ELEI PRINTING & CARE
What is elei printing?
Elei is a Samoan block-printing method. A design is carved into wood, dye is laid over the block, and the cloth is pressed onto it by hand, one panel at a time.
Is elei the same as tapa or siapo?
Related but not the same. Siapo and tapa are made from beaten bark cloth. Elei is the printing method, a carved block pressed onto woven cloth, and often carries the same motifs.
Why does the print not line up perfectly?
Because a person pressed it. Each panel is placed by hand, so the repeat shifts slightly between panels and between garments. It is the evidence of the method, not a defect, and it is why no two of our shirts are identical.
How should I wash an elei shirt?
Cold wash, inside out, gentle cycle, with like colours. Dry in the shade ,not on the line at midday, which is what fades island prints fastest. No dryer, no bleach, no soaking.
Will the dye run or fade?
Colours are fixed before sewing, so a cold first wash on its own is enough precaution. Deep navy and rust will soften slightly over the first few washes and then hold. Hot water and direct sun are what cause real fading.
Can I iron it?
Yes , medium heat, inside out, and not directly on the print. Steam is better than a dry iron for the cotton-linen blend.
What fabric do you use?
Cotton, or a cotton-linen blend on the shirts and dresses. We do not use silk or polyester because the elei dye does not hold on either.
Who designs the prints?
Our carvers in Apia, working from motifs drawn for us. The Teuila and Moana Line blocks are ours alone. Some one-off blocks from the apprenticeship are sold only through the Apia stockist.