Buying what you make from.
WHERE FABRIC COMES FROM
Local fabric markets Importers and wholesalers Direct import Local mills, where they exist
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT ANY FABRIC
Composition Width Weight Colourfastness Shrinkage Whether it can be repeated
WHY REPEATABILITY MATTERS MOST
Market fabric is frequently a single lot, and it cannot be obtained again.
WHAT THAT MEANS
A style that sells cannot be reproduced.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Buy enough for the run, at once.
WHAT SHRINKAGE PRODUCES
Garments that fit at fitting and not after washing.
WHAT TO DO
Test a sample: wash it, and measure.
WHY BEFORE CUTTING
Afterwards it is a remake at your cost.
WHAT COLOURFASTNESS AFFECTS
Whether the garment bleeds onto other items or fades.
HOW TO TEST
A sample, washed with a white cloth.
WHAT TO CHECK ON RECEIPT
Actual yardage against what was charged Width Flaws through the roll Colour consistency between rolls
WHY COLOUR BETWEEN ROLLS
Different dye lots differ visibly, and a garment cut across two is ruined.
WHAT TO DO
Cut each garment from one lot, and check before cutting.
WHAT TO RECORD
Supplier, fabric, lot, price and quantity.
WHAT TO BUILD
Relationships with consistent suppliers.
