montague Gardens and Century City often send work in for review before production. We also courier fabric nationwide, so once the artwork is approved we can move ahead with printing, finishing and dispatch. If your file is not ready yet, send what you have and we will tell you the next step.
- Include the final size or repeat size you want
- State whether you need hemming, finishing or packing
- Send reference images if the design must match an existing item
