FAQs

Fabric & Custom Printing FAQs

Have questions about shopping artist-designed fabric, choosing a base textile, printing your own design, preparing artwork or placing a larger production order? Start here for practical answers about The Textile District’s fabric catalog, custom printing services, color, care, pricing, production, shipping and fulfillment.

The Textile District offers two ways to create with fabric: shop original artist-designed fabrics by the yard, or print your own artwork on 15+ quality base textiles. All fabrics are printed to order in the USA.

Shop Artist-Designed Fabric

Print Your Own Fabric

Getting Started

What is The Textile District?

The Textile District is an online fabric retailer and USA-based digital textile printer offering artist-designed fabrics and custom fabric printing by the yard.

We work with home sewists and individual makers as well as artists, interior and apparel designers, upholsterers, custom clothiers, studios and small-batch businesses.

What makes The Textile District different?

We combine an artist-designed, print-to-order fabric catalog with professional custom textile printing by the yard.

Catalog customers can choose the design, colorway and base textile that best fits the project rather than being limited to one predetermined design-and-fabric combination. Our artist-designed catalog is developed for long-term, print-to-order availability rather than seasonal inventory sell-through.

Custom-print customers can choose from 15+ quality base textiles, send new artwork for personal review before production, and begin with a one-yard production-quality proof when they want to evaluate the actual printed fabric before ordering more.

For natural-fiber textiles, we print with OEKO-TEX® certified fiber-reactive dyes and steam, wash and dry the fabric as part of the finishing process. Printed fabric arrives finished and ready to sew.

Do you have a physical retail store?

No. The Textile District is an online fabric retailer. Our custom textile printing operation is based in North Carolina, and our team is available to help with fabric selection, artwork questions and custom projects through our Contact Us page.

Shopping Artist-Designed Fabric

How do I order artist-designed fabric?

Browse our fabric catalog, choose the design and colorway you like, select the available base textile that best fits your project, enter the yardage you need and add it to your cart.

Printed pricing adjusts according to the base fabric selected.

Can I choose the base fabric for an artist-designed print?

Yes. One of the advantages of our print-to-order model is the ability to pair a design with the textile that best suits the project instead of being limited to one predetermined fabric.

Available base-fabric choices may vary by design.

Can I shop by artist or learn more about the designers?

Yes. Participating artists have dedicated Brand pages within The Textile District catalog, making it easy to explore their available designs and collections.

You can also visit our Designer Profiles to learn more about participating artists, their work and the inspiration behind their collections.

Can I come back and reorder an artist-designed fabric later?

Our artist-designed catalog is built around an evergreen, print-to-order model rather than seasonal inventory sell-through.

That makes it easier to return to a favorite fabric for another room, a coordinating project or a later reorder. Individual designs and collections can change over time, however, so availability is not guaranteed permanently.

Choosing the Right Fabric

How do I choose the right base fabric?

Start with Our Fabrics to compare fiber content, weight, printable width, hand, recommended uses, care and current printed pricing.

The best choice depends on what you are making. A lightweight apparel cotton, structured upholstery fabric, textured linen and performance polyester all behave differently even when printed with the same design.

Can I see the fabrics before ordering printed yardage?

Yes. The Ground Fabric Swatch Kit includes samples of our current base textiles so you can compare hand, texture, weight, drape and construction before ordering printed fabric.

Does the same design look different on different base fabrics?

Yes. Fiber content, weave, surface texture, fabric weight and the printing process can all influence how a design and its colors appear.

The same artwork may reproduce differently on smooth cotton, textured linen or polyester. A result approved on one substrate should not automatically be assumed to represent the same result on another.

Custom Fabric Printing & Ordering

Can I print fabric with my own design?

Yes. Use our Print Custom Fabric page to choose your base textile, enter the yardage, select the repeat type and place your order.

New print-ready artwork is transferred separately through Dropbox or WeTransfer after checkout.

What is the minimum custom fabric order?

The minimum custom print order is 1 yard.

You can order the yardage needed for a finished project or use one yard as a production-quality proof before moving into a larger run.

Should I order a one-yard proof before a larger production run?

If color, scale, repeat, placement or the finished appearance is important to your project, a one-yard proof is the most reliable way to evaluate your artwork on the actual base fabric before ordering larger yardage.

The proof is printed and finished using the same production process as larger orders. It is finished, usable fabric—not a disposable test swatch—so it can be used for samples, pillows, accessories, gifts or other finished goods.

If you want to make a change after reviewing the fabric, correct your artwork and order another proof before proceeding. Once you are satisfied with the printed result, you can move into larger production using the approved file.

What is the difference between the Ground Fabric Swatch Kit, Color Library and a printed proof?

The Ground Fabric Swatch Kit helps you choose the textile by comparing hand, texture, weight and drape.

The Custom Print Color Library provides printed color references for artwork and color planning.

