11 barkcloth fabric designs from Hoffman California International Fabrics

I found another source for retro barkcloth fabrics — eight tropical designs and three googie designs — from Hoffman California-International Fabrics. I don’t have cuttings, but these look promising.  I’ve added them to my overview page: 6 places to find barkcloth today.

Eight barkcloth fabric patterns

These fabrics are screenprinted onto what the company calls barkcloth. So, I presume the fabric has the dobby/slubby texture we are looking for when we say “barkcloth”, although it’s hard to tell from the photos. Of course, get a sample first to check whether any fabric you are using for a project has the characteristics — weight, hand, durability [eg: rub test #] –you are looking for. Manufacturers also should have specifications for recommended applications. 

Many tropical fabric designs

In fact, Hoffman has a long history of doing tropical fabric designs. See what they offer today in their “Open Line” category. Again — check each for specifications for recommended uses,

Hofmann California-International Fabrics is yet another longstanding American company approaching its 100th anniversary. It’s been in business in the same family since 1924!

Additional types of fabric with retro patterns

The company does both digital and screen printing. What I have been told by another executive in the industry is that digital printing can only be done on very smooth fabrics. If the fabric has texture, screen printing is required for the ink to absorb properly. Above: Hoffman’s digitally-printed “A Little Retro Vibe” collection on 6 oz. canvas.

I have a feeling some readers might like the lovely above – flamingos, ukeleles and googies — all on aqua!

Open Line Fabrics are all screen-printed

Hoffman has a long history doing tropical print fabric. You can see their current selection in their Open Line category, which features all screen-printed fabrics. There, I found this very pretty tropical deco pink print. The print looks identical to the barkcloth print on aqua shown above. However, on the website, while it does say it’s a screenprint, it doesn’t indicate it’s nubbly enough to be called barkloth. Could be. Get a sample and see.

Tapa cloth fabrics

Tikiphiles may want to take a look at their screenprinted cotton fabrics featuring tapa cloth inspired designs.
Note, they are a manufacturer so you cannot buy direct from them.

• Here’s a directory of retailers that handle Hoffman California Fabrics.