While there are still many incredible producers who practice and perfect these crafts, the advent of digital textile printing has completely revolutionized the way many producers are imparting patterns onto their fabrics. According to a Textiles Intelligence report, the global output of digitally-printed textiles is growing about 25% each year. Many companies prefer digital printing over screen printing because it is much more environmentally friendly and requires less of an initial investment. It also allows for much more freedom and creativity as designs can be easily modified and designers can quickly respond to changing trends. Here at Source4Style, we're incredibly excited about the way digital printing will revolutionize the art of fabric design, and we are already seeing some amazing companies taking advantage of all it has to offer. We wanted to showcase some of the amazing producers in our marketplace who are leading the digital printing revolution. Each has taken an inspired approach to using the new technology and we're so excited to share their beautiful creations with you. 1. Efilan
Efilan is a wonderfully inventive Italian producer of luxury materials. Working with materials ranging from satin to taffeta, each of their fabrics is imbued with their unique vision and is perfect for adding intrigue to fine women's apparel. They have worked with many cutting-edge techniques including embossing, and recently digital printing. Their Spring and Summer 2013 collection featured digitally printed panel designs on luxurious silk and satin stretch fabrics. 2. Chamundi Silks
Chamundi Silks is an Indian manufacturer of beautiful silk and a host of other fabrics. Their textiles are treasured by designers in the bridal wear industry, but they also focus on developing innovative and creative patterns within their in-house creative team. Their recent collections have deftly explored the potential of digital printing on silk, and the results have been not only gorgeous and elegant, but crisp and polished. 3. Rainbow Leather
Rainbow leather is using digital printing to impart intricate patterns onto animal hides - a material that is typical not printed because it isn't fiber based. As one of the only manufacturers combining the potential of digital printing with the beauty of natural leather, they are truly innovators within the fabric industry. Their amazing designs range from intricate Aztec inspired patterns, to brushed metallic and dreamy rainbow finishes. 4. Couture Lin
Couture Lin is one of the foremost producers of genuine French linen in the world. Established in 1950, they have made a name for themselves by combining a commitment to using classic production methods and high quality raw materials with a hunger for innovation. Their foray into digital printing has been no exception. They've used the new technology to enhance the natural beauty of their fabrics with subtle details like small polka dots. Their delicate approach is impressive for its restraint, and these small touches add the perfect amount of whimsy without being overpowering. 5. Oliveira Textiles
Oliveira Textiles is a wonderful producer of organic cotton and hemp fabrics based in Rhode Island. They are committed to encouraging green practices within the textile industry and have partnered with initiatives like The Organic Trade Associate and VoteHemp. Their beautiful printed fabrics feature bold sweeping designs that evoke Japanes woodblock prints and nautical imagery. We hope the way these innovative producers are using digital textile printing has inspired you as much as it has us. By the looks of it, this is a trend that is certainly here to stay - and we can't wait to see the amazing ways that future manufacturers harness the creative potential of digital printing.