A one-yard proof lets you evaluate your own artwork, color, scale and repeat on the actual base fabric you intend to use.

Can you help with larger, commercial or specialty projects?

Yes. We work with individual customers as well as businesses planning larger or more specialized production.

If your project involves multiple designs, engineered panels, a special substrate, unusual finishing, larger quantities or other production requirements, contact us with the project details before ordering.

Can I supply my own fabric for printing?

Customer-supplied fabric is not part of our standard online offering.

Some specialty projects may be considered depending on the substrate, testing requirements and production volume. Please contact us before sending any fabric.

Artwork & File Setup

What artwork specifications do you require?

Custom print files should be print-ready and supplied at the exact scale you want printed.

Resolution: 300 DPI at final print size
Color mode: RGB or Lab
File format: TIFF or JPG
Scale: Artwork should already be sized as you want it printed
Seamless patterns: Files should tile cleanly horizontally and vertically
Panels: Engineered or placement prints must fit within the printable width of the selected base fabric

For repeat examples and additional file-preparation guidance, visit Digital Fabric Printing Basics.

How do I send my artwork?

After checkout, transfer new print-ready artwork through Dropbox or WeTransfer to info@thetextiledistrict.com.

Please use the same file name referenced in the Special Instructions field of your order.

Does someone review my artwork before it is printed?

Yes. New custom print files are reviewed by a member of The Textile District team before production.

We look for common file and setup issues that may affect the printed result. If we see something that needs attention, we contact you before the file moves forward and help identify what needs to be corrected.

You remain responsible for the artwork itself, including design content, color choices, scale and final file setup.

Will you resize, recolor or alter my artwork?

We do not automatically resize, recolor or otherwise alter print files.

Artwork should be submitted at final print scale. If you want to make a change, correct the file and resubmit it. Design or file-editing services may be quoted separately when available and appropriate.

How should I name my files?

Clear file names help us match artwork to the correct design, colorway and order.

Recommended format:
Brand Name_Design Name_Color Name.tif

Use the same file name in the Special Instructions field when placing your order.

What repeat types can you print?

We support continuous seamless repeats and fixed-placement panels.

Common pattern layouts include standard block repeats, half-drop repeats, half-brick repeats and mirrored repeats. See Digital Fabric Printing Basics for illustrated examples.

Color, Printing & Care

How are cotton, linen and cotton-linen fabrics printed?

Cotton, linen and cotton-linen blends are direct printed with OEKO-TEX® certified fiber-reactive dyes.

After printing, the fabric is steamed, washed and dried as part of the finishing process. This produces rich color and clear detail while preserving a soft textile hand and dependable wash-and-wear performance.

How are polyester and synthetic fabrics printed?

Poly Spandex 4-Way Knit, Polyester Linen and Polyester Fleece are sublimation printed using a process suited to polyester fibers.

Polyester Outdoor uses a specialized printing process and formulation designed for water-repellent performance and 500+ hours of UV lightfastness.

Do you offer pigment printing?

Pigment printing may be available by request for qualifying projects.

Contact us with the substrate, project requirements and expected yardage so we can determine whether pigment printing is appropriate for the application.

Do you print on colored fabrics?

Our current base textiles have white grounds.

If you want the finished fabric to have a colored ground, include that background color in your artwork file.

Will printed color look exactly like it does on my screen?

No. A computer or phone screen is backlit, while fabric reflects ambient light. Monitor calibration, screen brightness, software settings, artwork color space, the base textile and surrounding light can all affect perceived color.

For custom projects where color is important, use the Custom Print Color Library as a printed reference and consider ordering a one-yard proof on the actual base fabric before larger production.

Is printed fabric colorfast?

Our printing and finishing processes are designed for strong, lasting color under normal use and recommended care.

Long-term performance depends on the specific fabric, end use, laundering method, environmental exposure and amount of wear.

Do I need to pre-wash my printed fabric?

No. Natural-fiber fabrics are steamed, washed and dried as part of our production process and arrive finished and ready to sew.

Polyester and specialty synthetic fabrics also arrive production-ready.

How should I care for my printed fabric?

Care recommendations vary by substrate.

Most of our current base fabrics are machine washable and dryable, but always review the care information for the specific textile on Our Fabrics.

Will natural-fiber fabric shrink?

Natural-fiber fabrics are already steamed, washed and dried during production and arrive ready to sew.

As with any natural-fiber textile, some additional dimensional change may still occur with future laundering depending on the fabric and care method.

Do you print stretch fabric?

Yes. Our Poly Spandex 4-Way Stretch Knit is designed for projects that need stretch, recovery and comfortable movement, including activewear, swimwear, dancewear and athleisure.

See Our Fabrics for current specifications.

Pricing, Volume & Production

How much does artist-designed fabric cost?

