Decoration or Descendants: What Makes Tartan Fabric Special?

Tartans are especially associated with Scotland. To some people tartans are simply a fashionable pattern whereas others believe they emerged as a way of differentiating the clans of Scotland, much like African head wraps can vary between regions. Ultimately they are a type of decorative cloth with patterns that can differ so much by just making a simple change, for instance the amount of stripes vertically or horizontally, the width, colour and the distance between the stripes. The diversity which can come from this has led to various areas in Scotland, or clans, to wear a particular tartan pattern, although it is believed that clan tartans were not truly recognised until later in the 18th century. Originally the fabric pattern would have depended on what the local producer made. So what is the history of tartan and why is the pattern so unique? Continue reading “Decoration or Descendants: What Makes Tartan Fabric Special?”

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Environmental Issues of Fabric Production

Environmental Issues of Fabric Production. There are so many processes which go into making a single item of clothing and to think of how many millions of clothes are made every year! All of these processes use environmental resources, such as fossil fuels for the transportation of fibres grown in one country to where they are manufactured into garments in another country and then sold in another. This is how some of the processes to produce fibres and fabrics can ruin the environment and some of the actions which can be implemented to improve damages: Continue reading “Environmental Issues of Fabric Production”

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Why You Should Know About Sustainable Clothing

It has been a long time coming for everyone to recognise that the environmental and ethical problems of the fashion industry needs to be taken seriously. Whilst change is occurring slowly, it is still not being placed under as much scrutiny as it should. In first world countries most people do not bear the brunt of the chemical pollution and low wages impacting other people’s lives currently and the lives of people in the future. Continue reading “Why You Should Know About Sustainable Clothing”

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Wow! Amazing Fabric Facts

It’s always valuable to learn something new and I bet you didn’t know all of this information. A few of these interesting points highlight some of the innovative research which has been going on in recent years and may start to affect yours and company fabric choices. From remarkable modern fibres to developing sustainable practices, here are 5 fabric facts to pick up on. Also be sure to look out for future posts regarding some of the issues included here. Continue reading “Wow! Amazing Fabric Facts”

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Awning Fabric for Your Garden

Awing Fabric

Awning fabric, Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could transform your garden into something like the Botanical gardens located near us in Birmingham? Summer season is on our doorstep so we’re just in time to help you get your outdoor home geared up for Sunday afternoons of lounging in the sun. First step is to get your garden lawn cut and flowers planted and then you can follow these visionary ideas to show off at a garden party, when hosting a barbecue with friends or relaxing with the family. Plus I have included some useful information on fabrics which are recommended for outdoor use so that you can effectively spruce up your exterior lounge. Continue reading “Awning Fabric for Your Garden”

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Ways of Using Fabric for your Pets

We love animals at Fabric UK meaning that we don’t stock any real leathers or furs for ethical reasons but we do sell fabrics that can be used for animals! Seeing as we get so many people calling in asking for petwear fabric, it’s about time we dedicate some thought to fabric for pets. But think again if you thought pet bedding and clothing was plain and uninteresting because these ideas are elegant, achievable and purrrrfect for pets.  Continue reading “Ways of Using Fabric for your Pets”

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Stitching Services for Your Company

Stitching Services

 As a fabric company we are proud to have depth in all areas of fabric from outdoor clothing and furnishing fabric to fashion, agricultural and upholstery fabric just to state a few. However did you know that we provide Stitching Services? Read on below to find out what we did for one client and how this may be useful to you! Continue reading “Stitching Services for Your Company”

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Testing Fire Retardant Fabrics and Liquid Spray

In collaboration with KBTs fire retardant liquid, we are going to underline the basics of fire resistant fabrics with the addition of a demonstration video. Fire retardant fabrics are important because so many fires are caused accidently. Fire retardant fabrics can be difficult to set alight or they will burn slower or self-extinguish, helping to prevent injury or death. There are also fire regulations put in place for clothing items such as for children’s sleepwear and for work wear clothing in the emergency services and military. Other standards are provided for environments which can be classified as either low risk, medium risk or high risk. An example of low risk include schools and museums and medium risk include entertainment venues. Here are how fire retardant fabrics work and what are the best options for different applications.

Continue reading “Testing Fire Retardant Fabrics and Liquid Spray”

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4 Fabrics For Spring Fashion and Inspirational Outfits

The sun has been shining for the past week which means we’re finally jumping into spring! Weather is clearly a big factor in fabric and garment choice so that we can stay comfortable and warm. The March to June period is a favourable time of the year as you can team both heavier winter fabrics with cooler, free flowing fabrics. Classic springtime materials include lightweight, insulating fabrics which ‘breathe’ to allow for the rise in temperature as the weather becomes milder compared to the cold winter. Prints gladly look more fresh and fun with summery, neutral and lighter colours in the form of florals and stripes. Below are our top 4 spring fabrics: Continue reading “4 Fabrics For Spring Fashion and Inspirational Outfits”

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Behind the Scenes of our Samples Department

We know that for some people it’s important to have fabric samples so that you can see and feel the fabric before going by the metre. For others they might be useful for quilting, university projects or inspiration and mood boards. With this in mind, we thought it was time to give you a peek into what goes on behind the scenes in the samples department. Having all these samples pretty much gives us our own fabric library; we have a few hundred boxes all numbered, ordered and categorised with a comprehensive range of fabrics.

As an intern, I have spent over a month in the samples department and gained an insight into what really goes on. I found that samples is a busy and often a fast paced environment as orders come in thick and fast. Fabrics have to constantly be cut to make more samples and sometimes samples requested for a new fabric or for other fabrics awaiting stock can take a little more time to be sent out. Continue reading “Behind the Scenes of our Samples Department”

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