Big-box fabric aisles can leave you scrolling or wandering without much inspiration. That’s where independent businesses step in. They focus on thoughtful sourcing, exclusive designs, and service that supports hobbyists and pros alike. Many also highlight inclusivity and community. And they’re setting a higher standard for fabric shopping, so let’s take a look at these 20 fabric stores that beat the big-name chains.
Brooklyn Haberdashery (Hybrid)
Brooklyn Haberdashery is the kind of shop that makes sewing exciting again. They stock artisan tools, Japanese fabrics, waxed canvas, Sashiko kits, and natural trims. It’s a favorite for slow fashion makers who value handwork and visible mending. With designer collaborations and an online catalog, this Nyack, New York, store is worth every stitch of attention.
Mood Fabrics NYC (Hybrid)
Let’s talk Mood Fabrics. Featured on “Project Runway,” the New York flagship stretches across three floors, each packed with fabrics of every kind. Bridal satin is there, so is denim. Exclusive cotton prints and trims? You’ll find plenty. Fashion houses and celebrities shop here too, and the online store keeps the experience just as effortless
Fabric Godmother (Hybrid)
Fabric Godmother feels like a hidden treasure for fabric lovers. Based in the UK, it carries high-end deadstock sourced straight from European designers. Their exclusive digital prints pop with fashion-forward palettes. You’ll also find viscose, crepe, and jacquard fabrics, plus sewing patterns and notions. And yes—international shipping is available.
Oak Fabrics Chicago (Hybrid)
Imagine a boutique space where garment-making feels approachable and inspiring—that’s Oak Fabrics in Chicago. The shop showcases natural fibers like linen and wool, with indie designer collections in limited runs. Here, pattern pairings spark creativity, while supportive service and a curated style keep customers returning.
Harts Fabric (Hybrid)
Since 1969, Harts Fabric has been a Santa Cruz, California, favorite, and now their website makes shopping simple. They carry apparel fabrics like Tencel and organic cotton. You’ll also find curated bundles, indie patterns, and tools, along with fast shipping, detailed descriptions, and a lively blog with tutorials and events.
Needle Sharp (Online)
Needle Sharp is an online subscription service that delivers monthly sewing kits. Each kit includes indie patterns and notions. And the goal is to help sewists build long-lasting, wearable wardrobes. Options cover all skill levels, and many kits feature collaborations from brands such as Closet Core and Friday Pattern Co.
Blackbird Fabrics (Online)
At Blackbird Fabrics, fabric launches feel like fashion events. Based in Vancouver but known worldwide, they specialize in Tencel twill, bamboo jersey, organic cotton, and corduroy. Their seasonal collections sell out in a flash. With limited stock and sustainable basics, this online shop keeps sewists excited for the next release.
Hawthorne Supply Co. (Online)
Hawthorne Supply Co. makes custom fabric shopping simple. They print digitally in the U.S. on dozens of fabric bases, including canvas and poplin. Also, collections come in coordinated designs and polished color palettes. Turnaround is fast, even for small runs, and their exclusive lines keep projects fresh for home sewers and small businesses.
Bow Buttons Fabrics (Online)
Need fabric quickly? Bow Buttons Fabrics ships fast from Kansas—usually within 1–2 business days. Their collection focuses on European knits such as cotton spandex, bamboo/modal, French terry, ribbing, and waffle. Makers love their curated bundles and exclusive BBF collections, many made with Oeko-Tex certified, sustainable blends.
Stone Mountain & Daughter Fabrics (Hybrid)
For more than 40 years, Stone Mountain & Daughter has been part of Berkeley’s sewing scene. The shop is known for a massive range of deadstock designer fabrics and an emphasis on natural fibers like silk and linen. With a sewing studio, strong community ties, and rare fashion-house bolts, it’s a destination.
Bolt Fabric Boutique (Hybrid)
Bolt Fabric Boutique is all about fabric with a conscience. In Portland, it stocks organic knits and standout Japanese designs. Even shoppers can experiment with botanical dyeing kits or pick up indie patterns and tools. The store also hosts community classes, weaving sustainability and creativity into every stitch.
Modern Domestic (Hybrid)
Walk into Modern Domestic in Portland and you’ll notice it’s buzzing with energy. Bernina machines sit beside bolts of Japanese imports and garment-ready fabrics. Also, notions are neatly stocked. Beyond shopping, the studio provides expert classes and training that draw dedicated hobbyists back again and again.
The Fabric Store (Hybrid)
The Fabric Store started in New Zealand and has grown to serve sewists across Australia, New Zealand, and online. They focus on high-end deadstock from top fashion houses, featuring pure wool and viscose blends. Not sure what you want? Order swatches or curated packs.
Sew Me Sunshine (Hybrid)
Based in London, Sew Me Sunshine is all about sustainable and inclusive sewing. You’ll find deadstock and organic fabrics from European suppliers, plus curated kits that pair indie patterns and eco-thread. Easy guides explain sourcing, and the brand loves celebrating body positivity and accessibility across its welcoming sewing community.
Cottoneer (Online)
Cottoneer has a relaxed, nature-inspired vibe that sewists love. The online shop curates fabrics with minimal and boho influences. Popular brands include Rifle Paper Co., Cotton + Steel, and AGF. While best known for quilting, it also carries rayon and canvas. Moreover, new seasonal releases and rich photography make browsing inspiring.
Little Whimsy Fabric Shop (Hybrid)
When creativity calls, the Little Whimsy Fabric Shop answers. This playful store specializes in whimsical panels, Lazy Quilt toppers, and themed mystery boxes. Prints run from Honey Bear to “Nightmare Before Christmas.” With global shipping and irresistible flash sales, it’s a go-to for sewists who love something different.
Miss Matatabi (Online)
Sewists around the world love Miss Matatabi, a Japan-based online shop. The focus here is on rare cotton-linen fabrics and special collections from Nani Iro and Kokka. Customers flock here for double gauze and whimsical motifs—though fabrics often arrive in small batches and sell out fast.
Minerva (Online)
Minerva is a massive UK-based online store that ships worldwide, with thousands of fabrics and supplies. Their exclusive Minerva Core fabrics and design collaborations keep the selection fresh. Additionally, beginners appreciate the free tutorials and videos, making it even easier to explore new projects with full kits that include fabric and detailed instructions.
Gather Here (Hybrid)
Gather Here in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is part sewing studio, part retail shop, and part classroom. The store carries ethically sourced fabrics, yarns, indie patterns, and supplies for quilting and embroidery. As an authorized BERNINA and bernette dealer, it also provides access to professional-grade sewing machines and equipment.
Fabricworm (Online)
California-based Fabricworm is loved for its organic fabrics and playful kids’ prints. You’ll find favorites like Birch Fabrics and Charley Harper, plus coordinated bundles that make planning quilts, clothes, or accessories easy. Many options are GOTS certified, so sewists get eco-friendly choices without giving up creativity or charm.
