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Printed home textiles fabrics allow for endless possibilities in creating visually captivating patterns and designs to enhance the look of home furnishings, apparel and other fabric-based products. However, printed fabrics must not only be visually appealing, they also have to be able to stand up to the demands of use and meet industry standards. Choosing the right printing house and selecting a method of printing that meets the requirements of each product type is key to making sure the end result will be satisfactory.

Among the most commonly used printed home textiles are cotton and linen fabrics. Both of these types are very versatile and can be printed with a wide range of colors and designs. Cotton is known for its durability, versatility and softness. It can be used to make a wide variety of garments and home furnishings, including sheets, pillowcases, draperies and duvet covers. It is also easy to wash and can withstand repeated laundering.

Linen is popular for its rich, slubby texture and naturally cool softness to the touch. It is lint and abrasion resistant, and is extremely durable and crease resistant. It is a favorite for bedding and accessories, such as decorative cushions, curtains, duvets, pillows and upholstery. Linen is also eco-friendly, as it is made from a natural plant fiber, and the manufacturing process is environmentally responsible.

In the past, many printed home textiles were painted or dyed by hand. This technique has been around since antiquity, with a print block found in the tomb of an Egyptian princess dating back to 4th century bce. More recently, technology has advanced to where now the majority of home textiles are digitally printed. Digital printing utilizes large printers that are wide enough for the fabric to pass through, and a digital file of the art work tells the machine where to put the ink drops. The machines then uses a specialized ink that transforms into a gas when applied to the surface of the fabric, and locks onto the fibers in the textile to create the print.

There are two main methods of digital printing for fabric: subliminal and direct. In subliminal printing the design is first printed on a paper with subliminal inks, then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. The heat converts the ink into a gas, and it penetrates into the fabric to lock in the color. The direct method is a little like printing a photograph on paper, with the ink going directly onto the fabric.

Besides the different print methods, printed home textiles fabrics are available in a broad spectrum of thread counts, widths and weights. Each one of these variables has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, higher thread count fabrics are softer to the touch, while lower weight fabrics are more durable. In addition, wider widths and heavier weight fabrics are more expensive. Lastly, the type of pigment ink used is another factor to consider when choosing a printing method.