Printed Fabric

What Is Printed Fabric?

Printed fabric covers a huge range of looks, but every piece shares one trait, and understanding it makes choosing yardage easier.

How Printing Differs From Woven Patterns

Printed fabric is any textile with a design applied to its surface after the base cloth is made, rather than woven or knitted into the structure. That separates it from jacquards and yarn-dyed fabrics, where the pattern comes from the construction itself. Because the print sits on top of the base, the same design can appear on very different fabrics. A floral can be printed on sheer chiffon for a breezy blouse or on a stable ITY knit for a fitted dress.

Why the Base Fabric Matters

That flexibility is why printed fabric is one of the most versatile categories for sewists and designers. The print sets the look, while the base fabric decides how the finished piece drapes, stretches, breathes and holds its shape. Choosing well means looking at both, and the first decision is usually whether the project needs a knit or a woven.

Printed Knits vs. Printed Wovens

The collection splits into two broad groups, and the difference between them matters as much as the print itself. The table below compares how each group is made, how it behaves and where it works best.

Choosing Between the Two

Choose a knit when comfort and movement come first, and a woven for crisp lines, a clean drape or pleats that hold. The featured prints below show how wide that range can be.

Featured Printed Fabrics

A few prints in the collection show how much the base fabric changes the result:

• Ombre Tulle: A 100% polyester tulle at 50 GSM with a double ombré design that fades from black into rose, blue, peach, pink or coral. It is lightweight but durable, and works well for bridal veils, wraps and layered event gowns.
• Printed Stripe Georgette: A semi-sheer 100% polyester woven at 115 GSM with a subtle stripe in olive and brown or red and wine. Its fluid drape makes it a natural fit for evening gowns, summer dresses and party wear.
• Hexagon Silver Foil Chiffon: A 75 GSM polyester chiffon finished with a silver foil hexagon pattern, available in apple, black, fuchsia, magenta, navy and turquoise. The foil adds shine for occasion wear, overlays and statement sleeves.
• Wool Dobby Print: Despite the name, this is a 100% polyester woven, and at 250 GSM it is one of the heavier prints in the range. It comes in navy and peach, black and pink, and black and turquoise, and suits skirts, structured dresses and light outerwear.
• Jungle Grid on ITY: A 95% polyester, 5% spandex ITY knit at around 200 GSM with a bold tropical grid print. Its stretch and recovery make it ideal for wrap dresses, fitted tops and travel-friendly pieces.

Common Uses for Printed Fabric

With so many bases and designs available, printed fabric finds its way into almost every kind of sewing project.

Dresses and Everyday Apparel

Printed knits and wovens are a staple for day dresses, maxi dresses, blouses and skirts. Browse more dress fabrics for project ideas.

Eveningwear and Special Occasions

Foiled chiffons, ombré tulles and printed satins add movement and shine to gowns, wraps and overlays. Layering a sheer print over a solid lining is a simple way to add depth to a bridesmaid dress or formal skirt.

Dance, Costume and Cosplay

Stretch prints, metallic finishes and bold animal or abstract designs read well on stage and under lights. See the full range of costume and cosplay fabrics.

Home Décor

Heavier printed wovens work for cushions, table linens, curtains and accent pieces. Explore more home decor fabrics.

How to Choose the Right Printed Fabric

Once the project type is clear, a few practical checks narrow down the options.

Weight and Width

GSM (grams per square meter) shows how light or heavy a fabric is. Prints in this collection range from sheer weights under 60 GSM to heavier wovens of 250 GSM and above. Lighter weights drape and float, while heavier weights add body and opacity. Many prints here run 57 to 60 inches wide, so check each product page, since wider fabric can mean fewer seams on full skirts.

Print Scale and Direction

Large-scale florals and border prints suit simple shapes with few seams, where the design has room to show. Small, all-over prints are more forgiving on garments with darts, panels and gathers. Border prints, ombrés and directional motifs have a clear up and down. These need every pattern piece cut facing the same way, which can increase yardage.

Stretch and Yardage

If the pattern calls for a stretch knit, choose a print on a base with spandex, such as ITY, because using a woven instead will change the fit. For multi-yard projects, buy all the yardage at once so the color and print stay consistent across every piece.

Tips for Sewing With Printed Fabric

Prints add a step that solids do not: placing the design so it looks intentional on the finished piece.

Plan Placement and Match the Pattern

Lay out pattern pieces on the right side of the fabric to see where large motifs will land, and avoid placing a bold motif directly over the bust or at the center of the seat unless that is the effect intended. On stripes, checks and grids, match the pattern at center front, center back and side seams.

Cut, Stitch and Press With Care

For sheer prints, foiled fabrics and large repeats, cutting one layer at a time gives more control and makes matching easier. Use a ballpoint or stretch needle for printed knits such as ITY, and a fine universal or microtex needle for chiffon and georgette. Press foiled and metallic prints from the wrong side with a pressing cloth and low heat, as direct heat can dull or lift a foil finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between printed fabric and jacquard?

Printed fabric has its design applied to the surface of a finished base cloth. A jacquard has its pattern woven directly into the structure of the fabric, often with a raised texture.

Which printed fabric is best for dresses?

It depends on the style. Printed ITY and other stretch knits suit fitted and wrap dresses, while georgette, chiffon and crepe prints suit flowing, draped silhouettes.

Does printed fabric fade when washed?

Colorfastness depends on the fiber and printing method. Follow the care instructions on each product page, wash in cool water and avoid high heat to help keep prints bright.

How much extra fabric does a printed pattern need?

For small, non-directional prints, the yardage on the pattern is usually enough. For directional prints, large repeats or designs that need matching, buy extra yardage and follow the pattern’s one-way layout guidance to allow for placement.

Can you order a sample before buying printed fabric?

Yes. Swatches are available to check color, scale and feel before committing to yardage.