The fabric rep responds

Bob the fabric rep answers your questions. Here’s Mike’s question:

Does Bob deal in stretch knits designed for fitness/aerobic/yoga type applications? We’re currently using mostly branded fibers (e.g. Supplex/Tactel) though we have some French terry blends that are generic.

One of the issues we’ve had before with low minimum purchase requirements is that there is no continuity of fabrics. We need to be able to re-order fabric from time to time and it needs to be the same as what we’ve gotten before – both in terms of content and color.

Bob responds:
Yes – I do have two suppliers who may have what you need. One deals with Super Spandex 60″ wide – 80% Nylon 20% Spandex – about $6.95/yd per rolls of 50 yards or half rolls for $1 more per yard in all different colors. My supplier also has micro-stretch Jersey at $7.50 /yd 80% Nylon, 20% Tencel, 58/60″ wide in 50 colors.

I also have another supplier who deals with just knits from basic to novelties. By that I mean everything from a mix of basic jersey knits to french terrys as well as novelties. I also stock fabric for whatever yardage you need. I can even custom dye your colors. Let me know if anything sounds like it fits the bill and I’ll get you some samples. Be as detailed in your description as you can, from fabric weights to colors and I’ll see what I can get for you.


My comment If you have samples or fabric swatches of fabrics you like, send those to Bob for the best possible match up. Then Marilyn had a question for Bob and wrote:

Bob, tell us what kinds of textiles you rep, what your minimums are, etc. I’m interested in fashion-forward wovens in the 20 yard range. What time lines do you work with? Also, tell us your beefs about DE’s so we won’t make the same mistakes. Thanks

Bob responds:
I rep for about 6 different importers and exporters. I have solids and novelty European linens and linen blends, bridal fabrics and trims, silks out of India and China, tencels, wools and wool blends, knits, polys, cottons, rayons, novelty embroidered, stretch fabrics and more.

The minimums depend on the fabric and it varies. Sometimes I can do as little as 10 yards other times it’s by the roll. The minimum for things like chiffons or tulle is 50 yards because those can’t be cut. Sometimes my vendor will do half rolls for a $1 or $2 per yard more if they have to cut it. For the most part on average, I can do about 15 to 20 yards. Keep in mind that sampling yardage for small manufacturers (under ten yards) usually costs $1 per yard extra. Most of the fabrics are in stock right here in the states. If my vendors have these in stock, those are the minimums.

If we run out of a particular fabric or design, then higher minimums of 120 to 500 yards may be required but it depends on the supplier, the fabric and the mill. If it’s out of stock, it may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks but at other times it can be as much as 10 weeks depending on the type of fabric and the country of origin and how we bring it in (air or boat). It varies but they stock a few hundred yards on most everything although some of my suppliers stock a few thousands of yards. Also some vendors have several thousand designs from each supplier in different weights so there’s a lot to chose from. This means I’m sure I can find something that will work if they do run out of the design or fabric you like.

I hope this answers most of your questions.

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