I get a lot of emails asking where I find my fabric, particularly from the UK readers that suffer the curse of play safe UK distribution (the reason we have very little decent fabric over here).
I've spoken before about buying from US websites and still highly recommend it. Obviously you have to be a little patient, as well as taking a bit of a risk that you might not like the fabric up close. But the patience thing is easier than you'd think and in all the time I've been buying fabric from the US I've only had two yards that I didn't like once it arrived.
That's not to say that you can't find great fabric here in the UK, you just have to work a little harder for it.
Here in Leeds we have a couple of fabric shops ( two branches of Samuel Taylor) that sell your run of the mill polycottons, alongside the most basic and ( in my opinion) dingy quilters cottons and the usual mix of slinky polyesters and machine embroidered linen mixes. They do also stock the occasional gem though and they're great for your general haberdashery needs, but most of the time they just don't have anything that gets my heart racing.
One of my most frequently visited fabric shops is The Shuttle, about half an hour away in Shipley. Which, whilst it still falls foul of some horribly dull cottons, often stocks Liberty at half the normal price, has a great range of plain jersey and jersey ribbing (very hard to find in this country), a really beautiful collection of linen at around £8 per metre and lots of designer samples.
The shop itself is a bit of a jumble, but it's really not too difficult to find some truly lovely fabrics. I particularly like their shirting cottons and seersuckers that often sell for £1 per metre. If you're in the area, visiting the wonderful Salts Mill maybe, then I recommend a quick (it won't be) visit to The Shuttle - but be prepared to dig a little. Equally if you're in London then you have to visit Fabrics Galore (owned by The Shuttle owners son), which has some of my fabric collections of fabrics around, including Boden and Liberty as well as a great selection of wools.
I'm also becoming more and more of a fan of Ikea for fabrics. Especially now that they've launched their cottons (rather than the usual linen mixes and cotton ducks) at only £2 per metre! And they've got some really great prints. The picture at the top is Ikea oilcloth, which is strong enough to use as a table cloth, but soft enough to turn in to totes or purses or anything else.
They're also great during the sales. Yesterday for instance I picked up 25 metres of stripey cotton duck (below) for £25 and you just can't say fairer than that. I also love Ikea for their bedding. Which is another way of finding really great fabric.
Two of my most commented on fabrics were actually bedding sets. The hexagon fabric that I use to line the cabinet in the kitchen was from Habitat - I got it on sale (thanks Ros!!), so it worked out really well priced for a lot of fabric. And because Habitat use cotton with a high thread count, it's a really good quality.
The other print I get asked a lot about is the curtain that hangs in my studio, which is actually an Orla Kiely double duvet cover. It wasn't cheap (£65), but because my studio window is pretty small and the fabric cabinets butt right up to it, I only wanted one curtain. Which meant that I haven't even had to cut the duvet cover up! I've just used curtain clips and hung it as it is! So when I want something else, I can still use it as a duvet. And if you did want to cut it up you would get 4 metres of extra wide Orla Kiely fabric for £16 per metre, which is pretty good when we're not able to get the cheaper Target range over here.
Tea towels are another great source of fabric, particularly for cushions or totes. The two prints below are tea towels that I bought from Habitat yesterday. Again it's not always a super cheap way of buying fabric, but places like Habitat and Paperchase sell some amazing prints that are worth buying. And the tea towels available on Etsy are absolutely wonderful and a really good way of buying some original printed fabric at an affordable price.
Of course there's also thrfting at car boot sales and charity shops, for bedding, linens and clothes that can all be repurposed, or if you have a little more money, there's antique shops and auctions.
All of that said, there has been a definite increase in both bricks and mortar fabric shops here in the UK as well as UK based internet shops. And they're all beginning to stock more and more exciting prints.
They're still a lot more expensive than Stateside (not the stores fault) and we're still mainly only seeing designers under the Westminster umbrella - Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Heather Bailey etc. But there's definitely more on it's way. Micheal Miller fabrics are becoming a lot more available as well as a Kokka and a number of other Japanese fabrics. The trick though is finding these stores.
Which is where I thought we could maybe work together. Because I would like to put together a directory of UK based fabric shops so that we can all plan our holidays and day trips around them (if only that were a joke!!) and so that we can all give UK fabric shops that support they seriously need if we are going to convince the distributors to really commit to selling their wares to the UK market.
I'll start by saying that if you're looking for a really good range of Japanese fabrics, then it's worth having a look at or dropping by The Eternal Maker, who sell both online and in their bricks and mortar shop. Anna (who is now the Editor of Sew Hip) is really passionate about fabric and has some really nice prints available.
So if you know of any fabric shops, or if you're a shop owner, please leave me a comment with a little info (types of fabric etc) so that we can all see where to shop.
