Finding Formal Wear Fabrics Online

Making your prom attire your way is one way to make your prom an even more special and more memorable night.

The Fabric Store Directory helps you create attire for your special occasion by providing links to fabric stores all over the world. You have access to some of the finest fabrics in the world, this means you have more freedom to find the color that you are looking for and find unique fabrics and patterns that are not available to you locally. The links below take you right to the Fabric Store Directory’s list of stores that sell formal wear fabric and other fabrics for special occasions.

Is there a specific fabric you are looking for? The list below provide links to fabric stores that sell specific formal wear fabrics.

Check out the Fabric Store Directory on Pinterest. A fun way to experience the directory and connect with your new favorite store!

All information provided by the Fabric Store Directory is intended as information. The Fabric Store Directory does not endorse any fabric store. Please use caution and discretion when purchasing products from any store online.

 

 

 

Where Can you Find Eco Fabrics Online?

Who sells eco fabrics?

Eco fabrics play an important role in conservation and the recycling of resources.  Many fabric stores around the world are meeting the demands of consumers and selling eco fabrics to retail consumers.  The fibers and prices vary.  Here’s a link to the list of fabric stores that sell eco fabrics from the Fabric Store Directory.  Click here for the list of stores that sell eco fabrics.

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link below to search the directory.

 

Check out the Fabric Store Directory on Pinterest.  A fun way to experience the directory and connect with your new favorite store!

MoodFabrics.com – The Most Fun You Can Have Fabric Shopping Online

For a fabric lover shopping for fabric is some of the most fun they can have. I think Moodfabrics.com is by far one of the most comprehensive, most helpful and most engaging sites for online fabric shopping on the internet. Of course, there are many amazing fabric store websites and the Fabric Store Directory will help you find them all. But, lets start with Mood and find out what makes them so wonderful.

Mood Fabrics in New York City’s Garment District is known throughout the world. It is the fabric store that sewists who have not visited dream of one day making their way into the lobby of 225 W 37th Street, getting on the elevator, going to the third floor and crossing that magic doorway into fabric nirvana. This dream is shared by more than 1,200 people a day so it can get crowded in this slice of heaven.

Mood Fabrics online website creates a magical experience for sewists all over the world without the sewist having to make the trip to New York City. From your location you have everything that makes this store a destination and more. Moodfabrics.com states that the fabrics in their stores may not be available online, but Moodfabrics.com is stocked with the basics and a full inventory of beautiful specialty and luxury fabrics.

The screenshots from Moodfabrics.com show what makes the site great. Starting with the homepage, learning about the history of Mood Fabrics, store policies and searching for fabric, the site does not disappoint.

Where do you start?

Moodfabrics.com homepage engages you from the start. The homepage changes frequently highlighting trending fabrics. What I like about the homepage is there is something for everyone. In this particular image you can see the word “free”. Moodfabrics.com offers free sewing patterns through their Sewciety blog. The homepage is bright and dynamic and just makes you want to start clicking on links.

Mood Fabrics Online About page.

What is Moodfabrics.com?

If you read my Fabric Shopping Online – Shopping Tips you will know I think the about page and store policies pages are as important as the products a website sells. Moodfabrics.com has a fascinating about page that provides the origins of the store and how it became famous for being featured on Project Runway.

Mood Fabrics online FAQ page.

What are Moodfabrics.com Shipping Policies?

Check out the FAQ page and the Terms and conditions pages. You will find all you need to know about store polices and shipping information.

Mood Fabrics Online Fabric Stores

How Do I Find Fabric on Moodfabrics.com?

There are several ways to find fabric on Moodfabrics.com. Searching for fabric on a large site like Moodfabrics.com can be complicated, but depending how specific you are about what you want there are different ways to approach your search.

  1. Use the search bar at the top of the page.
  2. Use the menu.
  3. Use the filters on the page.
  4. Intuitively click the links that interest you.

How do I use the search box to find fabric on Moodfabrics.com?

