Monday, August 01, 2011

Best-kept-secrets (NYC fabric stores)

I am so glad so many people have found and love this post! If, after reading this post, you crave more recent info, stop over at my current blog, www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com!

NOTE: YOu will NEED more current info than this!  This post is more than three years old!

I am updating this post, because my stats tell me this is the most popular entry on my blog these days, and much of the info is outdated.  As of 11/19/11, see the most recent update to this post here.

This post was originally inspired by Cindy, of Wall Street by Day... who wondered whether it was worth venturing out of Manhattan to go to some of the fabric stores in Queens.

Update: Now that info is seriously outdated. I would no longer recommend going to Queens to fabric shop (EVER), but I would recommend a trip to Westbury, Long Island for home decorating fabrics. The Joann Fabric store there has a really stellar selection. I can only assume the reason is the beautiful homes nearby.

Okay, on the subject of New York City fabic stores, I can tell you that I am an absolute connoisseur. Depends on what you are looking for, but New York City is positively bursting with fabric stores. I have been fabric shopping in this city since my obsession began, when I was 12 years old (no kidding). That makes 24 (now 28) years experience. I can tell you that there are just too many stores to count... Due to the changing real estate market in the garment district (sky-high rents leading to lease terminations), some of my very favorite stores have long since disappeared, and have been replaced by porn shops, food chain restaurants, and electronics businesses. But many gems remain...

First off, I assume everyone knows about Mood and B&J Fabrics, because of all the publicity they get on the popular sewing/design shows, right? Okay, done with that.

None of these reviews have been solicited. It is simply my true opinion. These stores are mostly within walking distance of one another. For the best experience, go on a weekday, not a Saturday, and know that in the garment district, when buying yardage, prices are almost always negotiable.

My all-time favorite has long been Rosen and Chadick on (40th Street and 7th Ave). They have moved from their old location, but the new location has a very bright and efficient layout. They sell better fabric, so it isn't cheap. This isn't a store you go to with a "list" of things to find. Just let it unfold. The staff is amazing. When you go, tell them "Mimi" told you about the store. I've spent so much time in that store, they know my kids, too! When you exit the elevator on the 2nd floor, they have a beautiful selection of printed cottons resting neatly in the front windows. They really know how to choose the exciting prints. They also have a great selection of suitings, woolens, silks, linens and shirtings. Just a great assortment of stuff.


The most amazing recent find I've seen there, is a gorgeous ruffled organza fabric. Imagine a wide ruffled trim, applied in parallel strips to a fine netting. White AND Black. The time that can save when making a big, ruffled ball skirt... man! Truly hard to find. Run your hands over some cashmere while you're in there, too, and you won't be able to sleep until you buy some. Some really inspiring and amazing fabrics reside there.

Paron on West 40th between 7th and 8th always has some yummy fabrics, and the designer names they are associated with. Only thing, go with money to spend, because when it's gone, it's gone! You're not gonna find it there again later. For that reason, they aren't really keen on swatching. It is a waste of their time, so just buy it if you like it. Otherwise, just admire!

Another favorite is New York Elegant Fabrics (no website - 222 W 40th St
between 7th and 8th Aves). They have EVERYTHING. I'm not kidding. Do not skip the second floor, which has some really to-die-for unusual stuff for home dec and coats. Again, not inexpensive, but just a great experience. Walk in - go to the middle of the store, look to your left... then to your right. Catch your breath. Lean against the bolts if you need to. Fabric heaven. You can tell Tony that Mimi sent you.

For leathers and suedes, you MUST go to Leather, Suede, Skins on 35th Street (11th Floor). Again, not inexpensive, but they have the greatest, to-die-for pieces, as well as trims and bindings you won't find anywhere else.




I made this baguette using fabric I found there.

I cant say enough about Manhattan Wardrobe Supply (245 W. 29th Street between 7th & 8th Avenue). They have all the solutions for your bustline, every kind of elastic or thread you could ever want, and lots of other useful stuff. Great website, too!


Update: Pretty sure this next store is gone now...

