The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Fun with Fabric => Topic started by: Francesca on September 03, 2018, 11:52:42 AM

Title: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Francesca on September 03, 2018, 11:52:42 AM
I see we get lot of requests for fabric shops in locations other than the UK. So why not have a thread?

Please post any recommendations of fabric shops in places you've visited beyond the UK.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Francesca on September 03, 2018, 11:53:43 AM
Portugal recommendations: https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,5087.msg81868.html
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Pinkstar on September 03, 2018, 11:54:29 AM
Is this cos I've just asked about Berlin  :D
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Pinkstar on September 03, 2018, 11:58:47 AM
Good idea  :D
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Tamnymore on September 03, 2018, 12:38:15 PM
@Pinkstar we were in Berlin this summer and because it was so hot didn't manage to get to any fabric shops although I did visit the department store Karstadt in other cities we visited and it has a good fabric department. I guess the Berlin one would be the same. But I believe the Turkish market in Berlin is worth a visit.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Pinkstar on September 03, 2018, 13:28:03 PM
Thanks Tam. I shall get googling and check those places out   :)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Efemera on September 03, 2018, 17:50:11 PM
https://www.buttonandsnap.com/the-best-fabric-stores-in-berlin-germany/
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Vezelay on September 03, 2018, 18:23:14 PM
If you happen to be in the Auvergne there are at least 3 large fabric sheds on the road out from Clermont to Le Cendre/Cournon. Just Google "magasin de tissus Clermont Ferrand". I spent hours in just one - fabulous choice of every kind of fabric and cheap.   :fabric: :)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: elisep on September 05, 2018, 13:17:12 PM
In Vienna I went to Jakob Komolka - https://www.komolka.at/
Absolutely amazing place, 3 or 4 levels, dressmaking fabrics and I think there was furnishing fabrics in the basement level too. Very high quality fabrics with the price tag to match! But heaps and heaps of options... lots of suiting fabrics, lace/sequin/evening wear fabrics, cottons and silks in every shade under the sun.

If in Paris, in Montmarte below Sacre Coeur is the fabric district. When I was there in 2014 there was a small shop that only sold remnants - mostly 3m pieces if I remember correctly. I think they were remnants from one of the large stores, whose name escapes me. Sadly when I was there in 2016 I was backpacking and not expecting to be returning home for some time so I didn't go buy anything. In 2014 I bought a piece of silk georgette for 10 euro which became an evening dress.... a nice memento of that trip!
If I had my time over I'd buy a piece of fabric in every city that I visited - oh well!

When in Toronto... King Textiles on Spadina was an aladdin's cave of fabrics... absolutely full to the brim. There were also several stores on Queen St West worth taking a look at.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Lachica on September 05, 2018, 13:20:05 PM
Tejidos Nicolas in Cartagena, Spain.
Tejidos Nicholas. Avenida Brussels.  Espacio Mediterraneo.
Loads of unusual fabrics, I guess they're roll ends from the local clothing manufacturers. Good prices & no obligation, unlike traditional fabric shops nearby where you can only see the fabric after the sales lady (it is usually a lady) has climbed a ladder to fetch it,.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Samantha on September 05, 2018, 14:23:05 PM
Albert Cuyp (https://www.amsterdam.info/shopping/albert_cuypmarkt/) market in Amsterdam on a Saturday. Lots of shops alongside the market.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Lachica on September 05, 2018, 17:32:26 PM
Cap Tissus in Chateauroux. Just off the motorway, google it!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Tamnymore on September 05, 2018, 19:06:16 PM
If you are in Estonia visit Abakhan's! I found two branches when I was in Tartu a few years ago.

And Ribes & Casals in Palma de Mallorca is a big fabric shop which is worth a visit if you are in Mallorca. I got two lengths of unusual digiitally printed cotton for, I think, €6 pm last summer. Just making one up now and will post in the appropriate place when I've finished.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: elisep on September 06, 2018, 12:11:44 PM
I thought I'd come in and post some local stores to me for anyone that might happen to be visiting Melbourne, Australia!

Rathdowne Fabrics in Victoria Street, Brunswick. Beautiful silks, laces & bridal fabrics, designer fabrics, lots of remnants. Also your standard cottons, jerseys, wools and suitings. I just bought a beautiful piece of silk charmeuse for $20/m but there was also a roll of silk georgette that I was coveting that was $78/m! So lots of variation.

