10 Best Fabric Stores in London – The Ultimate Guide for Crafters
I’ve spent the past week in London, immersing myself in every fabric store I could find and gathering tips from the sewing community. This is my shared list of must-visit spots, some off the beaten track, along with my impressions of each store and its surroundings.
Having a fabric shop as your focal point gives you a unique way to explore the city—it leads you into different neighbourhoods, introduces you to local makers, and lets you experience London through the lens of textiles and craftsmanship.
To make your journey easier, I’ve organised the shops by district, so you can plan your visits efficiently. Whether you're after luxury fabrics, deadstock gems, or everyday sewing essentials, this guide will help you discover some of the best fabric shopping London has to offer!
Fabric Shops and Locations
ISLINGTON
A lovely hip area with vintage shops, cafes and bookshops. You can easily spend a day wandering around this area.
Ray Stitch
Offers a wide range of patterns, very beautifully curated fabrics and sewing classes. I had a lovely event at Ray Stitch one night when I was in London and I really love the space, the selection and the staff. You must visit!
Popular and a very cute yarn shop. Legend in the craft circles. I was tempted to start knitting…!
HACKNEY
Lovely neighbourhood, with great bookstores such as Donlon Books, Artwords and Broadway Bookshops. Plan your visit for the weekend to get to see the Broadway Market with lovely crafts, food and drinks!
Designer deadstock fabrics, nice selection, mostly sold online, but very good opening hours. Also offers sewing classes. I visited on a sunny Sunday and it was definitely worth it!
Focus on mending and upcycling, with sewing classes, books, a small selection of fabrics and sewing machines. Also upcycled products that really inspire!
CAMDEN TOWN & NOTTING HILL
I only had a quick visit to Camden Town, which seemed a bit quieter than other areas where I’ve been. Heading west from Camden Town you would come to Notting Hill with Portobello Market, The Cloth Shop and one of the TOAST shops. Next time I will go further west from Camden Town!
This shop is by appointment only and works mainly online, but the inside is so beautiful with super carefully selected vintage cotton pieces, ribbons, Indian block print fabrics and much more, that I highly recommend booking an appointment. This is a gem.
SOHO
This is central London and most of the famous sights are in this area as well as the high streets with the international brand stores. Personally, I prefer the areas a little further away from the commercial centres, so I do not have as many recommendations for this area. Take a bus to or from Soho and you will get a good insight into the great London!
Liberty is an institution in itself and worth a visit just for the experience. The beautiful LIBERTY fabrics are displayed on the upper floors and the haberdashery section is also quite inspiring. Somehow this is another must.
Known for its harbeshary, the shop also sells fabrics. The selection of high quality zips and threads is impressive and I think it is very cool that a shop with such a long history selling sewing supplies is in Soho. It was a very happy and nice surprise!
BRIXTON
A very vibrant area with a huge mix of different cultural backgrounds. Just walking around the subway station you will find many shops selling African wax print fabrics and much more. There is really a lot to explore here!
Selection of designer dead stock fabrics, making this a treasure hunter's paradise. The space is quite small which makes it nice and easy to go through all the selection.
TOTTENHAM / LITTLE RUSSIA
When I got off the bus, I was very unsure whether I should continue into the old industrial area with its car repair shops and slightly run-down wholesale warehouses. However, I decided to continue and found what I was looking for. And got to see another side of London!
9. Vega Textiles
The store is located in a warehouse and has a good range of fabrics. From wool to sequins, linen to denim, they have just about everything you can imagine. And friendly customer service! Definitely worth a visit, especially if you need larger quantities of fabric.
RYE
... is absolutely NOT in London, but if you are in London, plan a visit to this lovely town that is home to Merchnat & Mills. It’s roughly an hour by train and very easy to reach. Everything here is just beautiful.
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that M&M has become a place of pilgrimage for the sewing community, and with good reason. Everything in the shop is to die for, and the founders' passion for quality craftsmanship is palpable. You can even book a workshop and stay overnight in Rye for an unforgettable sewing retreat. Just go.
Sewing Classes and Events
Many London fabric shops offer sewing classes, which are popular.
The Stitch Festival: Large sewing and crafting event happening in Islington every March
Tips for London Transportation and Navigation
Public transportation, especially buses, is efficient and scenic for exploring the city
Contactless payment system makes using public transport easy for visitors
City Mapper app is highly recommended for navigating London's public transport system
These still…!
Walthamstow: Lovely neighbouthoood with William Morris gallery (check the opening hours!) and weekly market including fabric shops with African wax prints
Notting Hill and Portobello Road: Famous area with vintage shops and the Cloth Shop. I’m so sorry I missed to visit these, I’m sure the Cloth Shop is marvellous!
I also missed going to Goldhawk Road: Area with multiple fabric shops, including Misan Fabrics.