What are strike offs?

Strike Offs

A strike-off is a sample produced by the mill for approval of your print artwork. Before this stage, you will have submitted your print design and specified the fabric base you wish to use. This base is typically PFP (Prepared for Print), meaning it is unfinished.

Artwork should be supplied in AI, TIFF, or PDF format, ideally accompanied by a separate specification sheet outlining the full repeat or placement, including dimensions and colour references (e.g., Pantones). This information helps the mill accurately interpret the design and also supports the developer in reviewing and approving the print.

The first strike-off should be produced at the correct scale; however, it is important to measure it, as the mill may have adjusted the artwork to fit the fabric width. You should assess both print clarity and colour accuracy. Check whether the design is sharp or if any elements appear blurred, and whether colours bleed into one another. Review each colour for accuracy and provide feedback where possible.

Most mills are able to achieve an approved strike-off within one to two rounds of revisions, although this depends on the complexity of the print and how the mill interprets the artwork.