AnneM
 
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Date: 3/2/04 5:10 PM Fabric sources
I was looking through some of the posts the other day for an on-line fabric source, and realized that there were many threads that mentioned various stores, but nothing consolidated. So I made a list of the websites that I was familiar with, either personally or via posts from other PR members. This list is concentrating on stores w/ fashion fabric, rather than quilting or home dec. It is also primarily US stores, with a few other thrown in for good measure. (I do live in the US, after all.) I've commented on the ones I have personally used. (You can also check the store and website reviews here on Pattern Review; many of these stores have been reviewed.)
I wasn't certain how to sort them. I have them roughly sorted by type of fabric. I've added some comments based on my or other's experiences. If you have some other stores you want to mention, post away. And if you have comments, additions or subtractions to what I've posted, let me know & I can edit this post to reflect them.
The order of the stores is basically random, and not meant to represent a rating of the store.
Of course, don't forget about your local shops. It is important to support your local fabric stores, particularly those independant ones!
general fabric stores
Fashion Fabric Club click here
Update June 2008: Lately some description problems, where the fabric has not matched the description. Don't know if that will continue, but have heard it from multiple people. I've ordered from them before. You can get some really nice fabric for a great price, but you can also get fabric quality that matches it's price (both low). Service is at times slow (and sometimes very slow). They have a wide selection of fabric. Note: They now ship internationally.
Denver Fabrics click here
NOTE: This site was sold to Fashion Fabrics Club. It seems to have the same fabrics (vs a separate selection).
Fabric.com / Pheonix Fabrics click here
I've ordered from them; they are staple source. Wide selection of fabric, good prices. The quality of the fabric tends to be typical, with some better & some worse. Prices are per yard, but they generally cut 1 meter instead of 1 yard. Shipping is generally very prompt. From what I have seen, this is one of the most popular on-line sites.
Dollar Fabric click here
Wide selection of fabrics, including Egyptian Cotton and Acetate slinkies. Prices aren't a dollar but do seem reasonable. Responsive when I asked for samples (I haven't gotten around to ordering the actual fabric yet).
Murrielle Roy & Co. click here
This site says Fabrics and Trims for Performers. They have lots of sequined and shiny fabrics amid others.
Lura's fabric shop click here
Has a variety of fabric. In particular, there is a large selection of denim of various types and camouflage.
Casual Fabric click here
Fabric geared towards a "casual" lifestyle. Selection of jeans fabric. Knit prints & solids. Other. Have heard good feedback on quality & service.
Fabric Club click here
Caution: People have been having problems with this particular store, for service, shipping, & charging (from what I hear). Once upon they say it was better... and maybe it will get there again? See page 17 of this thread for a recent account - looks like there are still some problems.
Trim Fabric click here
I ordered from this site back in 2002. Then they moved & suspended operations for a while. Some PR members have ordered from them more recently and received good service. Warning, though: I ordered a 3-yard cut from them (back in '02), and received it in two pieces. I've done lots of mail order and this is the only time that's happened to me. Turns out this has happened to a number of PR members when they ordered from Trim Fabrics.
Vogue Fabric click here
Vogue Fabrics is a small chain of local stores, if I have my story correct, and also do mail-order. They have now created a orderable website that has a large selection. I have never ordered from them, but have heard positive reports. Note: a later response in this thread mentions that they don't respond to over-seas emails. I just learned that they have a $4, $3, & $2 specials every other month. Sounds like dangerous information.
Fabric Direct click here
Seems to have a large variety of fabric at competative prices. Website might not be completely up-to-date in reflecting the inventory, per Debra H's review.
Fabric Depot click here
Looks to have a fairly wide selection. Note that this is different that Fabric Depot Co, which specializes in stretch fabrics (listed below).
New York Fashion Center Fabrics click here
This looks like a very interesting site; I got the link from a review by Marji. They have a wide selection of fabrics, and each if available in a wide variety of colors.
Silk, "fur" & other
Thai Silks click here
I've ordered from them. In fact, I got the fabric for my wedding dress from them. Lots of silks at good prices. Prompt service. Selection relatively stable. And you have to check out their hand painted silk charmeuse fabrics; lovely!
Angus International I/E Agency click here
Located in Hong Kong and specialize in silk. No pictures on the site. The price of their full swatch set is very reasonable. Scroll to the very bottom to get a fabric & price list. I ordered from them via e-bay & got my fabric & swatches, and it is nice fabric.
Silk Road Fabrics click here
A Texas store specializing in silks, but they also have cotton and linen (and buttons).
