The idea of environmentally friendly fabrics probably conjures up imagery of natural fabrics. They are made with natural fibres sprouting in a huge field or being spun by a content bunch of silkworms. It is true that natural fabrics feel great against the skin and only use the world’s natural resources to grow. However, there […]
At Contrado, we put a lot of research into each and every new product that we make. Clothing is no exception to this rule at all. Take a look at the current hottest trends, and how we match up in our style head to head. It’s time to take a deeper look into high street […]
Throughout the Contrado website, you are likely to find multiple references to uploading your artwork or designs to our design interface. But what does this actually mean? If your piece is a painting in your studio, how do you even make it a file on your computer to upload, let alone a high enough quality […]
Are you one of those people, that peruses different fabrics with awe, wishing you could create your own designs by printing photos on fabric, but often fear that you lack the skills to do so? If this sounds like you, then don’t fret. I am here to tell you two things. Firstly, you’re not alone. […]
Whether you sew for a profession or just sew for fun, knowing all the right sewing terms is the first step to showing you know your stuff. All professions, crafts and industries have their own phrases and acronyms, and sewing is no exception. There are so many words, terms and sayings that might make you […]
1. What is the Definition of Satin? So, what is Satin? First and foremost, it is not a raw material. Satin is a type of weave, constructed by floating several warp yarns across the weft before going under 1 weft thread, and beginning the cycle again. Having fewer interlaces leads to the smooth, lustrous surface […]
A lot of people when they start making clothing, do so for children. There are a number of reasons behind this; it could be that they’re sick of never being able to find what they are looking for on the high street, maybe wanting to make rather than buy for a relative or friend’s newborn, […]
There are many different types of fabric printing methods, and they all yield different results. The type of textile printing used is often based on a number of considerations, from print runs, to durability. We have pulled together some of the most popular, or most commonly used methods, and explained them below. Fabric Printing Methods […]
One of the things that we at Contrado pride ourselves on, is that we make bespoke products. But what does bespoke mean? Over time it has become to mean something very different than it was originally intended to. So it’s pretty unsurprising that people aren’t necessarily able to provide a definition of it when asked. […]
What is Calico Fabric? Although you may not notice it, Calico is everywhere, often serving as a neutral base for creativity. Artists canvases, fashion designers’ mock-up dresses, curtains, pillow cases, furnishings and bags are just a few uses. How can one fabric be so versatile? Exactly what is Calico fabric, and why has it been […]