The search bar is handy if you know what you want. You can be as specific as you want. Here are the results for a search for light weight solid green cotton. As you can see even this search can be narrowed using the filters on the left side of the page. Because I may want a particular fiber content or price.

Mood Fabrics Online website listings page

How do I use the menu to find fabric on Moodfabrics.com?

Using the menu is also helpful if you have some idea of the fabric you want by type, color, content or pattern. This screenshot shows the first page for polyester fabric. I used the menu drop down and selected fashion fabrics and then selected polyester in the by content drop down menu. As you can see you can continue to refine the search with the filters or start scrolling through the listings.

How do I use filters to find fabric?

This is the Moodfabrics.com sale page. On the left side you can see that I have set some filters to only see fabrics that meet the certain criteria. There are many filters that you can access on the page. Which filter you user will depend on what you are looking for. The filters I selected show cottons in the green color family, with a floral pattern. The fabric is between $6.00 and $10.00 and has stretch. Filters are handy to narrow your search and find just what you are looking for.

Can you just browse Moodfabrics.com?

Yes, I recommend it. It is a lot of fun just to click on what interests you and see what you will find. The site is so large, I don’t thing you will see the same thing twice if you are not trying.

Mood Fabrics Online website detailed product listing.

How do I understand the detailed listing for the fabric?

Moodfabrics.com website has some of the best and most detailed fabric information on the internet. The information will help beginners to professionals understand the characteristics of the fabric for sale. Below is a list of the information. On one page you get enough information to know if the fabric is right for your project.

Information in a Moodfabrics.com fabric listing.

Images of the fabric

Price of the fabric

Ordering fabric yardage or swatch

Information about reordering fabric

Weight of the fabric

Estimation tool to find out how much you need for a particular garment.

Name of the fabric

Colors the fabric comes in

Fabric Width

Fiber content of the fabric

Type of pattern on the fabric

Shipping information

Description of the fabric

Projects the fabric is suitable for

Information about returns

Pantone number that identifies the color of the fabric

Length of a roll of the fabric

Care instructions for fabric

Mood Fabrics Online website

What else can I find on Moodfabrics.com?

This is lower down on the page above. The page does a good job directing you to where to go next. There are useful links for notions and other supplies related to the fabric in the main listing. Moodfabrics.com listings get your creative juices flowing with ideas for all of your projects. But, if you still don’t know what to make. Sewciety the social side of Moodfabrics.com will take care of the rest.

Does Moodfabrics.com have a blog?

Sewciety is a wonderful interactive blog that provides patterns, sewing tips and ideas. Sewciety is a great resource for information. It’s like having a friend who is willing to share all of their tips. Sewciety fosters a supportive community in the comments section.

Moodfabrics.com is a large site. I could look for fabric on the site for days. Not only does the site sell fabric, but they have all the notions and supplies that you need for your projects. Moodfabrics.com frequently has sales so get on the mailing list to stay informed. Moodfabrics.com makes online fabric shopping fun.

This post is about my experiences with Moodfabrics.com. It is intended for informational purposes only. Moodfabrics.com is constantly updated and the post is accurate as of the time it was written.

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link below to search the directory.

Online Fabric Stores – Shopping Tips

Why Shop Online Fabric Stores?

The pandemic has changed the course of many businesses forever.  This includes fabric stores.  Shopping online fabric stores became a necessity.  The demand for fabric increased because of the need for masks and gowns.  Now that in store shopping has resumed, does the appeal of online shopping seems to remain?  

The Fabric Store Directory was born out of the need to find fabric online.  Most of the stores in the directory offer some type of online shopping.  The ability to shop fabric stores online frees the you to explore more fabric choices than may be available to you locally. 

Who Sells Fabric Online?

Nationally known chain stores

Fabric stores near you

Stores that serve their local community in other states and countries

Large regionally known fabric stores

Fabric stores that only sell fabric online

Large well known stores dominate internet searches for fabric. With the help of the Fabric Store Directory you can discover smaller fabric stores, regional fabric stores and fabric stores in other countries.  

