Your next sewing project deserves better than fabric that’s “almost right”. Finding the best fabric shops in London, though, can leave you tied in knots.
Perhaps you’re chasing bold quilting prints or linen for a living room refresh. Or you’re planning an outfit worthy of London’s independent boutiques.
Whatever’s on your cutting table, a good shortlist can save you a few Tube trips. Start with these fabric shops to get your project rolling.
How much does it cost to visit a fabric shop in London?
Fabric prices in London range from £0.99 to over £85 per metre. Here’s what to budget for your next project.
Standard and craft fabrics typically cost £10–£15 per metre. Use them for cotton clothing, patchwork quilts or simple cushions.
Sustainable and surplus fabrics range from £0.99–£25.99 per metre. Options suit budget toiles, everyday dressmaking and designer surplus projects.
Upmarket and designer fabrics cost around £40–£85+ per metre. Think bridal gowns, bespoke wool suits and luxury curtains.
How We Reviewed
- Fabric Variety and Quality: We looked for cottons, silks and upholstery fabrics worth getting your scissors out for. Fibre content, drape and weight helped guide our picks.
- Pricing and Value: We compared prices per metre because a sewing hobby shouldn’t unravel your budget. Clear pricing and material quality mattered more than bargain labels.
- Staff Knowledge and Service: We favoured staff who know their satin from their sateen. Helpful advice on quantities, threads and linings can spare you costly guesswork.
- Shopping Convenience: We checked locations, opening hours and online ordering options. Getting your fabric shouldn’t take longer than sewing the outfit.
- Specialities and Sourcing: We looked for distinct strengths, from surplus finds to luxury textiles. Different projects need different shops, so this isn’t a one-fabric-fits-all shortlist.
1. Fabrics Galore
Address: 52–54 Lavender Hill, Battersea
Contact: 020 7738 9589
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Fabrics Galore makes a strong case for starting just one more sewing project. Its advertised range of over 2,000 fabrics covers dressmaking, quilting and home furnishings.
For wardrobe plans, browse brushed cotton, corduroy, viscose, wool, linen and jersey. Then head for the patchwork or furnishing fabrics when your cushions demand equal attention.
And if Battersea’s a trek, online ordering saves you the journey. You can add matching thread, while standard delivery costs £3.95 or comes free on orders over £60.
Local shoppers can choose click and collect, too. Just allow two days for processing before making tracks to Lavender Hill.
However, the shop shuts at 5 PM Monday to Saturday and stays closed on Sundays. That leaves after-work browsing looking a little threadbare, so plan your visit accordingly.
Customer Reviews
I can’t wait to get stuck into my other fabrics.
I placed my order in the early hours of Monday morning, and it came with the next day’s post; that was amazing!
What was also amazing was that the quality of the fabric was outstanding.
The only one I have used so far is “all about the brow”. I made the Tilly “Samara” top but didn’t order enough for the sleeves; however, I have had so many compliments it’s been fantastic.
This is a really quirky patterned fabric; the colours are vibrant, and the quality is superb.
I can’t wait to get stuck into my other fabrics.
- Katy Sturt | Google Review
I’m always so impressed with the quality and range of their fabrics.
I’ve been ordering from and going to Fabrics Galore in person for a few years now, and I’m always so impressed with the quality and range of their fabrics. Recently I placed an order for some fabric and received it within two days. They’ve always been super friendly and helpful when I’ve been in the shop too.
- Lucy| Google Review
2. Dalston Mill Fabrics
Address: 69–73 Ridley Rd, Dalston
Contact: 020 7249 4129
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM; Friday, 9:30 AM–6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM
Dalston Mill Fabrics gives ambitious sewing plans plenty of material to work with. After all, this Ridley Road shop has supplied makers for over 30 years!
Bridal lace, silk, wool and printed polycotton cover everything from wedding outfits to everyday makes. Meanwhile, dancewear and craft fabrics leave room for projects with fewer dress codes.
Beyond the rolls, the shop says its team speaks 12 languages between them. And we love that there’s online ordering and thread matching, meaning you don’t have to leave the sofa to coordinate your next creation.
But before your basket runs wild, note that free mainland delivery requires spending over £75.
More importantly, the shop’s published policy excludes non-faulty cut-length fabric from refunds or exchanges, so choose carefully before the scissors come out.
Customer Reviews
What I have bought has been great quality and excellent value
Great service – wish I could go in and browse but the can’t – so the next best thing is the internet. I don’t by much fabric sadly but what I have bought has been great quality and excellent value – they even match the thread for you. The fabric arrives quickly and dealing with them is effortless – great customer service. Wish I sewed more.
- Jill Swan | Google Review
Their fabric never disappoints
Very happy customer! I’ve ordered many times from Dalston Mill. Their fabric never disappoints. Postage is prompt too. I highly recommend this company for the huge variety of fabrics available. I’ve used upholstery and dressmaking fabrics. Being able to buy a sample first is really helpful.