Written in Dec '07:
Assuming it's still there (I haven't been in about 2 years), It's a Material World on 39th Street between 7th and 8th, has a HUUUUGE selection, and very low prices. The atmosphere is more like a fabric jungle than a store, both upstairs and downstairs. If you've ever seen "Goodfellas", you may rememeber the scene when DeNiro points out the location for Lorraine Bracco to go get the clothes from some "connection" in a dark alleyway? Well, the interior of this store feels like that!


Something has happened to my beloved Daytona Braids and Trims (251 West 39th Street). While still a great store, they have reduced their inventory significantly, and the shopping atmosphere doesn't feel as fun. But they are stil a great resource for trims and notions. I'm currently the Mayor on Foursquare, but that can be easily snatched away...

You can't miss M&J, for every button, zipper and trim you can imagine, but then, who doesn't know about that one?

SIL has the best zippers. EVER. I wish I had known about them sooner. Coulda saved me a lot of heartache. The zippers are expensive, but you can find ANY zipper in almost ANY color you'd need in there. The invisible zippers are amazingly strong, and great quality.

Jonathan Embroidery will do your buttonholes or many other services for you. They have the world's worst website, but don't let that dissuade you.

Steinlauf and Stoler is for the serious sewer. When you need serious equipment, many choices for interfacings, closures, bra cups, swim cups, shoulder pads, dress forms, hams, clappers, labels, muslins in a variety of weights, get your scissors sharpened, buy patternmaking paper... a million things. Go there.

The bookstore at Fashion Institute of Technology for every quality sewing publication you could possibly need, every tool you could want, and a great art supply selection. No, you don't need to be a student to shop there.

Kashi (at Metro Textiles 265 West 37th Street Suite 908), goes without saying, right? Inexpensive and fun!

Greenberg & Hammer is another favorite for notions, tools and supplies.

Pacific Trimming on 38th Street btwn 7th and 8th has a WORLD of trims, notions and fun stuff. Things you never thought of. It will blow your mind. Not to mention they were playing Prince music (loudly) on my last visit there. What could beat that?

Spandex House is no joke. If you are making a swimsuit, or need any kind of stretch fabric for ANY purpose, they are likely to have it! They have some great prints!



I made this swimsuit cover-up with fabric I found there... among a million other swimsuits, stretch pieces and beach cover-ups!

And... if you're hungry while shopping... I can absolutely tell you where to eat and rest your tootsies!

Ben's Deli, Simply Pasta, Lazzara's Pizza (great pizza, has a really strong "garmento" vibe), Veronica's (now gone- 2011), or the quiet Andrew's Coffee Shop (now gone - 2011).

This post is incomplete, but I'm outta words!

108 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:17 PM

    I appreciate this post. Wish I'd have had your list when I went the NYC for a shopping trip a few years ago. There is so much fabric it's overwhelming. I was able to find a silk stripe that exactly matched a 1949 cocktail dress I was copying. THAT was a special find for me.
    Laura
    www.gownsbylaura.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9:49 AM

    I'm looking for a stretchy material that's in between spandex and Neoprene in terms of texture and thickness for a sporting good product I'm designing. I will be in NYC this weekend. Do you have any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous2:54 PM

      Spandex House, 263 West 38th. This store should have what you need. They are opened on Saturdays. The staff is very nice.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:52 PM

      Im in need of fabric 100% polyester print s and solid colers by the roll i have a little country store 432 557 8503 or wiebefrank@ymail.com

      Delete
  3. Yes, Drew... go to www.spandexhouse.com and visit their store while you're here in NYC. They will probably have what you need, and if not, they will likely know where you can get it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous8:06 AM

    thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous10:40 AM

    Almost a year after you posted - thanks for writing this! Going to go looking for It's a Material World tonight!
    :):)

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  6. Mimi, I am impressed!! Very comprehensive info. I will be contacting you to make me a dress once I can pick up the fabric. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous1:00 AM

    do you know of any place in the city that sells patterns?? Specifically swimsuit patterns (vintage)?? I'm at a loss. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes, I do... and I hope you see this response, since you are anaonymous, and I can't respond directly...

    http://www.oldpatterns.com/bathing.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous10:26 PM

    hi i am actually looking for a few stores that sell fabric good enough to get a prom dress made, anyone have any suggestions? preferably near nyc. thanksss

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous4:08 PM

    Thank you for sharing your experience. I have only been to NYC once, for fun, but now I need wedding dress fabric and had no clue where to start. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10:18 PM

    Great help - how about patterns for skirts and coats?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Okay - wedding dress fabrics - go to Rosen and Chadick, Paron or NY Elegant (all on 40th street)

    If you go to Paron, tell Kim that Mimi Jackson sent you.
    If you go to Rosen and Chadick, tell Ellen or David that Mimi Jackson sent you.

