Like to know more?
How to save your files for print
If you prefer you can take a look on YouTube for our video tutorials. Tip: Simply type ‘The Silk Bureau’ into the search bar on You Tube or click here to see the tutorials in our website.
1. Launch Adobe Photoshop and create a new document set to the width of your fabric and the height to the metreage you would like.
File > New
In the New window set ‘width’ to the width of the fabric you have chosen. In this case we are using Satin, so the width is 136 cms (see Fabrics page for details).
Set the ‘height’ to a minimum of 100 cms. This is the mimimum print run we offer. If you need more metres, simply increase this height to your desired length.
Set the Resolution to 180dpi and the Color Mode to RGB 8 bit. Keep your selected color profile. We recommend using Adobe RGB (1998)
2. Place your completed image onto the page you have just created.
File > Place
Move it to the top of the canvas and continue to place files until you have filled it.
Tip:Try not to leave any space on the canvas. Find something else you could add or include some test images you might like to try.
3. When you’re happy with the layout you’ve created, it is important to flatten your image.
Layer > Flatten Image
4. You’re now ready for the final save.
File > Save
Choose TIFF as the file format, and embed your colour profile by checking the box.
Click Save.
Your file is now ready to send to us for printing.
How to place an order
Placing an order with The Silk Bureau is simple.
Use our on-line file transfer and order facility.
Simply follow the step by step guide to choose your fabric and upload your designs.
Our file transfer facility accepts artwork upto 80Mb in size. If your artwork is larger than this please contact us for an alternative link.
Please check that your files are saved as:
Flattened – Very important that there are NO layers in your file.
.tiff or .jpeg – We cannot accept other file formats. We have found that files can easily become corrupt during the transfer process.
Set the Resolution to 180 dpi – 300 dpi – Keeping your files closer to 180 dpi will help to keep the file size down. 300 dpi will result in a much larger file size with little benefit to the final print quality.
Color Mode: RGB
Embed the Color Profile. – We recommend using Adobe RGB 1998. It really helps to make the colours more vibrant.
If you have any problems uploading your file then please let us know.
Once your file is uploaded you will receive a confirmation and our CAD team can start to work on your order.
We will complete your Order according to the content of the Upload Order Form that you have submitted. Please be sure that you provide accurate information at this stage as it cannot be changed after submitting.
Send a USB or disk and Complete an order form.
Alternatively save your files on a Data USB or Disk. Please include your Order Form and post it to us in a padded envelope for safety. Ensure that your USB/Disk is named so that we’ll know it belongs to you. It will be returned to you with your printed fabric.
Please ensure that you complete all the sections of the order form we will need these clear instructions in order to print your design correctly. Tip: You can download a copy of the Order Form here You will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer to complete this form on-screen.
Name:
Would be good to know who we’re talking to!
Telephone number:
We may need to contact you urgently regarding your files and the Invoicing department will also need to contact you once your costs have been worked out correctly.
Email address:
We may need to contact you by email if we need additional documents from you, such as a Scarf Disclaimer, etc.
File Name:
All files need to be named and dated. i.e. Suzie Davies file A 1st January, File B 1st January, etc. or Suzie Davies ‘Floral Bunch’ 1st January, etc. Please do not name them ‘The Silk Bureau 1’ etc. This is especially important when coming back for more orders at a later date so that we can find the correct file easily in the archive (files are stored for up to 12 months). Please remember to save them with the same name on your own system.
Fabric:
We have an extensive range of quality fabrics available to suit your final product. Please state which fabric you have chosen.
If you have several files that need to be printed on several different fabrics please note that there may be some colour variation between each. Our fabrics absorb the inks differently depending on its structure and the weave. If you would like some designs on Silk(acid dyes) and some on Cotton (reactive dyes) they will be noticeably different.
Metreage, Number of prints:
How many metres of fabric are we printing for you? Or if you have a picture image how many of these would you like printed?
Invoicing and Delivery Address:
Where are we sending your fabric once it has been printed?
Special Comments:
Are there any special requests or comments you need to let us know about?
Putting designs into repeat
bad repeat 
good repeatIf you would like your design (tile) repeated across the entire width and height of the fabric then please check that it repeats correctly, without obvious join lines.
You can check this in Adobe Photoshop by using the Pattern Fill Tool.
1:
Select the entire tile you have designed. Make sure that the resolution is 180 dpi.
Edit > Define pattern.
Name your file > OK
2:
Create a new file at least 4 times larger than the repeating tile at the same resolution of 180 dpi.
File > New
3:
In the new file
Edit > Fill
Select pattern in the Use drop downlist and then select your tile from the options available.
Tip: It should be the last one in those available.
4:
Your original design will be repeated within the new file. Zoom in to check there are no gaps or obvious join lines.
