What Is Spoonflower Fabric? Complete Guide

What Is Spoonflower Fabric?

Spoonflower is a print-on-demand fabric company that allows customers to create and print their own designs onto a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, polyester, and more. Founded in 2008, Spoonflower is based in Durham, North Carolina, and offers a wide range of customizable textile products, including fabric by the yard, wallpaper, gift wrap, and home decor items.

Customers can either upload their own designs or choose from a library of designs created by independent artists and designers from around the world.

Spoonflower uses digital printing technology to create high-quality, full-color prints on demand, eliminating the need for large minimum orders and reducing waste.

Spoonflower has gained popularity among DIY enthusiasts, crafters, and small business owners who are looking for unique, custom fabrics and textile products.

With its user-friendly website and a vast selection of fabrics, Spoonflower has made it easier than ever for anyone to bring their creative visions to life.

History Of Spoonflower Fabric:

Spoonflower was founded in 2008 by Gart Davis and Stephen Fraser, two internet entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to revolutionize the fabric industry by leveraging digital printing technology.

The company was inspired by a conversation between Fraser and his wife, Kim, who is a textile designer. They were frustrated by the lack of options for custom-printed fabric and saw an opportunity to create a platform that would allow anyone to create and print their own designs.

Spoonflower started out as a small operation, with just a handful of employees working out of a shared office space in Durham, North Carolina.

However, the company quickly gained traction, thanks in part to the rise of the maker movement and the growing popularity of DIY and crafting.

In 2011, Spoonflower moved into a new facility in Durham, which allowed them to expand their operations and offer more products and services. Over the years, the company has continued to grow and evolve, adding new fabrics, designs, and features to its platform.

Today, Spoonflower has a community of over 5 million designers and customers from around the world and has shipped more than 25 million yards of custom-printed fabric.

The company has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly inks and processes, and reducing waste through its print-on-demand model.

How Is Spoonflower Fabric Made?

Spoonflower fabric is made using digital printing technology. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Design: Customers can either upload their own designs or choose from a library of designs created by independent artists and designers.
2. Fabric Selection: Customers can choose from a wide range of fabric options, including cotton, silk, polyester, and more.
3. Printing: Spoonflower uses state-of-the-art digital printing technology to print the designs onto the fabric. The fabric is run through a large-format inkjet printer that uses eco-friendly, water-based pigment inks.
4. Finishing: Once the fabric has been printed, it is allowed to dry and then undergoes a finishing process to ensure that the colors are vibrant and long-lasting. The fabric is steamed and washed to remove any excess ink and to set the colors.
5. Quality Control: Before the fabric is shipped to the customer, it undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure that the colors are accurate and that there are no defects or flaws.

Spoonflower’s print-on-demand model allows for small runs of custom-printed fabric, eliminating the need for large minimum orders and reducing waste.

The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of eco-friendly inks and processes, as well as its support for independent artists and designers.

Where Is Spoonflower Fabric Produced?

Spoonflower fabric is produced in Durham, North Carolina, where the company is based. The printing facility is located in a 12,000-square-foot building that houses the company’s digital printing equipment, as well as its customer service, design, and marketing teams.

Spoonflower sources its fabrics from a variety of suppliers, including domestic and international sources, to ensure a wide range of options for customers.

The company is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices and works closely with its suppliers to ensure that the fabrics used are of the highest quality and produced in a responsible manner.

Once the fabrics are printed and finished in the Durham facility, they are shipped directly to customers around the world.

What Is Spoonflower Fabric Used For?

Spoonflower fabric is used for a wide range of purposes, including:

1. Home decor: Custom-printed fabrics can be used to create unique and personalized home decor items such as curtains, pillows, and bedding.
2. Fashion: Spoonflower fabrics can be used to create one-of-a-kind clothing items, such as dresses, skirts, and shirts.
3. Crafts: The versatility of Spoonflower’s custom-printed fabrics makes them perfect for a variety of craft projects, such as quilting, embroidery, and applique.
4. DIY projects: Spoonflower fabrics can be used for a variety of DIY projects, including upholstery, lampshades, and even wallpaper.
5. Small business: Spoonflower fabrics are also popular among small business owners, who use them to create custom products to sell online or in their brick-and-mortar shops.

