African wax prints are colorful designs created by dyeing cotton fabric using wax-resist techniques, and then overprinting. The result is a fabric that is bright, colorful, and super-easy to use. These fabrics are perfect for creating unique and eye-catching garments.
Discovering Dovetailed London and Adaku Parker
Adaku Parker founded Dovetailed London in 2017 after taking evening classes in clothes making, tailoring, African fashion, and pattern cutting during her maternity leave from working as an attorney. Her business imports beautiful African wax print fabrics and she creates sewing patterns that showcase the prints at their best.
25 Step-by-Step Projects
Adaku Parker has developed 25 step-by-step projects to make a wide range of stylish pieces with this fabric. There are instant wardrobe classics like a shirt dress, A-line skirts, and culottes, as well as wonderful accessories such as tote bags, a zip purse, and a headband.
Mastering Basic Sewing Techniques
The basic techniques you will need are all explained, so you’ll feel confident with essentials like attaching waistbands, gathering, pleats, making buttonholes, and adding linings.
Tips for Working with African Wax Fabric
I adore African wax, but caution on its stiffness. Lends itself well to peplums (not gathered, but cut so as to fit the waistline), not so much to gathers. It will stick out a lot if gathered. Just keep that in mind when looking at patterns.
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Addressing Cultural Appropriation
On the issue of cultural appropriation, I had a conversation on this with the African family in NYC I was buying from, and they thought it quite fun that an older pasty-white female wanted to wear their colorful fabric rather than use it for home dec. Puzzled as why I asked and was concerned. I know they are in the business to sell fabric, but their surprise seemed genuine.
Pattern Selection and Considerations
When working with bold prints, consider using patterns that don't have a lot of seams to avoid breaking up the print. Avoid patterns with gathered bits and gathered tiers, gathered waist skirts etc. Review your pattern closely before purchase and check your own measurements against the pattern specifications. Pattern size ranges can vary depending on the pattern, designer, and style.
I AM Patterns: A Capsule Collection Inspired by Africa
Discover I AM IN AFRICA the new capsule collection by I AM Patterns. With its, motifs, wax fabrics, colours, Africa is making us dream this summer.
- I am both a top or a dress: I have batwing sleeves with a diagonal cutout for a raglan effect. My sleeves can be short, or long with elasticated cuffs. I am the perfect dress to accompany you on the glorious, sunny days.
- My back is a love talisman: When you look at me from the front, I give the impression of being in the shape of a heart. It becomes reality when I reveal my back and you can admire a cut-out, stylised heart.
I am easy to wear. Any fabric suits me and you can reinvent me ad infinitum to match your every mood. I am Hestia, a stylish and simple pleated skirt. I am the perfect coat. I am cosy and sophisticated. Discover the complimentary extension to line your I AM Artemis jacket.
Feminine version of the classic sweatshirt, I am also a jersey dress. Ambiguous, I am three things at once: elegant, sober and sporty. I am a chic and classic shirt. I don’t need to be introduced as you’ve known me for a while and love all aspects of my style. I am Joy incarnated. My enthusiasm delights as much as my sensuality.
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Quick and Easy Things to Make from Wax Print Fabric
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