Our goal is to provide your company quality organic fiber textiles on-time accompanied by good communication.

Our Mission is:

1. Ordering
   1. Do you sell to individuals as well as companies?
      We would sell to an individual given they order the minimum whe ordering a roll provides their UPS or Fedex account. The smallest amount we sell are bolts of 10 yards of fabric. The bolts are the only option we offer where we handle the shipping via USPS. We offer the opportunity to shop and pay on line in our Sew Eco Etsy Shop.
   2. What if I need a few yards to make prototypes?
      If it is a fabric we offer by the bolt, it would be best if you order the bolt quantity. If you insist that you need less or we do not offer a bolt quantity, we charge $1 per yard more than the roll or bolt price which ever is higher and an $8 per fabric cutting charge. You will need to provide us a UPS or Fedex account number for shipping.
   3. What are your minimums to custom knit a fabric?
      On new styles we have reduced minimums to 400 to 700 yards based upon the weight of the knit. Otherwise it’s usually 1,000 yards.
   4. What are your minimums to dye a knit fabric?
      On new styles we have reduced minimums to 400 to 700 yards based upon the weight of the knit. Otherwise it’s the greater of 1,000 yards or 1,000 pounds.
   5. What are your minimums to custom weave a fabric?
      1,000-5,000 yards depending upon the fabric construction, finishing and the appropriate supply chain.
   6. What are the minimums to dye a woven fabric?
      The minimum would depend on the dye machinery at the finishing facility location. The smallest dye lot minimum is 800 and 1,200. Weaving minimums may first apply. There will be surcharges added onto orders of less than 1200 yards per color.
   7. What are the minimums to print a knit or woven fabric?
      We offer rotary printing and digital printing. Expect a minimum of 1,000 yards per print for rotary. Preferred minimums are 2,000 yards. Surcharges will be assessed on 1,000 yard orders. Minimum on digital printing is 60 yards. Pricing is $20 to $40 per yard.
   8. What is involved in submitting a print design?
      For rotary printing, the design needs to be formatted with the repeat and submitted in the ready for print format. For digitial prints this is not necessary. Cost to format or set up a design may apply to both rotary and digital.
   9. What is the procedure to order a custom fabric?
      First see the fabric minimums. Given you are ready to financially commit to the investment, send us complete written specifications or a sample of a full width, minimum one yard piece of the model fabric. Make sure the sample is made of cotton. Rayon, tencel, and polyester have unique properties that will not be replicated with natural fiber. We analyze the fabric and in some cases send the fabric overseas. If the quote incorporates an overseas supply chain, be prepared to pay $50 to $75 for courier costs whether or not you go ahead with the order. After analysis, we give you a yes or no regarding our ability to manufacture. If yes, we quote a price and estimated delivery time. Given that we can reproduce the fabric, you will sign a contract with our company to produce it. Prepayment or a deposit will be required.
   10. What is the industry definition of first quality?
       The quality of a textile is measured on defects per 100 yards on a 100 point scale. Defects are assigned 1 to 4 points. Major flaws are assigned 4 points. Minor flaws are assessed 1 point. A first quality textile may have 6 to 12 points of defects. Please refer to the Worth Street Textile Market Rules for how the points are applied to determine the quality. The WSR, codified in 1926, is the frequently cited standard in procedures and customs for purchase, sale, and use of textiles. Defects may exist in first quality fabric. With dyed fabric there may be variations in shade.
   11. We are an company outside of North America and are interested in buying your fabrics. How can we do business together?
       Because exporting requires additional time to handle details, we focus our attention serving overseas companies who are ready to do business. That means you have decided on fabrics, know your import costs and if ordering open stock styles, order a minimum of 300 yards of a style. To order fabric and swatches, you will need an account open with a courier service such as Fedex or UPS.
   12. Why must I fill out a purchase order form? It protects you in the purchase order, you state clearly what you are agreeing to buy, when you want it, where you want it delivered, how you want it shipped. As all the information is in one document, your order can be processed efficiently.
   13. Is your fabric made of U.S. grown cotton? Sometimes yes, other times no. There are only a handful of U.S. organic farmers and they export much of their fiber. U.S. farmers command higher pricing. You the customer want good value and certainly affordable fabric prices. Our weaving and knitting partners buy the best organic cotton for the best price so they can keep fabric prices reasonable. That means U.S. manufactured fabrics are often made of imported cotton.
2. Definition of Organic and Certification Standards
   1. What is the current definition of an organic fabric?
      The Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS was created in 1996 by companies such as Patagonia who utilized organic fiber, agricultural and trade group non profits promoting the use of organic fiber and certifiers that inspect materials and processes. GOTS is a voluntary standard that is now the world standard. It touches on every detail of manufacture but in some areas leaves out detail. The historic standards such as the American, JAS, Control Union continue to be referenced in certifying organic textiles. The U.S. regulations pertaining to food apply to cotton cultivation. This is because cotton seed oil is a food crop. The National Organic Program (NOP) is this country's law pertaining to how the organic cotton is grown in any organic cotton product sold in the U.S.
   2. Are the organic textiles on the market certified from field to finishing?
