I have noticed that lots of Canadian designers, myself included, experience some difficulty with shopping for fabric online. American and European-based websites always seem to have great fabric selections. However, the shipping fees are usually exorbitant. Plus, isn’t it applaudable for Canadians to patronize Canadian businesses?
For this reason I decided to do some research on online fabric shopping in Canada, and I have put together a shortlist of some stores. I also included a short description of some of the shops to guide you in your selection.
DISCLAIMER; this is not a sponsored list, and there are stores here that I am yet to patronize, so I can’t vouch for their shopping services.
My Best All-time Wonderful Fabric Shops:
- Spool and Spindle: I love Spool and Spindle because it is a one-stop shop. Here you will find Japanese fabrics, knits, linings, flannels, etc. They also have an on-ground store in Waterloo, Ontario.
- Blackbird Fabrics: Owned by Caroline, Blackbird Fabrics sells woven, knits, indie sewing patterns, printed viscose, notions etc. Whenever I order from Blackbird, I can always expect to get quality fabrics.
- MatchPoint Fabrics: Although recently launched, MatchPoint is all about quality over quantity. You won’t find a lot of fabrics, but Michelle usually stocks deadstock or sustainably sourced fabrics.
Online Only:
- Mulberry & Macnab: Merchants of Nano Iro, Linens of varying weight, Atelier Brunette. Their collection is small but classy. They are also based in Hamilton, Ontario and have local pickup option.
- Mimi Fabrics: This shop specializes in knit including pointelle knits, European knits, etc. Nonetheless, they also offer some really wonderful woven fabrics like stretch woven viscose and tulles.
- Sitka Fabrics: I have known Sitka Fabrics for their nice knits and jerseys, but I recently got to know that they also sell beautiful wovens. Their collection of linens and Atelier Brunette materials is pretty impressive.
On-ground Stores with Online Ordering:
- The Workroom: Books, notions, quilting cotton, knits, etc. I love visiting this shop, the store decor is stunning, and they carry lots of designer materials (NaniIro, Liberty of London, Robert Kaufman, etc.). Here, you will also get Japanese sewing books, notion and tools and Bernina machines.
- Needlework Hamilton: It’s a beautiful small shop in Hamilton, Ontario. They sell quilting cotton, lawn, knits, and some designer fabrics. I’m always on the lookout for their new stock because there is always good stuff.
- Fabrications: They carry a lot of knits, both print and solid, and they’re located in Ottawa.
- Maiwa: They carry hand printed linens and dyed cotton. They are well-known for their natural dyed materials, but they also sell handwoven fabrics and undyed materials.
Suit Fabric and Menswear:
- Thread Theory: They’re famous for their patterns, but they carry notions and fabrics on their online store as well.
- Sultan’s Fine Fabrics: suit and shirt cotton, linen, etc., Sultan sells high-quality fabrics.
Notions and Tools
- Bra-makers Supply: The name tells you all you need to know. Want to make a bra or a corset? This is the place to go.
- Sussman’s Supply Co.: All things zippers, accessorizing (gemstones, feathers, etc.). I absolutely adore their zipper selections, especially the invisible zippers that are a tad scarce online.
- Leather & Sewing Supply: They have an online and on-ground store and provide you with a lot of options and good quality.