London plays a central role on the international fashion stage and is a hub of textile creativity. Several prestigious fashion colleges attract budding designers looking for authentic fabrics for unique designs. The capital delivers an abundance of fabric shops.
The good news is many fabric shops are in one area around Goldhawk Road in West London. The area is a fabulous treasure trove of fabric shops and haberdasheries. Or head to the West African fabric shops on Middlesex Street for something bright and bold. With bundles to choose from, I’ve put together a list of seven of the best fabric shops in London.
The Best Fabric Shops in London
1. Dalston Mill Fabrics – Aladdin’s Cave
Dalston Mill Fabrics opened in 1988, and because the shop stocks a vast range of fabrics and haberdashery supplies, many visitors describe the shop as ‘Aladdin’s Cave.’ As you search this treasure trove, you can discover silks, woollen, bridal lace, dressmaking fabrics, and everyday fabrics in numerous colours.
Originally a shop owned by Lithuanian immigrants, today, the team speaks a remarkable 12 languages. The founder Edward Kogan remains involved with the business and buys fabrics from across the globe, offering an eclectic mix of goods and attracting a diverse and international clientele.
- Dress fabric in the clearance section starts from £1.00 per metre.
- Performance fabric for dance and theatre starts from £2.95 per metre.
- Bridal materials include Dress net in several colours at the lower price range of £1.25 per metre.
Various crafting fabrics include hessian, felt, fur, canvas, and fleece.
Dalston Mill Fabrics is a fabric shop in East London that has an online shop and delivers internationally.
Address: 69 – 73 Ridley Road, Dalston, London, E8 2NP
Telephone: 0207 249 4129
2. Orya Textiles – Goldhawk Road
Orya Textiles is a family business with many generations of experience in textiles and fashion. They have made Goldhawk Road, the fabric mecca, their home for over 30 years.
Their knowledge and experience have paid off, giving them an impressive portfolio of clients, including film studios, such as Warner Bros and Netflix, famous fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana, and celebrities.
Staff search tirelessly for top-quality fabrics, many coming from Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the UK.
The fabric shop encourages you to contact them if you require anything besides what they display online. They always do their best to fulfil every client’s wishes if you need something out of the ordinary or not a standard stock item.
Orya Textiles send sample swatches out on the day of request via first-class post for £1.00 per sample, including postage. You are encouraged to order as many as you want to ensure the quality is what you are looking for. Samples are 10cm x 10cm.
Thousands of different fabrics are available, including,
- Satin Print at £5.50 per metre.
- A beautiful brown Missoni Knit for £22.00 per metre.
- Or some delicate red floral Lace at £15.50 per metre.
You can find or contact the fabric shops in West London from the details below.
Address: 32 Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8DH
Telephone: 020 8746 1683
3. Liberty London – Established 1875
Founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty wanted to open an emporium. Not the usual run-of-the-mill type of store. He wanted a unique building to be home to his vision to entice customers on an exciting shopping journey of discovery. He wanted to introduce people to the exquisite fabrics of Japan and the Far East.
Arthur never saw his dream completed. However, a statue stands at the Flower shop’s entrance, and the Grade II listed building is a London Heritage-listed icon. Many sightseers visit the magnificent building on Regent Street, intrigued by the history and the architectural design.
Shopping at Liberty London is a wonderful experience. It is famous for its bold and floral print fabrics. They stock various fabric ranges, including,
- Futurliberty, a bold and modern printed fabric, starts from £27.50 per metre to £230.00 per metre.
- A Tana Lawn cotton range named after the Ethiopian lake, Tana, is available from £27.50 to £29.95.
- Classic Cotton fabrics have prices starting around £27.50 per metre.
Liberty of London’s fabric is timeless. It is soft and ultra-light that has a unique feel and look.
Address: Regent Street, Carnaby, London, W1B 5AH
Telephone: 020 3893 3062
4. Empire Textiles – West African Fabrics
Empire Textiles is in the heart of London’s West African fabric and textile district. The fabric store occupies 6,000 square feet on Middlesex Street. They provide various materials, including West African lace, Brocade, Swiss Voile, wax prints, and head ties.
