How to Wash African Ankara Fabric

When washing Ankara fabric, it's advisable to proceed with care, especially initially, to prevent colors from fading. By following these guidelines, you can maintain the vibrancy of your fabric.

Material: Woven canvas, 100% cotton

Print: Double-sided colorfast print using a wax technique known as Wax Print

Dimensions: 120 cm width
                            up to 5 meters continuous length

Uses: Suitable for skirts, dresses, tops, patchwork, home textiles, accessories, and more.

Colors: We've made every effort to photograph the fabrics to accurately represent their true colors and patterns. However, slight variations may occur. In reality, based on our experience and customer feedback, the colors are often even more vibrant, and their richness may not always be fully captured in photographs.

Washing Instructions:

• Separate Washing: Wash all fabrics separately or with similar colors to prevent color transfer.

• Temperature: Wash at 30 - 40 degrees Celsius or opt for hand washing.

Shrinkage: The fabric may shrink up to 5%—approximately 4% in width and 1% in length. It's common for woven canvas to shrink more in width than in length due to tension during weaving and finishing processes. We recommend washing or at least pre-washing (soaking and drying) the fabric before sewing to prevent future shrinkage of the finished product.

Detergent: Use a mild detergent suitable for colored fabrics to protect both the colors and fibers. If hand washing, avoid excessive scrubbing.

Note: While Ankara is produced using a special wax technique, it doesn't release color like batik fabrics. These recommendations aim to ensure the colors remain vibrant throughout the fabric's use.

Drying:

• Air Drying: Ideally, dry the fabric outdoors in the shade to prevent color fading.

• Avoid Tumble Drying: Refrain from using a tumble dryer, as hot air can damage the fabric.

Note: We've tested our fabrics, including using a high-quality AEG dryer with a cotton setting, and found that the fabric withstood the process. However, we still recommend air drying.

Ironing:

• Temperature Setting: You can iron the fabric; ensure the iron is set to the appropriate temperature for woven cotton.

• Protective Layer: For extra protection, use a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact between the iron's hot surface and the fabric.