Updated 19th June 2023
I am often asked where I buy my fabric from and I have promised to share the local fabric shops where I buy some of my fabrics.
I am based in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, which is a lovely little town, about 10 miles south of Doncaster, but it has no fabric shops, so my fabric shopping circles out from this point.
I do use online shops from time to time but thatβs a whole different kettle of fish and I will save telling you all about my online recommendations for another day.
Here are my recommendations for fabric shops in South Yorkshire & North Nottinghamshireβ¦
Thread Mill Fabrics in Swinton
Shop is now closed and online only. (19th June 2023)
4 Church Street, Swinton, Mexborough, S64 8QA. Tel: 01709 571684
Let me preface this by saying that I run Learn to Sew workshops in association with Thread Mill Fabrics in Swinton once a month with fabric supplied by Thread Mill and I help out in this shop one day a week, (on Thursdays). Having said all that, I love this shop and even before I had started my business I always shopped in Thread Mill Fabrics.
The shop is owned and run by Cheryl Barnes and Cheryl herself is the reason for this shop being my number one. Cheryl is so knowledgeable and experienced that whatever sewing project you are working on, she can offer you advice and support and will give you options for the best way to complete your project. There have been many times when I have popped in to pick up some thread or other bits and bobs and have ended up spending the afternoon there, leaving so inspired and motivated to get sewing again on my current project or even several new ones.
Cheryl has now retired and the business is now in the capable hands of Michelle. (19th June 2023)
The fabric you see when you walk into the small shop is floor to ceiling and is just the tip of the iceberg. In the back room is where Cheryl keeps all the bridal fabrics. In there is everything from sumptuous satins and chiffons to decorative brocades and lace.
This shop if definitely worth taking the time to go to the slightly out of the way location, it takes me about 40 minutes to get there. Just donβt visit on a Sunday or a Wednesday as the shop is closed and if you go on a Thursday you will get to see me!
47-49 Doncaster Rd, Goldthorpe, Rotherham S63 9H
Waltons Fabrics is a father/daughter team and used to have a stall on Doncaster Market, the market stall has gone now, but there is still that market kind of feel to the shop. They specialise in dancewear fabrics so if you are looking for high shine or sequinned lycra about a third of the shop is dedicated to this, but I must admit I tend to ignore it.
There are hundreds of rolls of fabric here at bargain prices, they tend to buy up end of lines from clothing manufacturers such as Jaques Vert and sell them at heavily discounted prices. There is usually a queue at the counter when Iβm shopping, and the staff definitely know their stock.
SewCute Fabrics, Doncaster Market
5a York Buildings, Edlington Lane, Edlington, Doncaster, DN12 1BU
Tracy has recently moved from a stall on Doncaster Market to her fabulous new shop in Edlington, Doncaster, SewCute Fabrics sells mainly cottons & polycottons suitable for crafts & patchwork. However each time I visit this stall the selection is expanding.
Fabric for Lounge Pants From SewCute Fabrics
The Craft Den, Sheffield – Now Closed
23 Loxley Road, Sheffield S6 4TE
Lynne Hunter is the brains behind the Craft Den and it is a veritable quilters paradise, with hundreds of quilting & patchworking cottons and supplies. Lynne also runs a programme of workshops from her on site studio.
Please check opening hours before you visit the Craft Den, Lynne is due to retire and the shop will close in 2018 and is currently open for reduced hours only. (May 2018)
The Craft Den is now permanently closed. (June 2023)
Tim & Gills Fabrics, Retford Market
Retford Market: Thursday & Saturday and Melton Mowbray Market: Tuesday
A stall selling craft cottons & soft furnishing fabrics, worthy of a mention in this blog as I got my fabulous map fabric from this stall.
There are other shops in the area, but although I have visited I have not bought or used their fabric so they have not made it to my list of recommendations.
Please comment below if you have any further recommendations to share in the area.
Alison xx
Ps. Donβt forget to join my Facebook group, bringing together a supportive community of those who are new to sewing and more experienced sewers.