The Fabric Store has locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, also NZ and LA I think? They have lots of fabrics on their website but more in store that aren't listed. Designer end of rolls, liberty fabrics, lots of unusual and beautiful fabrics. Also a decent selection of leather.

Darn Cheap Fabrics have 3 locations, Glenhuntly; Heidelberg and Port Melbourne. They have a really great selection of fabrics, not all cheap! but most really reasonably priced. Plain silks, a huge selection of wool coatings, lots of jerseys, quilting cottons, laces, suitings, polys etc. Really helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Sydney road in Coburg has a tonne of little fabric stores a la Goldhawk road! Lots of bargains to find.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Manuela on September 06, 2018, 14:24:39 PM
Fabric shopping in Hong Kong

Sham Shui Po Shopping Map (http://www.petitboutdechou.com/2016/05/sham-shui-po-ultimate-shopping-map-craft-lovers.html)

Shopping for sewing supplies in Hong Kong (http://www.petitboutdechou.com/2015/09/craft-supplies-where-to-find-sewing.html)

An older but frequently updated guide with recommendations in the comments section
Sewing and craft supplies in Hong Kong (https://katharineyeung.wordpress.com/2009/05/29/sewing-material-in-hong-kong/)

Don't forget to get in touch with me if you come to Hong Kong, I might want to join your fabric shopping adventure  ;)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Surest1tch on September 06, 2018, 18:40:11 PM
Oh dear @Manuela, I wish I hadn't open one of those links, I want to cry now  :'(.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sakar on September 06, 2018, 21:31:39 PM
This thread is really a great idea!!  0_0

If you ever come to Austria, just let me know, I would be pleased to "help" you with your fabric-shopping tour  :D

My favourite shop: http://www.patchworkstube.at

Another good shop (but too far away for a short visit for me :(): http://www.rm-patchwork.com
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Bowerbird on September 08, 2018, 07:20:10 AM
Sydney, Aus.

There's a link to a blog post Here (http://www.measuretwicecutonce.com.au/2014/11/fabric-shopping-in-sydney/) that covers the options here.

She discusses:

the Fabric Store-best merino knits, Tessutis-wonderful fabrics, and their own patterns (pdf's are cheaper) & E&M Greenfield, lots of haberdashery & fabrics. All within 5 mins walk of Central Station.

John St, Cabramatta-45min train trip, a selection of fabric stores, with lots of Vietnamese restaurants to help keep your strength up.

Southern side of Sydney-Pitt Trading & The Remnant Warehouse (dance fabrics as well)

Everywhere-Spotlight. Fabric's not that great, but patterns can be on sale if you're lucky, ie Vogue's $5 each, others 3 for $10, & variations on that them. Also patchwork fabric & crafty stuff, knitting, beading, etc etc etc.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: BlueCat on September 10, 2018, 18:04:12 PM
Tejidos Nicolas in Cartagena, Spain.
Tejidos Nicholas. Avenida Brussels.  Espacio Mediterraneo.
Loads of unusual fabrics, I guess they're roll ends from the local clothing manufacturers. Good prices.
Visited here today.....good selection and prices.  Thank you, Lacihica, for the heads up.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Catllar on October 22, 2018, 22:54:25 PM
I've got Mondial Tissus in Perpignan on the Route d'Espagne. Tissues du Sud on Polygone Nord - furnishing fabrics and outdoor furniture fabrics as well as dressmaking fabric and a great haberdashery. Le Hangar aux Tissus, also Polygone Nord Perpignan Curtaining and dance fabrics and dress making.  La Couserie Creative in Perpignan old town.

In Spain in Figueres, Euro Tissus  (locally known as El Moro) near the municipal market. Dressmaking fabrics. Unbeatable prices.