    At NY Elegant, they don't know me by name.

    As for patterns for skirts and coats, go to www.voguepatterns.com. Not many stores in the garment district offer such a broad range of patterns in stock anymore. Paron is the only one with a reasonable selection right now.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, what a great list. I will be in the city in March and have all of these shops marked on my map! Thanks for all the good advice.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous11:25 AM

    Reading your blog three years later......what are best stores for quality dress fabrics? We will have just a day to shop in NYC. For skirts, dresses, tops and slacks. Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. If it is variety you seek, New York Elegant has the best selection by far... Rosen and Chadick is the absolute best for your pants fabrics and they have great fabrics for tops, too. Look at their prints along the big wall (with no windows) to your left when you enter.

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  16. Anonymous12:35 PM

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous8:40 PM

    I am going to NYC this weekend to get materials for my wedding dress!! I am having it custom made. Where would you suggest to go for lace, silk, and satin? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. New York Elegant Fabrics (222 West 40th Street between 7th and 8th avenues) and Sposabella Lace (same block, same side of the street - about 5 doors down, closer to 8th Avenue)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous3:20 PM

    Best fabric store in NY is Fabric City inc. in Corona Queens.www.fabriccityinc.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous12:43 PM

    thanks for all these info. Surely will come in handy. But, do you know where I can get nice upholstery material for dining chairs.

    ReplyDelete
  21. www.beckensteinfabrics.com is a great place for upholstery fabrics in NYC.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kristeen1:55 AM

    I'm looking for the textile that paillettes are made out of.....would like to buy a few sheets and cut my own. Do you know a store in Manhattan that has stuff like that? or a store that even has a wide variety paillettes?

    THANK YOU.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Kristeen. Cutting your own paillettes would be very time consuming, indeed! I would suggest trying Pacific Trims, M& J Trimming (more expensive), and Daytona Trimming - all within a few blocks' radius of one another. If you do choose to cut your own, NY Elegant Fabrics has some very interesting fabrics at the very front of the store, that I'm sure could be used. All of these stores are googleable for addresses. Also, on 38th Street between 7th and 8th, there is a trim store next to Jonathan Embroidery (whose name I can't remember) that looks promising, but I've never been inside...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous9:03 AM

    Thanks Mimi. Can you recommend a store with lesson's for 8yr olds. My daughter wants to make a dress with her new machine, which she nor I know how to use.
    best,
    - David

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure of a store that teaches kids - but I do know this place offers classes - I don't personally know anyone who has taken these classes:

      http://www.lovesewing.com/newyork/Classes/KidsAfterSchool/tabid/1443/List/1/CategoryID/5/Level/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:47 AM

      Save-A-Thon store

      Delete
    3. If in Queens, go to Sew Right on Union Turnpike. If Manhattan, try the JCC on the Upper West Side.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous11:18 PM

    Hi Mimi,
    I'm looking to make some fun and interesting window curtains for my teenage daughter's bedroom. She wants something fun and interesting. I said I would take her into the city and get some fabric to make the curtains (as well as fabric to make my own bedroom curtains). Where do you think we should start off.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The choices are endless, really, but if you go to a store that has home decor fabrics specifically, they will be wider widths (better for home Dec projects), and they will meet flammability standards (safer, in case of fire). While you can be as creative as you like, and use whatever fabric excites you, those two features of home decorating fabrics are very helpful. Oh, and they are usually tested to make sure they don't fade in sunlight - another good feature. I don't do much home decor fabric shopping, but there are many great places that are outside of the garment district - mostly way downtown (Chinatown area) - but the most well known place is on 20th Street - Beckenstein. A Google search will bring up their location and website.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous6:56 AM

    Hi Mimi

    I am looking for a store that would carry a great selection of black and white damask or toile fabrics. We want to cut something to put on stretcher frames to make a make shift headboard. Can you suggest any that you know of offhand? I have searched google and found so many places that I am not sure where to start. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Beckenstein's fabric is the best store for what you need, because they specialize in home dec fabrics. Easily Googleable.

