Where are Humphries Weaving fabrics made?
We are proud to manufacture all of our fabrics in the UK, based in the historic market town of Sudbury. Humphries Weaving began in the 1970s, and we are part of the Sudbury Silk Mills. This allows us to blend innovative loom technology with the traditional craftsmanship that defines our fabrics. For more details about our manufacturing process, click here and to learn more about Sudbury Silk Mills, visit their website here.
What is a Royal Warrant?
A Royal Warrant of Appointment is granted as a mark of recognition to companies that have regularly supplied goods or services directly to the Royal Household. It is a mark of recognition with a unique status in business.
Why has the Royal Warrant been awarded now?
Royal Warrants are only granted to companies that have made a continuing and significant supply of goods and/or services, ordered and paid for by the Household of the Grantor, over a minimum trading period of five years within the last seven years. We were also required to demonstrate that we have an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy and action plan. In the 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and early 2000’s we supplied fabrics via a third party (Such as the Royal Collection or the Royal Mews) or on an irregular basis, however since 2019 we have regularly supplied direct.
For how long does a Royal Warrant Last?
Our Royal Warrant has been granted for five years, up to 2031 and will be reviewed the preceding year.
Do you work with interior designers and trade professionals?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with interior designers, architects, upholsterers, curtain makers, conservators and heritage organisations worldwide. Whether your project is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between, we can help create fabrics that are unique to your scheme.
I am a private individual with a home I am redecorating myself, can I work with you?
Yes, we work with private individuals as well as businesses and designers. We would be delighted to help you with fabric for your interiors.
Do you work with ecclesiastical properties?
Yes. We work with ecclesiastical fabrics for copes, robes, altar frontals and curtains. We have a variety of ecclesiastical designs and can work with you to develop a bespoke design. View our Gothic journal to see examples of this work.
Where can I view Humphries Weaving's work?
Many projects we have been involved in can be viewed at historic houses, national institutions and museums in the UK and worldwide. Please explore Where you can see our work page to discover what projects we have been involved with near you.
We have a showroom at our mill, in Sudbury, Suffolk, England. This is by appointment only. If you would like to get in touch, please contact us.
To keep up to date with our latest news and behind-the-scenes images and videos, you can follow us on Instagram @humphriesweaving, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Do you have a showroom or stockist?
We have a showroom at our Sudbury site, in Suffolk, England. This is by appointment only, if you would like to get in touch, please contact us.
We do not stock our fabrics with retailers, as we deal directly with our customers.
Do you have a sample/swatch service?
If you have seen something on our website that looks to be of interest for your next project, please contact us here to arrange a sample to be sent to you. We prefer to discuss your requirements first to ensure we send the most appropriate qualities and colourways for your application. If you have a client meeting, let us know the dates, and we can try to accommodate this and weave specific samples for you with 2 weeks' notice.
Can I come to visit the mill?
Due to health and safety regulations and our busy production schedule, we are unable to offer tours or visits to the Mill, including for educational purposes.
Can I create my own fabric?
Yes, we specialise in creating bespoke with small order quantity minimums. Please see our process page.
Can I create my own bespoke shade?
Yes, we have our in-house dye specialists who will expertly match to the sample you have provided or a period colour from our archive.
What is a stock colour?
At Humphries Weaving, we offer a wide range of stock yarn colours across multiple fibre types, ready to be woven into your project. These 'off-the-shelf' colours are carefully curated and periodically updated to reflect the latest market trends. Choosing from our stock yarn range not only shortens lead times but also provides a more cost-effective solution for our clients. For further details on how our stocked yarn service works, click here.
What is a custom colour?
For projects requiring colours beyond our stock range, we offer a bespoke colour matching and development service to meet British Standards. Whether you're recreating historic textiles or matching a specific colour scheme in a modern interior, our custom dye service is tailored to your needs. This includes lab-dyed yarn samples, through to bulk dyeing, done either at our onsite dye works or through trusted external dye houses when needed. For more details on how we can bring your custom colour to life, click here.
I have a specific house, piece of furniture or design style requirement. Can Humphries Weaving help with historically accurate designs?
Yes, absolutely. Over the years, we have gathered an extensive archive of historical designs from various periods, along with a comprehensive colour archive. We can adjust the scale and repeat of many designs to better suit a specific room or piece of furniture.
Please get in touch, and we’ll be delighted to explore options that will be perfect for your project.
How much does your fabric cost?
As every project is unique, pricing varies according to design complexity, quantity, fibre type and colour requirements. Due to the bespoke nature of our fabric, prices are POA, prices are given per metre and exclude VAT/Tariffs & Duties and shipping for a 15-metre order. Please contact us for a project-specific quotation.
