Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (2024)

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Hands up if you feel like a kid in a sweet shop whenever you visit a fabric shop? We can relate!

Though there some fantastic online craft shops which has made shopping for craft supplies for sewing so much easier and quicker, sometimes you just want to step inside a physical store, browse the rolls and reels of fabric, see exact colours and patterns yourself, touch the piles to feel the textures before you make your sewing projects and have a good chin wag with the staff.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate shortlist of some of our favourite sewing shops across the UK. If you’re wondering – ‘is there a sewing shop near me?’ – we’ve included shops across the country in every region. We feel these are the best there are!

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (1)

Get to know the experts at your local sewing shop

From gorgeous window displays, to in-store events and a wide range of fabrics and haberdashery supplies, bookmark this page so that you know where to go when you need to go fabric shopping – whether that’s shops near your home, or the local sewing shop when you’re on holiday or visiting friends and family.

Happy spreeing!

Wondering how to store your fabric? Check out our favourite fabric folding hack here.

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (3)

William Morris Willow Bough Tape Measure, Blue

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (4)

Hobby Gift Sew Retro Large Pin Cushion

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (5)

Hobby Gift Red Wildflowers Medium Sewing Box

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (6)

Liberty Betsy Ann Tailor Scissors

London

North London

Sewing shop near me: Islington
Name: Ray Stitch
Why you'll love it: As cool as craft shops get, Ray Stitch is located in trendy Islington but it's not just their fabrics that we love, but their ethical approach. They are committed to selling sustainable and ethically sourced fabric. You can also do a sewing class or workshop on site.
Address: 66-68 Essex Road, London, N1 8LR
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Website:
www.raystitch.co.uk

East London

Sewing shop near me: Hackney
Name: Fabrications
Why you'll love it: Owned and run by textiles and upcycling extraordinaire Barley Massey for over 20 years, this is a local sewing shop with a VIP service. There are all kinds of fabrics for sale along with craft workshops you can join and the window displays are always creative.
Address: 7 Broadway Market, London, E8 4PH
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5.30pm or by appointment
Website: www.fabrications1.co.uk

West London

Sewing shop near me: Hammersmith
Name: Classic Textiles
Why you'll love it: Goldhawk Road in West London is a hive of activity with a concentration of over 10 sewing shops that stock luxury fabrics, some at discount prices including old Liberty prints. One of those is Classic Textiles where you can up to 50% off deadstock fabrics. There's also a great mix of craft and interiors fabrics and regular supplies.
Address:
44 Goldhawk Rd, London W12 8DH
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Website:
www.classictextiles.co.uk

Central London

Sewing shop near me: Soho
Name: Macculloch & Wallis

Why you'll love it: Soho is home to some of the best haberdashery shops in the UK, but this one of our favourites. An institution established for over 100 years, generations of crafters and dressmakers have enjoyed the extensive range of fabrics from around the world and specialist woven fabrics like Harris tweed.
Address:25-26 Poland Street, London W1F 8QN
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 10.30am-5pm
Website: www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk

South London

Sewing shop near me: Wimbledon
Name: Good Fabric
Why you'll love it: You'll feel like a celebrity crafter getting the full VIP experience when you make a private appointment to visit Polina at her fabric studio. She stocks over 200 types of fabrics suitable for interiors and dressmaking and is on hand to show you around and give advice for the best fabric for your project.
Address: 17 Lyon Road, Wimbledon, SW19 2RL
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (by appointment only)
Website: www.goodfabric.co.uk

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (7)

In person customer service is invaluable when you buy fabric from a sewing shop

North East

Sewing shop near me: Newcastle
Name: 1st For Fabrics
Why you'll love it: Whether you're dressmaking, quilting or updating your home with soft furnishings, there are hundreds of fabrics for all your sewing projects at this one-stop fabric shop. The knowledgable staff give great advice so bring any sewing questions along!
Address:
Unit 9B, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE12 9SZ
Opening hours:
Tues-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm
Website:
www.1stforfabrics.co.uk

North West

Sewing shop near me: Liverpool
Name:
Miller & Mckew
Why you'll love it: The most glamorous sewing shop we've come across! Part designer boutique, part sewing and fabric shop and part cafe, you can spend the whole day here stocking up on craft supplies and then having an afternoon tea. The interiors are very pink and adorned with neon lights – young crafters will love it here.
Address:
27-29 Stafford Street, Liverpool L3 8LX
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Miller & Mckew doesn't have a website.