    -Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Mimi,

    Your blog is fabulous and informative, thank you!

    I have a dress from anthro - http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopsale-dresses2/22870612.jsp - that i LOVE but needs repair on the skirt part of it.

    The material is a very fine 100% viscose, light grey/light charcoal color.

    Can you recommend a fabric store where you think i can match this fabric or replace it with something similar?

    Thank you much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Matching fabric exactly can be a frustrating search. I have been extraordinarily lucky at NY Elegant, though, simply because of the sheer volume of fabrics they have. Failing that, though, better to seek out a contesting fabric intentionally, and change the look!

      Delete
  30. babbo3:39 PM

    hi there mimi, where can i find really cool mod vintage looking hipster fabric? thanks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Okay - for the really special, funky stuff, you've gotta visit the "Dress a Day" blog - and check out her advertisers. You'll find vintage inspired, but not true vintage fabric in the garment district here in NYC, but to me, the fun is in finding something no one else has. eBay can also come up with the occasional gem, or if you're really creative, you can have your own fabric printed at spoonflower.com.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Mimi
    Where would I go to find a good selection of top quality premium jean-grade denim fabric in NY?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hardest thing to find, EVER. You can find a nice selection of denims at NY Elegant, and a smaller selection of great denims at Rosen & Chadick, but, ultimately, unless you plan to pretreat, fade, dye, bleach, stone wash or distress the denim to the desired feel yourself, you will need to settle, to a certain degree. If you want to make something truly handmade-looking, you will be fine, but the industrial, factory-made denim item is virtually impossible to reproduce.

      Delete
  33. Anonymous8:24 PM

    HI Mimi,

    Can you recommend a place in NYC or even online where I can purchase a pattern for a dress? I have a dress that I would like to make but I need a pattern from which to work.

    Thank you, Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are LOTS of places to buys patterns. Here's the catch... a pattern is not a sewing lesson, so it can be like reading Greek (unless of course, you happen to be Greek, which would be funny...) without additional help. Many companies assume a certain level of knowledge before you begin. If you want to tackle a sewing project on your own, grab a copy of "Vogue Sewing", which gives you all of the basic info you need to follow a pattern made by their own and similar companies, then go online to www.butterick.com, www.voguepatterns.com or, on the same site, McCall's patterns, and try one of those. Call in a consultant (whether friend or paid) for help, if you need to to, and makes sure that you are aware that pattern sizes are different than ready to wear sizes. Look on the back of the pattern envelope for a measurement chart, and follow the bust measurement to find the size closest to your body, making whatever alterations wherever needed. You can also buy patterns at any JoAnn fabric store, if you are on Long Island or Staten Island. You can also find them in Jamaica, Queens at Fabric Sav-a-Thon.

      Delete
  34. Anonymous3:12 AM

    Hi I'm a tourist from Australia visiting NYC in June 2012. I'm looking for a retailer of Moda quilting fabric scrap bags please. Does anyone know any in or near NYC that's worth a visit please? I will hopefully be heading to Toronto, Canada via Niagara Falls. Thanks

    susiebriz@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://www.fabricdepot.com/index.php?page=ProductPage&pageid=130797

      I can find where you can order online, but no brick and mortar store. Any readers out there know an answer to this question?

      Delete
  35. Anonymous9:25 PM

    Hi, I want to go into nyc to find fabric for everyday outfits. Cottons, rayons but not the $15o a yard kind on fashion models. Nice, decent priced fabric that isnt cheap looking or so thin you can almost see through it. Any suggestions on places to go?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The choices are endless. Fabric can be quite inexpensive, but you have to do the legwork. Remnants (smaller cuts that are the last of what they have) are almost always a steal, and any of the above stores are great resources. I would recommend Kashi (above) wholeheartedly for what you are looking for. Of the above mentioned, he is really the discount king.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous11:23 PM

    Hi Mimi

    I am taking my daughter, age15, into the City to look for some fabrics to make her dress for the school Spring formal. Aside from Elegant Fabrics, which I love thanks to you, where should I take her?

