Amelia HallEvery sewist needs that one trusty spot to run to when the fabric stash starts looking a little too empty. You never really know what the next project will throw at you.
That’s why having a fabric shop that delivers everything you need (without giving you a headache) is a must. And if you haven’t found “the one” yet, we’ve got you.
Our team wandered through the city, touched way too many swatches, and came up with a list of the best fabric shops in Vancouver.
How much do fabrics cost in Vancouver?
Fabrics in Vancouver can cost around CAD $5–$25 per yard, depending on the type and quality. Basic cotton is usually on the lower end of the range, while high-end fabrics such as silk sit at the higher end.
1. Dressew Supply
Address: 337 W Hastings St
Phone: +1 604-682-6196
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The first thing our team noticed about Dressew Supply is how huge the store is. There’s fabric everywhere—rolls and rolls of cottons, silks, leather pieces, and more on the main floor.
Downstairs, there’s a maze of supplies like zippers, ribbons, and buttons.
Online, they also manage to keep that sense of abundance. Their website sorts fabrics into neat categories. It makes it easy to explore, even if you’re facing hundreds of options (almost 400 pages!).
From what we’ve heard, people often go in with one small project in mind and end up leaving with a bag full of extras they couldn’t resist.
While some speciality fabrics can be a bit pricier, there are plenty of bargain bins filled with affordable treasures. What’s impressive is that even the cheaper options don’t compromise on quality.
Most of the staff are friendly and full of knowledge. Several people mentioned that the team is even happy to help them, even when they didn’t know exactly what they were looking for.
Still, a few people have said service can be inconsistent when the store gets busy, so it might depend on who you get or what time you go.
Dressew is the best
“So the store is huge!!! One time, I wanted to make myself a cap, I made it, and I used supplies from Dressew. Dressew is the best, and here are the results of what cap I made. Oh, and that’s not everything, the security is very nice, the people are nice to you in the Dressew. They even got transparent threads, got needles for leather, for fabric, they got everything!”
Artem Alien, Google review
Have everything I need to get a project off the ground
“My favourite fabric store! Basically have everything I need to get a project off the ground, and the staff there are so enthusiastic and helpful. They have a wide range of fabric types, ribbons, bindings, zippers, appliqués, quilting supplies, and almost anything your heart desires.”
Natalie Butler, Google review
2. Spool of Thread
Address: 649 E 15th Ave #101
Phone: +1 604-879-3031
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Spool of Thread’s biggest strength is its place. Getting inside, you get a sense that everything has been placed with care. It’s not cluttered or chaotic; it’s calm and intentional.
Customers often comment on how clean and beautifully maintained it is, and that impression seems true. The small details, like the pleasant scent and tidy restroom, back this up.
The staff is approachable, especially for beginners who might walk in unsure of what to ask. In some cases, they even offer step-by-step advice.
We also loved how every fabric they offer feels thoughtfully chosen. There’s a mix of trendy prints, practical solids, and speciality materials. A great example is their sashiko embroidery threads that show they’ve curated with a creative eye.
Shoppers also note that there are usually fabrics on sale, so it’s affordable than some high-end competitors.
That said, a few customers mentioned that sometimes, the staff are more focused on their own sewing than on assisting shoppers.
It doesn’t seem to be the norm, but it’s something that could be improved with a bit more attentiveness.
Good selection of colours
“Found this small fabric store that carries sashiko embroidery thread. Good selection of colours, they offer sewing classes as well.”
Cami H, Google review
The selection seems to always be curated with care
“Spool of Thread is such a beautiful shop. I love the energy, the openness, the spaciousness of the place itself. The selection seems to always be curated with care for the quality of fabrics. There are almost always fabrics on sale as well, so I find it a bit more financially accessible than many other shops…”
Dani Sidloski, Google review
3. Atex Fabrics
Address: 432 W Hastings St
Phone: +1 604-669-3455
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
If there’s one thing Atex Fabrics is known for, it’s their selection of linen and wools. Their linen selection is extensive enough that it can be almost overwhelming, in the best possible way.
The fabrics are soft, high-quality, and unique, with a wide range of colours and textures.
They also stock high-end suiting and coat fabrics, along with lining and interfacing. It’s actually a great place for people making tailored or elegant pieces.