Super Silk click here
Another silk-specialty site. No pictures on the site; would have to order samples. (Click on 'Silk Gallery' for a listing.)
Silk Baron click here
They have dupioni, dupioni, and more dupioni. Sells silk dupioni, and only silk dupioni. Only reports I've seen have been favorable.
Carol's Zoo click here
The place for stuffed animal supplies. High quality fake fur, plus kits. Click on the 'luxury faux fur' link to see pictures.
Fabulous Furs click here
Large collection of faux furs. Have heard they are high quality.
Fabrics Store click here
Specializes in cottons & linen. I don't know much about this one, but they give a lot of information about the fabric (weight, weave).
Waechter's Silk Shop click here
This site sells silk and other natural fiber fabrics. It was pointed out in a conversation on Brussels Washer rayon/linen blend. They also have Liberty of London.
Silk Connection click here
Mentioned on page 16 of this thread as having good service. Not much on the line of pictures on the website. They have silk, cotton, and linen.
Anjoorian Silks click here
Looks like a very interesting source for specialty silks (pleated, beaded, laces). They also have 4-ply silk & charmeuse under solid color miscellaneous fabric. Looks like you have to contact them for pricing & to order. But it is an interesting source if you are looking for a specialty silk.
Oriental Silk Co click here
I bumped into this via an add in Threads; I have not yet tried it. They have a nice selection of silks, plus some wool and linen, and the prices look reasonable.
Children et all
Chez Ami click here
This is a children's clothing company that also sells fabric. Click on the "purchase our fabrics" link; they seem to have knits, wovens, & clearance on separate pages. A nice touch is that when you view a fabric, they show matching selections.
Wazoodle Fabric click here
Mixed reviews on this Canadian site. They have a large selection of fabrics, geared slightly towards children's wear. Prices are reasonable. Shipping is sometimes very slow, particularly during a "yard sale". (I've ordered twice from them. Once was fast, the other took forever.)
Sew Baby click here
Specializes in children's fabrics, but also has fabrics appropriate for adults. Have heard good reports on their service.
Farmhouse Fabrics click here
Quality fabrics. A lot of various lawn (including Liberty of London). Most of the fabrics are classic basics that are appropriate for adults, children, or even heirloom sewing.
SewZanne's Fabrics click here
SewZanne's has a larger variety now. Still have a lot of cute knit prints. They carry hemp and organic fabric now. They have P.U.L. for diapers. Interlock for T-shirts in a variety of colors. Other. Have heard good feedback on her service.
Tipp-Tapp-Stoffe click here
This is a German site. The previous owner unfortunately got ill and closed the site, but now it is open again (thanks, Vibek). They have some unusual items, and sometimes include a picture of a garmet made with the fabric. The English isn't the best, and the fabric content codes are difficult to decipher, but it does give access to some different selections.
Kid's Fabric click here
Haven't heard too much on this one yet. They have a variety of children-appropriate fabric. One section is called 'scrubbs', perfect for the pediatrician in your life.
Limited offerings of select fabrics
Sawyer Brook click here
High quality fabric, reasonable but not inexpensive prices. They also have a popular swatching service: pay for 1st year then free if you order fabric.
Emma One Sock click here
Limited selection of fine fabrics, and it moves fast so you have to order promptly. This site has a devouted following (of which I am not one, actually, because I like to mull over my orders first). I have ordered from her, though, and she was very prompt and the fabric was good.
Michael's Fabrics click here
This website has a devouted following. Limited selection of very high-quality fabrics. Does a swatching service once you have ordered. I hear that he has fabrics that don't show on the website.
Dana Marie Design (formerly Purrfection) click here
Great site for inspiration - check out the gallery. Oh yeah, they also carry some fabrics, as well as her pattern line. They carry Brussels Washer rayon/linen blends amoung others.
Casual Elegance click here
High quality fabric at reasonable prices from what I've been told. Does a swatching service. Rayons, sweater knits, etc based on a quick look at the site. I had trouble finding contact information, though.
Apple Annie Fabrics Click Here
I'm partial to the name of this store. I haven't ordered from them, but I have only heard favorable feedback on the store and fabric.
Gorgeous Things Fabric Click Here
A relatively new fabric source. Reviews have been highly favorable, talking about a small but selective inventory. (Well, that's the whole point of this store grouping, now, isn't it? ) Prices look good. I haven't bought from her yet, but of course 'know' her from Pattern Review, where she has been very helpful.
