What type of business is Da Gama Textiles?
Da Gama Textiles is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest vertically integrated textile producers. We produce niche branded products, including the internationally recognised brand name Three Cats Original Shweshwe.
Where is shweshwe manufactured?
The only place where shweshwe is manufactured is at the Da Gama factory in the rural village of Zwelitsha near King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape. Each shweshwe design is created in adherence to a large manual – a book containing hundreds of samples of the designs.
What is Shwe Shwe fabric?
Shweshwe (/ˈʃwɛʃwɛ/) is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional Southern African clothing. Originally dyed indigo, the fabric is manufactured in a variety of colours and printing designs characterised by intricate geometric patterns.
What fabrics are made in South Africa?
Shweshwe, also known as isishweshwe and shoeshoe, is a cotton fabric that comes in a variety of hues and intricate print designs. It was originally dyed indigo, which is why its formal name is ‘Indigo-dyed discharge printed fabric’.
How is shweshwe made?
Shweshwe is produced by feeding cotton fabric through a series of copper rollers that have patterns etched into them. A weak acid solution is fed onto the fabric, bleaching out the distinctive intricate white designs to create an eclectic range of attractive prints.
What is South African textile industry?
South African textile and clothing apparel industry is contribute for about 14% manufacturing employment , 9% country GDP and second largest source of tax revenue in south africa. Historically one of the biggest garment, apparel products and textile yarn material exporter and producers on the African continent.
What is a textile manufacturing company?
A textile manufacturer supervises workers who make products that contain fibers, such as clothing, tires, yarn, and insulation. Whatever the industry, the task of a textiles manufacturer is the same: To oversee the conversion of a raw product (either natural or man-made fibers) into usable goods.
How do you soften Shweshwe fabric?
Submerge the fabric in a tub or bath of cold water and gently agitate the material with your hands. Leave the shweshwe to soak for at least 15-25 minutes.
How is Shweshwe made?