Fabric is more than just material — it’s a medium for creativity. Among the many categories of textiles, novelty print fabric stands out as the most imaginative and expressive. With prints ranging from quirky animals to vintage cars and pop art, novelty fabrics are playful, bold, and perfect for adding personality to any project. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter, a small-batch clothing designer, or a DIY crafter, novelty print fabric opens up a world of exciting design possibilities.
In this blog, we’ll explore what novelty print fabric is, its popular applications, where to find it, and how to incorporate it into both practical and whimsical projects. 
What Is Novelty Print Fabric?
Novelty print fabric refers to textiles that feature unique, often whimsical or themed printed designs. These aren’t your standard stripes, florals, or solids. Instead, novelty fabrics include images like:
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Cartoon characters
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Holiday motifs
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Food illustrations (think donuts or tacos!)
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Animals dressed in costumes
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Space themes, unicorns, retro advertisements, and more
Typically printed on cotton or cotton blends, novelty fabrics are available in a variety of weights and weaves, making them suitable for both decorative and wearable projects. Some are bold and colorful, while others are more refined or even ironic. The key feature? They always tell a story.
Why Crafters and Designers Love Novelty Fabric
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Visual Interest
Novelty fabrics grab attention. They bring humor, nostalgia, or charm to an otherwise basic item. A tote bag made from robot-printed fabric? Instantly memorable. -
Creative Freedom
These prints allow designers to express a theme or mood. Want to make Halloween placemats? There’s a fabric for that. Planning a retro 80s apron set? There’s a fabric for that, too. -
Perfect for Small Projects
Novelty fabrics shine in smaller pieces where a fun design can take center stage — pillow covers, baby bibs, face masks, or pet bandanas. -
Custom and Seasonal Appeal
Many novelty prints are tied to holidays, pop culture, or trends. This makes them perfect for seasonal product lines or limited-edition runs.
Popular Uses for Novelty Print Fabric
1. Quilting
One of the most common uses for novelty print fabric is quilting. Designers often use theme-based prints as the focal points of quilts or use novelty blocks to add playfulness to traditional patterns.
2. Apparel
While novelty prints can be loud, they are a hit in children’s clothing, casual shirts, pajamas, and statement pieces like skirts or jackets. With the right styling, even adults can pull off a sushi-print shirt with confidence.
3. Bags and Accessories
Backpacks, cosmetic pouches, coin purses, and lunch bags look unique and fun when made with novelty fabrics. These smaller surfaces are ideal for showcasing repeating prints.
4. Home Decor
Use novelty prints for kitchen accessories like oven mitts, aprons, and table runners. Holiday-themed prints make excellent seasonal decorations without a long-term commitment.
5. Pet Products
Dog bandanas, pet beds, or even themed collars — novelty fabrics allow pet owners to dress their furry friends in fun styles year-round.
Tips for Choosing the Right Novelty Fabric
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Check the Fabric Weight
For clothing, go for lightweight or medium-weight cotton. For bags or upholstery, heavier canvas-style novelty fabrics work better. -
Scale Matters
A large print might be great for a pillow but may look odd on a small zipper pouch. Pay attention to the print scale when matching fabric to project. -
Color Coordination
Pair bold prints with neutral or solid fabrics to avoid visual overload. This creates balance and lets the novelty print shine. -
Prewash Your Fabric
Many novelty prints are cotton-based and may shrink. Prewashing ensures size consistency and colorfastness before sewing.
Where to Buy Novelty Print Fabric
Novelty fabrics are available through a wide range of retailers, both online and in-store:
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Specialty Quilt Shops: Often carry limited-run designer prints.
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Online Marketplaces: Etsy, Spoonflower, and independent fabric stores offer vast selections, including custom prints.
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Fabric Chains: JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or Fabric.com frequently stock seasonal and popular novelty designs.
For bulk or wholesale needs, especially for businesses, working directly with a novelty print fabric manufacturer or sourcing agent can provide custom printing options, better pricing, and consistent supply.
Sustainability and Novelty Prints
Novelty fabrics are fun, but like all textile production, they come with environmental considerations. Many manufacturers now offer organic cotton novelty prints, or prints made with eco-friendly dyes. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX® or GOTS when sourcing novelty fabric if sustainability is a priority for your brand or projects.
Additionally, because novelty fabrics often produce offcuts during sewing, creative reuse in patchwork or accessories helps minimize waste.
Final Thoughts
Novelty print fabric brings personality, storytelling, and creativity to any textile project. From bold fashion statements to heartfelt handmade gifts, these fabrics allow makers to celebrate holidays, express humor, and stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re working on a birthday quilt or prepping inventory for a craft fair, novelty fabrics offer unlimited potential for original, joyful creations.
So go ahead — explore the fun world of novelty print fabric, and let your next project be as expressive as you are.