Kitenge Fabric Piece

6 Yards – Approximately 5.49 Metres

Jess first met Susan in 2011, and they often talked about starting a business together. When Lemon & Jinja began, they created Nyabo, a kitenge business specializing in bespoke products. The fabric, known as "Kitenge," originates from East Africa. Every purchase from the Nyabo range directly supports Susan and her impactful work in Uganda.

How to Prepare Your Fabric

African wax print fabrics are renowned for their intricate patterns and vibrant colours. However, they can feel stiff initially. While the fabric softens naturally over time, you can speed up the process with these gentle, chemical-free methods:

Cold Water Washing

• Always wash Kitenge fabric in cold or lukewarm water to preserve its colours.
• Use a mild detergent free of harsh chemicals and bleach. Avoid strong detergents that can strip the fabric of its vibrancy.

Salt Soak

This natural method softens the fabric without damaging it.

1. Fill a sink with warm water and add half a cup of salt.
2. Submerge the fabric and let it soak for about 20 minutes.
3. Remove the fabric, gently squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry naturally.

Vinegar Soak

Vinegar helps soften the fabric and removes any built-up natural oils.

1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider/white wine vinegar) with 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Submerge the fabric for 15 minutes.
3. Hang it up to dry.

Soap and Hot Water Soak

This method cleans, brightens, and softens the fabric simultaneously.

1. Fill a sink with lukewarm water, adding a squirt of mild liquid detergent and a few drops of fabric softener.
2. Soak the fabric for 10 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat or hang it to dry.

Washing and Care Tips

• Temperature: Wash at 30°C max with similar colours.
• Drying: Avoid tumble drying; let the fabric air dry naturally.
• Ironing & Cleaning: Do not iron or dry clean.

African wax print fabrics are bold, colourful, and versatile - perfect for clothing, crafts, and décor. With these simple techniques, you can make them softer and more comfortable to use while preserving their beauty.

And remember: Always handle with care and kindness. 😊