In today's fast-paced fashion world, sourcing quality fabrics and trimmings can feel like a challenge. With many local fabric shops closing down, it sometimes appears that finding the right materials is a scavenger hunt. While online shopping provides convenience, nothing beats the experience of feeling a fabric’s texture and weight in person before buying.
Having navigated the fabric sourcing landscape for years, I know the value of high-quality materials that inspire creativity. To aid in your search, I've compiled a list of the best places—some lesser-known—where you can still uncover that perfect fabric or trimming.
The Importance of Touch
The sensory experience of fabric shopping is irreplaceable. The drape, weight, and texture of a fabric can influence your design significantly. Traditionally, local fabric stores offered a range of options, from soft silks to sturdy denims. However, as many of these stores have transitioned to online sales, identifying the remaining hidden gems in your area is vital.
Shopping in physical stores allows you to see colours accurately, feel the quality of materials, and explore the variety of fabric swatches. Additionally, knowledgeable staff can offer valuable guidance on selecting the best materials for your vision.
Where to Find Fabrics and Trimmings
1. Local Fabric Boutiques
Local fabric boutiques are worth a visit, even if their numbers have dwindled. These shops often carry curated selections of fabrics from around the world. For example, a unique cotton print from Japan or a luxurious Italian wool can be found in smaller boutiques.
Supporting these local businesses not only contributes to your community's economy but also allows you to discover one-of-a-kind fabrics that larger retailers may not stock.
2. Traditional Fabric Markets
Many cities still host traditional fabric markets, buzzing with vendors and a vibrant atmosphere. Markets can be a fabric lover's paradise, offering a wide range of materials—from soft cottons to supple lambskin—often at competitive prices.
Prepare to haggle and converse with vendors about their sourcing techniques and unique fabric stories. For those adventurous enough, markets often carry unique, hard-to-find materials that may inspire your next project.
3. Online Fabric Wholesalers
While online shopping can sometimes disappoint, respected fabric wholesalers have enhanced their digital presence. Companies like Mood Fabrics report that over 80% of their orders now come from online purchases, thanks to their strong selection and reputation. They provide not only fabrics but also an extensive collection of trimmings.
Ordering swatches allows you to assess quality before purchasing large quantities, thus avoiding costly mistakes.
4. Sustainable Fabric Stores
The demand for eco-friendly materials has risen dramatically, with over 60% of consumers seeking sustainable options. Stores such as The Fabric Store specialize in high-quality, ethically sourced fabrics. They offer materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, which can enhance your project's narrative and appeal to an eco-conscious audience.
Choosing sustainable providers can also distinguish your creations in a crowded marketplace.
Tips for Successful Fabric Sourcing
To maximize your fabric sourcing efforts, consider these actionable tips:
Stay Open-Minded: You might not find exactly what you envisioned. A fabric that initially seems unsuitable can spark an entirely new design concept.
Take Notes: Keep a record of what you like about each fabric, noting weight, colour, and possible uses. This will help when revisiting a favourite store or comparing options online.
Ask Questions: Inquire about staff recommendations or the history of specific fabrics. Their insights may lead you to exceptional finds that align perfectly with your vision.
Come Prepared: Bring project ideas, sketches, or samples of existing materials to visualize how new fabrics will fit into your designs.
Craft Your Sourcing Adventure
As sourcing quality fabrics becomes more challenging, it is critical to unearth hidden gems that still exist. From local boutiques to online wholesalers and thrift shops, resources abound for the discerning designer.
Although online shopping may offer a convenient option, the tactile experience of fabric sourcing in person is irreplaceable. The journey to discover unique materials can be an adventure, showcasing your dedication to your craft.
So, grab your measuring tape, jot down your list, and set out on this exciting sourcing journey. The perfect fabric for your next creation is just waiting to be found!
Have you uncovered any hidden fabric gems in your area? Share your discoveries in the comments below!
Goldhawk road Shepherds Bush A1 Fabrics, A-Z fabrics (all rounder also have a good selection of shirting cloth
Classic textiles (good for suiting & wools)
Goldbrick fabrics (high end fabrics including bridal wear)
Misan fabrics ( high end including leather
New Rainbow Textiles Ltd 98 The Broadway, Southall UB1 1QF (great range for traditional bridal & Asian clothes )
Joel & Son Fabrics 73-87 Church Street, London NW8 8EU ( high end amazing fabrics)
Sewing & Craft Superstore 300 Balham High Rd (great store, sells fabrics trimmings & sewing machines its a gem of a shop)
Fabrics galore, 52, 54 Lavender Hill, London SW11 (great shop it has some fantastic clothes, a little gem)
Dalston mill fabrics 69-73 Ridley Rd ( located in ridley road market ( has lots of different fabrics from low to high end plus lots of trimmings)
Epra Fabrics Ltd 52-58 Brick Lane (wholesalers) minimum 10 metres
Empee Silk Fabrics Ltd 31 Commercial Rd, London N18 1TP (wholesalers) vast stock of fabrics its worth the visit
Vend Fabrics Ltd, 25 Charter Street, Leicester LE1 3UD (jersey & ribbing fabrics you can order sample swatches to view before you buy)
nova trimmings (online) very good if you can't find elsewhere)
Fabric land (Kingston) 33 Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6ND
has lots of fabrics, you can find a good deal, fabrics from low to middle range
London trimmings 41B Antill Rd, Tottenham, London N15 4AS (sells everything you need for trimmings, most companies use them highly rated)
William Gee haberdashery, 522 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AH ( very good for most trims & spot & cross paper)
MacCulloch & Wallis Ltd 25-26 Poland St, London W1F 8QN ( the place where most up & coming students & designers go to source clothes & trimmings plus more)
Morplan London 56 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7DF ( another shop for fashion supply's i.e.; shop dummy's, mannequin's & fashion tools i.e. scissors plus things for the work studio)
DM Buttons ( Remote services including - Buttonholes, Covered buttons, Eyelets, Embroidery, Jeans Buttons, riveting and more). it was a walk service in the west end, most tailors & designers use this service for keyhole button finish or cover buttons to a professional finish)
The list above are stores that I would recommend but if you think of any more that i should add please add it to your comments & i will check it out
Thank you for these recommendations! This article is very helpful.