Dovetailed News
Dovetailed's African Wax Print Fabric Pop-Up Shop Saturday 25th January 2020
Join us at our first ever pop-up in our new and exciting premises at Unit 116, 397 - 411 Westferry Road, London, E14 3AE. Come along to shop for beautiful African wax print fabrics, sewing patterns and sewing supplies that you will need to complete your garments such as threads, bias binding, zips and elastic. You can also bring your own sewing patterns to get advice on fabric selection and amount.
Some of your frequently asked questions
Can I wash the fabric?
Yes, as with most fabrics it is good practice to wash and 'press' before you cut and sew. Simply put in your machine on a cool wash. However, given that the fabric has a stiff / waxy finish, you may wish to skip the washing step if you are bag making, for example.
Real wax v Imi wax: How to tell the difference.
The design is only printed on one side of the fabric. This is perhaps the easiest way to distinguish Real Wax from Imi Wax.
How Dutch-made wax print fabric penetrated the African market.
Unlike Indonesians, West Africans regarded the crackles as unique and special rather than as imperfections. The West African fondness for the crackle effect is so pronounced that wax manufacturers today still program these imperfections into the printing process.
What is African Wax Print Fabric?
The term ‘African wax print’ is a term of art used to identify a category of textiles in vibrant colours which are printed by machine using wax resins and dyes so that they have a batik-like effect on both sides of the fabric.