How to Get Custom Design Fabrics Made for Your Clothing Brand
Custom digital printing is the fastest and most flexible way to create exclusive fabrics for your clothing brand.
If you’re a fashion brand, boutique, or startup label, this guide explains:
Step-by-step process
Real MOQ numbers
Cost ranges
Production timelines
Common mistakes to avoid
What Is Custom Digital Fabric Printing?
Digital fabric printing is a process where artwork is printed directly onto fabric using inkjet technology.
It allows small MOQs, unlimited colours, and faster turnaround compared to traditional methods.
For fashion brands, it is the most practical method for small and mid-sized collections.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Custom Design Fabric Made
1. Design Creation
Your design must be ready for digital printing. To print custom fabric, you need:
High-resolution artwork
File format: AI, PSD, or TIFF
Seamless repeat file
Defined repeat size (e.g., 8x8 inch, 12x12 inch)
CMYK colour mode
If your design is not in repeat format, most digital print suppliers can create the repeat for you. A good supplier will also be able to make the design file for you from an image/ fabric sample.
Important:
Test your scale carefully. A small repeat looks very different on a dress versus on screen.
2. Fabric Selection (Best Fabrics for Digital Printing)
Digital printing works best on:
Talk to a supplier about the fabric bases they can work with and select the base fabric according to the garment you want to make.
Always confirm:
GSM (weight)
Fabric width
Shrinkage %
3. Strike-Off Sampling
Before bulk production, request:
A strike-off sample (small printed swatch)
1–3 sample meters
This confirms:
Colour accuracy
Print sharpness
Fabric feel
Important: Skipping this step increases risk of colour mismatch.
4. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) Confirmation
What Is the MOQ for Digital Printed Fabric?
Typical industry numbers:
100 meters per design – Low MOQ
150–200 meters – Standard production MOQ
300+ meters – Better price per meter
Digital printing allows lower MOQ because it does not require screen setup.
For most small brands:
100 meters per design is the practical starting point.
5. Production Timeline
How Long Does Digital Fabric Printing Take?
Breakdown:
• Design approval: 1–3 days
• Strike-off: 3–7 days
• Production: 7–14 days
Total realistic timeline: 2–3 weeks
6. How Much Does It Cost to Make Custom Digital Printed Fabric?
Cost depends on:
Fabric base
Order quantity
Fabric quality
Finishing processes
Typical Price Range (Per Meter)
• Cotton poplin: ₹180–₹300
• Viscose / Rayon: ₹150–₹250
• Modal blends: ₹250–₹450
• Premium satin / crepe: ₹300–₹600
Lower quantity = higher cost per meter.
Higher quantity = better pricing efficiency.
Also factor in:
Sampling cost
Shipping
Import duties as applicable
Common Mistakes Brands Make
Sending low-resolution artwork
Ignoring repeat scaling
Skipping strike-off sampling
Not checking shrinkage before cutting
Ordering too many designs initially
Underestimating shipping weight
Smart starting strategy:
• 2–4 designs
• 100–150 meters each
• Test before scaling
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Many digital print suppliers accept 100 meters per design as the MOQ.
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Yes. It allows lower MOQ, unlimited colours, and faster production.
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AI, PSD, or high-resolution TIFF in seamless repeat format.
In case you don’t have design file, good suppliers will be able to make the design file from an image/ fabric sample of your design. -
It depends on the garment you’ll be making. Fabric bases like cotton, viscose, rayon, poplin, polyester are widely used.
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Yes it’s mostly accurate, but always approve a physical strike-off sample before bulk production.
Note: There will be minor differences compared to how it looks on a screen. Also colours will come out slightly different on different fabric bases.
Summary
Custom digital printed fabric gives your clothing brand exclusivity without extremely high MOQs. When you control design, fabric base, and sampling carefully, the process becomes predictable and scalable.
For brands launching collections with 100–300 meter quantities per design, digital printing is the most practical custom fabric solution.
If you’re exploring custom digital printed fabrics with Low MOQs and export-ready support, choosing the right supplier makes the entire journey smoother.
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