Lucy's Fabric Click Here
Specializing in knits and stretch fabrics. Looks like they have from pants weight to sheers.
Fashionista Fabrics Click Here
A shop by PR member Melody. Looks to have a nice variety of fabrics. Prices look reasonable.
FineFabrics.Com Click Here
Website of a retail store. Some lovely looking fabrics (click on catalogue), not cheap. Have read good reviews here.
Elliott Berman Textiles Click Here
Although the picture on the home page doesn't inspire me, some of the fabrics do! Read about this site over on Stitchers' Guild. Looks to have some very nice fabrics.
B. Black and Sons Click Here
Wool, Silk, and sewing supplies. They seem to be a good source of tailoring supplies as well as quality fabric.
Other: A new grouping for sites that don't quite fit in the other categories, or fit in multiple categories (eg, select fabrics but larger selection, or technical plus limited fashion)
Fabric Mart click here
Nice fabric, very good prices. Limited stock and selections, run out of a particular fabric quickly so you have to move quickly. Famous for their 'bundles' of fabric. They have a free swatching service and a subscription swatching service. I have ordered from this company and been happy with it. One time I ordered some expensive cashmere fabric, and they sent me extra due to a minor flaw.
Contemporary Cloth click here
This site specialized in fabric with geometric or abstract prints, or large florals (fabrics that emulate modern art). Those that have ordered report good service.
Distinctive Fabric click here
Carries a selection of slightly unusual fabric. I just noticed a stretch velvet with dragons on it: pretty. Some content descriptions just say "synthetic", while others are more descriptive.
Fabrics and Stuff click here
A UK site specializing in rip-stop nylon, lingerie fabrics, dress fabric (it was this site that inspired me to create this new grouping; I didn't know where to put them).
Fabrics-Store click here
Specialize in linen, cotton, and blends of those two.
Trendy Fabrics click here
This site is a new one to me, but looks to have a good selection. The descriptions of the fabric seem thorough. I haven't spent enough time on the site to know which category to put it in, so I'm tucking it here for now.
Fabrications click here
Another new one to me. Some nice looking fabrics, catagorized primarily by fiber. I haven't spent enough time on the site to know which category to put it in, so I'm tucking it here for now. They carry Siltex brand cotton knits, which if I have my brands straight is a very nice interlock knit. They also have washable wool knits (less likely to felt). Very interesting selection.
Material Girls click here
I wasn't certain if I should put this under quilting, but they have apparel fabric as well.
Pico Textiles click here
A fleece specialist. If you are looking for a theme fleece, this is a plausible spot to start. I have not used them, but on the top of page 23 of this thread, Sbear gives an informative review of this site.
High-tech or outdoors
Mill Direct Textiles click here
This was the Malden Mills Store. It is still what they feature. I've ordered from them many times (in their former incarnation). Top quality MM fabrics, including their other high-tech fabrics, either by the yard or by the roll. Solid selection and sometimes clearance items. Good, prompt service with each of my orders.
Rose City Textiles click here
This is the website of Pacific Tech fabric manufacturer, and feature their own plus other fabrics. The website is rather difficult to use IMO. It looks like they primarily have a pdf file listing fabric options, plus a few featured on the site itself.
Spandex House click here
Specializes in stretch fabrics. They have expanded their website and have pictures now. Many folks on PR seem to have used them.
Stretch House click here
Specializes in stretch fabrics. They used to be Lycra House (thanks, Kirianth for finding the link for me). Looks like they have added some additional pictures.
Fabric Depot Co click here
Fabric Depot specializes in lycra & stretch fabrics, & have an extensive listing. Few pictures, but can get swatches. No on-line ordering. Note: there is also a Fabric Depot; different store.
Seattle Fabrics click here
Specialize in outdoor & marine fabric. I recently ordered some seam sealent from them. It took a while for the order to ship, but arrived in good condition. I'd included some lining in the order, which was not what I expected based on their description but that might be my problem, not theirs.
Sundrop Textiles click here
Canadian swatching service specializing in outerwear fabric.
Textile Outfitters click here
Textile Outfitters is closing! They are (were?) a Canadian source specializing in outdoor fabric.
Peak Fabrics click here
Canadian company, specializing in outdoor fabrics. Swatching service. I ordered some extra thick Malden Mills Powerstretch from them; great fabric. Have to email or call to place order.
Rockywoods Fabrics click here
They call themselves an outdoor fabrics store, but seem to have more. They seem to have a great selection of high-tech wickaways that is reasonably priced. They also carry Solarweave.
