What You Need to Know Before Buying African Print Fabrics

African wax print fabric is made from 100% cotton, which is commonly used to make clothing and accessories in Africa. The fabric is called Kitenge or Ankara fabric; after the cities in Africa, it was first manufactured. It is known for its vibrant colours and distinct designs. A piece of traditional fabric is made by draping the cloth over a carved wooden frame and pouring hot wax on the fabric; when the wax is cool, the excess wax is removed. The method of producing batik fabric, which originated in Indonesia, gives it a unique lustre that looks the same on both sides of the fabric. The quality of the cloth depends on the type of cotton used to make it and on the manufacturing processes. African wax prints are usually 46 to 48 inches wide; they come in different lengths depending on the manufacturer.

If you are looking to buy African wax print fabric, this blog post will share the crucial information you need before you do.

How is African wax print fabric made?

The cotton used to make African wax print fabric is grown in countries like Ghana and Tanzania. The cloth is made in Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. The cloth is made on a wooden frame covered with waxed cloth. The frame is called a “loome”, and the process of covering it with a cloth and wax is called “cloth covering”. The wax covering helps to create the design on the fabric and makes it more durable. The loom is dipped into the wax bath, and the wax drips off, leaving the fabric with the design. This process is repeated until the wax is removed, leaving the cloth with a design. The cloth is then dried using cold air to prevent shrinkage and excess wrinkles.

How do I choose African wax print fabric?

A great way to choose African wax print fabric is to buy a sample before buying the large amount. When you purchase a sample, you can check the quality of the fabric and the hand of the fabric. You can also check the colour and the design. The sample will also allow you to see how the fabric will look after washing and how it will hold up if you ever decide to clean it.

African wax prints do not need to be dry cleaned and can be washed using a washing machine. If you decide to give it a steam cleaning, make sure to take it to a professional. You can also choose to hand wash it using mild detergent, cold water, and a gentle spin cycle.

Always remember that African wax print fabric is made of cotton. You can wash it in hot water, and it will not shrink. Because it is thin, it is recommended that you wash it with similar fabrics, so it does not snag or damage other fabrics that are in the wash.

If you like to experiment with your fashion, African wax print fabric is a good choice. You can style it with jeans, shorts, or even skirts. When purchasing African wax print fabric, try to choose only the best. The quality of the fabric will determine how the garment you make from the fabric will look.

Should you be in the market to buy unique clothing designs or African print accessories, come to Nkiti African Clothing. We are a UK based clothing designer that specialises in designing casual African wear. Our vision is to create modern, high-quality clothing that pays homage to our rich African ancestry.