Traditional Shwe Shwe prints from South Africa Perfect for patchwork The African Fabric Shop is the biggest importer - with the biggest choice - of Shwe Shwe fabric in the UK and Europe. These fabrics are sometimes called 'Three Cats' - a reference to the distinctive logo stamped on the back of the fabric. Originally, Shwe Shwe was produced in Manchester for export to South Africa. Today, it is made in South Africa by Da Gama Textiles. Traditionally, Shwe Shwe was always indigo, with the occasional red or chocolate brown design. All fabrics are 100% cotton. Because these fabrics are starched in the factory - that's the tradition - they are quite stiff when new. After washing they are lovely and soft and easy to work with. Perfect for dressmaking and crafts. Weight after washing: 160 grams per metre, approximately. Fabrics are 90 cm / 36 in wide, approximately. Fat Quarters are 50 x 45 cm / 18 x 20 in, approximately. Per Fat Quarter: £3.10 Per metre: £12.40 The famous Three Cats backstamp guarantees the real thing: genuine Shwe Shwe indigo by Da Gama Textiles in South Africa