A Complete Guide to the Best Ways to Cut Different Types of African Print Fabrics
Want fabrics that add a pop of color and a whole lot of personality? If so, African print fabrics might be the way to go. These fabrics have been around since the 1800s and have now regained popularity with their stylish aesthetic.
To get the most out of your fabrics, you do need to master the art of cutting. Often, the somewhat waxy texture can make it seem more difficult than it actually is, but if you know what to do, then it should not be a problem.
Here is what we recommend.
1. Prepping the Fabric for a Clean Cut
Before you start, you have to prep your fabric to get the right cuts. Here are two steps you can take depending on the effect you want to achieve.
Washing
If you are dealing with African print fabric that has not been pre-washed, you have two options. If you want your garment to have that crisp, waxy effect, you can skip the washing. You will have to make sure to dry clean when necessary.
If you prefer a softer, more flowy effect, give it a quick rinse before you start cutting.
Ironing
It is difficult to get accurate cuts when you are dealing with creased fabrics. Be sure to iron it out until you have a smooth, crease-free surface that allows you to observe every tiny printed detail.
2. Understand the Fabric Grain
African print fabrics are woven, and so they have a grain. The grain refers to the specific way in which a fabric moves when you tug at it. Be sure to pull your fabric in different directions to understand its grain.
Once you do this, you will be better equipped to cutting along the grain and getting the best out of your material. This process allows your threads to stay leveled and even.
3. A Flat Surface
Once you have prepped your fabric and understood its grain, it is time to find yourself a flat, firm surface. Lay down your fabric, and create an edge, by folding the fabric at the place you intend to make the cut.
A hard, long table or a firm bed should work fine.
4. Your Choice of Tool
Next, you must choose the right kind of tool. Here are a few options that are great for getting those precise fabric cuts.
- Hand shears are generally more time consuming and require a fair bit of expertise.
- Fabric scissors are a simpler more traditional alternative to shears.
- A straight blade knife is ideal for quick, lined cuts.
- Rotary blades are an efficient way of cutting out specific patterns.
- Power knives come in variants, like fabric cutting machines and fabric die-cutting machines but can be an expensive investment.
Each of these tools has its pros and cons, so just choose one that suits your needs and you are comfortable with using.
Get the Best Out of Your African Print Fabrics
With a bit of practice, we are sure you will get the hang of cutting African print fabrics in no time. Just remember these tips and put them to use the next time you are working with fabric.
Ready to start experimenting? Check out our selection of gorgeous African print fabrics and put your tailoring skills to practice!
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.