And in the meantime I'm going to be interviewing Jo and Fran of UK based online store Saints and Pinners in the next week and will be offering a fabric giveaway too!
*edited to say that I have just removed a comment and I wanted the person who left it to know that I haven't removed it because I disagree or because I think they shouldn't have said it, but because I have removed the sentence that you commented on, which means that your comment no longer refers to anything. If you hadn't left an anonymous comment I could have emailed you to say that I wondered about that too and that's why I have now removed what I said*
We're opening a retail shop in London (in the same venue where our contemporary craft workshops are based) and we'll stock plenty of US, Japanese and UK designers. (Plus sewing machines, overlockers, contemporary craft kits, books, magazines and other lovely bits!) Visit our web site and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to get the details first!
Posted by: jennifer | themakelounge | June 21, 2009 at 07:03 PM
What a helpful post, Manda! Thank you :)
Posted by: Vonnie | June 21, 2009 at 07:04 PM
Hi Manda,
I live near Creative Quilting in East Molesey. It's less than 5 minutes walk from Hampton Court Station, so perfect for anyone visiting the Palace.
The staff in there are lovely. I bought some Kokka fabric in there yesterday. It was expensive (but like you say, not the shop's fault). The other ranges of quilting cottons are around £8-£9 per metre so around average I'd guess.
I've seen the comment above from Make Lounge. I can't wait for that to open!
Posted by: Flossie | June 21, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Are you going to be adding your shop to that list any time soon?!
Posted by: Kristy | June 21, 2009 at 07:22 PM
aw and you wrote all that when you were poorly ick. Bravo.
Our John Lewis offers some Amy Butler prints, but apart from that there's bugger all.
Posted by: Qalballah | June 21, 2009 at 07:23 PM
For those in Liverpool and Mold Abakhan Fabrics can be good http://www.abakhan.co.uk/
Also in Lancaster Standfast and Barracks is great, I got Liberty for £4 a metre, they also do Cath Kidston and others well worth a visit
http://www.standfast-barracks.com/howtofindus.html
Posted by: Sarah | June 21, 2009 at 07:34 PM
What a great article and a brilliant idea!
It is so hard to find great fabrics so this would be a great resource.
I live in NE London and get some great bargains in Walthamstow Market, Hussein Fabrics has great Linens at £3 per yard. There are other shops and stalls that tend to get in end of lines and odd rolls - one stall seems to get a lot of fashion fabrics from Hobbs & Jigsaw.
You really have to dig, but it's no good if you want a consistent supply. But there are some real bargains to be had if you can ferret your way through bolts and bolts of fabric.
Also I read about an amazing sounding Haberdashery shop in Ramsgate that I've been meaning to visit and haven't yet
Posted by: EdwynUK | June 21, 2009 at 08:01 PM
What a great idea! I just had my first order from Saints & Pinners (the range may not be huge but the fabrics are all lovely). I also use The Quilt Room in Dorking - they stock a lot of basics and more traditional style quilting fabrics, but they also have some of Tanya Whelan's designs, which I love.
Posted by: Rachel L | June 21, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Great post, and a fantastic idea to compile a directory of shops. I went to Fabrics Galore for the first time the other day and found it fantastic - I can't wait to go back. I also love Gone to Earth and Saints and Pinners online.
Sadly, I haven't unearthed any fantastic bricks and mortar fabric shops near to me yet!
Posted by: Helen | June 21, 2009 at 08:07 PM
hello, i live in london and im spoiled for choice,(berwick street anyone ?) and i work very very close to Liberty dept store where they sell some incredible things, and incredible prices also, and John lewis on oxford street is getting better... but the area of south east london where i live (hither green,lewisham) has one brilliant fabric shop called Rolls and Reams, which is deceptivley quite excellent, and with a rummage treasures can be found.and its all very good prices, i dont think they have a website but the tel number is 0208 852 8686.
Posted by: steven | June 21, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Hi I live in Birmingham and we have Cotton Patch. It is a lovely shop and well worth a visit.
Posted by: Sarah Smith | June 21, 2009 at 08:26 PM
My mum and sister are big fans of the Fent Shop in Skipton - http://www.fentshopskipton.co.uk/. I'm not as into sewing as I am into knitting but I've bought things online at Repro Depot or out of the bargain bins at John Lewis and Mandors here in Edinburgh. I also have several vintage Clothkits kits from eBay that I tend to repurpose into cushions.