The shop’s team has a collective experience of 40 years and dedicates themselves to all their customers, such as retail shoppers, textile retailers, and fashion buyers. They ship worldwide, and international customers have been impressed with the delivery speed.
Their laces are popular on the West African fashion scene and are available from £50.00 per 5 yards (4.57 metres) in the sale to Big Voile Lace, priced at £650.00 per 5 yards.
There is a selection of wax prints available from £25.00 per 6 yards to £180.00 per 5 yards.
A small but striking range of genuine West African George fabric is available. It is a fabric initially used for Indian saris and became a favoured choice for African royalty and nobility families. The price is £225.00 per 5 yards.
For good quality and lots of options for fabric, Empire Textiles is an excellent option for African fabric in London.
Address: 82 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EZ
Telephone: 020 7247 6949
5. Borovick Fabrics – In the heart of Soho
Borovick Fabrics occupy the same shop they started trading from in 1932. They are the oldest fabric shop in Soho, London.
Over the decades, Borovick’s reputation has grown, supplying award-winning costume designers, including the Oscars.
The length of time Borovick has spent in the same store gives them immense pride when they host a bride-to-be who visits them with their mothers and grandmothers, knowing they provided them with their wedding fabrics.
The store offers a broad selection of luxury and technical fabrics and a range of exclusive interior and furnishing silks.
The fabric shop recognises selecting a fabric is very visual and tactile, so they encourage you to visit the store. If you cannot pop in, order samples before ordering to see actual colours and feel the textures. Calling in or ordering samples is crucial, as many colours on the screen appear different in real life. Samples are complimentary and posted anywhere in the world.
Some fabrics include Organza, Italian Tweed, Faux Leather, Embroidered Tulle and Technical Sports.
Borovick has a first-floor room hire service available at hourly, daily or monthly rates if you require space for a costume fitting, meetings, etc. Contact direct for prices.
For up-to-date prices, contact Borovick direct.
Address: 16 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0HP
Telephone: 0207 437 0520
6. Joel & Son Fabrics – Royal Warrant
Joel & Son Fabrics started its fabric journey when tailor Hyman Bull left the military in the mid-1940s. He spotted a supply of army surplus, including parachutes. Immediately detecting an opportunity, Hyman set to work, cutting up the material and selling it as fabric from a London market stall.
It was harsh work for Hyman’s son Joel who took over the business and worked 18-hour days. However, with a lot of hard graft, he opened four market stalls, eventually opening his first bricks and mortar shop in 1979 and earning a Royal Warrant. The fabric shop remains in the family, with Joel’s son now at the helm.
They offer a range of materials, including dress fabrics, from £19.90 to £3,098.90 per metre for a Swiss-made floral embroidered Guipure lace.
Joel & Sons Fabrics is one of London’s finest and best fabric shops. It is a place to buy quality fabric.
Address: 73 – 87 Church Street, London, NW8 8EU
Telephone: 020 7724 6895
7. William Gee – Established 116 years
1906 and the London textile industry was buzzing, and William Gee was part of the excitement. Many things in the industry have changed since then. However, William Gee still trades on Kingsland Road, Hackney.
When William Gee considered modernising the store, they asked customers their thoughts. They all agreed to keep the shop’s old-world charm with personal customer service experience. So that is how it remains.
The store sells everything sewing, scissors, patterns, zips and other haberdashery-related items, from cotton thread to snap fasteners.
They have many interfacings, linings, pocketing material, paddings, and toy filling.
Despite keeping the store a traditional sewing shop in London, William Gee has opened an online store to cater to a new internet-based market.
Address: 522 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AH
Telephone: 0207 254 2451
Bonus: A Tip for Choosing a Fabric Shop
Order a swatch sample. If you shop online, colours differ significantly on a computer from the actual fabric. Most fabric shops will send samples for free for a minimal charge.
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