Barcelona Ribes y Casals, Carrer Roger Lluria - my favourite shop ever.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on November 23, 2018, 10:45:18 AM
Anyone know of fabric shops in the Drôme area of France?  I'll be there the week before Christmas, flying into Lyon and staying not far from Montélimar, possibly going as far south as Avignon.  It's garment fabric I'm interested in, not quilting.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Catllar on January 01, 2019, 18:40:02 PM
Jalan Sulawesi in Denpasar Bali is a street  of 100s of fabric shops. Big girl pants and lots of cash together with a smart head for adding up. This street has EVERYTHING you could wish for. There is a parallel street ( forgot name) that is haberdashery heaven too.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Rosieh on January 17, 2019, 16:56:18 PM
I'm lucky enough to travel with my job. there is an area in Madrid called Pontejos behind the Sol public square, there are dozens of haberdashery shops there selling the most gorgeous trims and laces. there are also some shops just selling fabrics - beware of the siesta period, they all shut down in the afternoon and don't re-open until around 4 or 5pm but then they remain open until 8 or 9pm. there is a lot of competition so prices are reasonable. I favoured the ones where they had laces and trims on reels as a lot of them have books (like the Argos catalogue) where you pick out what you want from small samples and they go and fetch it for you -  but unless you speak good Spanish, the shops where you can look and feel are better and I got by pointing and using my fingers to say how many metres.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: blackcat001 on January 26, 2019, 10:16:42 AM
Copied from another board I posted on about bricks & mortar shops

North West France

In my short time here, I have located three.

Laval: Tissus du Centre, Route de Fougères, 53000 Laval. It's in an industrial unit on the industrial/retail park where Darty is located (at the Peugeot end).

Rennes: Tissus Myrtille, 173 Rue de Lorient, 35132 Vezin-le-Coquet

Le Mans: Tissus Myrtille, 92 Rue du Moulin aux Moines, 72650 La Chapelle-Saint-Aubin

Addendum.. There is another. Toiles de Mayenne, Le Bourg, Fontaine Daniel, 53100 Saint-Georges-Buttavent. I have not visited inside yet, so can't report accurately as to how good it is. My current understanding is that it has wonderful fabrics for household items and that it is expensive. One day  will check it out.

Of the first three I mentioned, I love them all. Each has a great range of fabrics for just about any purpose from quilting, dressmaking, upholstery, crafting.. anything, really. They also have a great range of yarns and a myriad of haberdashery items. My nearest and dearest is very, very glad the shops are not closer to where we live...  ;)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: So Chic on January 26, 2019, 14:48:56 PM
The whole of the basement of HEMA in Ostend is devoted to fabric of all kinds and I have always been happy with what I've bought from them.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on February 18, 2019, 23:22:47 PM
Hello, @Sakar, I'm going to be in Salzburg for a week in late April. We shall probably hire a car to explore outside of Salzburg for a couple of days so if you have any fabric shop recommendations for Salzburg and the surrounding area I would be grateful.  I'm interested in garment sewing.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sakar on February 19, 2019, 20:10:54 PM
Hi Giotto, Salzburg is quite away from where I live, but I asked a friend of mine and she recommends Wenatex - Haus der Stoffe (https://www.hausderstoffe.at) which can be translated as "House of fabrics". They offer a wide range of fabrics for kids, garments, costume dressing, home decoration and patchwork.

Their normal opening times are:
Mo-Fr 9am-6pm,
Sat. 9am-1pm

Factory sale:
Mo-Thur: 9am-2pm
Fr: 9am-1pm

Their address:
Haus der Stoffe
Münchner Bundesstraße 140
A-5020 Salzburg

I wish you a nice trip to Salzburg and happy shopping!  0_0
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on March 30, 2019, 15:34:40 PM
Hello, Sakar.  Please accept my apologies for not replying to your message before now.  I don't know why I didn't reply at the time.  :| :|   Thank you very much for the information.  I have made a note of this shop's name and address and hope to make a visit there in a couple of weeks' time.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sakar on March 31, 2019, 22:18:12 PM
Doesn't matter, @Giotto , enjoy your trip!! :)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Catllar on April 14, 2019, 18:49:13 PM
Found a fabulous place that hand weaves Indonesian Ikat.  Name of the place is Cilli Ikat. In a little town called Gianyar just north of Denpasar. I might go again next year!!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on April 18, 2019, 17:35:43 PM
Well, I came to Salzburg on Saturday evening. At the first available opportunity, on Monday morning, I dragged my husband on a bus trip across the city to Wenatex, Haus der Stoffe, as recommended on here by @Sakar. Thank you @Sakar.
It’s a lovely shop with pleasant staff and a good variety of garment suitable fabrics. I bought 2 linens, one plain blue and the other striped blue & white. They coordinate but may well be made into separate garments of the uncoordinated variety.
I’ve been in several “Trachten” shops which sell lovely fabrics for traditional Austrian dresses but they are extremely expensive so I just admired and came away.
I can, however, recommend Wenatex to other travellers to Salzburg.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sakar on April 18, 2019, 18:46:34 PM
I am glad that you found something you like, @Giotto  :) Oh yes, Trachtenstoffe = fabrics especially for Austrian costumes are really expensive, and it's a very special style too (not my favourite, to be honest ;) )  But it's great that you like it!! I hope the trip was generally nice and enjoyable :)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on April 18, 2019, 23:19:44 PM
The ‘costumes’ made in Trachtenstoffe are beautiful even if they are of a particular style & vintage. I wouldnt have considered wearing that style itself but thought some of the cotton fabrics were lovely- say, for a straight or “Whitestuff” style A-line kind of skirt but the prices?!?!?! The cheapest 100% cotton I saw was priced at €49.90 per metre!