- Julie | Google Review
3. Rainbow Fabrics
Address: Unit 4 to 5, Kilburn Market, Kilburn High Road
Contact: 07379 066181
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM–5 PM
Rainbow Fabrics gives surplus textiles a second act, and your sewing plans a tempting plot twist. The business says its fabric range is entirely deadstock, including natural fibres and ex-designer finds.
At Kilburn Market, dressmaking fabrics sit alongside crafting and quilting cottons. Whether you’re plotting a patchwork quilt or another wardrobe addition, there’s plenty to browse.
Better still, the branch stocks threads, needles, pincushions and yarn. That makes it handy for picking up the little essentials your project somehow always needs.
The catch comes when exact fibre content matters: Rainbow acknowledges that some compositions are estimates.
Also, its published policy restricts change-of-mind returns on sale items, so check the details before a bargain runs away with you. You’ll need to pay postage for eligible online returns, too.
Customer Reviews
I will definitely be back for more very soon!
The quality of the fabric is fantastic, and my only regret is not buying more! It sold out so quickly. I have placed a further 3 orders since my first purchase 2 weeks ago! If you see something you like, order it and order enough because it’s not going to hang around! I know I will definitely be back for more very soon!
- Julie Warden | Google Review
Very speedy delivery and the fabrics have been excellent.
I have now purchased twice from Rainbow Fabrics, and they are fantastic. Very speedy delivery and the fabrics have been excellent. The wide-width fabrics that I have purchased have saved a lot of hassle when making dresses and skirts. The only snag is that they are so good that now I am having to resist the urge to buy every time they release new fabrics 🙂
- Funki Pickle| Google Review
4. Joel & Son Fabrics
Address: 73–87 Church Street
Contact: +44 2077 246 895 / WhatsApp: +44 7395 444 444
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5:30 PM
Joel & Son Fabrics caters to sewing plans with distinctly expensive taste. Its Church Street shop offers luxury dressmaking and tailoring fabrics, backed by a family textile history stretching over 70 years.
We’re quite impressed to learn that the business previously held a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II!
For statement outfits, browse lace, bouclé, brocade and textured cloqué. Meanwhile, cashmere, wool suiting, shirting cottons and linen give quieter designs plenty of polish.
Also, online ordering and international delivery bring its fabrics within reach when a London shopping trip isn’t on the cards.
Your diary needs careful tailoring, though: the shop opens Monday to Friday and shuts at 5:30 PM. Its policy also doesn’t allow cancellations once staff have cut your fabric or trimmings to specification, so settle those design doubts early.
Customer Reviews
An absolutely mind-boggling choice of top quality fabrics.
Wonderful and helpful service from Sam. An absolutely mind-boggling choice of top quality fabrics. Sam listened to what my ideas were and produced lots of options from more conservative to most glittering, with lots of options in between.
This is the type of service one used to have instead of the shrug of shoulders and help yourself service today. It was so refreshing to find again. I’ll be back again!!
- Joyce Smith | Google Review
This place has an impressive range of fabric options
This place has an impressive range of fabric options, likely the most EXTENSIVE in London! However, the prices are on the higher side. I was searching for brocade and found very high-quality selections, but prices start at around £80 per meter. They do have a few boxes of leftover fabrics sold at a more affordable price. I would recommend checking these out occasionally to find some deals.
- Angel He | Google Review
5. Leila London Fabrics
Address: 406 Cumberland House, 80 Scrubs Ln
Contact: +44 7903 184031
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM by appointment only
Leila London Fabrics gives your next sewing project a taste for the finer things. Its Scrubs Lane workshop showcases luxury textiles, with fabric selection advice to help narrow the temptation.
For print lovers, Liberty Tana Lawn and Liberty silk make an appealing starting point. Meanwhile, Swiss cottons, Italian designer fabrics and wool suitings give your plans room to grow.
Beyond familiar labels, browse the business’s own Leila London and Leila Mayfair collections. You can ask for help with quantities and measurements, then order online if visiting isn’t practical.
That said, spontaneous browsing needs a diary entry here, since workshop visits require an appointment.
The shop’s policy also excludes non-faulty fabric cut to order from returns and refunds, so resolve those fabric crushes before committing.
Customer Reviews
The fabric selection is incredible
This is one of the very best shops I have dealt with. The fabric selection is incredible. And Leila always goes above and beyond to be incredibly helpful. The orders are shipped so fast. For customer service alone it is worth it to make Leila’s your go to fabric shop.
- K Kates | Google Review
Great service, it will be my go to place for fabrics.
The prices are a lot less from the shops I am use to buying from, I contacted them on WhatsApp picked my fabrics from a catalog and it was shipped to me same day. Great service, it will be my go to place for fabrics.
- Asma Mohamed | Google Review
