How Custom Fabric Printing Works: Design Your Own Fabric Online
Curious about how custom fabric printing works? Whether you’re looking to design your own fabric for fashion, your latest DIY project or personalised interior decor – it’s easier than you think! Read our step-by-step guide that will explain how to print your own custom fabric – from your idea through to receiving your very own printed fabric.
Step 1: Inspiration and Designing
The journey to print your own custom fabric begins with your creative vision. Maybe you’ve sketched out a pattern, found a colour palette you love, or even have a unique graphic you want to turn into fabric. Whatever your starting point, your creativity is the foundation of the project.
Creating a print-ready artwork file for fabric printing is a relatively simple process, but there are some key steps to follow to ensure that your design turns out perfectly when printed on fabric.
- Choose software: we recommend using design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Artwork repeat: there are many different ways that you can create a repeating design. Some popular choices are full drop, half drop and mirror. You can also create your design as a placement prints!
- Resolution: we recommend using 150- 300 DPI for high-quality prints. (keep in mind that the lower the DPI, the lower the quality of your design)
- Save your design: save in formats like JPG or PNG depending on your design type and ordering method.
For more information on our artwork file requirements, check out our Artwork Requirements & Setup page online. There you can learn how to make your print-ready artwork file correctly. designs are set up just how they need to be!
Step 2: Choosing the right fabric for your custom fabric printing project
Custom fabric printing isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Different projects call for different materials—whether you’re designing a cosy pillow cover, a bold fashion statement, or a special event banner. You should choose a fabric type that works for your design’s purpose. We offer a wide variety of fabric bases for all your custom fabric printing needs:
- Cotton Poplin, Poppy, Aerocorp: soft and breathable—great for apparel and accessories.
- Waratah, Oxford, Cooper: sturdy and durable—perfect for bags, upholstery, and heavy-duty projects.
- Luna, Dilly: ideal for high-gloss or vibrant prints, often used in fashion or decor.
- Cotton Linen, Cotton Drill: highly absorbent and durable for tea towels and table linen.
- Eco Vesna Lycra: even four-way stretch, wicking properties, chlorine rating of 4-5 + a UPF rating of 50 – the best choice for swimwear and activewear.
When you print fabric online with Digital Fabrics, we offer a variety of fabric print base options to perfectly match your design. Check out our full range of fabric print bases.
Step 3: Upload Your Design
Once you have chosen your fabric and have your design ready, it’s time to upload your file. With modern printing technology, you can print custom fabric easily. Digital Fabrics’ Online Uploader allows you to order your own custom fabric in minutes. Simply upload your file, check your size, choose your repeat and choose your fabric type. Learn how to use our fabric uploader, watch our step-by-step instructions on our recent blog post.
Pro Tip: Take some time to review your design in the preview tool before confirming the order. Your file will be printed as you see it in the Online Uploader preview screen.
Step 4: The Printing Process
Once your order is placed, it’s time for the magic to happen! Using cutting-edge digital fabric printing techniques like sublimation or direct-to-fabric (DTF) printing, we transfer your design onto your fabric with exceptional detail and colour fidelity. This step usually takes a minimum of 5 business days, but we also have an express turnaround available available if you need it more urgently!
Did you know? The printing process is eco-friendly! Many of the inks used today are water-based and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring your fabric is as safe for the planet as it is for your creative project.
Step 5: Receiving Your Fabric
The big moment has arrived—your custom printed fabric is ready! After printing, your fabric is carefully packaged and shipped to you. Whether it’s a small swatch or a full roll, your fabric arrives ready for you to cut, sew, and create.
Yes, it’s really that easy to print custom fabric online! It’s a straightforward process that allows you to bring your creative ideas to life in an entirely new way. Whether you’re printing custom fabric for your business, a special event or just for fun – let our Australian-based team help you make your vision a reality.
Ready to print your own fabric? Head to our Online Uploader to get started.