Tip: When you are happy that your image repeats correctly just send us the tile not the new test file. We can use that.
How to create a Sampling Template
Getting the right colour is very important for designers who have spent a great deal of time and effort in producing designs for a particular outcome.
Here is a design that I have been working on. On screen the colours look just how I want them. But how do I know what it will look like when it’s printed?
Will my printing match the colour of the accessories? Will my cushion fabric colour match my throw?
What you see on screen may not print out the same on fabric.
It’s a huge challenge to match colours from different materials but you can get quite close with the right testing.
The best exercise is to invest in a sample template created from your design printed in a variety of colour ways on 1m of fabric.
Here’s how to do it.
We are using the designer software package Adobe Photoshop for this guide.
- Launch Adobe Photoshop and create a new document set to the width of your fabric and to a maximum height of 100cm.
File > New
In the New window set ‘width’ to the width of the fabric you intend to use for your final production.i.e. what you’re going to make with it: dress, cushion, etc. In this case we are using Satin, so the width is 136cms (see Fabrics page for details on the width of your fabric)
Set the ‘height’ to a minimum of 100cms. This is the minimum print run we offer. So cram it full of all the test you can think of.
Set the Resolution to 180dpi and the Color Mode to RGB 8 bit. Keep your selected color profile. We recommend using Adobe RGB (1998)
2. Copy and Paste your Original design into the New file. Move it to the top corner of your New file.
The design I have selected has a number of colours in it that I might want to vary in the final production. I can now create a variety of colour ways from the whole design and also create colour chips from the dominant colours of green, yellow and red.
3. Repeat the design several times or add details of the design for a closer look.
Colours can be adjusted within each sample to give a slightly different finish and to see how they look in close proximity to each other. Colours can react differently depending on the colour they are positioned next to. For example a Yellow next to a Blue may look a little Green where they connect. The same Yellow might look more Orange if it where placed next to a Red. By adding a strip of colour chips under the design you are able to quickly replicate them again for your final production.
Which green works best for my leaf?
4. Photoshop adjustments.
You may want to experiment with the design using adjustments in Photoshop.
Image > Adjustments
These can be as subtle or as dramatic as you wish. Remember to label each adjustment on the print so that you can replicate it in the final production.
Once your fabric is returned to you, you will be able to make an informed decision on the right colour way to choose. Simply apply the same colour choice to your original file and save for production.
Minimum Order
The minimum length we can print is 1 metre. There is NO maximum.
Shrinkage
It is important to allow for shrinkage. Shrinkage can be up to 10% on most fabrics, however for stretch fabrics it can be up to 20%. Short runs shrink more than longer runs pro rata; however this is not a precise science. Shrinkage can vary from one batch of fabric to another.
Placement Prints
Because of the high risk involved with panel and placement prints, there maybe an additional charge of £1 per meter depending on your artwork. Please contact us if a placement or panel piece is important in your design.
Your digital print file will not be the same size as your final fabric. As the post printing process will cause shrinkage.
Colour Matching
We do NOT colour match. Please be aware that we can only print the detail our system reads on your tiff files. We have a very sophisticated colour calibration system, which picks up virtually all colours possible. Occasionally there are colours that are not able to be reproduced from the colour gamut of the dyes we print with. The colours that you see on your monitor may not be the same as we see on ours, as everyone has their monitor set slightly differently.
If you are planning on ordering a large run we always advise to order a sample first so that you can test that the colours printed are the ones you want.
Delivery
We will print your designs as soon as possible after receiving your files. Lead times can vary throughout the year so please allow plenty of time to meet your deadlines. If images are not sent in the right format or files are corrupted for any reason this will delay printing.
Please refer to our pricelist to work out costing. Once the fabric is ready we will phone you for your payment by credit/debit card. We will then post your work by courier (bags £9.50 and rolls start at £19.00). There is an extra charge for deliveries requested before 9:00am, 10:30am and 12:00am, or on a Saturday.
International client orders. We will raise a proforma for your order and ask for payment prior to commencing the printing. Courier rates will vary according to the speed of delivery and the weight of the parcel.
T's & C's - Make it British “Meet the Manufacturer” Event Promotion
Lucky Dip – THE SMALL PRINT
All orders submitted are subject to The Silk Bureau’s standard Terms & Conditions.
Additional clauses specifically relating to Show Offers are as follows:
1. All orders should be submitted on a Silk Bureau Order Form.
2. Your Discount Voucher should be included with your order and must be authenticated by an authorised Silk Bureau employee at the show.
3. Discount must be redeemed by the date shown on your voucher.
4. You will be required to provide your Name and Company details on a Business Card or similar.
5. Our 15%, 20% and 50% discount offers will be applied against a maximum of 10 metres fabric and printing costs.
6. In the case of orders for various fabric types, discount will be applied to the lowest price fabric up to a maximum of 10 metres.
