How to Brief a Custom Silk Scarf Project: What Your Supplier Actually Needs

Quick answer: To brief a custom silk scarf project, settle nine things: who the scarf is for, the size, the silk, the quantity, the hem finish and hem color, color references (ideally Pantone TCX), the state of your artwork, your deadline, and any labels or packaging. You do not need every answer before you open the Custom Studio, but knowing which ones you have makes your choices there much quicker.

The brief is where a custom silk project either starts well or starts expensively. Not because it is complicated, but because the decisions are connected. Size affects cost. A deadline affects whether there is time for a sample. A color reference affects whether the first sample is right. Getting these clear first is what makes the outcome match the intention.

Who is the scarf for, and how will it be used?

This frames everything else. A gallery scarf sold at retail, a graduation gift, a client gift and a wedding favor call for different sizes, silks and finishes. If you are not sure yet, say so in your notes and decide as you go.

What size do you want?

The Custom Studio offers four squares: a 12.2 in (31 cm) pocket square, a 20.9 in (53 cm) small square, a 25.6 in (65 cm) classic square and a 35 in (89 cm) large square. Read our size guide. Long scarves and other sizes are available by quote.

Which silk?

Silk twill at 14 momme, silk twill at 16 momme, or crêpe de Chine at 14 momme. Read our silk comparison guide and momme weight guide.

How many pieces do you need?

Quantity affects the price per piece more than anything else. You can order a single finished sample, a small run of 2 to 20 pieces, or a production run of 30 to 100 pieces per design, with the lowest prices from 50 pieces. Above 100 we quote individually. Read our cost guide.

Which hem finish and hem color?

Choose a hand-rolled hem or a machine hem, then a hem color, which becomes the edge of the scarf. Read our guides to hand-rolled vs machine hems and border and hem color.

What are your color references?

If your artwork can be printed as supplied, you need none. If a brand or signature color must match, find its Pantone TCX reference, the textile system. Read our color accuracy guide for why Pantone C gives a different result on fabric.

What state is your artwork in?

The ideal is a square file at 300 DPI at the finished size, in RGB, as an AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, PSD, TIFF or PNG. Read our artwork preparation guide, and if you are still designing, our guide to designing for silk.

What is your deadline?

Allow about 5 to 7 weeks from approved artwork to delivery, or 11 to 13 weeks if you want a finished sample first. Read our timeline guide for order-by dates.

Do you need labels or packaging?

Woven labels, care tags and gift packaging are available by quote. Raise them early, because they affect both budget and timing. If you plan to sell your scarves in the United States, check the FTC's Care Labeling Rule and textile labeling requirements (fiber content and country of origin) before you decide.

The brief template

Who it is for: [e.g. gallery shop customers / graduating students / clients / wedding guests]
Size: [12.2 in (31 cm) pocket square / 20.9 in (53 cm) small square / 25.6 in (65 cm) classic square / 35 in (89 cm) large square / other, by quote]
Silk: [silk twill 14 momme / silk twill 16 momme / crêpe de Chine 14 momme / not sure]
Quantity: [1 finished sample / 2 to 20 / 30 to 100 / more than 100, by quote]
Hem finish: [hand-rolled / machine / not sure]
Hem color: [hex code or Pantone TCX / suggest one for me]
Color: [print as supplied / match Pantone TCX reference ...]
Artwork: [print-ready file / high-resolution scan / low-resolution image only / not yet created]
Needed by: [date / no fixed deadline]
Sample first: [yes / no]
Labels or packaging: [none / woven label / gift box, by quote]


Brief ready? Choose your size, silk and finish and see your price right away. Start your scarf in the Custom Studio →

For more than 100 pieces, or anything marked “by quote”, email your brief to support@lovesilk.com.

Frequently asked questions

What information do I need to brief a custom silk scarf project?

Who the scarf is for, the size, the silk, the quantity, the hem finish and color, any color references, the state of your artwork, your deadline, and any labels or packaging.

Do I need my artwork ready before I order?

It helps. You upload a preview when you order, and production starts once the artwork is approved.

How far ahead should I start?

Six weeks before you need the scarves, or twelve weeks if you want a finished sample first.

Which color reference system should I use?

Pantone TCX, the textile system. Pantone C is made for paper and gives a different color on fabric.

Related reading: The complete guide to ordering custom silk scarves in the United States · How long do custom silk scarves take? · How much does a custom silk scarf cost? · Custom silk scarves FAQ

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