Which is Better? Online or In Store Shopping?

I will never forget browsing the fabric store as a child.  I would spend hours looking at the pattern books and then looking at the fabric dreaming of the garments I wanted to make.  Now, I can spend hours online comparing fabric on different sites and adding it to my fabric stash.  

I don’t think there is a better.  Having the opportunity to visit a fabric store is always a treat.  But it is thrilling to shop online fabric stores and discover fabric in different colors and textures from all over the world. 

How do I know if a Fabric Store Site is Good?

The first thing I do, before I look at any of the stores fabric is try to figure out if the site is a real online fabric store.   I look around the homepage of the site to find the location to the store and contact information.  I am looking for a physical location even if the store is only an online store.  The next thing I do is find the about page.  After that, I look for the shipping and refund policies. 

Why Should I Try to Find Location and Contact information?

Although, it does not guarantee a site is reputable, knowing there is a place that you can call and their location is a start. 

Why Is the About Page Important?

I like to know the type of store the site represents.  Is it a neighborhood store? Are they a chain?  What do they specialize in?  This is part of establishing if the store is trustworthy.  Some about pages are more elaborate than others, so it is only part of the story. 

What is the Importance of Shipping and Refund Policies?

I am particularly interested in if the company will ship to my location.  How they ship and can purchases be returned.  Shipping policies may let you know how long it may take to get your purchase.  Most stores do not refund cut fabric, check though, because some do.  Many stores that do not provide a refund will send you swatches for a small fee.  It is important to know what the stores policies are so you will know what to expect once you place an order.  If you are not comfortable with the policies, then look for another store. 

What Do I do if the website does not have a location, an about page or information about shipping and refund policies?

I am very strict about these four criteria. The about page being the most flexible, and the location/contact information being the most important.  Shipping and refund policies are important to me. If they are not provided I generally will look elsewhere.  

What if the store is on Social Media or has reviews online?

Reviews and recommendations can be very helpful in determining if you want to buy from a fabric store.  I use them as a secondary resource, although if there are many complaints about service or quality of the fabric, I will look somewhere else.  I would never let a review replace the lack of contact information for a store.   You should be very comfortable with a site if you are going to spend money, especially, if you don’t know the company beforehand.  Please use caution when making decisions about spending money on any site.  

Once I have looked at these aspects of the store, and I am satisfied by the amount of information I have been able to find I will then start to look at the organization of the site.

How is an ONline Fabric Store Organized?

This is, of course, up to the store itself.  Most stores have some of the featured products on the homepage and a menu that allows you to link to fabric by type.  You can click on a fabric type and link to the listings of the fabric the store sells.  

 

How Can I Find the FAbric I want in an Online Store?

I like to browse and see what fabrics catch my eye, but it can be very helpful to know what you are looking for when searching online.  You will be able to focus on what you want an not on fabrics that will not work for your project.

The most helpful sites will provide detailed information about the fabric and images that will allow you to see the texture and finish of the fabric.  This is where swatches can be helpful.  Some sites will allow you to search by color, price of the type of garment you are looking for.  

I have spoken with many fabric store employees and they have all told me that they are willing to help customers that call with questions, so if you are looking for something and don’t see it, it may be worth the time to call the store and see if they can help you.  

How Do Fabric Stores Sell Fabric Online?

If you choose to order fabric online find out if the fabric is cut in yards or meters.  In the United States most fabric is cut by the yard or the half yard, some online stores may cut in smaller increments.

How Do I buy Fabric by the Half Yard?

For most stores if you need a yard of fabric and they cut by the half yard you order 2 instead of one.  The store should also indicate that by ordering 2 you will get 1 full yard that is not cut.  So if you need 2 continuous yards you order 4.

How Do I buy Fabric Sold in Meters?

