Last Updated April 2007
Note: I am primarily a quilter and accessories sewist (purses, pillows etc) so I apologize for not being able to address garment and home dec fabric with more depth. If you know of a place to add to this list, or want to let me know about your take on a certain place, please write to me and let me know.
All addresses are in Austin unless otherwise indicated.
Independent Fabric Stores(512) 707-2405 How great is it that coinciding with the massive downsizing in the big-box craft store world, this place pops up? Opened in April 2007, this little independent store is an answer to Austin crafter's prayers. Hayley, the owner, carries the freshest cotton fabrics (Amy Butler and other Freespirit/Westminster lines, Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman, etc.) that we've had to order online up till now. Craftorama also has oilcloth, notions, and Amy Butler and Wee Wonderfuls patterns. There is also a focus on Austin/Texas craftepreneurs, with Sublime Stitching embroidery supplies, Vickie Howell yarn, and Wool+Hoop crewel kits. But-wait-there's-more! Art+craft exhibits, books, jewelry, Brown Sheep yarn, an extensive offering of sewing, knitting, and crochet classes, and very affordable space rentals for your solo sewing projects or craft groups. We've won! Hooray! ... (512) 899-3233 (512) 310-7349 I'm partial to this place because they're the local dealer of my sewing machine brand (Janome), so I go there for parts. They also have a surprising quantity of quilting fabric in their little stores, and with their third Saturday sales (20% off all fabrics) their prices can't be beat. They also offer sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery classes. ... 2900 W Anderson Ln # H *closed* ... (512) 467-9462 Interior fabrics. This place kind of scares me. They've got the shabby chic / boring jewel tone thing going on. But, I'm not much of a home dec person, so what do I know. ... Fabric Shop (512) 442-5065 This is a tiny, charming store in an old strip center on Oltorf and Congress. The proprietress is extremely nice and helpful. They stock mostly garment fabrics (rayons, etc.). Last time I went (many years ago) they had Style brand patterns, a brand that was bought out by Simplicity ages ago. So they're old patterns, but VERY cute. ... Fanny's Outlet Fabrics (512) 442-8255 Fanny's sells interior fabrics and trims. They are almost always having some sort of seasonal sale, and their prices are quite reasonable during those times. Their selection is funkier and more interesting than any other interior fabric store in Austin. ... 512 454-5344 I love Ginger's, especially Ginger herself. She always makes me feel very welcome. This is primarily a needlepoint/embroidery/cross-stitch and framing joint, but they devote just as much space to quilting. Ginger is GREAT at helping you pick a suitable pattern and fabrics (and figuring out how much your need of what) for your project -- so if you're a beginner in need of some hand-holding, make this your first stop. Ginger's has as much if not more fabric that I covet than the Quilt Store does - 1930-40s reproductions, Amy Butler, and novelty prints from Alexander Henry and the like. They have a substantial sales rack in the back room. By the way, this is also the place to go if you're into embroidery and want to see the world beyond DMC floss. Ginger's doesn't have a website, but sign up in-store for their email newsletter and you'll be hooked up with their event schedule and sales. ... (512) 257-1269 A friendly neighborhood quilt store with a few fabrics you won't get elsewhere. They carry 100% wool felt in a range of colors. In their new location (up the road from the last one) they have a long-arm quilting machine -- don't know whether it's rentable or if they do quilting-for-hire. Far far away (from me), but worth the drive. ... Interior Fabrics (512) 302-2555 7719 Burnet Rd # A A discount store carrying a wide selection of drapery, upholstery, and home dec fabrics. Nothing much out of the mainstream (most everything is a neutral or jewel tone) but they have all the basics you could ever want, and consistently great deals on just about everything. If you're in the market for silk dupioni, this is your store. They also have least expensive down pillow forms that I've ever come across, and they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. ... Picket Fences (512) 458-2565 This is a high-end store selling baby clothes, baby accessories, and interior fabrics suited for kids' rooms and clothes. ... (512) 453-1145 2700 Oooh I love me some Quilt Store. They have the biggest selection of cottons in Austin; just about every quilt notion, book, and pattern that exists; and a fat, friendly store cat. If you want to pick up a pack of coordinated fat quarters for a gift or quick stash enhancement, they have a really nice selection of those. Their prices are average, and even though you could find the stuff cheaper elsewhere on the internet, this is the kind of local business that deserves support. My only complaint is that they have a tiny clearance section that has very little turnover. I think they have storewide sales once in a while but unfortunately I've never caught one. They have a nice big classroom area which makes me want to take one of their classes someday. ... (512) 302-0844 Mid-to-high end shop that specializes in natural textiles: mostly silk and cotton. They have the best selection of Amy Butler's lines, and they might be the only place in Austin to get reproduction barkcloth. It's definitely the only place in Austin to get unusual, fine silks from all over the world. If I wanted to make some special occasion clothing, this is probably where I'd end up. They also carry tons of AMAZING buttons (new, not vintage, but vintage-looking).
