General Information

"I just love your African fabrics, but how do I wash them?"

Before I can answer, I have to ask you a question of my own.

Did you buy your African fabrics from me, or did you buy them from another supplier or in a market in Africa?

I can only provide washing guidelines for fabrics that I know - in other words, the fabrics that I sell. This means that the information published on this page pertains only to fabrics purchased from The African Fabric Shop.

In general:

• I recommend washing your fabrics before use.
• Wash at no hotter than 40C.
• Some of these fabrics are dressmaking fabrics and will shrink slightly.
• If you are going to mix your African fabrics with others, try out some test pieces first to check that they will wash OK when they are pieced together.

All fabrics are 100% cotton unless otherwise stated.

See guidelines for specific fabrics, below.

Magie Relph

Indigo

Indigo dyed fabric often has a lot of excess dye in it. Indigo does not bleed, but it will 'rub-off' onto you and your sewing machine! Therefore, wash before use. Soak for at least 15 mins in cold water. Then wash at 40C and rinse in cold water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Kola Nut and Indigo

Kola nut is a natural dye. The Indigo will react as above. I've found that a small amount of colour loss occurs in the fabric, especially with the Kola nut (brown). Wash at 30-40C – no hotter.

Indigo-dyed Shwe Shwe from Da Gama Textiles

The Indigo will react as above.

Also, when you buy this fabric it’s very stiff. It's just starch and will wash out, leaving a soft fabric. This fabric does shrink slightly.

Coral Tree Shwe Shwe from Da Gama Textiles

Wash before using.

Unlike traditional Shwe Shwe, these Coral Tree fabrics are not starched in the factory. However, they will shrink a small amount, so you should wash them before using them.

Mud Cloth (also called Bogolan)

Handspun and woven in Mali, this fabric is dyed with natural dyes that are made from mud and plants. This fabric can be washed in 30C (cold) water without colour loss. However, as the dyes are natural and may wash out over time, dry cleaning may be preferable.