    Thanks for your help!!
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go to Paron - 257 W 39th (new location). I haven't been to the new location yet, but they have a great collection of formal fabrics. You'll definitely find something you love there.

      Delete
  37. Anonymous6:09 PM

    Dear Mimi,
    Thank you for the useful information,
    I wonder, if there is a store with a qualitative brand fabrics, such as Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, Prada? or any other non-brand, but unique and of a high quality. I appreciate your help!

    Yuliya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure I understand the question. You would like fabric identified by the company that used it in their collections? If so, you can often find those fabrics identified at Paron and NY Elegant. There are a few vertical companies that produce their own fabrics, and their names are on the selvedges - like Armani, Loro Piana, etc.

      Delete
  38. Anonymous10:35 PM

    Hi,

    This is a great list! I'm looking for 3" inch wide animal print ribbon for making sashes. It seems like some of these places might not have a wide variety of ribbon... could you recommend a place that does? Thanks so much!

    Samantha

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous2:22 PM

    Hi Mimi,

    Thanks for such a great list! Could you direct me to the right place please? I want to make my 20 month old son some cute summer pants with a pattern from Anna Maria Horner - the quick change trousers. Wanted to know where to go to get cute patterns in cotton - like white and light blue plaids or seek sucker or small prints but light material, variety of colors, blue, red, orange and green. any place in new york city would be great.

    thanks so much!
    Dardi

    ReplyDelete
  40. Try the center aisle of NY Elegant. In my opinion, the garment district is pretty light on kids' fabrics in general.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous2:55 PM

    Hi Mimi,

    Wow! This post is amazing. Thanks for your kind sharing. It would be very helpful.
    In this time I'm looking for a wedding dress pattern. I'm planning to take the seminar course(bridal gown sewing) in FIT in this Summer. I got the information that there is a dress pattern shop on 40th street between 7 and 9 ave. My professor doesn't remember the name of the store, so I'm wondering if you have any information about that.
    Where can I buy a commercial wedding gown pattern?
    Thank you so much.

    Christine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the delay in responding! The store is probably Paron Fabrics, which has recently moved to 38th Street. You can always buy patterns online, which takes a while, but is very easy to do through sites like www.voguepatterns.com, etc. There are also lots of vintage patterns for sale online, if that is your thing!

      Delete
  42. Anonymous4:22 AM

    I would really like to know where to find velvet fabrics to meanswear, 100% cotton in the colors navy blue and burgundy. Do you know where to find this? Thank you in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry - for this one, I have no info. Menswear is not my domain/strength, but I would suggest that you try Fabric Czar - 257 West 39th.

      Delete
  43. Anonymous10:59 PM

    Do you know where to go for custom-made bras? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would suggest going to Bratenders (http://www.bratenders.com/) - not for custom, but for a quality bra that FITS! Once you have one, have a dressmaker embellish it or make it prettier, if desired. A bra is an engineered garment, and it molds your bust into a shape you want to be, which is usually not the shape you are, so, in my opinion, custom bras (unless you don't mind spending a lot) for general use, are not a great use of your financial resources.

      Delete
  44. Anonymous9:20 AM

    I will be in NYC July 12-15.. and looking for fine 100% cotton to make pillow cases... ABC used to have fabrics.. do they as of now? and where else.. I'll be in Brooklyn on Sat & Sun July 14 15
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  45. I really don't know the answer to this question, since pillowcases (not decorative pillows, right?) is not something I see people do very often. My best guess is http://beckensteinfabrics.com, but I'm not sure. I have seen people buy plain sheets or pillowcases of high quality, and then embroider, or embellish to suit their own projects. That's one way to do it...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous9:13 AM

    This is an amazing post, useful info, short, sweet & to the point. Many thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since writing this post and updating it long ago, I have taken over the www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com blog, where I expand on these stores and more...

