African Print Fabric-What Does It Mean and Why Are They Waxed?
African print fabric has always been tied with various cultural and historical events. However, this beautiful print fabric actually got its start outside of the continent that ended up embracing it. Today, African print fabric has a variety of meanings. Let’s explore what those meanings are, and the rich history associated with this unique fabric.
African Print Fabric – Its Meaning
African print is a general term that typically identifies a category of 100% cotton fabrics with vibrant colors. Typically, the patterns are printed on by a machine using wax resins and dyes, creating a batik-like effect on both sides of the fabric. Ghana is one of the leading countries in terms of production f these amazing fabrics. They often mirror different aspects of African culture and traditions.
With most of these designs have their own unique stories, it is hard to believe that this print fabric was brought to Africa from Dutch settlers and explorers.
One such fabric print is the stool. It is a symbol that is connected with the African saying, “If you want to talk about me, take a stool and sit down.” Other prints reflect animals and other aspects of African culture. While the technique of creating this fabric may have come with the Dutch, it has truly become part of the African culture and tradition.
How Is It Made?
With authentic African print fabric, the wax is melted and then applied to the cloth by hand. The cloth is then died in a vivid hue through a wax and soak process, which allows for the application of multiple colors. The end result is an intricate multi-colored pattern that draws the eye.
Today, the production has been slightly modernized, but it still has a unique flair. Raw cotton is woven into a grey cloth that is bleached white. Then prints are designed using the CAD program in a black and white form. The colors end up getting added at the end of the process. Copper rollers are carved with the design and then the fabric is printed by using the rollers and melted, molten wax.
Once the printing happened, the cloth is dyed through an indigo dye bath. What makes each cloth special is that the wax resin might crack allowing some dye to sneak through. The wax can even be cracked on purpose to create unique bubbling and marbling. Big machines are used to add additional colors before the fabric is finished.
Why has this beautiful wax print become so deeply tied to Africa even though its origin was with the Dutch? Ankara fabric, the African wax print, has been used and its designs developed by the African culture. Although the technique was introduced from the Dutch, it has truly become tied to the culture, tradition, and history.
Another advantage of this particular African print fabric, Ankara, is the number of patterns and colors that can be used, outside of other African fabrics. It becomes memorable, because even with all of these patterns, there is still a uniqueness that makes it memorable.
If you are interested in using African print fabric in your next outfit design, then contact us today.
AKN Fabrics is recognized worldwide for selling the highest quality African fabrics and textiles at low prices. With new designs arriving daily, we always have a great selection of African fabrics and textiles to choose from.