Posted by: Katherine | June 21, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Manda, thanks for your really newsy post. Us girlies love to know where to find funky stuff at good prices. My sister in law also recommends Abakhan at Fflint on the old coast road. She practically lives there. Last time I was there (a good 10 years ago) they had a fabric building, a craft building and a play area for the kids. It's on the Dee estuary, by the old ship. Road links to the area a good now. Buttonberry.com offer some fab fabrics but the really funky stuff flies out as soon as the girls get it on the website. Fab service though so they are well worth checking out often. I also like Five Valleys Fabrics for Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett and AMH xxx
Posted by: janjan | June 21, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I can only look at your fabrics and sigh! I have a similar problem in NZ, I think the buyers here are all old and dusty!! Also the NZ $ (which is about 1/3 of the UK pound) makes it expensive. I buy nearly all of my fabric now from Fabric Worm or Fabritopia and love the variety they have.
Posted by: Deb | June 21, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Sorry, I think Abakhan is actually at Mostyn, near Fflint! xxx
Posted by: janjan | June 21, 2009 at 10:52 PM
I too live in Leeds and am thoroughly disappointed by the lack of good fabric shops. I have bought a lot of lovely fabrics from the US, but since the recent drop in the value of the pound, you can't get quite so much fabric before you have to start paying tax and overpriced fees on top!
I have only bought from The Eternal Maker in the UK so far, but have drooled at fabric on fabric rehab, gaga fabrics and celtic fusion fabrics all online.
Posted by: Helen B | June 21, 2009 at 10:57 PM
You think it's bad in the UK, you should try living way down here in Australia. I'd die without Prints Charming, Patchwork on Central Park and Duckcloth. Not that that's much use to you.
I wish I was back in Leeds right now...
I suppose the key to it all is having the patience to dig dig dig through the mounds of evil fabric in Spotlight to find the occasional gem and using your precious fabric stash with intelligence.
Posted by: Rachel | June 22, 2009 at 01:11 AM
Hey, Rachel, rather be in Aus with all your talented fabric designers! Thanks, Manda for all that and obviously you meant to put that you can purchase the Prints Charming wonderful fabric panels, amongst others from Blueberry Park :-) (http://www.blueberry-park.co.uk/shop/subcategory-8-fabric
Posted by: Karen | June 22, 2009 at 09:54 AM
This is a great idea! I'm in Leeds too and feel your pain about Samuel Taylors fabric collection, although there is some good stuff its burried amongst lots of not so good (again, in my taste :) )
Sometimes the bottom fabric stall in Leeds Market has some gems, my friend got some Boden lobster fabric a while back that was brilliant. There's also Skopos in Batley (http://www.skoposretail.co.uk/fabrics.htm) which is good for upholstry type stuff.
Posted by: Sarah | June 22, 2009 at 11:46 AM
A really good post Manda, everything you said is true - IKEA is getting a lot better for fabrics, and sometimes the bedding (and curtains) can be a great source of fabric. I found a couple of good shops - one being FABWORKS in Dewsbury who do lots of dress-making fabric and upholstry. They have quite a bit of Laura Ashley stuff. Lots of basic cotton, fleece, corduroy, and waterproof fabrics. They also have a massive basket of pure cashmere offcuts - most big enough to make cushions. They also stock a lot of suiting and coat fabric, and some really nice linens and linen mixes in lots of different colours which would be great for bags and allsorts. Most of the fabric is £5 a metre and below. The other good shop I've been to was Colway and Sew on - I found some Eric Carle fabric in there I have yet to bring myself to cut into!
Posted by: kathleen watson | June 22, 2009 at 02:19 PM
This has been very helpful thank you, I will definitely be paying a visit to the one near Lancaster. I live in Blackpool and I don't think there's a massive amount of choice. I too love Ikea fabric (but that's a bit of a trek) but also find the occasional bargain in Dunelm Mill.
Posted by: Sarah | June 22, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Thanks for this post it's invaluable especially with other people replying with their top fabric shop tips too (I usually buy from John Lewis, Ikea etc.). We have friends near Shipley and so will definitely be making a small detour to The Shuttle next time we visit them!
Posted by: Two Owls | June 22, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Fabric Galore is also my fave, I order lots and lots) from the USA and Australia. I'm off to New York and Washington in August if you have any "must go and spend money" recommendations Dx
Posted by: Dawn | June 22, 2009 at 02:35 PM
I don't know whether I should mention this, as despite the OH working at head office don't know if I'll get a sneak peak BUT The Conran Shop are having a big clear out of their fabrics in the upcoming sale. They're selling them in 15 meter lenghths.
Am trying to get more info, but will twitter when I know more.....
Posted by: EdwynUK | June 22, 2009 at 04:29 PM
This is a timely post - I would love to be able to go and visit some real shops to choose my fabric! I get very envious of US folks who talk about their local fabric shops and the treasures to be found there. Like you Manda I love IKEA - I especially like the mini bolts of fabric you can get in the childrens section. Other than that I do all my shopping online. My favourite is this one:
http://www.fabricinspirations.co.uk/
Posted by: jo | June 22, 2009 at 08:07 PM