      Some are, some are are not. The market has not always borne the cost of certifying each stage of the manufacture. As I write this, there may be one cotton spinner certified in the U.S. They infrequently spin organic fiber. There is one weaving mill, one or two knitting mills and one perhaps two finishers certified now. More likely than not, a U.S. organic fiber product is not certified rom field to finishing. Overseas, mills are more likely to be certified from field to fabric to clothing manufacture. Today Sew Eco-Logical offers knit fabrics made of certified organic cotton fiber and yarn. We offer U.S. sheeting and canvases with the yarn, weaving and finishing certified. The spinning is not certified as the spinner went out of business. Our Turkish toweling and India made sateen are 100% certified from field to finish.
   3. How is organic cotton grown differently than regular cotton?
      Organic farming nurtures the soil’s biological life. Conventional cotton deadens the soil, kills everything in the name of controlling pests. Organic farming fosters the health of a diversity of insects, birds, soil microbes, and worms. Insects injurious to cotton are held in check by this diversity. Organic farmers rotate crops to allow the soil to rest. Cover crops are grown and natural fertilizers are applied to improve the soil for the long term.
      Chemicals commonly applied to conventionally grown cotton are neuro-toxins, contact bird killers, carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. For more information on distinctions read below, Incorporating Organic Into Your Line.
      Organic cotton is grown with non GMO seed. The majority of conventional cotton seed in the U.S. is GMO, Round Up ready.
   4. How about the manufacturing of organic textiles?
      Manufacturing to standard requires mills to special order, educate themselves and sometime retool to utilize different sizes, oils, detergents, scours, dyes, and auxiliaries. Mills shut down lines and clean equipment prior to running the organic. Goods must be segregated to avoid contact with everything else in the mill. Paperwork is generated to track materials and goods. Organic standards mandate responsible wastewater disposal systems be in effect and workers are treated fairly.
   5. What is certification, and who are the certifiers?
      Certification involves on-site inspection, inspector’s reporting, review of the report by the certification administrative board in light of the standard, and a certifier’s decision to certify or not the operations of the farm, gin, spinner, mill, dye house, or finishing facility. Certifiers are independent non profit and for profit companies that inspect the fiber farming, each step of the manufacture, and all record keeping according to the designated organic fiber standard.
   6. Are the standards of organic fabric codified under the Organic Food Act, or other U.S. Federal law?
      The growing of organic fiber is regulated per the Federal organic law as it relates to the growing of crops. There is no organic law regulating organic fiber textile manufacture and labeling in the U.S. The aforementioned standards are voluntary
3. Claims and Returns
   1. How are claims and returns handled?
      We represent the fabrics of several manufacturers in addition to our own goods. Each company has its own policy. Make sure you inspect your goods upon arrival. The policy is stated on the invoice and in any contract you execute. It is the responsibility of the buyer to examine the goods upon receipt and notify the seller of variation immediately. There is a time limit on making claims that begins upon notice of delivery. Sew Eco-Logical’s policy is to stand behind the product we manufacture. We must be notified immediately of problems. We will ask for documentation from our buyer. We will need access to claimed fabric. A review of the fabric is a requisite to any action on our part.
      On program / custom orders, the contract covers how claims will be handled.
      On open stock orders, a return authorization must be issued prior to a return. Only uncut, unwashed goods may be returned. If a return authorization is issued on first quality goods, the buyer will pay for the return freight. Again the claim must be made within the period stated on the invoice. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know the terms with regard to claims and returns.
4. Payment Options
   1. What are the payment options?
      Sew Eco-Logical accepts cash, Mastercard or Visa on wholesale orders. Credit is not extended on first order or orders of minimum quantities of a single roll or less. Credit is extended based upon a strong credit report. Credit investigations may slow processing and shipping of an order. On program orders, deposits or prepayment may be required. On bolt orders, placed from our Sew Eco Etsy Shop we accept Paypal and other credit cards.
   2. Who pays for color matching?
      This is dependent on the line. Generally the cost of color matching the first time and, if necessary, the second time is included in the price of the fabric. Should your company not order the fabric, Sew Eco-Logical and its associates reserve the right to receive reimbursement for the lab costs plus handling for the completed color matches, a minimum of $49.00. We reserve the right to charge for the cost of the 3rd color match.
5. Incorporating Organic Into Your Line
   1. Where do I find more information about the benefits of organic cotton?
      Visit the following web sites:
      • Fabric Exchange
      • Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP)
      • Organic Trade Association (OTA)
      • Texas Organic Marketing Cooperative (TOMC)
   2. How can you assist me in making the case to my company’s management to go organic?
      We can arrange for an invitation to one of two farm tours, either the Sustainable Cotton Project’s annual tour of cotton agriculture or the TOMC field day. The tours are held in late September/early October in the San Joaquin Valley and northwest Texas respectively. These are eye opening experiences and key to understanding the severe problems associated with cotton agriculture and the opportunities for your company to be part of the solution!
6. Confidentiality
   1. Will my name and address be shared?
      No. We do not sell or exchange customer information.
   2. Will you keep in confidence information I share with you regarding my business plan and products?
      Yes. What you share with us will stay with Sew Eco-Logical and our production associates.

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