African printed fabric refers to a colourful, 100% cotton textile that features bold motifs and often symbolic patterns. Most commonly known as African wax print fabric, it’s crafted using a wax-resist dye technique that ensures bright, consistent colour on both sides. The origins of this textile are multicultural, blending West African artistry with Indonesian batik techniques and European manufacturing.
Today, these striking fabrics are worn with pride across the world, representing not only fashion but also identity, heritage, and storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to traditional motifs or contemporary takes, each piece of African material carries meaning far beyond its visual beauty.
Unlike plain polycottons or synthetics, this ethnic fabric is prized for its saturated colour, high durability, and powerful designs. It’s heavier than some cottons, making it ideal for structured garments, yet still breathable thanks to its all-natural African cotton fabric base. It’s a favourite for tailors, designers, and crafters seeking both boldness and authenticity.
Our collection of African materials spans a wide variety of regional styles and design inspirations. Whether you’re recreating traditional looks or developing something fresh, our range offers the colours and quality you need:
Features: Symmetrical, bold patterns printed onto soft yet structured cotton. These are the most recognised form of African fabrics, known for their stunning hues and symbolic storytelling.
Best for: Dresses, tunics, accessories, home décor, and statement fashion pieces.
Features: Printed replicas of the iconic Ghanaian woven fabric. These mimic the vibrant stripes and block patterns of handwoven Kente while remaining lightweight and cost-effective.
Best for: Cultural garments, formalwear, scarves, and celebratory fashion.
Features: Using traditional wax-resist methods, these fabric options have a more fluid, natural look with less rigid pattern repetition.
Best for: Soft, flowing garments like kaftans, blouses, or loungewear.
Features: A stiffer, patterned textile from South Africa, often dyed indigo or earthy tones with small, repeating geometric prints.
Best for: Dresses, quilting, patchwork, and crafts where structure is key.
African material is versatile, vibrant, and ideal for:
To make the most of your textile, proper care is key:
Browse our stunning range of printed fabric today, a vibrant celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity. With our extensive haberdashery, you’ll find everything from threads to trims to help bring your ideas to life.
More than just bold designs, these vibrant materials are rich in culture, meaning, and tradition. Every pattern tells a story, whether it's inspired by nature, heritage, or moments in everyday life. Choosing one of these striking textiles means embracing a form of wearable storytelling.
Rooted in time-honoured techniques and passed down through generations, these statement textiles offer more than colour; they reflect identity, artistry, and craftsmanship. From heritage prints to modern reinterpretations, each piece of cotton fabric brings depth and personality to your project.
Whether you're creating garments, accessories, or home décor, these colourful prints allow you to craft something truly individual, something that celebrates style, creativity, and cultural connection in every stitch.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have a specific fabric in mind, talk to us, and we can help.