One of the most common things I get asked is where I find fabric! As it goes with any kind of shopping, sometimes you find loads of great choices and other times the pickings are slim. But of course, it helps to know where to go. Here are my top fabric shops in the Cape Town area.
Fabric City, CBD
Fabric City is pretty much my go-to haunt for anything sewing related. With four floors of fabricky goodness, you really can’t go wrong. From dress to upholstery to some of the finest evening fabrics, there’s a lot of variety. The seasonal selections they get in are really good, including lovely suiting and meltons in winter which can be hard to come by elsewhere. Testament to their popularity, they’re pretty mobbed at lunch times, so if you’re looking for assistance and speedy service, go in off-peak hours.
32 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
+27 21 462 1285
Studio 47, Woodstock
For those seeking more of the warehouse experience, a trip to Studio 47 won’t go amiss! The downstairs section houses mainly dress fabrics like cottons, rayons, with a couple of silks and taffetas thrown into the mix. Upstairs, a chaotic landslide of track suiting, upholsteries and just about anything else is yours for the taking. A good dig is the name of the game.
62 Newmarket St, Foreshore, Cape Town
www.studio47.co.za
Fabric World, Wynberg
I live in town, but when I feel like a fabric jaunt, I like to include Fabric World as one of my stops. When I’m looking for printed cottons, I find Fabric World is the place to be. Abstracts, paisleys and florals are usually in abundance here. The prices are very reasonable to boot, and I have been pleasantly surprised to find that some of my favourite fabrics are on special on more than one occasion!
154 Main Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town
www.fabric-world.co.za
bbellamy&bbellamy, Muizenberg
Founded by David Bellamy, this charming shop offers a wide range of imported suit fabrics, tweeds and dress cottons. They have a small shop in Woodstock with retail goods, but do yourself a favour and head out to the flagship store in Muizenberg; this is where the real treasure trove is. I can really get lost in this shop, dreaming of the wonderful vintage inspired creations I could make. They stock a lovely selection of local upholstery designers and Liberty of London, one of my international favourites. You’re bound to find a Liberty art silk or tana lawn just begging you to take them home.
51 Main Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town
www.bbellamyandbbellamy.com
Dot’s Quilts, Epping
Dot’s Quilts is a wonderland of beautiful quality cottons deserves a second glance from the ranks of the non-quilters like me. Run by friendly Dot, this eponymous shop is a delight. For those who quilt, the benefits are clear. For those who don’t, it’s a winner when you’re sewing small items, especially if you’re in need of a quirky print. And you always have Dot on hand for some advice should you need it.
17 Hewett Ave, Epping 2, Cape Town
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