It is important to be aware of the unit of measurement the fabric store is using when you calculate what you will need.  Most fabric stores not located in the United States sell fabric in meter or half meter lengths.  For a US shopper not accustomed to this it has some advantages.  A meter is equal to 39.37 inches.  That is about 3 and 1/4 inches more than a  yard.  There are conversion charts for meters on the back of pattern envelopes if you are working from a commercial pattern.  

How Do I order Fabric by the Half Meter?

This is the same as ordering by the half yard.  One meter will equal 2 half yards.

Summary of tips for shopping online Fabric Stores.

  • Check for the location and phone number of the store.  Check for shipping and return policies.  Find out about the store by looking at the about page.
  • How is the store organized?  By fabric type?
  • What are you looking for?  Know ahead of time the type of fabric you want so you can search more efficiently on the site.
  • Find your fabric, know your yardage, fill your cart.
  • Double check your cart for accuracy.  Do you have the right fabric, color, and amount?
  • When you are ready make your payment and wait for happiness to arrive!

I hope this guide provides you with some insight to make shopping for fabric online more fun and cost efficient.  Fabric store websites are some of the most user friendly and dynamic sites on the internet.  The Fabric Store Directory is an independent directory that contains links to over 400 fabric stores all over the world.  I hope you will click the link below and embark on an online journey discovering fabric stores around the world.


Fabric Store Directory 2022 Year End Review

Fabric Store Directory 2022 Year End Review

What is the Fabric Store Directory?

Using the Fabric Store Directory the home sewist is clicks away from a world of fabric stores.  The Fabric Store Directory started informally several years ago.  I stored links to the fabric stores I found searching for dress fabric for my daughter.  Once I realized that typing the word fabric in a search engine does not get you very far on the first page of results, I started looking deeper.  The more I looked for fabric stores, the more I found all over the world.  Many fabric stores ship internationally.  I began to purchase fabric from all over the world.

Initially I thought the directory would have 50 to 60 stores.  But, I just kept looking.  For about two years I searched the internet for stores all over the world.  Everyday something new would pop up so I just kept on searching.  After finding more than 450 unique stores in 34 countries, and I feel I am just getting started.

Jerome Fabrics a wonderful neighborhood fabric store in the Bronx.

Who is the Fabric Store Directory For?

The Fabric Store Directory helps sewists get their creative juices flowing.  Following links to stores in India or Iceland or even Portland can provide just the spark you need.

The Fabric Store Directory helps you find what you are looking for without the hassle of a lengthy search.  Use the tags to find stores that sell the category of item you are looking for.

The Fabric Store Directory wants you to find what you are looking for whether it is next door or on the other side of the world.  Local has new meaning when you use the directory.  Many of the stores in the directory were started and are owned by family based companies.  Many are owned by women.

Who has used the Fabric Store Directory?

Sewists from all over the world have used the Fabric Store Directory.  I welcome all of you.  The directory had over 200 visitors from 25 countries this year.  We share a love for sewing and the creation of unique and beautiful garments.  I feel lucky to have been able to help you on your journey and sincerely wish you the best.

Fabric Store Directory Highlights from 2022

I spent most of my time growing the content of the directory this year.  However, I did get a chance to visit the Garment District in New York City in March and visit 14 stores.  I have created a table that will help shoppers learn the names of some of the prominent stores in the district and what they sell.  In September I made it to Brooklyn to visit FabScrap.  I visited Jerome Fabrics in the Bronx.  A wonderful neighborhood fabric store that is around the corner from the Bronx location of Fabric Save-A-Thon. 

Fabric Save-A-Thon in Bronx, New York
Mivia Fabrics in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

I love fabric shopping in NYC, but I branched out and visited Mivia Fabrics in New Jersey and Fabric Mart in Pennsylvania.  In October I visited Fabric Mart of New York in Yorktown Heights, New York and Beetle and Fred in Beacon, New York.  I enjoyed them all.

Prime Fabrics in the Garment District, New York City.

Every time a new store is added to the directory I spend some time looking through the site.  Every store has something of interest, but my stash is overflowing so I only have ordered some organza for interlining garments recently from Online Fabric Store.  Online Fabric Store is a great place to get basic fabrics at great prices.

Fabric Shopping Guide for New York City’s Garment District

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link below to search the directory.

New York City's Garment District Fabric Shopping
A beautiful day for a walking tour of New York City’s Garment District.

One of the most exciting trips for a fabric lover is a visit to the Garment District in New York City. Especially because New York City’s Garment District is the heart of the fashion industry in the United States.  Today the Garment District is home to dozens of stores that sell fabric, notions and trim.  Many stores are open to retail shoppers.  My visit included stops at more than a dozen retail fabric stores selling the highest quality fabric, notions and supples. 

My visit to the Garment District includes the stores listed in the table below.  However, if you can’t make the trip to the Garment District, many of the stores have websites and additionally some have online shopping so you can browse the store from your device.  Finally, if you are planning a visit you can use the table to help you plan your journey. This information is intended to inform.  It is based on my experiences and opinions.  If you are traveling to the Garment District or shopping with sites online, check for specific store policies.  

NameAddress/WebsiteType of Fabric/ProductPricingGood ForOverall Impression
Stretch House218 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
https://stretchhouse.com/
Stretch Fabrics$$Garments that use stretch fabrics. Range from formal to activewearA great go to store for stretch fabric. They have a little of everything.
Steinlauf & Stiller221 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
https://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/
Notions and supplies$ - $$$Great for notions. Seemed to have a nice selection of interfacingInteresting store. There were a lot of products displayed. Prices seemed fair and staff helpful.
Mood Fabrics225 W 37th St 3rd floor, New York, NY 10018
https://www.moodfabrics.com/
All types of fabric and notions$$ - $$$$Good for specific projects. Comprehensive collection of fabric, representative of what’s available for retail purchase. High to highest quality.Busy store with regular shoppers and tourists. Worth the experience, but I enjoy the website more.
B & J Fabrics525 7th Ave, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10018
http://bandjfabrics.com/
All types of fabric$$$ - $$$$Wide selection of fabrics. High to highest quality. Fabric selection on hangers, a store that has everything, worth the time to look, even if it is out of budget.
Sil Thread257 W 38th St, Ground floor, New York, NY, 10018
https://silthreadinc.com/
Notions and supples$ - $$$Everything but fabric needed for designing and sewing garments.Fun store with a little bit of everything,
Spandex House263 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
https://www.spandexhouse.com/
Stretch Fabrics$$Specializes in stretch fabric.Everything stretch with moderate prices.
Diana Fabrics250 W 39th St, #3, New York, NY 10018
https://diananycfabrics.com/
Specializes in fabrics for formalwear.$$ - $$$$Wide selection of fabrics for formal occasions. This store seemed to have some unique colors and fabrics that were different from other stores selling similar fabric.
Day to Day Textiles214 W 39th St, Frnt 5, New York, NY, 10018Apparel fabric for formal to casual clothing.$$ - $$$$Sells variety of fabrics for formal wear, some fabric for casual attire. Wide selection of lace.
Fabric World256 W. 38th St, New York, NY 10018
https://fabricsworldusa.com/
Apparel fabric, sportswear to formal wear.$ - $$$$Apparel fabric of all types.
Hai Trim & Feathers230 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
https://www.haitrim.com/
Trim, spandex fabric, feathers$ - $$$$
Pacific Trimming200 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
https://pacifictrimming.com/
Zippers, trims, buttons, rhinestones, and other trimming supples.$ - $$$$One of the best stores for trimming and supplies. Friendly shopping experience. This is a destination store. The selection is wonderful and staff members are helpful.
Botani236 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
https://www.botanitrim.com/
Zippers, buttons, rib material and other trim and supplies.$ - $$$$Some of the nicest quality zippers. Seemed to focus on zippers buttons, fasteners and heat transfer vinyl.The zippers are some of the best I have seen. Pleasant shopping experience
Shindo162 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
https://sicen.shindo.com/
Wide selection of trims including lace, ribbon, and piping$ - $$$
New York Elegant Fabrics242 W 36th St, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10018
https://newyorkelegantfabrics.com/
Fabric, notions and supplies$ - $$$$
Prime Fabrics212 W 35th St, New York, NY 10018
https://www.primefabrics.com/
Wide selection of apparel fabric for all types of garments$$ - $$$$If you see something you love at the higher price fabric stores check here. You may find something very similar for a lower price.This store seems to be a hidden gem. The selection is comparable to the other more well known fabric stores. Staff was helpful and prices felt fair.
M & J Trimming1008 5th Ave, New York, NY
https://www.mjtrim.com/
Ribbons, lace, crystal, buttons, products to trim garments.$ - $$$$Large selection of ribbon. Interesting trims.Beautiful store with a large selection of ribbon and other trimmings.