Spoonflower’s print-on-demand model allows for small runs of custom-printed fabric, making it an affordable option for individuals and small businesses alike.

With a vast library of designs and a wide range of fabric options, Spoonflower has become a go-to resource for anyone looking to create unique and personalized textiles.

How Much Does Spoonflower Fabric Cost?

The cost of Spoonflower fabric varies depending on the type of fabric, the size of the order, and the design being printed. Prices start at around $18 per yard for basic cotton fabrics and can go up to $38 per yard or more for premium fabrics like silk and organic cotton.

Prices for custom designs vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of colors used. Spoonflower also offers a variety of discounts and promotions throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their website or signing up for their email newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.

While Spoonflower’s custom-printed fabrics may be more expensive than mass-produced fabrics, the print-on-demand model means that customers only order the exact amount of fabric they need, reducing waste and helping to make the process more environmentally sustainable.

Different Types Of Spoonflower Fabric:

Spoonflower offers a wide variety of fabric types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types of Spoonflower fabric:

1. Cotton: Spoonflower’s basic cotton fabric is a versatile option that is ideal for a wide range of projects, from quilting to apparel. It’s available in a variety of weights and weaves.
2. Linen: Linen is a natural fabric that is known for its durability and coolness, making it a popular choice for clothing and home decor items.
3. Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is lightweight and durable, with good resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.
4. Silk: Spoonflower offers a range of silk fabrics, including satin, chiffon, and crepe de chine. Silk is a luxurious fabric that is ideal for special occasion wear and home decor accents.
5. Eco Canvas: Eco Canvas is made from 45% recycled content and is a sturdy, durable fabric that is ideal for upholstery and home decor projects.
6. Fleece: Spoonflower’s fleece fabric is soft and cozy, making it perfect for blankets, jackets, and other cold-weather apparel.
7. Velvet: Velvet is a plush, luxurious fabric that is perfect for creating elegant home decor items like curtains, pillows, and upholstery.
8. Outdoor Fabric: Spoonflower offers a variety of outdoor fabrics, including polyester and canvas options that are designed to withstand the elements and resist fading.

These are just a few of the many types of Spoonflower fabric available. With a wide variety of options to choose from, there’s a Spoonflower fabric that’s perfect for just about any project.

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How Does Spoonflower Fabric Impact The Environment?

Spoonflower has taken steps to minimize its impact on the environment and promote sustainability. Here are some of the ways in which Spoonflower fabric impacts the environment:

1. Eco-friendly fabric options: Spoonflower offers a range of eco-friendly fabric options, including organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. These fabrics are made using sustainable production methods and help to reduce the environmental impact of textile production.
2. Digital printing: Spoonflower uses digital printing technology to print its fabrics, which produces less waste than traditional printing methods. This also allows for smaller print runs and reduces excess inventory.
3. Water-based inks: Spoonflower uses water-based inks for its printing process, which are less harmful to the environment than traditional solvent-based inks.
4. Recycling program: Spoonflower offers a recycling program for its customers, allowing them to send back unused fabric scraps for recycling into new products.
5. Energy-efficient production: Spoonflower’s production facility is designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as motion-sensor lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems.
6. Community involvement: Spoonflower is involved in various community initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, such as partnering with local organizations to plant trees and supporting sustainable fashion events.

While Spoonflower fabric production does have an impact on the environment, the company has taken steps to minimize that impact and promote sustainability. By offering eco-friendly fabric options, using digital printing technology, and implementing energy-efficient production methods, Spoonflower is helping to make the textile industry more sustainable.

Final Words:

Spoonflower fabric is a unique and innovative product that allows anyone to create custom designs and have them printed on a wide variety of fabric types. With a focus on sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices, Spoonflower is a leader in the textile industry.

Whether you’re a designer, crafter, or simply looking for a way to express your creativity, Spoonflower offers a range of fabric options to suit your needs. From organic cotton to recycled polyester, their eco-friendly fabrics are made using sustainable production methods that minimize the environmental impact of textile production.

With their digital printing technology and recycling program, Spoonflower is helping to reduce waste and make the production process more efficient. Overall, Spoonflower fabric is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create unique and sustainable textiles for their projects.