Pricing depends on the base textile selected for the design. The price shown on the product page updates according to your fabric selection.

Our Fabrics is the source of truth for current base-fabric pricing and specifications.

How much does custom printed fabric cost?

Custom printed pricing is also based on the base textile selected.

Visit Custom Fabric Pricing for custom-order information and current volume discounts.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes. Standard volume discounts apply to qualifying custom-print orders on the same base textile:

1–50 yards: Listed price
51–100 yards: 5% discount
101–150 yards: 10% discount
151–200 yards: 15% discount
201+ yards: 20% discount

Can multiple custom designs count toward volume pricing?

Yes. Multiple designs and colorways may be combined to reach a qualifying volume threshold when they are printed on the same eligible base textile.

How long does fabric printing take?

Standard turnaround is typically 10–12 business days after the order and, for custom printing, print-ready artwork are received and ready for production.

Larger, more complex or specialty projects may require additional time.

How is larger yardage packaged?

Orders of 3 yards or more are shipped rolled on a core to help minimize folds and creases.

Larger production orders may have additional put-up options depending on the project and quantity.

Business, Reorders & Fulfillment

Can The Textile District support a small business or product line?

Yes. We work with makers, artists, studios and other businesses that need anything from occasional custom yardage to ongoing production.

For custom printing, start with one yard when you need to approve the print. When you are ready, order the production yardage your project requires. Volume pricing is available for qualifying quantities.

Do you save approved custom print files for future reorders?

Yes. Once an approved file has gone into production, we retain it to make future reordering easier.

If the artwork is unchanged, you generally do not need to resubmit the file for a reprint.

As with any textile production process, slight variation between production runs can occur. Reorders are produced from the same approved file and substrate, but exact zero-variation reproduction should not be assumed.

Can you white-label ship custom printed fabric directly to my customer?

Yes. The Textile District can white-label fulfill custom printed fabric directly to your customer while you maintain your own brand and customer relationship.

This is useful for businesses that sell directly to customers but do not want every fabric order shipped through their own studio or warehouse.

Please contact us to discuss ongoing fulfillment needs.

Do you offer international white-label fulfillment?

Yes. International direct-to-customer fulfillment is available.

Because shipping requirements, costs and documentation vary by destination and order, please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Designer Program for Artists

Do you have a Designer Program?

Yes. The Textile District offers a curated fabric licensing program for independent artists and surface pattern designers who want to develop an ongoing presence within our artist-designed fabric catalog.

The Designer Program is separate from our custom fabric printing service. Artists who prefer to manage their own fabric sales can use The Textile District for custom printing and fulfillment without participating in the licensing program.

Is the Designer Program exclusive?

No. The Designer Program is non-exclusive. Participating artists may continue to sell and license their work elsewhere, subject to the fabric rights and other terms of their Designer Agreement with The Textile District.

Can participating artists promote their Textile District fabrics through their own website and social channels?

Yes. We encourage participating artists to help customers discover where their fabrics are available by sharing their Textile District collections through their own website, newsletter, social media and other appropriate marketing channels.

What does The Textile District expect from participating artists?

The Designer Program is intended for artists who want fabric to be an ongoing part of their creative business. We value continuity, timely communication and active engagement in helping customers discover the artist’s collections.

Each participating artist receives a dedicated Brand page and Designer Profile within The Textile District. Collections may also be supported through site merchandising, editorial content, social media and seasonal marketing.

Artist participation and our marketing efforts can help build visibility, but neither participation in the program nor catalog placement guarantees a particular level of sales.

What does evergreen mean for artist-designed fabrics?

The Textile District catalog is built around print-to-order availability rather than seasonal inventory sell-through. Our goal is to give customers the ability to return to favorite designs and colorways for later projects and reorders.

For that reason, the Designer Program is best suited to artists interested in maintaining an ongoing fabric presence rather than short-term catalog placement.

Evergreen does not mean permanent placement. Individual designs, collections and participation in the program may be reviewed and can change over time.

Where can I learn more about the Designer Program?

Visit our Designer Program page for current program information, expectations and the initial inquiry process.

Shipping & Returns

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping cost depends on the order size, packaging requirements and delivery destination.

Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout to view available shipping methods and rates before submitting payment.

What if my shipping destination is not available at checkout?

Please contact us with the delivery destination and order details.

Some international destinations, large production orders or special fulfillment requests may require a custom shipping arrangement.

Do you accept returns?

Because printed fabric is made to order, returns are not accepted unless The Textile District made an error with the order.

If you are uncertain about a catalog design, colorway, base textile, custom-print scale or color before ordering larger yardage, contact us first or begin with the appropriate swatch, printed color reference or one-yard proof.

Still Have Questions?

If you need help choosing a fabric, shopping the artist-designed catalog, preparing a print file, planning a custom order or evaluating a larger production or fulfillment project, contact The Textile District.