      Delete
  47. Anonymous2:27 PM

    I was in New York City in the Fashion Garmet district a few years ago and came across a fabric shop that would sell remnants by the box and ship it to your house. I'm talking about 50+ pds of fabrics that were 1/2 yard to 4 yards. I order 2 boxes, but lost the name of the company. Do you by chance know of any fabric companies in New York that will do this?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous2:38 PM

    I was in New York City a few years ago and visited the Garment District. I found a fabric store that would sell their remnants (1/4 yrd - 4 yds) by the box, like 50+ pounds and ship to your home address. I lost my contact and was wondering if you know of any fabric companies in New York that does this?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous12:47 PM

    hi Mimi,
    what a fantastic Blog!!!!
    are you familar with FIDM in LA??
    if so can you reccommend a similar place in NY
    I a, hunting swim wear fabric

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. www.spandexhouse.com is the absolute best for swimwear fabrics. The New York equivalent of FIDM (as I understand it) is FIT. More business oriented, than art oriented, correct? If you want more art oriented, Parsons is the choice.

      Delete
  50. Anonymous2:28 AM

    I am looking for inexpensive, but sturdy fabric to upholster my couch. What stores do you recommend?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beckenstein's Fabric - http://www.beckensteinfabrics.com/ - is great for upholstery fabric.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:02 PM

      Great. Thank you.

      Delete
  51. Anonymous9:55 AM

    Rosen and Chadick really is a great store. I walked in and perused a while, then brought a few things to the cutting table. David Chadick (both he and his partner are on site and they are the ones you deal with!) looked at what I chose and led me to several fabrics that I absolutely loved and wouldn't have found on my own. He was generous with his cuts and gave me some great prices on gorgeous designer fabrics. I live in the boonies, so he intuited that I was looking for a store I could trust should I call and ask for something to be shipped, and that is exactly what I'll be doing. These are pricey but extraordinarily gorgeous materials sold in a calm, organized and service-oriented store. They are quality people. I'm happy I found them. Thanks, Mimi!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Anonymous5:34 PM

    Thanks for the list! Exactly what I needed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mimi
      I am going to be in NYC this week and am searching for some cute fabric to make my son's crib sheets and curtains. We are wanting it to be a Ninja theme. Do you have any stores in mind that I might find something at? I would really appreciate any advice!

      Delete
    2. A Ninja theme... whoa. If you mean prints, I really dunno, but Spoonflower will custom print a fabric for you, if you wanna get specific. You can visit my www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com blog for lots of stores to visit, and you'd just be lucking up on something if New York Elegant or City Quilter had something for you. Alexander Henry fabrics has some prints in the Ninja theme, and Material World sells some of their prints. That's about the most help I can give... hope it guides you in the right direction!

      Delete
  53. Anonymous2:14 PM

    Hi Mimi,
    Thank you so much for that very helpful list. Would you happen to know a store where I can buy sport fabrics. I would like to make a line of equestrian shirts and need some light, breathable and strechy fabric. And may be you know someone who can make me samples. Thank you so much in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Mimi!

    Thanks for this list. I am heading to NYC in a few weeks to look for fabric and this list has helped me decide on my path.

    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous9:22 PM

    Hi Mimi-
    Heading to NYC in a couple days, what is the best fabric shop to go to for jersey knits?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My favorites for jersey knits are NY Elegant, Elliott Berman, and check to see what Kashi at Metro Textiles has. Search any one of those names for full profiles on the blog. There are others, but you'll lilely find what you want in one of those places, for sure.

      Delete
  56. Anonymous1:16 PM

    hey Mimi!
    Im looking for neoprene fabric, in different colors. Do you know the best spot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neoprene - I do not know. I've seen lots of rubberized fabrics, but that is not one I've vere specifically looked for!

      Delete
  57. Anonymous9:59 AM

    Hi Mimi,

    Thanks for the info. I am a first timer and trying to re-upholster my grandad's wing-back arm chair. Any suggestions for upholstery fabric, piping and materials? Also, do you know of any stores in Queens. Jackson heights has a lot of fabric stores.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are in Queens and you drive, I think that the JoAnn (yes, I said JoAnn) in Garden City (only a 20 minute drive or so), has a GREAT home dec department. Stores in Jackson Heights can be kinda hit-or-miss, and appeal to the local demographic, while the Manhattan stores appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets. In Manhattan, Mood Fabrics is a sure bet, and DIY Fabrics is another option. Or Beckenstein Fabrics, if you wanna get fancy about it.

