Goldhawk Road
Circle or Hammersmith and City Line: Goldhawk Road
A road full of independent fabric shops, ideal for dressmaking, selling wide ranges of cottons, silks, polyesters, jerseys etc. and a variety of prints. Most of the shops give fabric samples although some can be quite stindgy. The shop 'Fabric House' are usually generous with samples.
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| Fabric House |
Macculloch & Wallis - Dering Street
Jubilee or Central Line: Bond Street
Bakerloo, Victoria, or Central Line: Oxford Circus
I've heard this shop been described as Aladdin's Cave and I'd say that was pretty accurate! If I ever need something in particular I would usually go here as I know they will probably have what I'm looking for. The shop has 3 floors of fabrics, haberdashery, sewing machines, books etc. Pretty much everything you need! The bottom floor sells fabric and you can also help yourself to a maximum of 5 samples.
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| Macculloch & Wallis |
Atlantic Road
Victoria Line: Brixton
A good selection of shops selling a variety of fabrics and haberdashery bits at cheap prices - good for dressmaking and interiors. I went to the shop Simply Fabrics with my sister and managed to pick up lots of bargains - packets of buttons, threads, fabric bundles from as low as 10p! A few other shops are dotted around that area too and I've been told that their markets sell cheap sewing bits.
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| Simply Fabrics |
Berwick Street
Bakerloo, Victoria, or Central Line: Oxford Circus
Northern or Central Line: Tottenham Court Road
A very beautiful selection of expensive fabric shops here selling lots of silks and high quality fabric. As a student, I mainly would go here to admire and get inspiration. I have never dared to ask for samples but I'd imagine some of the shops might be generous. I have found Kleins a helpful haberdashery shop.
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| Kleins |
Markets
There are some great markets in London that sell new and vintage fabrics and trimmings. I have never been to any myself but I have heard that Walthamstow Market (Victoria Line) is great for bargains. Also, the Vintage Fashion Fair which is on every 4 - 5 weeks (Hammersmith) is fab for unique vintage clothing, accessories, fabrics and trimmings at low prices.
Other shops / Online shopping
Liberty London - Regent Street (Oxford Circus tube station)
John Lewis - Oxford Street (Oxford Circus tube station)
There is also the option of buying fabrics online but I personally prefer to be able to touch and feel the weight of the fabric. Colours can also look different on a computer screen than in real life. Some companies will send out fabric samples to you on request.
I hope this has been of use to you. Hopefully I will be able to update it as I become more experienced in fabric shopping. Happy sewing!
