sourcing · 6 min read
Fabric MOQ: why it exists and how to work with it
MOQ is not a negotiation tactic. It comes from dye-lot minimums, machine setup and waste. Understanding where the number comes from is the fastest way to find out which part of it is flexible.
By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11
Where the number comes from
- Dyeing is done in batches. A dye vessel has a minimum load; below it, the shade is harder to control and the cost per metre rises.
- Weaving and knitting machines have setup time and waste. A short run carries the same setup as a long one.
- Finishing lines run continuously. Small lots are often piggy-backed onto larger runs, which limits scheduling.
Typical ranges
| Fabric | Typical MOQ per colour | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Woven cotton / linen | 300–1,000 | metres |
| Knitted jersey / rib | 300–1,000 | kg |
| Stock (ready-greige) qualities | 50–300 | metres |
| Lab dip | 1 | dip |
| Sample yardage | 1–20 | metres |
What is actually negotiable
The per-colour minimum is usually firmer than the total order minimum. A mill that asks for 500 m per colour may accept 1,500 m total across four colours, because the dye batches can be scheduled together. Ask which number is the constraint.
Stock colours and greige qualities are the legitimate way to buy below MOQ. You give up the exact shade and sometimes the finish, and you pay a higher unit price, but you can start with 100–300 m.
Hidden costs of small orders
- Higher unit price — often 15–30% above the bulk price.
- Lab dip and setup fees that are not credited back.
- Longer lead time, because small lots wait for a gap in the schedule.
- Higher risk of shade variation between lots if you reorder later.
FAQ
Is MOQ per colour or per order?
Usually per colour, but many mills will flex if the total order is large enough. Always ask which one is the real constraint.
Can I pay a surcharge to go below MOQ?
Often yes, typically 10–30%. Get it in writing with the lead time, because the small lot may wait behind larger orders.
Why is knit MOQ in kilograms?
Because knitting and dyeing are weight-based processes, and the finished weight per metre varies with structure and width.