We also appreciate that when you’re in here, you can take your time, ask questions, and actually be listened to.
A lot of the people we spoke to mentioned how the staff go out of their way to help, sometimes even staying past closing or adding a little extra to make a customer’s day.
The place is small, busy, and alive with conversation. On weekends, shoppers apparently end up chatting while waiting for their fabric to be cut. It can turn a simple errand into a social experience.
Still, it’s not all smooth edges. The same small space can feel a bit cramped, especially when there are a lot of shoppers.
Fantastic fabrics and reasonable prices
“Incredible selection of linen, so much so it was overwhelming to choose. Fantastic fabrics and reasonable prices. Friendly owners who let me take a loooong time, no pressure. I will most definitely return for future projects.”
Elizabeth Kels, Google review
A huge selection of really beautiful fabrics packed into their store
“Incredibly friendly staff and a huge selection of really beautiful fabrics packed into their store. I would highly recommend shopping at Atex Fabrics if you want quality fabrics and knowledgeable service. I found everything I needed for my project and will definitely be back.”
Tracy Green, Google review
4. The Cloth Shop
Address: 1551 Johnston St #104
Phone: +1 604-224-1325
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
What keeps coming up again and again about The Cloth Shop is their quilting fabric selection. It’s clearly their strength, and we understand why.
Not only are the fabrics varied, but also curated. Each bolt seems chosen with an eye for harmony. It makes it simple for quilters to put together cohesive, beautiful projects without overthinking combinations.
Another thing that stands out is their PDF pattern printing service. Among sewists, it’s good news. You can have a pattern printed cleanly, folded neatly, and ready to use.
Even after a recent change in ownership, customers noticed the same friendliness and expertise they’d come to love.
The team seems to bring the same warmth to their interaction that they bring to their fabric displays.
However, the shop is small, so it can feel cramped when you’re with other shoppers. It can also mean limited stock on certain days.
An absolutely stunning store
“I love The Cloth Shop! It’s an absolutely stunning store with a beautiful selection of fabrics! PLUS, it’s my go-to place in the city to get all of my sewing patterns printed. Joy is so helpful, and visiting the store is always a delight.”
Sally Nadison Reyes, Google review
Such a beautiful store
“Such a beautiful store on Granville Island with an incredible array of fabrics and notions. Also, they offer an incredible service for PDF pattern printing.”
Jane P., Google review
5. Our Social Fabric
Address: 1275 Venables St, Unit 270
Phone:
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 3 PM – 7 PM
- Friday to Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Among all the shops we’ve looked into, Our Social Fabric stands out for its purpose.
It’s a non-profit organisation that rescues textiles and sewing materials from landfills and resells them to the public at affordable prices.
They’ve already saved tens of thousands of fabric this year alone. For anyone who’s ever felt uneasy about textile waste, shopping here feels like a conscious, eco-friendly choice.
Unlike traditional fabric shops, everything here is donated. Some materials come from people clearing out their sewing rooms, while others arrive from fashion and textile companies looking to give their surplus fabrics a second life.
Because of that, the selection changes constantly. One day, you might find timeless vintage prints, or if you’re lucky, there are sleek designer offcuts and technical fabrics you might not find anywhere else.
Accessibility has improved too. Since their 2024 store expansion, the aisles have become wider and easier to navigate for wheelchairs and strollers.
That said, the limited opening hours are still frustrating. The physical shop is open just a few hours on Thursdays and one Sunday a month.
Thankfully, their online store is always open and ships across Canada. Customers say delivery is quick and reliable.
Wonderful selection at great prices
“Wonderful selection at great prices. So well-organised and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Plus, it’s helping divert waste! Wins all around!”
Claire Blair, Google review
This place is the best ever
“Amazing! Amazing people volunteering, amazing high-end fabrics, amazing service if you forgot to buy something and need them to find that fabric and mail it to you, amazing everything. I’m a fabric shopper with over 55 years of experience shopping for fabric (I do occasionally make something too!), and this place is the best ever. I live a ferry ride away, but it’s worth it to make a trip to the mainland around when Our Social Fabric is open to the public. Really, really amazing!”
Eva Hansen, Google review