Sewing shop near me: Manchester
Name: Abakhan
Why you'll love it: There are several branches of Abakhan across the UK. It's a reliable, well-stocked haberdashery and sewing shop where you can snap up all the craft materials you need for any textiles projects.
Address:
111-115 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LN
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Website:
www.abakhan.co.uk

Yorkshire

Sewing shop near me: Bradford
Name: Bombay Stores
Why you'll love it:
Not just a fabric shop, but an entire fabric and sewing department store. You'll find all kinds of designs, patterns and colour choices made for sewing addicts. Bombay Stores regularly travel to craft shows too, so look out for them at events like the Knitting & Stitching Show.
Address:
Shearbridge Road,Bradford, BD7 1NX
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm
Website:
www.bombaystoresfabrics.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Sheffield
Name:
Annie's
Why you'll love it:
Named after her mum, sewing enthusiast Lindsey has been sewing for over 40 years and opened her Sheffield-based sewing shop in 2016. Her indie store stocks an impressive range of haberdashery and Lindsey welcomes visitors to come in with their sewing dilemmas to get help.
Address:
554 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1TD
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Website:
www.anniesabbeydale.co.uk

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (8)

Material world! Browsing fabric stores is always satisfying

East Midlands

Sewing shop near me: Leicester
Name: Roy's Material World
Why you'll love it:
Owner Roy knows a thing or two about fabric, he's been working in fabric since he was 10! This store is a treasure trove of craft and sewing fabrics, while Roy is a fabric expert and can assist with all your textiles enquiries.
Address: 1-3 Odeon Arcade, Leicester, LE1 5HJ
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
Roy's Material World doesn't have a website.

Sewing shop near me: Nottingham
Name: Coles Sewing Centre
Why you'll love it:
A specialist stockist of Husqvarna Viking sewing machines, Coles is a sewing centre and fabric shop so you can buy fabrics and put your sewing machine in for a service.
Address: 90 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 1EH
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9.15am-5pm
Website:
www.colessewingcentre.co.uk

West Midlands

Sewing shop near me: Birmingham
Name: Scissor Stitch
Why you'll love it: A crafter's paradise! Whether you're a quilter looking to stock up on fat quarters or new fabrics for a sewing pattern, this old-fashioned haberdashery store prides itself on being a traditional shop where customer services comes first – so if you love a crafty chinwag while you're shopping, this is the place to go!
Address:
127 New Rd, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9JR
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (Wed until 3pm)
Website:
www.scissorstitch.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Shrewsbury
Name:
Watson & Thornton
Why you'll love it: Bridal and craft fabrics are a speciality at this quaint sewing shop based in a picturesque Tudor building. The service here is standout and most customers are regular sewing enthusiasts. They also run sewing courses if you're looking to pick up a few new skills.
Address:
27/28 Mardol, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1PU
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Website:
www.watsonandthornton.co.uk

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (9)

Shop local! Nothing beats feeling a fabric in real life before you craft with it

East of England

Name: Shan's Fabrics
Why you'll love it: Whether you're after novelty cotton fabrics for kid's clothes, jerseys, lace or heavy weight fabrics, there's wide selection on stock here. We like that they sell by the quarter metre which means you don't need to commit to buying a whole metre if you're only working on a small project.
Address: 1 Westgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5AL
Opening hours:
Wed-Sat 10am-3pm
Website:
www.shansfabrics.co.uk

South East

Sewing shop near me: Brighton

Name: New Fabric Fair
Why
you'll love it: Located in the trendy North Laine shopping quarter, this is a colourful and fun sewing shop where you can browse fabrics and craft supplies and even get curtains made. There are lots of shiny fabrics that are ideal for making costumes.
Address:
51 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UN
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm
New Fabric Fair doesn't have a website.

Sewing shop near me: Kent
Name:
Hometown Rochester
Why
you'll love it: Owned by a passionate quilter, Marian, Hometown is a friendly haberdashery store that sells a wide range of fabrics and runs regular sewing sessions, including learning different types of quilting.
Address:
62 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1JY
Opening hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm and 1st Sunday of the month 11am-3pm
Hometown Rochester doesn't have a website.

South West

Sewing shop near me: Bristol
Name: Fabricland
Why
you'll love it: A family-run sewing business with several shops round the UK, it has one of the biggest collections of fabric and haberdashery imaginable. Whether you want to sew a cushion or clothing, you'll love the range.
Address:
52-56 Bond Street, Bristol, BS1 3LZ
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9.15am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Website:
www. fabricland.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Devon
Name:
Exeter Fabric Centre
Why you'll love it:
Shop for branded fabric in this smart sewing shop that specialises in upholstery fabrics and dressmaking. There's a sister store in Exmouth, too.
Address:
5189 Pinhoe Road, Exeter, EX4 8AB
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9.15am-5pm
Website:
www.exeterfabrics.com

Scotland

Sewing shop near me: Newington
Name: Edinburgh Fabrics
Why you'll love it: This family-run business has been open for over 40 years and stocks almost everything that the home seamstress, quilter or crafter could need. They hold the largest selection of Yorkshire and Scottish Wool fabrics in Edinburgh and are also helping the handweaving cottage industry of the Isle Of Harris by stocking a lovely range of Harris Tweed fabrics.
Address: 12-14 St Patrick Square, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9EZ
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 1pm-6pm
Website: www.edinburghfabrics.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Stockbridge
Name: Fabric Focus
Why you'll love it: Run and staffed by sewing experts and passionate crafters, the team at Fabric Focus provide a wide range of fabrics and practical advice on how to handle and work with them.
Address: 131 E Claremont St, Edinburgh EH7 4JA
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Website: https://fabricfocus.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Glasgow
Name: Mandors Fabric Store
Why you'll love it: This family-run store has been in Glasgow since 1977 and stocks everything from dressmaking and patchworking fabrics to materials for curtain making and heavy-duty deckchair canvas.
Address: Fleming House, 134 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6ST
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Website: www.mandors.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Glasgow
Name: Fabric Bazaar
Why you'll love it: No matter what type of fabric you’re after, Fabric Bazaar will probably stock it. They have an extensive range of products online with an even bigger selection in store. Fabric is usually sold by the metre, but some ranges, such as their printed cottons can also be bought in Fat Quarter sizes.
Address: 171-177 London Rd, Glasgow G1 5BX
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Website: www.fabricbazaar.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Glasgow
Name: Bawn Textiles
Why you'll love it: This sustainable fabric store was opened in 2020 by Irish textile specialist Bevan O’Daly with the aim of bringing the growing trend of using sustainable textiles closer to the home sewer. The fabric and textiles they sell are all responsibly sourced.
Address: 613 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G41 2QG
Opening hours: Thurs-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
Website: https://bawntextiles.com

Wales

Sewing shop near me: Lampeter
Name: Calico Kate
Why you'll love it: With product selections spread across a dozen rooms, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting Calico Kate. This Aladdin's cave like store is a must-visit spot for avid patchwork or quilters.
Address: 36 High Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7BB, Wales
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Website: www.calico*kate.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Llandudno
Name: The Quilting Bee
Why you'll love it: Offering a wide range of fabrics and staffed by helpful sewing experts, the Quilting Bee is a quilting and crafters heaven. They even run regular crafting workshops and courses including: How to use your sewing machine, Quilting for Beginners, Creative hand embroidery, 1:1 Dressmaking classes and lots more!
Address: 30 Queen's Road, Llandudno LL30 1AZ
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 10:30am-4pm, Sat 10:30am-2:30pm
Website: https://thequiltingbee.co.uk

Northern Ireland

Sewing shop near me: Carrickfergus
Name: Craftswoman Fabrics Store
Why you'll love it: The team at CW Fabrics have an innate understanding of fabrics thanks to a far-reaching family history in the industry. They stock a wide range of fabrics suited for everything from crafting and patchworking to Bridal and couture fashion.
Address: 1, Kilroot Business Park, Carrickfergus BT38 7PR
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-4pm
Website: www.cwfabrics.com

Sewing shop near me: Bangor
Name: Sew Unique Fabrics
Why you'll love it: This seaside based family run fabric shop is full to the brim with all kinds of fabrics, haberdashery and sewing accessories.
Address: 79 High St, Bangor BT20 5BD
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10am-2pm
Website: https://sewuniquefabrics.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Ballymena
Name: Fiddlesticks Fabrics
Why you'll love it: If you’re a fan of quilting and patchwork, then this store and studio is a must-visit. Specialising in 100% cotton quilting weight fabrics, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide range of fabric designs and haberdashery selection on offer.
Address: Unit 13, Ballee & Harryville Enterprise Centre, 20 Antrim Rd, Ballymena BT42 2BJ
Opening hours: Thur-Sat 10am-4pm
Website: https://fiddlesticksfabrics.co.uk

Sewing shop near me: Belfast
Name: Mad About Fabrics
Why you'll love it: With an extensive range of craft and upholstery fabrics, alongside haberdashery and notions as far as the eye can see, it’s a crafters paradise.
Address: Duncrue Industrial Estate, 16-18 Dargan Cres, Belfast BT3 9JP
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4:45pm, with late night opening until 8:45pm on Thursday
Website: https://madaboutfabrics.com

Sewing shop near me: Belfast
Name: Paragon Fabrics
Why you'll love it: Having been a family-run business for almost 100 years, the shop is now run by Paul, the original owners' grandson. He promises service with a smile and expert knowledge on the wide range of fabrics and supplies that they stock.
Address: 86 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1BX
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 10am-5pm, Tues 11am-4pm, Thur-Sat 10am-5pm
Website: www.paragonfabrics.co.uk

Craft shows are also a great place to shop for sewing supplies – check out our guide to the best craft shows.

Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!

Here are our favourite sewing shops across the UK (2024)

FAQs

Where is the sewing studio in the UK? ›

We would like to welcome old and new customers to our website, and look forward to seeing our regular customers in our Showroom, in Redruth in Cornwall again soon.

Why is sewing so popular? ›

People enjoy the satisfaction of creating something useful, whether it's clothing, accessories, or home décor;… Sewing allows people to express their creativity and individuality, and the finished product often serves as a source of pride and accomplishment.

How to start a sewing business UK? ›

Offer your services through another shop or business. Set up a website and sell your products or sewing services online. Advertise and sell your products or sewing services on social media. Sell your products or offer your services at craft fairs and other events.

Why is sewing so satisfying? ›

Having agile minds and bodies tend to make us feel more agile and alert. Plus being able to make and mend does wonders for our self –esteem. There is also something wonderful about pointing to a new dress or a restyled jacket and saying: “I did that.” So much of modern activity doesn't have a physical end result.

Where is the great British sewing? ›

The popular BBC show The Great British Sewing Bee is filmed at Sunny Bank Mills, a famous 19th-century woollen mill located just outside of Leeds in Farsley, West Yorkshire.

What sewing machines are made in the UK? ›

Campion & JohnstonNottingham-
A. F. Conant (agent)150, Regent Street, London WGrover and Baker Shuttle Machines
Cookson Lockstitch Sewing Machine Co. LtdLozells Road, BirminghamCookson
Coventry Sewing Machine CompanyCoventryQueen of Hearts, European, Godiva, Express, Swiftsure
William CrowBirminghamRoyal Mail, Period
13 more rows

Is sewing a skill or talent? ›

Sewing is a hobby to some and a skill for mending and re-purposing one's family's clothing to others, as well as a thriving industrialized business. This skill is used by those in the clothing and upholstery industries, and is used in the manufacture of many different types of cloth (sails, tarps, shoes, etc.).

Why did people stop sewing? ›

As more and more entered the professional workforce, making clothing was seen as an uneconomic use of time. By the 1980s, commercial clothing production had migrated to countries with lower labor costs. The cost of sewing a garment at home in 1985 was higher than purchasing one ready-made in a store.

Why is sewing so addictive? ›

The Science Behind Sewing Addiction

The process of sewing can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Completing a project or learning a new technique can provide a dopamine boost, reinforcing the desire to sew more.

How many people sew in the UK? ›

Between 2014 and 2017, more than 1 million people took up sewing and the Craft & Hobby Trade Association estimates there now around 7 million people in the UK who sew their own clothes.

Where to sell handmade clothes in the UK? ›

Best Places to Sell Handmade Crafts
  • Etsy. Etsy is the most well-known online shop for crafts and gifts, so it's ideal if you want to get your product in front of a global audience. ...
  • Folksy. Folksy is a well-established UK-based online market that was first launched back in 2008. ...
  • MadeMe. ...
  • Vinted. ...
  • Amazon Handmade.

Can I sew my own clothes and sell them? ›

Handmade. If you're able to sew garments yourself, or are planning on partnering with someone who does, then a handmade clothing business model may be best for you. You can sell the clothes you create on a handmade business platform like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, as well as from your own website.

What is the hardest thing about sewing? ›

Fitting garments is considered one of the hardest skills in sewing. This involves making sure that the clothing will fit the body that'll be wearing it.

Is sewing good for your brain? ›

Even better, sewing (and other creative hobbies) has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment by 73%! Remembering the steps involved in sewing keeps your mind clear, focused, and active—keeping it sharper for longer.

Why do people love sewing? ›

Those who love to sew enjoy being able to create functional items that they can use in their everyday lives. They love it when they see their loved ones, wearing what they have made. It is very satisfying to watch them pull the shirt from the coathanger for the next BBQ party with friends.

Where is the great British sewing bee filmed this year? ›

The Great British Sewing Bee is filmed at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds.

Where were Singer sewing machines made in the UK? ›

Singer had chosen to build their flagship factory at Kilbowie. The building of the Singer's Kilbowie factory, renamed the Clydebank factory in 1900, started on the 8th May 1882 and was completed in 1885. Production began to transfer to the Kilbowie factory from James Street in summer 1884.

Where is the original Singer sewing machine factory? ›

Singer established his Singer Company in 1851 in Boston. In 1853 he moved his operations to New York City. In 1858 the plants in New York were established in an area surrounded by Mott, Spring, Delancy, and Broome Street. In 1872 the main plants were moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Where are Singer sewing machines made today? ›

Singer is now part of SVP which manufactures its machines in Vietnam and China. Viking/Husqvarna/Pfaff/Singer All of these brands are now under one corporation: SVP Worldwide. Their customer service response is that most of their machines are made in China.

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