Thread: Fabric websites

Just wondering what sites people use to order fabric from online?

There aren't many fabric places in my area, besides Joann's and when I do a search for fabric vendors they usually only have the basics.

I am looking for websites that have fabrics I can use for costuming or belly dance accessories.

Furthermore, what about wholesale websites for notions, like thread, trims, or elastic. If you know of any for fabrics that would be excellent as well.

I feel your pain~ Shahla and I were lamenting last week about only having a JoAnn's. :(

I just ordered the most fantastic fabric from Spandex World Inc. spandex fabric, lycra stretch fabric. Another is www.spandexhouse.com- I haven't ordered from there but I liked some of their items.

I can't remember the links for notions, but Shahla has great sources and is very helpful. I am pretty confident she'll post in your thread but if not, pm her.

I've gotten stuff on Ebay - silk chiffon of more unusual design than Joann's.

Discount Fabrics: Fabric for Apparel, Home Decorating and More has a pretty nice selections of fabrics in my opinion and they always have decent sales.

Notions I'm not too sure of. And with the wholesale sites, you usually have to buy in wholesale bulk. If I come across any wholesale to the public type sites, I'll be sure to pass it on.

If you want to have fun locally, check out the places that cater to the bridal industry and to the ballet/theater groups.

I found a place in town that is $$$, but they have silks in many colors, swarovski in many colors, sequin-covered fabrics, sturdy bra cup forms (!), ... They are not a well-known fabric store, in part because they do not cater to the GP - who buys gold sequin-covered fabric for $200/yard?

There is also Hancocks. You can also try dance wear suppliers for lycras and such. I've had some great luck on eBay in the past. It's scary ordering fabric on-line though unless you really know what you are looking for.

I have been in the brick-and-mortal Sew Sassy store, but I've never ordered online from them. I know they do a huge mail-order business. They specialize in dance, swimsuit, and lingerie fabrics, and lingerie hardware (cup forms, underwires, etc.). I'm pretty sure you can buy swatches before committing to larger yardages:

Lingerie Fabrics, Bra Supplies, Lycra® - Sew Sassy Fabrics

Thanks ladies... I will do a local search in my area to find some other stores. There might be a small store that just doesn't advertise.

I have seen somethings on EBAY too!

and just to add to my own thread, in case anyone else is looking. As you can see I only know of two.

America's textile resource

Theatre House, Inc. 1-800-827-2414

Spandex World Inc. spandex fabric, lycra stretch fabric
Fabric Depot Home - Specializing in Lycras and Tricots
Sue's Sparklers - iron-on metals, Swarovski crystals, nailheads, rhinestuds, and related items.
Craft, Ostrich, Goose, Turkey, Pheasant Feathers, Boas, and More -- Zucker Feather Products
Discount Fabrics: Fabric for Apparel, Home Decorating and More

and this place has some interesting things, if you need "other" types of fabric like fleece and outdoor stuff:
Rockywoods Outdoor Fabrics

I would love to find some decorated/embroidered chiffon/georgette for making skirts. Like this: Belly Dance Store.com

Originally Posted by kiyaana

I would love to find some decorated/embroidered chiffon/georgette for making skirts. Like this: Belly Dance Store.com

Oh wow, that is nice! If I find something I will post.

That type of fabric is probably quite expensive - I know the versions I've seen at G-Street are - so I can see why those skirts are over $100.

Oh, and has anyone else noticed the great "metallic chiffon" or "foil chiffon" at JoAnn? They have a section of fall colors in the "All that Glitters" line - dark brown, light orange, light mustard, and ivory - with this great chiffon that has a lovely metallic sheen to it. They have matching stretchy glitter fabric in those colors. I wish they had both those fabrics in all colors!!!!!!! I would make a costume from every jewel tone if they did.

A couple years ago they had the stretchy glitter fabric in two colors - turquoise and gold - and some dance friends and I made matching trumpet skirts from both colors. The fabric is on the thin side, but it has potential for something like this Belly Dance Store.com - but watch out for the thinness with the lighter colors or we'll see what you've got underneath and your seams will look like this (gorgeous costume, but isn't that sad?) Belly Dance Store.com.

Originally Posted by bdaddiction

Oh wow, that is nice! If I find something I will post.

Osgood Textile in Springfield, MA (not open Saturdays) has a nice/large selection of dressy fabrics and some trims. (Does anybody remember Lion and the Sun in California? Sigh, long gone but they had fabulous stuff.)

don't forget about the smaller (non-chain) mom & pop type stores that cater to custom/bridal stuff. They can also custom order fabric if you ask for enough (i.e. troupe quantities or if you are hoarding).

I also buy fabric from a club (pay a membership fee type) and you get samples of stuff not normally seen elsewhere, mostly caters to skaters (LYCRA!!!!) and dancers. Your Designs by the Lycra Lady

Originally Posted by kiyaana

That type of fabric is probably quite expensive - I know the versions I've seen at G-Street are - so I can see why those skirts are over $100.

Woah! You are right, even more look at this link!

Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon:

Or, you can spend your whole life adding the detail to the fabric. Another reason it is over $100.

Originally Posted by bgordon2020

Osgood Textile in Springfield, MA (not open Saturdays) has a nice/large selection of dressy fabrics and some trims.

Thanks, I live in MA!

Wow I must of added over a dozed things to my favs today...

Distinctivefabric.com is another good source. They'll send out sample swatches, too. I've ordered from them before and I'm about to order from them again, 7 yards of satin for a circle skirt.

Discount Fabrics: Fabric for Apparel, Home Decorating and More

LOVE them!

Repro Depot maybe not the best for bellydance sewing but the fabric sold here is stupifyingly cute!

I just ordered from fabric.com. Really nice embroidered fabric and good prices. Very fast shipping. I've also be pleased with Denver Fabrics.

I used to love Denver Fabrics before they were sold a year or so back. Now they are owned by Fashion Fabrics Club, which still gets some great stuff and often has great prices. But (I cant say this enough), its always important to get swatches FIRST. More than once I have ordered swatches (1/8 yard stripes) of 100% wool or 100% silk and gotten something that was 100% Creepily Unnatural instead ;-)

Also, if you are ordering 2 things from their site that are intended to be used together on a project (such as a red velvet and red chiffon), NOTE that on the order. I have it happen 2 times when I wanted fabrics to go together and one sells out, so they just credit that one and ship the other. . . and then refuse to take it back even though I cant use it without the other part of the order.