Sourcing & Ordering
Using Wool Fabric Colour Cards for Sourcing
What can a colour card prove, and what can it not prove?
01 · Define the buyer decision
What must be decided before you compare suppliers
The phrase wool fabric colour card can describe several constructions, finish levels or commercial assumptions. Use the following three gates to keep samples and quotations tied to the same end use.
Initial colour direction
Write the intended result in the brief and ask how the proposed construction, blend or process will reproduce it in bulk.
Base-fabric identity
Write the intended result in the brief and ask how the proposed construction, blend or process will reproduce it in bulk.
Availability and repeatability
Write the intended result in the brief and ask how the proposed construction, blend or process will reproduce it in bulk.
02 · Make the request comparable
RFQ and specification checklist
Put each point in the written enquiry. Ask whether a quoted figure is a nominal target, a guaranteed range or a result from the actual production-representative sample.
Colour-card code
State the method, unit, tolerance or physical reference where relevant. Record who approves it and at which sample or bulk stage.
Referenced base fabric
State the method, unit, tolerance or physical reference where relevant. Record who approves it and at which sample or bulk stage.
Current availability
State the method, unit, tolerance or physical reference where relevant. Record who approves it and at which sample or bulk stage.
Lab-dip and bulk approval route
State the method, unit, tolerance or physical reference where relevant. Record who approves it and at which sample or bulk stage.
Include the garment, selling market, care route, order quantity by colour, delivery location and target schedule. A technically precise fabric can still be wrong for the commercial program.
03 · Control the approval path
A four-stage working method
- 01
Verify the supplier and production role
Keep the reference, result and approval owner in the order file so the next stage uses the same definition of acceptable.
- 02
Issue one structured RFQ
Keep the reference, result and approval owner in the order file so the next stage uses the same definition of acceptable.
- 03
Record samples and approvals
Keep the reference, result and approval owner in the order file so the next stage uses the same definition of acceptable.
- 04
Link payment and shipment to acceptance
Keep the reference, result and approval owner in the order file so the next stage uses the same definition of acceptable.
04 · Prevent predictable failure
Common risks and practical corrections
A shade is chosen without checking the base
Confirm construction.
Old cards remain in circulation
Verify current status.
Screen photos replace physical review
Use standardized physical or measured approval.
05 · Manufacturer context
When Fred Textile is a relevant next step
The public collection library covers classic woolen styles, single-faced and double-faced blended weaves, hairy fibre directions and recycled-material programs.
This educational guide does not convert a public company statement into an order guarantee. Confirm composition, finish, test results, certificate scope, MOQ, price, lead time and delivery terms for the specific program.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers buyers can reuse
01What can a colour card prove, and what can it not prove?+
A colour card is useful for initial direction and available shade families, but it does not guarantee stock, identical composition, current availability or bulk colour. Confirm the exact base fabric and request a lab dip or cutting.
02What should an RFQ include for wool fabric colour card?+
Include Colour-card code, Referenced base fabric, Current availability, Lab-dip and bulk approval route. State the test methods, tolerance, quantity by colour and intended garment so quotations are comparable.
03What should buyers check before bulk approval?+
A shade is chosen without checking the base: Confirm construction. Old cards remain in circulation: Verify current status. Screen photos replace physical review: Use standardized physical or measured approval.