getting your own design printed on fabric?

[Happywrap]

Hello,

Hope everyone's enjoying the fantastic weather, even though it's the calm before the storm

Does anyone know how to design your own fabric for printed cotton? I would like to be able to produce my own design, probably on Photoshop or something, then get a roll of fabric printed with my design on. What I need help with, is knowing what resolution and size to produce the design and what file format. What is the usual procedure and which companies can do the printing? Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks,

Wendy

[loukr]

Hi, it would be incredibly expensive to buy an entire roll, but have you looked at spoonflower? http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome They sell indie designers fabrics and you can submit your own designs. Their FAQ is here with sizing and format info http://www.spoonflower.com/help#design_help even if you didn't go through them it may be some help anyway?

[dee_liteful]

was just about to suggest the same company! They have a fabric on there I reeeeally want and i'm interested in using my own design. You have to pay for the type of fabric first though and then extra for your design, plus shipping.

Do you know any textiles people? I'm thinknig of asking at the university - you could see if students would be willing to help out towards their collections?. When I did something similar when I was at uni, I used their computer to transfer my design but alot of them use screen printing too. Depends what look you're aiming for x

[loukr]

I used to LOVE screen printing my own fabric in college! I always made such a mess though! :P
Dee, spoonflower had a FREEEEE swatch day a few weeks ago, apparently they do one every year where you can choose an 8x8 swatch of ANY fabric on there, for free, with free shipping all over the world!! I found out about 2 hours before the offer ended and bagged this awesome unicorn fabric (click to enlarge) definitely keep an eye out for it next year! I'm saving this for a super special project just for me!

[Happywrap]

Thanks for the links! that's really helpful in getting an idea of the process. The reason I want to do it is because a company may possibly want an exclusive version of my gift wrap to sell. So I would need some kind of design that I can make exclusively for them and isn't available anywhere else. Screen printing may be an option as I could do a unique screen print on each wrap. Just need to think of a design so if I make a splodgy mess it looks like it's part of the design!