Spun Rayon Print Fabric: A Complete Guide

Spun rayon print fabric is a lightweight, soft, and breathable textile made from spun rayon fibers and often printed with colorful patterns. Known for its luxurious drape, smooth texture, and vibrant prints, this fabric is a favorite in warm-weather fashion, particularly for dresses, shirts, skirts, and blouses.

Whether you're a fashion designer, fabric enthusiast, or curious consumer, this guide will help you understand what spun rayon print fabric is, how it’s made, and why it's so widely used.

What is Spun Rayon Print Fabric?

Spun rayon print fabric is a type of rayon fabric made using spun yarns rather than filament yarns. The fabric is then printed with floral, geometric, abstract, or traditional designs using rotary screen or digital printing methods.

Key characteristics:

• Spun rayon: Made by spinning short staple fibers (like cotton), giving it a soft, matte finish.
  
  

• Print: Designs are applied to the fabric surface, usually using pigment or reactive dyes for colorfastness and vibrancy.
  
  

Spun Rayon vs. Regular Rayon

How is Spun Rayon Print Fabric Made?

1. Cellulose Extraction

Natural cellulose is extracted from wood pulp, usually from sustainable sources like beech or bamboo.

2. Fiber Spinning

The pulp is chemically processed into viscose, then extruded through spinnerets. Unlike filament rayon, spun rayon fibers are cut into short lengths and spun into yarn, similar to cotton processing.

3. Weaving or Knitting

The spun yarns are woven or knitted to form a base fabric—usually a plain weave or twill.

4. Printing

The fabric is printed using one of the following methods:

• Rotary screen printing
  
  

• Flatbed printing
  
  

• Digital printing
  
  

5. Finishing

After printing, the fabric is washed, heat-set, and chemically finished to enhance softness, shrink resistance, and colorfastness.

Advantages of Spun Rayon Print Fabric

• ✅ Soft and Comfortable – Feels gentle against the skin.
  
  

• ✅ Breathable – Ideal for warm and humid climates.
  
  

• ✅ Beautiful Drape – Flows and moves gracefully.
  
  

• ✅ Vibrant Prints – Holds dye well, making colors vivid and rich.
  
  

• ✅ Eco-Friendly Base Material – Derived from natural sources (wood pulp).
  
  

• ✅ Affordable – Offers the luxury look of silk at a lower cost.
  
  

Disadvantages

• ❌ Wrinkles Easily – May require ironing or steaming.
  
  

• ❌ Shrinks If Not Prewashed – Always prewash before cutting or sewing.
  
  

• ❌ Moderate Durability – Can weaken when wet; handle gently during washing.
  
  

• ❌ Requires Gentle Care – Not suitable for heavy-duty washing or drying.
  
  

Common Uses of Spun Rayon Print Fabric

Spun rayon print fabric is especially popular in:

Apparel

• Summer dresses
  
  

• Blouses
  
  

• Skirts
  
  

• Hawaiian shirts
  
  

• Pajamas
  
  

Accessories

• Scarves
  
  

• Head wraps
  
  

• Sarongs
  
  

Crafts & Home Textiles

• Lightweight curtains
  
  

• Cushion covers
  
  

• Quilting accents (non-structural)
  
  

Fabric Care Tips

To maintain the beauty and longevity of spun rayon print fabric:

• 🧼 Hand wash or machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water.
  
  

• 🌬️ Air dry flat or hang dry; avoid wringing.
  
  

• ♨️ Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth to avoid scorching.
  
  

• 🚫 Avoid tumble drying unless the fabric is labeled pre-shrunk.
  
  

Note: Some modern spun rayon fabrics are pre-shrunk and can be machine washed more easily—always check the label or supplier's instructions.

Environmental Considerations

While rayon is made from natural cellulose, it is processed using chemicals (like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide). However, newer eco-friendly rayon types, such as modal and lyocell (TENCEL™), use more sustainable and closed-loop production methods.

Conclusion

Spun rayon print fabric combines natural softness with artistic expression. Its airy comfort, rich colors, and excellent drape make it a top choice for warm-weather fashion and casual wear. Though it requires a bit of care, its visual and tactile appeal is hard to beat.

Whether you're sewing a breezy summer dress or choosing stylish ready-to-wear, spun rayon prints offer a perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and affordability.