Do you offer trade prices?
Yes, we offer all our fabrics at trade prices to ensure we're as competitive as possible within the marketplace.
How can I pay for my order?
Our team will talk you through the different options, but you can pay via bank transfer or over the phone.
How can I place an order?
Please contact us by calling us or emailing us, for more information, please look at our process page.
Who can place an order?
We have the pleasure of working with a huge variety of customers, due to the bespoke nature of our business we can work with private customers, upholsters, institutions, builders and architects, get in contact with us to find out more.
What is your minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order is 15 metres when using stock yarns and starting from 30 metres for custom-dyed yarns.
Do you offer client exclusivity and confidentiality?
We always respect clients’ wishes concerning confidentiality. We are proud of the work that we undertake and balance this with the need for discretion. We do not share any information/photos/videos without consent from the client.
Is a sampling service available?
While we don't offer sampling as a standalone service, we provide strike-off sampling as part of each individual project. This includes the use of our section warps, where one loom contains all our stock warp colours. Allowing us to trial your design across various options before deciding on the final colour combination to move forward with.
Is my fabric tested?
All our yarn is tested upon arrival in our in-house, non-accredited testing laboratory. We perform lightfastness and wet and dry rub tests as standard. For your final strike-off, we can also carry out indicative Martindale rub tests and additional lightfastness tests. If needed, we can send your strike-off to one of our trusted, accredited external testing houses. Please note that testing fees may apply.
Does Humphries Weaving make products?
We are solely a fabric manufacturer and do not produce finished products. All of our fabrics are supplied by the roll.
I am interested in fabric for use in baby products – can Humphries Weaving assist?
Due to stringent British safety regulations, we are unable to weave fabric for use in baby products, such as blankets or wraps.
What fibres do you work with?
We predominantly weave with noble fibres including silk, cotton, wool, silk chenille, cotton chenille, linen and cashmere. We also work with specialist yarns such as viscose, recycled polyester, Lurex and Lumi yarns where required by the design.
What characteristics can I expect from natural fibres?
Natural fibres are valued for their character and individuality. Subtle variations in texture, lustre and colour are inherent to natural materials and contribute to the beauty of the finished fabric.
Can I find out more about the sustainability of the fabric?
Yes, please read our responsibility report and our statement on commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability
How long will it take for my fabric to arrive?
Lead times vary based on project specifics, and once we understand your requirements, we can provide a more precise estimate. Generally, projects using our stock yarn colours have a lead time of approximately 1-3 months, depending on the design complexity.
For custom colour projects, development alone may take around 3-6 months, followed by a production lead time of approximately 3-4 months, depending on the project’s intricacies. Please note that all lead times are subject to yarn and production availability.
Where can my fabric be shipped to?
We ship throughout the UK and worldwide using our preferred carrier. All fabric shipments are securely packed, fully insured, and tracked, with the necessary paperwork included for a smooth delivery.
Does Humphries Weaving have UK or Worldwide distributors?
The Humphries Weaving Company works directly with our customers and does not operate through distributors.
Does Humphries Weaving hold fabric in stock?
All of our fabrics are woven to order, tailored to each customer's specific needs and specifications, so we do not hold stock of any finished fabrics. Many of our designs are exclusive to clients and protected, ensuring that we would never sell or share a client’s bespoke fabric.
Can Humphries Weaving weave and store my yarn?
We regret that we are unable to store or hold individual client yarn stocks, including novelty yarns. Additionally, we are unable to weave using yarn supplied by clients.
Are there ever have leftover fabric/ remnants that can be sent to students for their projects?
All of our fabrics are woven to order, tailored to each client's specific needs and specifications. Many of our designs are exclusive and protected by confidentiality agreements, so we are unable to sell or share any bespoke fabrics or remnants. However, as part of the Sudbury Silk Mills, you are welcome to visit the Mill Shop. Although they do not sell Humphries Weaving fabrics, they do offer remnants from other brands that weave at Sudbury Silk Mills. For more details, please visit their website.
I am looking for a job or student placement. Does Humphries Weaving offer these?
Please visit our careers section for information on current recruitment and placement opportunities.
Does Humphries Weaving offer sponsorship to students?
We are unable to offer financial or yarn sponsorships to students.
Does Humphries Weaving offer a sampling service for students?
Unfortunately, due to our busy production schedule, we are unable to offer short-run production or sampling services for students.
Do you offer lectures on the silk industry?
Yes, we are able to offer dynamic lectures on the silk industry to academic groups, organisations and institutions with a connection to weaving, textiles or history. To inquire, please complete the form on our contact us page. Any fees associated with these lectures are donated to our chosen charity.
