The African Fabric Shop

African Home Decor: no waste creations for your home

Many of you are true creatives - constantly making and experimenting with our fabrics.

Now for those who aren't makers themselves - and maybe even those who are - we have online a great selection of lampshades and cushion covers by our own Jenny Hall.

These are unique, one-of-a-kind items, so be quick.

View and buy: African home decor

Video celebrates our handmade African products and makers

Over 35 years Magie and Bob have travelled to 34 of Africa's 54 countries, researching and documenting the processes of dyers, batik artists, stitchers, bead makers and basket weavers.

Not surprisingly, we've amassed thousands of images and more recently video clips. Mostly, they sit there eating up space on Bob's Mac.

Lately - with Jenny working from home (COVID, remember that) - she's been keeping us up there on social media. Her latest creative venture has been making short videos about our products, makers, suppliers and philosphy.

We hope you find them informative and fun. More videos coming soon.

Watch on YouTube: African Fabric Shop Handmade

Kudhinda potato print wallhangings: just arrived from Zimbabwe

Kudhinda is Shona for 'stamp' or 'print'. Kudhinda 'potato print' wallhangings are designed by Ros Byrne in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Initially Ros's team used real potatoes to delicately stamp the designs by hand, but these days handcut rubber stamps are more efficient.

Their detailed designs reflect the strength, colour and pattern of southern African design. Kudhinda is committed to fair trade principles. 

100% cotton canvas, with hanging sleeve.

Sizes vary. Each wallhanging is a unique creation: there is only one.

View and buy: Kudhinda potato print wallhangings

Also available: Kudhinda screenprint fabrics and Kudhinda Zig Zag bag kit

NEW mud cloths: plenty to choose from

Go for a detailed black/white design. Or a mixed mud cloth: terracotta, ochre and black painted onto white. The choice is yours.

Mud cloth is made only in Mali by both the Bamana and Dogon people.

Narrow strips of handwoven cotton are stitched together into a whole cloth, then painted with patterns and symbols using a variety of natural dyes, including river mud that has been aged up to one year. As these cloths are handwoven, the thickness and weight are variable, but generally they are similar to a light blanket.

Most mud cloths measure about 100 x 170 cm / 40 x 66 inches.

View and buy: Genuine Mud Cloth from Mali

Right now we have plenty in stock. But becasue they are so hard to get, they usually sell quite quickly.

Also new: Magie has cut down some full-size cloths into smaller pieces - perfect for making a cushion cover or similar furnishing application. Here's a beautiful example: WMU559 Mud Cloth Piece