Autumn at Islands Fabric
Aloha·Talofa·Mālō e lelei·Bula
In old Hawaiʻi, the rising of Makaliʻi — the Pleiades — at dusk opened Makahiki, a season of harvest, rest and family. Across the islands, autumn is still a time to gather in, dress up and make something by hand. These are the fabrics for it.
Patterns with a past
Every motif on our autumn shelves has roots — in bark beaten into cloth, in tatau passed down through families, in tablets carved for printing. Here’s where they come from, and the yardage that carries them forward.
Kapa · Siapo · Ngatu · Masi
Across Polynesia and Fiji, cloth was once made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry — soaked, beaten thin and painted with earth pigments. Our tapa prints bring those warm browns, rusts and ochres to easy-sew cotton, peachskin and barkcloth.
Shop barkcloth →Tatau
Polynesian tatau gave the English language the word “tattoo.” Its bands, lines and repeating motifs translate beautifully to fabric — bold enough for a shirt, refined enough for a puletasi.
Shop island prints →Tonga · Kupesi
In Tonga, ngatu is printed from kupesi — raised design tablets that repeat strong geometric patterns across the cloth. Our Tongan-inspired prints keep that rhythm in rust, black and turquoise.
Shop peachskin →Fiji · Masi
Fiji’s masi is known for its sharp stencilled designs in black and red-brown. Bring that clean, graphic look into your sewing — or wrap up in a sulu straight from the islands.
Shop Fiji sarongs →Dressed for the occasion
Sew a puletasi or ʻie faitaga in a bold print, then finish the look with the pieces our customers come back for — ula fala in rich red, ula nifo, and kukui nut lei.
Wrap it, tie it, wear it
From a Sunday lavalava to a beach pāreu, the wrap is the most island garment there is. These are our favorite sarongs for cooler evenings and family gatherings.
Bring the gathering home
Woven from pandanus leaves, lauhala has welcomed family to the floor for generations. Pair it with heavy barkcloth for cushions, curtains and table runners.
Shop by fabric
New to island fabrics?
Our Fabric Glossary explains every textile, print and care tip, so you can sew with confidence all season long.
Explore the Glossary
Cotton Light BarkclothShirts, quilts, decor
RayonFlowing dresses
Poly CottonPuletasi & uniforms
PeachskinSoft, easy drape
SarongsReady to wear
UpholsteryFor the home