Rochford Supply click here
Source for specialty items, everything from down ticking to tent fabric to leather hides. Also have sturdy zippers. Minimum order of $50.
Co-Ops
Fabric and Notions click here
I've ordered from this. Fabrics and Notions is a co-op, not a regular store. Some good prices, but you never know what will be offered for fabric. It can take a while to get the fabric that you order, due to the nature of a co-op. Lots of mail, so go on either special notices or digests. (I'm on no-mail right now.)
Covered Caboose click here
From page 18 of this thread: Jeanne, the list owner has 100% merino wool interlock, 97% merino wool-3% lycra blend interlock, colored washable merino wool jerseys and interlocks, wool detergents, sherpa, and other things, too.
Dyeable, organics, natural
Dharma Trading Post click here
This seems to be the site for fabric dyeing and dyable fabrics.
G&S Dye click here
Don't know much about this site, but it was mentioned as an alternative for fabric dyes and dyable fabrics. Canadian site.
Organic Cotton Plus click here
specializes in organic cotton fabrics
Near Sea Naturals click here
specializes in organic fabrics
Hemp Traders click here
I ordered from them recently (some bamboo / cotton fleece to make swiffer wetjet covers with). Service was fine. Have hemp & blend fabrics, plus fiber and some RTW clothing.
EnviroTextiles click here
Hemp fabric & yarn. Haven't heard any reports about them yet.
Wildrose Farm click here
organic fabric, plus pre-made clothing
PM Organics click here
specializes in organic fabrics.
Nature's Fabrics click here
Wool, bamboo, cotton, hemp. Wool interlock & jersey! Mostly solid color fabrics, with some kid-focused prints. Haven't seen any reviews by PR members, but it looks promising.
Fiber Organic click here
Soy fabric along with others (hemp, cotton, some blends). I have not seen much on them yet.
lingerie
Sew Sassy Fabrics click here
Lingerie products and fabric, as well as other stretch fabrics. Not many pictures of the fabric; might need to request swatches. Have heard good things about their service.
Lace Heaven click here
Lots of sewing notions, plus lace and other fabric. This site had good service comments. On some fashion fabrics, they picture both sides of the fabric; interesting feature.
Kathy's Lace and Elastic Outlet click here
Otherwise known as fr8train. Good source for fold-over elastic. I hear good things about her service & selection for stretch lace & elastic.
Mail-order swatching
Sawyer Brook click here
(see description above, in select fabric grouping)
Christine Johnson Patterns and Fabrics click here
High quality, but not inexpensive, fabrics. Specializes in fabrics with lycra. Subscription swatching service that comes with a newsletter (which isn't worth much, in my opinion - don't subscribe just for the newsletter).
Metro Textiles
This New York City store is run by Kashi. I've bought in-person and over the phone. No website, but he is helpful if you call and will describe and / or send swatches. Excellent prices for quality fabric. Worth stopping in if you are in New York. (265 West 37th Street, Suite 908, New York, NY 10018) Phone: 212-209-0004 Fax: 212-209-0005
Primarily quilting
There are MANY quilt fabric shops on-line. You are also more likely to find a quality quilt shop locally than a fashion fabric store locally, so don't forget to patronize your local store. Good quality quilting fabric can be used for garments as well. I'll only mention a couple here that I have personally used.
E-Quilter click here
Great selection of quilting fabrics and fabric with unusual prints. Also have flannels and some non-quilting fabric. If you are looking for a "theme" fabric, this is the place to look. I have ordered from them & received good service, and have heard the same from others.
Hancock's of Paducah click here
Very large selection of quilting fabric. I ordered some Clover pins from them, no problems.
Repro-Depot click here
If you are looking for some phsychodelic 70's or quaint 50's fabric, this is one place to check. I actually haven't used this site, but might.
Seam Shoppe click here
Primarily tropical theme fabrics. I haven't used this one either but like the theme.
Quiltropolis click here
Quiltshops click here
These two are quilt shop search engines, mentioned on another page of this thread. You can find additional quilt shops through these site.
Mostly Linings
Linda MacPhee click here
lining for coats (also her line of patterns)
The Sewing Place click here
Specializes in patterns & notions, but has a full selection of bemberg rayon lining
Note: Here is a spreadsheet from a post by Karla, listing New York City stores. Some of these have websites, shown on her spreadsheet.
-- Edited on 2/2/10 6:12 PM -- ------
With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Fabric = clothing (some assembly required) (from Re Becca's DH) Next page>> |
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