It fascinates me that people still wear the traditional dress. Only this morning I sat at a cafe in Bad Ischl and there was a man dressed in Trachtenstoffe - lederhosen etc. Still, each to their own. It makes for an interesting world!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sewing Chanel-Style on June 02, 2019, 06:32:48 AM
I live in the Netherlands.  Most fabric stores died the last ten years.  Everybody is going to the markets (where there as usually some fabric sellers),  the big fabric-events in the big city's or some shops who survived the competition with a few great online-shops.
There are also some specialized markets in Utrecht and some other cities. They are a mix of great fabric sellers and a lot of cheap stuff.
It is a pity there are not so much stores left in middle cities.  But the stores which are still excisting are great and very customer-friendly. Also you can buy there ANYTHING so it is hard to walk in withut walking out with an empty creditcard and a trolley filled with an overload of fabrics.  :loveit:
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Ohsewsimple on June 02, 2019, 12:42:53 PM
@Margarita DH and I spent a long weekend in Amsterdam some years ago and I found a street where every other shop was a fabric shop.   Unfortunately most didn’t take credit cards at the time which I thought very strange.  But there was so much choice and they were so far ahead of what was available over here.  I’ve always thought I’d like to go back.  But I wonder if the shops are stilll there. 
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on August 23, 2019, 18:26:08 PM
@Ohsewsimple, I'm only noticing your message now. I was in Amsterdam last year for the first time and I found the street you are referring to. Lots of fabric shops still there with a wide variety of fabrics and price range. I'd love to return!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: mudcat on August 23, 2019, 21:26:59 PM
Should any of you ever get to Portland Oregon the US (I know, I know....) I highly recommend the Mill End, Bolt Fabric Boutiaue and Josephine's Dry Goods.  I managed to bring home four pieces from my recent vacation. 
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Ohsewsimple on August 23, 2019, 22:01:39 PM
@Ohsewsimple, I'm only noticing your message now. I was in Amsterdam last year for the first time and I found the street you are referring to. Lots of fabric shops still there with a wide variety of fabrics and price range. I'd love to return!

So glad to know that @Giotto. I’d love to go back too.  Funnily enough I was looking at a short cruise yesterday that went to Amsterdam.  :)
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Carillion on October 01, 2019, 09:55:13 AM
Destock Tissus, Pontivy, Morbihan, Brittany.

Opened at the beginning of 2019. Very wide-ranging stock at reasonable prices.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Futura on October 04, 2019, 01:22:17 AM
I like Pacific Fabrics in Seattle, WA, USA. They've got a great selection of apparel fabric and supplies.

Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame shop in Monroe, WA has a nice selection of quality quilting fabrics. I don't quilt, but a lot of their printed cottons are so lovely I've bought vast amounts for clothing!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Catllar on January 26, 2020, 18:02:29 PM
Teixits Yasmina in Girona is my newest destination. 
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Giotto on January 30, 2020, 20:59:07 PM
I'm just back last week from our first trip to South Africa.  The excuse to go was for a wedding. :)  I can now understand why people who've gone once want to return! 
Anyway, to the subject in hand: I have read for some time the blog/instagram posts by Vicki Wright/SewVee who has made a lot of her clothes with African wax /shweshwe fabric and I had sussed out, before we left home, a shop called Mnandi textiles in the Observatory area of Cape Town.  Some of the fabrics are what I would call very loud: very bright and large patterns which work under a very bright African sky but wouldn't work for me.  However, I thought I might be able to find something a bit "quieter" that would suit my tastes for a summer dress.....or 2.....or 3!
Just to let you know that if anyone else is interested in going it's a lovely shop, with gorgeous fabrics.  However, the best bit about the shop was the man who works there.  I don't know if he just works there or is the owner.  He greeted us very pleasantly and I told him what I was looking for.  He explained and showed me the different types of fabric they had, the widths etc. and then left me to peruse the store in peace. It's definitely worth a visit if you're going to be in Cape Town.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Fiona M on February 02, 2020, 09:47:52 AM
Should any of you ever get to Portland Oregon the US (I know, I know....) I highly recommend the Mill End, Bolt Fabric Boutiaue and Josephine's Dry Goods.  I managed to bring home four pieces from my recent vacation.
Portland, Oregon is definitely on my list of places to go soon.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Sewot on July 16, 2020, 06:09:14 AM
In Australia we have "Spotlight".
It is massive!!!
Best I have ever witnessed.
Not just fabric but shed loads of mouth watering sewing machines.
Also a upholstery department for curtains, seats, you name it.
On the upper floor a dept for all things crafting.
The best fabric shop globally.
Unless you want specific stuff like Egyptian cotton etc etc.
They cover most stuff.
Pete
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: EdTheMaker on July 24, 2020, 16:59:13 PM
I bought 5 yards of hand block printed cotton delivered all the way from Jaipur India. For £21!
I was a bit worried it was going to be too lightweight for my next shirt project but it feels fine.
I can dig out the link to the supplier on Amazon if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: wrenkins on July 24, 2020, 18:37:29 PM
https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,10171.msg177375.html#msg177375
@EdTheMaker check out this thread too for nice Indian fabrics. It seems to get some thumbs up.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: ScubaGirl on June 07, 2021, 15:10:22 PM
Oh I love browsing through this thread. I am always in different countries and love textile shopping. LOL. I did most of my sewing when I lived in Canada (Ontario), and Tokyo. Some of my favourite shops:

Ontario, Canada - Len's Mill Stores, and FabricLand. Both are pretty big chains across the province. They often have good sales prices.

Tokyo, Japan - Nippori Textile District. So basically get to the Nippori textile district and I really don't need to say much more, the entire district is fantastic. BUT, you have to visit the Tomato Store. (Yes, it's called Tomato...lol). But it's 5 floors of all the textiles....It's quite organized by purpose. You'll find all the athletic/swim together, higher-end silks, satins, suiting, jersey, cotton, bamboo-cotton, cotton lycra, etc... it's got everything.

Hope to find the best shops in Sabah, Malaysia if anyone has shopped for fabric there.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: jen on September 28, 2022, 08:32:42 AM
Tissus de reve are having a flash sale until 30th. I get quite a bit of stuff from them by mail order. I think they’re based in Paris, but do post to the U.K. if anyone is interested. My problem is that once on their site I overestimate what I can get made up, it lies around in that ever growing stash.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Tamnymore on September 28, 2022, 08:55:11 AM
'Lies around in that ever growing stash' Isn't that normal @jen ?  :laughing:

Peeps might be interested to see that Pound a Metre has just opened a bricks and mortar fabric shop in Bradford - once again affirming the idea that there's a fabric corridor along the M62 from Liverpool to Leeds. Will dig out details and will post.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: jen on October 01, 2022, 21:53:47 PM
It’s certainly normal for me @Tamnymore. It’s as well I am not near a pound a metre store, I don’t need tempting.
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Acorn on October 01, 2022, 22:14:17 PM
... there's a fabric corridor along the M62 from Liverpool to Leeds. Will dig out details and will post.

Mmm... sounds like a road trip to me!!   0_0   Mr Acorn wants to go to Harrogate and Whitby.  I'm sure that would work!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Tamnymore on October 02, 2022, 08:07:40 AM
There's Remnant House in Harrogate (and another fabric shop in the vicinity I think) so you've definitely got yourself a roadtrip @Acorn . My favourite was always Fabworks in Dewsbury although it's a while since I've been there. Any any sewist worth their salt has to make a pilgrimage to Immanuel's in Burnley to experience the pound a metre room!
Title: Re: Fabric Shops Around The World
Post by: Acorn on October 02, 2022, 11:28:29 AM
I love Fabworks online - I've had some great stuff from them, and really good customer service.   :thinking: