How We Source Our Fabric
Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the textile industry. These factories specialise in printing large-scale 2D images on fabric. Large fabric printing factories can be found in major cities across Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Binh Duong. Fabric printing factories in Vietnam use various printing techniques to transfer images onto fabric. The most common methods include screen printing and digital printing.
The large fabric printing factories play a crucial role in the production and distribution of fabric to create lanterns in Hội An, Quang Nam. These factories are responsible for printing the vibrant and intricate designs that make the silk fabrics so special. When it comes to Hội An, there is a distinct approach to sourcing unique fabric, hunting for fabrics can be challenging and fun!
Lantern-making in Hội An initially served as a practical solution to light up the port, streets, houses, and boats. However, over time, the craft evolved into an art form and the lanterns became an integral part of Hội An's festivals, religious ceremonies, and everyday life.
In this quaint town, there are primary fabric suppliers that cater to local lantern shops. Small family-owned businesses that have been creating silk prints for generations. Diligently maintaining the tradition of designing and updating the colours and patterns of the fabrics, their commitment to innovation has ensured that the lanterns produced in Hội An continue to captivate locals and tourists alike.
The silk fabrics come in a wide array of colours and patterns in vibrant rainbow of colours. Each print is considered a limited edition due to the nature of the textile industry. This exclusivity adds to the appeal of the lanterns made with these unique fabrics.
When customers purchase a Vietnamese silk lantern crafted from limited-edition fabrics, they're acquiring a piece of art that holds both cultural and historical significance.
For those seeking even more variety or searching for fabric that is longer available in Hội An, a trip to Da Nang, the closest city, is recommended. The markets in Da Nang are bustling hubs of activity. The vibrant atmosphere of the markets can be overwhelming, as you navigate through the market stalls, you may find yourself being pulled by enthusiastic vendors, urging you to explore their collection saying, "Look here!"
Among the multitude of fabrics available in Da Nang, it is essential to identify the ones of superior quality. The discerning lantern maker prefers silk fabric with a high thread count and strength. Fabrics that are too weak can pull the delicate silk fabric too hard, resulting in a distorted design or stretched print. On the other hand, if the silk fabric is too thick and stiff, it will be challenging to attach it securely to the bamboo structure of the lantern. The choice of the right fabric is a crucial factor in ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal.
Hội An Vietnamese silk lanterns are traditionally made using jacquard silk and polyester silk fabric that resemble silk but are not made of 100% real silk. There are a few reasons for this:
Cost: Real silk is a luxurious and expensive material. It requires a complex and time-consuming process to produce, including silkworm cultivation, cocoon harvesting, and silk thread extraction. The cost of real silk fabric would significantly increase the price of Hội An lanterns, making them less accessible to a wider market.
Durability: While real silk has a luxurious feel and appearance, it is delicate and can be prone to damage. Hội An lanterns are often used for decorative purposes and need to withstand outdoor conditions, including wind and rain. Using a fabric that is more durable than real silk ensures that the lanterns can maintain their structural integrity and longevity.
Availability: Real silk production is not as common or readily available in large quantities as other synthetic fabric. Using alternative fabric materials that are more readily available ensures a consistent supply for production.
Versatility: Synthetic fabric offer a wider range of colours, patterns, and textures compared to real silk. This allows for more creativity and customisation in the design. These materials can be easily dyed and printed on, providing a diverse selection of vibrant and eye-catching lanterns.
The careful selection of high-quality silk fabric and the acceptance of imperfections in the handmade process ultimately result in lanterns that are not just decorative pieces but also storytelling artefacts that connect people to the rich traditions of Hội An.
Here is a link to a fascinating documentary that explains the complex fabric printing production process in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuR2x0lorLg
For further information here is our FAQ page.
For further information here is our FAQ page.
