06/06/2023
HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN CUSTOM CUSHIONS OR START YOUR OWN RANGE
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your living space or launching your own range of scatter cushions. Designing your own cushions is a fantastic way to express your creativity and infuse your personality into your home decor. Here's a short guide to get you started on this exciting journey.
ARTWORK
First things first. When choosing your artwork for fabric printing, it's crucial to choose the right resolution to ensure optimal results. Here's a helpful guideline:
Raster Artwork (Images):
If you're using raster artwork, such as photographs or digital paintings, it's recommended to use images with a resolution of at least 150 DPI (dots per inch). This resolution has been identified as the sweet spot for fabric printing.
Vector Artwork:
However, if you're working with vector artwork the resolution rule does not apply, and can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. You can therefore create your designs in vector format, and they will retain their sharpness and clarity, regardless of the size.
PRINTING AND SIZING
When it comes to printing designs on fabric, three popular methods stand out: digital fabric printing, screen printing, and rotary printing.
Digital Fabric Printing: Cost-effectiveness for small runs, and quick turnaround time.
Screen printing: Cost-effectiveness for larger production runs. Initial setup costs are involved, but bulk printing becomes efficient.
Rotary printing: Used for large-scale fabric production.
It is best to start with digital printing for cost-effective and flexible printing, then transition to screen or rotary printing for large orders and cost savings.
When sizing your panels remember to add at least 15mm for stitching. For example, if you desire a finished cushion size of 60cm x 60cm, your panel size should be 63cm x 63cm.
Some fabrics may also shrink during the curing process, thus it is important to discuss this with your printer and adjust your panel sizes accordingly.
NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC FABRIC
Now, let's talk about fabric choices. You have the option to print onto polyester or natural fabric. Here are the key differences to consider:
Natural Fabric: Printing on natural fabrics like cotton or linen offer a more organic and traditional look. They allows for a soft and breathable feel, perfect for cozy cushions and home decor items.
Synthetic Fabric: On the other hand synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, are known for their ability to hold vibrant colors with exceptional saturation.. This fabric is wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for, making it ideal for vibrant and long-lasting designs.
When deciding between synthetic and natural fabrics, it's important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. If you desire vibrant and eye-catching colors, synthetic fabric may be the ideal choice. On the contrary, if you prefer a more rustic or soft appearance, natural fabric might be the better option.
STITCHING
When it comes to making up your cushions, hidden zips, also known as invisible zips are the way to go! Hidden zips blend seamlessly into the cushion's seams, ensuring a polished and stylish look.
consider adding piping for that extra touch of style and sophistication. In addition to its visual benefits, piping reinforces the edges of the cushions, increasing their durability and lifespan
We can can connect you with a reliable Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) service that will handle the stitching process with precision and expertise.
CONTACT US
Whether you have a basic idea, image reference, or sample fabric, we can transform it into a seamless repeat or a placement design tailored to your application.
Furthermore, if you're looking to showcase and sell your products online, we can assist you in setting up an online store. Let us help you reach a broader audience and showcase your beautiful creations to the world!
Get in touch with us today and let's bring your designs to life!
[email protected]
www.mixedmediadesign.co.za
