ALL FABRICS

African fabric comes in many different forms. The most recognisable and popular all over Africa. These fabrics feature bold graphic prints, in an array of colour combinations, and are unlike any other type of fabric available. It goes by many names and preferred styles depending on the country including Ankara, Kitenge, Dutch wax and Wax block prints. Shwe Shwe from South Africa is quite different to Ankara as it features smaller repetitive motifs using an indigo discharge printing method and a tightly woven base cloth. Today these are a favourite for not only for fashion but also creating stunning homewares and quilts and upholstering furniture. Unlike the industrially produced Ankara and Shwe Shwe, Mudcloth has been made using the same techniques since the 12th century it is handspun, handwoven and hand dyed using fermented mud, nuts and leaves. It is produced by artisans in Mali, west Africa. Resist and tye-dyed fabrics using natural Indigo and commercial dyes are made all over the continent using various methods including stitching, painting with wax or paste, folding, tying and dipping to create different styles of batik and Adire fabrics unique to that particular region.