Lab-dips (solid colour samples) and strike-offs (printed design samples) are the critical colour-approval stage between development and bulk. Understanding this process prevents costly errors.
What a Lab-Dip Is
- Small fabric swatch (10×10cm typical)
- Dyed to target Pantone or physical reference
- Shows actual colour on actual substrate
- Used for approval before bulk dyeing
- Standard 2-3 revision rounds expected
What a Strike-Off Is
- Full-size printed sample (one scarf unit)
- Shows actual print on actual fabric
- Verifies registration, scale, colour relationships
- Used for approval before bulk printing
- 1-2 revision rounds typical
Approval Standards
- Lighting: D65 (daylight 6500K) or LED equivalent
- Compare to Pantone chip OR physical standard (never screen)
- Approve under three different lighting conditions
- Note any colour deviation and acceptability
- Sign and date the approved reference piece
Timelines
- Lab-dip development: 7-14 days per round
- Strike-off development: 10-21 days per round
- Shipping time back to buyer: 3-5 days (courier)
- Buyer review and feedback: 1-5 days
- Total: 4-8 weeks for colour approval
Cost Considerations
- Lab-dips: usually free with programme (if committing to order)
- Strike-offs: $75-150 per sample for most techniques
- Digital print strike-off: $45-80
- Jacquard strike-off: $400-800 (loom setup required)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard MOQ for scarf programmes from India?
For most scarf categories the practical MOQ is 200 pieces per colour per design. Cashmere and silk programmes often accept 100 pieces at premium pricing. Custom jacquard weaving typically requires 500 pieces minimum to amortise loom setup. Print-based programmes (digital, block-print) can go as low as 50 pieces for silk digital print due to zero setup cost per additional colour.
How long does it take from sample approval to bulk delivery?
Standard scarf production runs 30–45 days after PPS (pre-production sample) approval. Add 3–4 weeks for sample development (typically 2–3 sample rounds), and 18–35 days for sea freight depending on destination. Total order-to-delivery for a first-time programme: 12–16 weeks. Repeat orders without specification change compress to 6–8 weeks.
What certifications should I demand for scarves imported into the EU?
Mandatory: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Class I for skin contact). For organic-marketed products: GOTS Transaction Certificate per shipment. For recycled fibre claims: GRS or RCS certificate. For wool-origin claims: RWS chain-of-custody. Also request independent fibre composition test per lot — mis-declared fibre content is one of the most common commercial disputes.
Can you produce scarves in specific Pantone colours?
Yes — Pantone-matched dye programmes are standard. Custom colour development takes 10–14 days and typically requires a 300-metre or 200-piece minimum per colour. Colour matches to Pantone reference are approved via physical strike-off on the specified substrate before bulk production begins. Colour drift between substrates (silk vs cotton) is normal — approve per fabric.
Related Reading
- Scarf Quality Control Checklist — Pre-Shipment Inspection — A buyer's pre-shipment QC checklist for scarf programmes. B2B reference for importers.
- Custom Branded Corporate Scarves: Woven Logo Programmes from India — Corporate branded scarves are one of the highest-perceived-value gifting categories. A B2B guide to woven-logo, jacquard-brand and...
- Fashion Designer Collaboration Scarves — Programme Setup from India — Designer collaboration scarves have become a strong retail category. A B2B guide to setting up designer partnership programmes.
- Hand-Rolled Silk Hem — The Luxury Finishing Detail — Hand-rolled hem signals premium silk scarves. A B2B production detail guide.
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP is a direct textile manufacturer — we own our own scarf production. Cashmere from certified Ladakh sources, spun on our spindles, woven on our looms, dyed at our OEKO-TEX facility, hand-knotted and finished under our supervision. Send us a specification and we'll quote within 24 hours with MOQ, lead time and FOB India pricing.