 

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link below to search the directory.

HELLO TO VOGUE FABRICS NEW LOCATION

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link above to search the directory.

In my last post I said goodbye to Vogue Fabrics on Main Street in Evanston, Illinois.  Now, I say hello to Vogue Fabrics new location, 618 Hartrey Ave, Evanston, Illinois.  Vogue Fabrics combined their warehouse, which was primarily for wholesale shoppers with their retail store formerly on Main Street in Evanston, Illinois.  I am excited to find out what has changed, and what has stayed the same.  

 

Entrance to Vouge Fabrics, 618 Hartrey Ave, Evanston, Illinois.

The first big change, is a parking lot for the store. The lot is free!  I am not sure how frequently it will fill up, maybe on weekends.   When I arrived early on a weekday morning, there were several spaces available.  The entrance to the store does not give many clues as to the massive amount of warehouse space inside.  The front entry area seems to have been office space at one time and you have to walk through two rooms to get to the shopping area.  

When I arrived someone ahead of me was getting information about the layout of the store.  Instead of waiting for an introduction to the store, I decided to enter. Helpful maps were on the end of the cutting table near the door.  The store layout is four aisles of shelves, with rolls of fabric on the shelves three shelves high.  The fabric is mostly organized by type and content.  This is somewhat different from the Main Street store, which had the fabric rolls on tables a little lower than waist high.  This new layout seems to makes sense for the volume of fabric in the store.  As I walked around to get an understanding of the layout of the store, it reminded me of the fabric stores in New York City.  

An aisle of fabric at Vogue Fabrics, 618 Hartrey Ave, Evanston, Illinois

Many things stayed the same in the new store and some things were better.   I was happy to see the staff members from the Main Street store working in the new store.  It felt like the departments from the old store were shrunk and combined with the warehouse inventory.  What I used to call the wall of silk, rolls of silk fabric shelved against the wall in the Main Street store, has become an end of an aisle.  The cotton fabrics for crafting and quilting are on shelves in the the back of the store.  The remnants are in a smaller area, but there are many new looking pieces.  The button area from the old store is well organized in the new space and easier to access.  The notions are across from the cutting table which is nice because it is easier to pick out thread for fabric when getting it cut.  

The collections of novelty fabrics were my favorite part of Vogue Fabrics, Main Street store. They were arranged by price point and season.  At the new location I did not see them right away, but later found them in the last row.  I am hoping that these collections will have more prominent place in the new store like they did at the Main Street store.  

Having one cutting table and one place to pay seems to be a more efficient way to shop.  Before purchases were broken up between different departments in different rooms.  I would usually shop several departments at the old store.  So this makes checking out faster and easier.  

Vogue Fabrics new retail space at 618 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, Illinois is my new destination store for fabric.  Everyone who loves fabric and all things related to sewing will continue to have a store where they can find a wide selection of fabric and sewing related products.  The store contains everything I loved about the Main Street store with easier access and a large inventory of fabric and supplies.  

The Fabric Store Directory is an online directory of retail fabric stores all over the world. The directory provides apparel sewers of all levels a place to search for and find the store, and find the fabric of their dreams. Click on the link above to search the directory.