      Delete
  58. Anonymous11:26 AM

    looking for burlap where can I go in NYC?

    ReplyDelete
  59. http://www.moodfabrics.com/index.php?file=categorylist&keyword=burlap&frompage=topsearch

    Mood Fabrics has burlap

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous4:16 PM

    Hi Mimi,

    Im looking for fabric to make running shirts. (stretchy , wicks sweat, etc) Do you know which store in NYC carries them? Can I also buy in bulk? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the answer is Spandex House. Click the link in the above post to connect with them. Online or in person, they have what you need!

      Delete
  61. Anonymous6:40 AM

    Hi Miami,

    I'm looking for Neoprene fabric & elastic Velcro. Can you steer me in the right places to go when I go to NYC this July???

    Thanks, Patrick =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For neoprene, try B&J fabrics - see the link here...
      http://bandjfabrics.com/fabrics?model=&keys=neoprene&tid=All&tid_1=All&tid_2=All

      Make sure you visit my other blog, www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com, too!

      I'll see who has elastic velcro...

      Delete
    2. For stretch Velcro, depends on your purpose. Do you need it for loops or straps? Large quantity or small? Clothing or industrial?

      Delete
  62. Anonymous7:03 PM

    I'm planning a NYC trip in October with my sister. We'd like to fabric shop and were thinking of taking one of the seekNY garment district tours. Worth the money or just use the blog info and go it alone?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have no personal experience with the seek Ny trips, but I do know that they are short and inexpensive, which are probably great for tourists. I run tours via my other blog www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com, which are well worth the money for the serious fabric shopper. Visit my blog and click the tab for details, if interested.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:56 PM

      Thanks, I'll check it out! :)
      Bummer - we're coming in on Oct. 10th, the speakeasy tour sounded great!

      Delete
  63. Mimi, I love all the information you supply, and thanks so much for being so helpful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! This post is quite old, though, so you might wanna follow me to my newer blog, www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com!

      Delete
  64. Anonymous10:21 PM

    I just wanted to give folks a heads up - we took a SeekNY Garment District Tour today and just felt like it sucked the life out of us! We were walked around in circles for 2 hours after starting nearly 10 blocks from the nearest fabric or trim shop. I realize there is some history to be learned, but most - at least the people in our group - are interested in learning about the shops available.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks for the info! I'm looking specifically for childrens tiny print knits. I use them to make very small doll clothes... Any suggestions? And thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm... I don't know of any specifically, because it is more in the craft genre, which the garment district doesn't typically serve. I'd try NY Elegant 222 West 40th, if I were you, but your best resources might actually be online.

      Delete
  66. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anonymous12:12 AM

    Hi, Mimi,
    Great list! I'm coming to NY this weekend and I make bridal and bridesmaid clutches customized. Where do you recommend I look for fancy bridal laces and silks? I don't need a lot, just a yard perhaps, or even 1/2 yd. I can use ends and remnants as well, since I don't need huge amounts of fabric.
    Thanks so much! Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. go to B&J Fabrics, Fabrics & Fabrics (look at their wide trims), NY Elegant, Sposabella for beautiful choices. Also go to Paron to explore their options. Small yardage can be bought, as long as you meet the store's minimums. All of these names are searchable on my other blog www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com, or a more comprehensive map with descriptions is available for purchase on my other blog, too. I am also leading a speakeasy this Saturday (may 17, if you would like to joining. Visit the other blog for details.

      Delete
  68. Anonymous9:58 PM

    hi mimi I am having a toga party and need to make 50 togas inexpensively can you recommend what fabric I could use

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go to Guide Fabrics and buy muslin (wholesale price, because you'll need so much).

      Delete
  69. Best fabric store in Queens Fabric City Inc.
    100st on Northern Blvd. Corona queens.
    www.fabriccityinc.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Anonymous1:43 PM

    Stop by at Fabric For Less! They have a wonderful wide selection of fabrics, they're located at 239 W39th St btw 7th & 8th Ave. The people are also very friendly!

    ReplyDelete


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