Top 10 Fabric Stores to Visit in Melbourne

I love fabric shopping! Who doesn’t, right?

Fabric shopping can be a hobby in itself, and just like most sewists, I am guilty of owning a little bit more fabric than I probably should.

There are so many different types of fabric and I am always on the lookout for something unusual or unique.

Below, you'll uncover a list of my favourite fabric stores in Melbourne. But be forewarned, stepping into these stores may have your wallet thinking it's auditioning for a reality show – blame the fabrics, not me!

List of Fabric Shops in Melbourne

1. The Cloth Shop, Ivanhoe

This is a firm favourite of mine. This is where I learned to sew and the selection of fabrics they have is fantastic. In particular, they have a brilliant selection of Nani Iro and Japanese fabrics.

Ivanhoe is easy to reach with a car, but if you are staying in the city then a visit to The Cloth Shop is manageable on the train. Just jump off at Ivanhoe station on the Hurstbridge line, and it's a quick walk from there.

2. Fabric Deluxe, Footscray

I love visiting Fabric Deluxe, not only do they have a great selection of fabrics but they are super friendly as well. They stock a few fabrics you can’t get in any of the other Melbourne-based fabric stores like Lady McElroy & Eglantine & Zoe. They also stock a nice selection of independent patterns and I often treat myself to a paper pattern (rather than having one printed) when I visit.

They have grown over the last few years and have recently moved to a bigger store.

Footscray is easy to get to with a car, but getting to Fabric Deluxe via public transport is just as easy (Sunbury, Williamstown, or Werribee lines). Hop on a train to Footscray, and the store is just a short stroll away from the station.

3. Tessuti, Melbourne CBD

If you want divine and glamourous fabrics, in particular silk and European fabrics then head to Tessuti.

They are very well located and only a short walk from Flinders Street station. Their store is beautifully curated and is a joy to browse. They do have a higher price point, but every single one of their fabrics is worth it. If you are looking to treat yourself then Tessuti is the place I would head to.

4. The Fabric Store, Fitzroy

The Fabric Store is revered for their large selection of linen, merino, and Liberty of London fabrics, but they also have an amazing selection of ex-designer stock and unique fabrics.

Plus, The Fabric Store is located on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, an excellent area for exploring unique shops and savoring delicious lunches.

Getting there from the city is a breeze; you can hop on either tram 96 or 11, both of which frequently travel along Brunswick Street. As an added bonus, Drapers is conveniently located right across the road from The Fabric Store, making it a two-for-one shopping destination.

5. Drapers, Fitzroy

Drapers has a great selection of fabrics, including some beautiful Japanese fabrics that are hard to find anywhere else. The quality of their fabrics is fantastic and the store is a really welcoming place to visit.

They have a small selection of notions and buttons and stock a few patterns from some of the independent pattern designers.

Similar to The Fabric Store, it's incredibly convenient to access via tram, making it a convenient dual visit.

6. Darn Cheap Fabrics, Collingwood

Darn Cheap Fabrics is a real treasure trove. They have such a large selection of fabrics and some real bargains. But most of the fabrics I have purchased from there are often the ones I sew up first and don’t linger in my stash for very long.

In addition to their fantastic fabrics, they boast a brilliant assortment of haberdashery items, including buttons, lace, bias binding, elastics, trims, and various sewing accessories.

Don't forget to check out the sale table. I've snagged fabric for less than $3 per metre there, which I later transformed into one of my all-time favourite dresses.

Reaching Darn Cheap Fabrics is a breeze by tram, with the convenient option of taking the 86 tram, which travels directly up Smith Street and practically stops right outside the store.

7. Rathdowne Fabrics, Brunswick

Rathdowne Fabrics is a fantastic store stocked with a wide range of high-quality basics. They have an incredible selection of top-notch denim that I've personally used for making jeans.

But that's not all – they also offer a variety of corduroy, linen, wool blends, jersey, and ponte fabrics, so there's something to suit everyone's taste.

The staff at Rathdowne Fabrics are incredibly knowledgeable about their fabrics and always ready to help you find just what you're looking for. It's a welcoming place where you can explore quality materials with friendly assistance.

If you're traveling by public transport from the city, it takes a bit longer to get there, compared to some of the other stores, but if you're driving into Melbourne from the north, it's a very straightforward journey.

8. Super Cheap Fabrics, Collingwood

Finding Super Cheap Fabrics might be a bit of a quest, and when you spot it, you might wonder if it's open – but trust me, it is! That's just part of its quirky charm.

Once you step inside, you'll be greeted by a vast warehouse bursting with a diverse selection of fabrics. There are some real treasures hidden on those shelves, and the prices are too good to pass up, especially if you're into bargain hunting. It's definitely worth a visit!

It is located just off Hoodle Street and north of Johnston Street. It can be reached on public transport and is about a 10-minute walk from Smith Street, which can be reached via the 86 tram.

9. Cutting Cloth, Alphington

Cutting Cloth is not a dressmaking store, but rather a quilting store. I have mentioned it here as they have such an amazing selection of quilting fabrics, many of which can be used to make clothes.

The store itself is a work of art, thoughtfully curated and brimming with charming notions and delightful gifts. They also sell yarn at the back of the store, so if you are a dressmaker who likes to sew, quilt, and knit then this store has to be on your to-visit list.

You could combine it with a trip out to The Cloth Shop as Alphington is on the same train line. The shop is within walking distance of Alphington Station. Between Alphington and Ivanhoe, there are some great cafes to have lunch, so you could make a day of it.

10. Fibresmith, Williamstown

Fibresmith started in Yarraville but have recently moved to Williamstown where they have spread their wings. They stock a beautiful selection of natural fabrics and yarn, as well as hand-printing their own fabric. Plus, you can get A0 patterns printed and all sorts of supplies like buttons, sashiko stuff, and woven labels.

I haven't had a chance to check out their new Williamstown spot yet because it's a bit of a trek without a car. But if you're hanging out in Melbourne and want to head to the beach, you can just hop on the Williamstown train and walk from the station to get to Fibresmith. It could be a fun day trip!

Happy Stash Building!

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