Fabric FAQ

Handscreened techniques and the organic nature of our our products create subtle variations in color and design, adding special uniqueness to our prints. 

 

  • Do you have fabric minimums? What else do I need to know for ordering fabric?
    • We have a 2 yard minimum for our fabric. We don’t sell half yards, so please round up. Each fabric has a usable width of approximately 54”.  Please check specific product page for exact width and repeat information.
    • Our repeats are listed horizontally and vertically. So a 13” H , 7” V repeat is 13” horizontal and 7” vertical. Please see individual product pages for repeat and width information. 
  • What is a CFA and do I need one when ordering? 
    •  A CFA (cutting for approval) is a small piece of fabric from the actual dye lot that you will be receiving. Whether to order one or not is optional. This piece serves as a confirmation of pattern and color. Once you approve the CFA, if you have chosen to order one, we can ship your order. Please email customerservice@sisterparishdesign.com with any questions. 
    • What is a “dye lot”?
      • As you probably know, Sister Parish fabrics and wallpapers are primarily handscreened at a mill. When we create new inventory of a print, the mill fulfills our order by creating between 50 and 100 yards of fabric or wallpaper all at one time - that yardage is called a "lot".  
      • The dye that is mixed and applied to the fabric or paper to create the print on that lot is specific to that set of 50-100 yards of fabric or wallpaper.
      • When we sell all the yardage in that lot, and need to order another 50-100 yards for our inventory, the dye is mixed again to be applied to the fabric or paper. Of course, there is a formula for the dye that is used to achieve the colors for each specific print so it is the same each time, but as this is largely an artisanal process, subtle variations in color may occur between lots. So, for example, one dye lot of Burmese Seafoam might be a little lighter or a little darker than another dye lot of Burmese Seafoam because they are from different production orders.
      • There is another variation that may occur during the process, which is screen movement. Because these prints are hand screened and also involved in multiple washings,  there can be some movement on the screen placement. This is another characteristic of the potential variations between lots and an example of an artisanal print.
  • Where is your fabric printed? 
    • Our fabric is printed in Rhode Island. 
  • What is the lead time for fabric orders? 
    • In-stock fabrics will ship within 1-3 business days of receiving the order!
    • Any item that is back ordered will ship within the product's lead time stated on its product page. When your order ships, a shipment confirmation with a tracking number will be sent to the email address entered at checkout.
    •  Rush shipping is available. Please email customerservice@sisterparishdesign.com to learn more! 
  • How do I care for my fabric? 
    • All of our fabrics are dry clean only.
  • Are your fabrics upholstery grade?
    • SP fabrics have been used reliably for upholstery for years. Typically, SP fabrics do not need to be backed for upholstery, but that choice is up to the designer and customer. SP does not provide backing services.
    • Can I match a wallpaper and fabric in the same pattern?
      • Due to the different production natures of fabric and wallpaper, we are unable to guarantee an exact match between a fabric and wallpaper pattern. When creating our collection we carefully consider how each pattern will look best once it is translated to a specific medium. Our patterns are meant to be mixed and matched, and we would be happy to help advise on a pattern or color that would coordinate with your project.
    • I would like to order a sample of a fabric or wallpaper that is showing "Out of Stock". Can I still order?
      • Yes!  Our website inventory is updated for yardage only (not for samples) so you can place an order anytime.  Sometimes we do run out of a particular sample temporarily but for the most part we have ample sample inventory on hand.  So go ahead and have fun!
    • Have More Questions?