7. Discount does not apply to postage of fabric via courier.
8. Discount excludes Bureau Time (£5) charged against each file received.
9. Artwork supplied must be print ready. The Silk Bureau will not reprint any orders of fabric with artwork-based errors.
10. Discount is strictly limited to one offer per customer and is non-transferable.
11. The Silk Bureau reserve the right to
i) cancel an offer at any time
ii) amend terms and conditions relating to Show Offers.
12. Any queries relating to Show Offers or our Terms and Conditions can be made via email to marketing@silkbureau.co.uk
Scarves
PRINTING SCARVES
Good to know hints and tips when designing scarves for digital textile printing.
Choosing the right fabrics
If an even colour is important on your scarves, it is best to select a lighter weight fabric from our range. If the fabric is thinner and has a loose weave, it enables more colour to penetrate through the fibres onto the reverse of the scarf.
Hint:
Popular choices are Light Satin, Single Georgette, Habotai, Light Crepe de Chine, Crepe de Chine, Silk Modal and Poly Chiffon.
Our suggested fabrics have been chosen for their good colour penetration and drape when worn.
Silcott Voile and Silcott Habotai, which are also lightweight may not achieve colour penetration quite as well as the others but are still popular as alternative choices.
Distortion.
Our experienced print operators are practiced in getting some pretty tricky fabric weaves to print very straight, however, silk is a natural fabric and the weave is sometimes irregular, especially on finer fabrics. This can occasionally be further distorted during the coating of the fabric. As the fabric comes directly off a roll, it is fed on to the printer and adheres to a permanent adhesive belt. At this stage the fabric cannot be manipulated or adjusted.
Prints, which have borders and straight lines, are more at risk of noticable distortion through weave movement than ones with all over patterns. There is a higher risk of this in lighter weight fabrics, such as Chiffon, where the straightness of the weft can vary dramatically through a roll.
Scarf sizes.
Getting an exact finished size for your scarf can be achieved through testing. There may be shrinkage on the fabric you choose. This is not a constant and may vary from roll to roll and batch to batch of printing. Silk is a naturally varying fabric that is woven in traditional ways. Shrinkage is an effect beyond our control.
When you are designing the scarves you should think about the possibility of shrinkage. As a guideline we do suggest you allow 5 – 10% for silk fabrics and 10% for cotton fabrics.
Hint:
Before placing an order for a large number of scarves become familiar with how your design and the fabric you have chosen will eventually print. We highly recommend that you order and hem just one or two as samples to give you a better idea of final size and outcome.
Hemming.
You may also be interested in having your scarves hemmed and finished ready to wear. We do offer a hemming service. Our finishes include; Machine Pin Hem, Machine Roll Hem, Hand Roll Hem, Eye-lash Fringe and Long Fringe.
The scarves will be returned to you with your choice of finished edges, including your label and a fabric care label sewn in. The label will say ‘Dry Clean Only – Made in the UK’. Each scarf will have been individually pressed and packed in a clear cellophane bag.
If you would like to use our hemming service please contact us for current lead times from us receiving your artwork and order for your scarves to be returned.
Remember to send your labels with the order and a drawing if you would like the labels sewn in a particular position on the scarves. Unless otherwise instructed we will place the labels 3 – 7 centimetres away from the corner, as is normal on most scarves.
Cut Line
Please remember to include a space between your scarf files to show a clear cutting line. This is particularly important if you have included white borders. Please use a pale grey or cream cut line so that it does not show on your scarves.
Fabric layout.
The majority of our fabrics have a printable width of 136cm. Consider this when you are submitting your artwork for print, so that you can utilise as much of the fabric and avoid unnecessary waste. See diagram.
Hint:
Fill as much of the space as you can but allow for cutting between scarves. If you don’t have a coloured border or you have white space around your scarves, please add a fine cutting line. This will help when it comes to cutting out and finishing. Remember to allow for the hemming too. Allow approx. a 1cm border that will be tight rolled up to the design, to give a ‘Pencil Hem’. Alternatively, allow a 1.5cm border that will be rolled to leave approx. a 1cm plain border around your scarf. Perhaps add a cutting line for a clear indication of where you would like the cut to be.
Think about borders and geometric designs. Straight lines that are printed onto a weave that is not exactly straight may well end up ‘wavy’. By incorporating a larger area of colour at the edges you can still create an effective border that will give more tolerance for cutting and hemming.
The Silk Bureau Ltd will always endeavour to produce printed fabrics of the highest quality, but cannot be held responsible for any weave quality issues that originate with our suppliers. It is because of this we will always ask our customers to complete and sign a Scarf Disclaimer prior to printing.
