How to Create & Sell Designer Fabrics
Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing is revolutionizing the way custom designer fabrics can be created and sold. The technology is similar to large format inkjet graphics printing except that high resolution images are jetted to fabric using eco-friendly, vibrant and fade resistant dyes. There are usually no set-up fees and most companies have either no or low minimum order requirements. Fabric is available in a variety of types and weights and companies that produce it accept a variety of design file types from creators. Many offer design tools for establishing pattern repeats and other design elements. Several companies offer the opportunity to sell designs to others on demand.
Things You'll Need
- Software to generate images
- High resolution images
- DTG fabric printing vendor
Instructions
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Design and Have the Fabric Produced
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1
Select a DTG fabric printing vendor. Most companies offer a broad range of fabrics ranging from thin sewing and quilting craft weights to drapery weights but prices can vary substantially. Output fabric can be of just about any length but make sure the width of fabric available is appropriate for your project or sales plans.
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2
Note the company's specifications, preferences, and requirements for image size, resolution and file type and transfer the parameters into your software settings.
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3
Create or edit the image to be used for the fabric and save at least to the minimum resolution recommended and in one of the accepted file formats and in the appropriate file size.
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4
Upload the file to the DTG fabric vendor and use their online design tools to refine and modify the image for printing. You may float a single image for wall hanging or fabric art or use one of the company's pattern generators to select from a variety of pattern repeat options.
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5
Confirm the details of your order. While the width of the fabric will be fixed you may order as many yards in length as you would like. Most companies also offer the option to order swatches for small projects or as samples to have when showing fabrics to clients and potential customers.
Options for Selling Your Custom Fabric
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Sign up to offer your fabric designs to others. Most DTG fabric vendors offer an opportunity to do this for free and then add your work to their databases. When your fabric is ordered by others the vendor produces the requested amount and handles all aspect of payment and shipping. They take an established price for printing the fabric and send you a commission check for the sale. The online homemade crafts sites work in similar fashion.
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Post swatches and auction your fabric through one of the online auction services. Since DTG can be produced on demand, and turnaround time is fast, you will not have to order it until you need it.
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Prepare a swatch book and take it around to dressmakers, tailors, interior designers, drapery fabricators and others in your area who buy and use fabric on a regular basis.
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Tips & Warnings
There are free color palette and pattern generating sites like www.colourlovers.com you may also wish to explore.