Never been. Have you?Plush Fabric Studio
314 S Hwy 183 From reader Sydney: "They have good prices on drapery and upholstery Fabrics from companies that you usually can't get at the chain stores - some really cute vintage inspired cowboy and cowgirl fabrics. A couple of Amy Butler fabrics too." Home Etc
Bee Caves Rd # 134 Upholstery Shop
2714 S Lamar Blvd Capitol City Upholstery Supply
3911 Woodbury Dr From reader Dana: "I wanted to offer my two cents on Capitol City Upholstery Supply, as my husband and I used to have an aircraft upholstery shop and frequently bought stuff there. I don't think they carry fabric; their main emphasis is on commercial/auto upholstery. We usually went there for glue, vinyl, ultrasuede, maybe thread or sewing machine parts (it's been a few years)." Creations In Fabric
2005 Vervain Ct Dancewear Etc
4315 S 1st St
The Chains(512) 442-3446 (512) 258-2598 (512) 459-5724 Hancock's WAS showing a resurgence in recent years, but then it all seemed to go back downhill, now there's news of bankruptcy and store closures. They still have a decent selection of some of the quality quilting fabric lines, and the South Lamar location has great selection of Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton solids. Keep an eye on their sales fliers online, sign up for their email coupons, and you're set. ... Hobby Lobby 6920 Manchaca Rd *closed* 7950 Research Blvd *closed* (512) 335-2283 (512) 990-7123 (512) 445-4609 (512) 292-8321 Hobby Lobby's fabric selection is 97% boring, but occasionally you find something weird and great. They stock some better quality cottons and Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton solids in a nice variety of colors, and are an OK source for your basics: muslin, fleece, tulle, etc. Keep an eye on the weekly sales flyers and go there when the discounts happen to coincide with your needs. ... Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts (512) 280-4889 (512) 795-8086 8650 Spicewood Springs Rd #140 *closed* 8207 Burnet Rd *closed* If you do any craft, you are all too familiar with JoAnns. Sign up for their email list and you'll get 40% (or more) off coupons in your email periodically. Or keep an eye on their sales fliers and go stock up on 99-cent patterns and 50%-off notions. They've recently gone whole-hog with the scrapbooking and knitting. I wish they'd get hip to the turning tide in sewing and quilting, and stock better fabric! They recently closed two of their North Austin outlets and opened a superstore on MoPac, with two really impressive walls of solids and fleece and more fabrics overall, plus a Husqvarna store-within-the-store. As always, this is the place to go for basics. Sorting through the bargain bins always hold a pleasant surprise or two. |
Thrift & VintageThis is not a comprehensive list. For one, there are scads of Goodwills and Salvation Army stores in town, but they're not listed here. There are also lots of small charity thrift stores around town and more vintage stores than I can remember at the moment, but I hope the list below is at least a good start. Oh, and of course there's no guarantees these places have fabric, buttons, or notions at any given time, but they're at least a good bet. Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics 512-442-4446 ... Assistance League of Austin Thrift House 512-458-2633 A new place that, along with some other more hometown organizations, has settled in the building formerly occupied by the Wherehouse (now there's an 80s throwback that I won't miss). This is a quality thrift store! Your mileage may vary, but my first time there I found a whole section of fabric, vintage sewing patterns, and vintage notions. I also scored a Marimekko pillowcase and some cool tins for 10 cents. ... Austin Antique Mall (512)459-5900 Antiques Marketplace (512) 452-1000 Burnet Road has tons of thrift and vintage stores (see Assistance League Thrift House, above), with the Antiques Marketplace as its heart. Of course it's significantly pricier than the smaller thrifty places nearby. ... Big Bertha 512-444-5908 ... Blue Velvet (512) 472-9399 ... Champagne Clotheshorse/Kimono 512-441-9955 ... Palmer Events Center Unlike what the name implies, this is a monthly event and is more professional antiques and vintage dealers than regular folk selling their castoffs. There is a regular booth there that sells vintage linens, aprons, quilts, bedspreads, and drapes at bargain prices (they have piles heaped on tables, priced by the pound or piece). You're guaranteed to find some random vintage yardage or scraps from someone, and you can always haggle if you don't like the prices, which in my experience are quite inflated there. Which sucks because you have to pay $4 admission in the first place. ... 512-322-9011 ... New Bohemia 512-326-1238 ... Old Time Teenie's Clothing & Antiques 477-2022 ... Room Service 107 E North Loop Blvd Room Service is my favorite vintage store in Austin. They have a whole section of fabric and linens, so your chances of finding something are good. They're more expensive than thrift stores, but not so expensive that they take the fun out of vintage shopping. ... Top Drawer Thrift 4902 Burnet ... Thrift Town 5726 Manchaca Rd. ... Thriftland 512 W. Stassney Lane ... Uncommon Objects 512-442-4000 This is one of those antique malls. Very pricey, as it's in the heart of the high-rent South Congress shopping district. | New!! Sewing Studios/Schools/Classes(512) 707-2405 (512) 219-0321 Here's another little sewing studio, this one popping up in the very same shopping center that Joann's just vacated. The Stitching Studio is focused on classes but also carries a small selection of vintage barkcloth and vintage buttons. (512) 326-3393 No fabric for sale here (or is there?) but this is a beautiful looking sewing studio in the heart of South Congress with a focus on garment sewing -- beginning to advanced. They also offer open studio time. Austin School of Fashion Design (512) 448-9636 I don't know anything about this place, check out the calendar for everything from beginning sewing to fashion illustration to sloper development. The brainchild of professional fashion designer Mary Margaret Quadlander, it looks like a comprehensive alternative to university fashion design programs. | |||||
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