Frequently Asked Questions
Swatches
Matching Color
- How can I be sure the fabric I order is the color I want?
- See our Monitor Calibration page to test your monitor's colors
- See the Site by Neekdesign page for viewing this site on your browser
Fabric
- I like one of your prints, but it is quite bold. Is there anyway I can tone it down?
- Can I order partial yards?
- Will I receive my fabric in continuous yards or cut in one-yard pieces?
- How may yards are on a bolt?
- Can I get a description of the Basic Hawaiian Fabrics?
- Where can I find fabric care instructions?
Our policies pages include:
Swatches
- Can I get sample swatches?
We have made the decision to offer Swatches. We have hesitated in the past, but we get so many requests, that we have changed our minds. If a swatch is available for a fabric it will be in the drop down menu for size on the product description page.
Swatches are approximately 4 inches square. We are unable to guarantee that the fabric for which you have ordered a swatch will be available once you receive your swatch. Most fabrics are only printed once, and once they are sold out, they are no longer available. Some prints sell out very quickly. This is why we have hesitated to offer swatches in the past. Also, large prints, such as many of the Hawaiian prints, are difficult to see in such a small square. Should you need a larger piece to judge, we suggest ordering a sample yard. This will allow you to see the entire length of the print, and any repeat patterns in the fabric.
Matching Color
- How can I be sure the fabric I order is the color I want?
The colors you see using your browser and on your monitor may not be the same as the color of the original fabric. We realize that a color match may be very important to you. We are able to send swatches. For the maximum effect in viewing our site and the colors of the fabric images, use our Monitor Calibration page to check your monitor.
If you do not wish to order a swatch, simply email us with the fabric code, and the color you are trying to match. We will let you know the closest color of Coats and Clark thread that matches the fabric you are considering.
Fabric
- I like one of your prints, but it is quite bold. Is there
anyway I can tone it down?
Hawaiian prints are usually bright and bold tropical prints. Even in Hawaii where we love bright, bold shirts, sometimes we like to tone it down. A simple way to accomplish this is the reverse-print technique. Simply turn the fabric over and use the wrong side as the right side. The reverse-print technique gives aloha shirts a more business-like flavor, and adds a sense of warm coziness to other projects such as tote bags, pillows, curtains and more. - Can I order partial yards?
Yes! We sell yards and half yards. Certain fabrics even have a fat quarter option. - Will I receive my fabric in continuous yards or cut in one-yard pieces?
Unless otherwise indicated we cut continuous yards. Noteable exceptions include assortment packs, where cuts of yards will be indicated in product description, and cases where order is for yardage greater than bolt size (eg. order for 20 yards of fabric that comes on 15 yard bolts). Contact us if you are concerned a fabric will be sent in more than one piece. - How may yards are on a bolt?
Fabric comes to us on rolls, bolts, or even flat folds. Yardage on rolls and bolts can range from as little as 5 yards to over 100 yards. There is no standard size bolt. - Can I get a description of the Basic Hawaiian Fabrics?
Here is a very general overview:- Cotton = 100% Woven, smooth finish, brilliant coloration, soft hand, machine wash/dry, iron optional. Suitable uses include garments, crafts quilts, home decor.
- Poly-Cotton Blend = Normally a 65% polyester 35% cotton blend, Woven, slick finish, moderate coloration, crisp hand, wash & wear, minimal ironing. Suitable uses include garments, crafts, home decor.
- Rayon = 100% viscose based synthetic fiber Woven, smooth finish, bright coloration, silky hand, machine wash delicate or hand wash, line dry, cool/warm iron. Suitable uses include garments and some home decor projects.
- Barkcloth = 100% cotton AKA "lava cloth", "tapa cloth", "lawn cloth", "dobby". Garment weight = woven, loose rib weave with crimped warp (grain) yarns that create a textured surface finish resembling a contemporary version of ancient Hawaiian Tapa cloth which was made from tree bark; brilliant coloration, soft hand, pre-shrinking highly recommended, machine wash/dry, iron opt. Suitable for garments & crafts. Upholstery weight = same as garment using heavier yarns, may have factory finish to resist stains. Suitable for home decor.
- Palaka = 100% cotton AKA "Plantation cloth" Woven, yarns dyed prior to weaving, white warp (grain) and colored weft (cross grain), bright coloration, soft hand, machine wash/dry, light iron. Suitable for garments, crafts, home decor.
- Where can I find fabric care instructions?
Please refer to FabricLink for general fabric care tips.