The 5 Best Fabric Shops in Melbourne for Every Designer & Crafter
Choosing the right fabric means everything when making clothes. Most people think that finding the right fabric is just about picking a colour that looks good under store lights.
However, in my own DIY dress-making fails, I’ve realized that the true secret lies in the “hand” of the fabric (or how it feels and drapes against the skin).
I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with projects that fall apart or lose shape after one wash due to poor material sourcing.
That’s why I did all the hard work and visited multiple shops in the city. Below are the best fabrics Melbourne has to offer!
How much does it cost to buy fabric at a fabric store in Melbourne?
It costs at least $2 per metre to buy fabric at a fabric shop in Melbourne. This is just an estimate. The actual price will depend on how much fabric, the kind of fabric, and more.
1. Tessuti Fabrics
Address: 141 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 3 9654 4566
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to Friday – 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Tessuti Fabrics is one of the most recommended fabric stores in Melbourne by the fashion students and professional dressmakers I spoke with. It’s not surprising considering the store has spent over 30 years catering to their specific needs.
Their collection is impressive. Their exclusive collection of printed linens and cottons is designed to work perfectly with their in-house sewing patterns.
This means I don’t have to guess if a fabric will work for a specific drape. They have already done the math for me.
The range is truly impressive too, spanning from boiled wools for winter coats to delicate tulles and sequins for special occasions. The staff was also helpful when I came in for a fabric run, offering advice on choosing the right fabric for my project.
I also really love that they have a wide range of designer ends (leftover fabric from high-end fashion houses). They give everyday makers access to luxury textiles that would otherwise feel out of reach at standard retail stores.
However, because they stock such high-quality designer ends, the prices can be a bit steep for a hobbyist like me on a tight budget.
Most exquisite selection of fabrics
“I love this place! The most exquisite selection of fabrics, and the staff are always so welcoming and helpful. This is my one stop shop for everything sewing. Thanks for being an ongoing inspiration and place of creativity 😄”
- Caty Gierer, Google Reviews
The best fabric store in Melbourne
“Incredible!! The best fabric store in Melbourne with high quality and designer fabrics it’s hard to go anywhere else now. Prices are on the mid-high range but it’s easily worth it. Many Italian made fabrics but plenty of others from around the globe as well. Everyone here is super friendly and helpful too.”
- A S, Google Reviews
2. Super Cheap Fabrics
Address: 153 Sackville St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Contact Details: +61 3 8456 2500
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Super Cheap Fabrics proves that affordable does not have to mean low quality. With 40 years of experience, their team has mastered sourcing the best fabrics in Melbourne at prices that allow everyone to enjoy sewing.
I love their Creative Community. It’s their Facebook group where members share their latest makes.
One member told me the staff gave them incredible advice on how to handle a tricky sateen (a cotton fabric with a lustrous, satin-like weave) for a budget-friendly wedding dress.
They use the Pantone Colour Matching System for their online store, which is a clever way to help anyone understand the true shade of a fabric through a screen. But I think it is a smart move to check the colours on both a desktop and a mobile to be safe.
They carry everything from Italian fabrics to fleece and sequins. They also get a weekly arrival of new stock, making every visit feel fresh.
The downside is that they do not offer swatches or samples because their stock is limited.
The fabrics always as described
“I am always happy with my purchases from Super Cheap Fabrics. The customer service is excellent, the fabrics always as described, the prices are very reasonable and delivery very prompt. I have been buying from them for quite a few years and have never been let down.”
- Brenda Wilkin, Google Reviews
Beautiful color saturation in fabrics
“I have bought many many meters of fabric from Super Cheap Fabrics… Never had an issue – not once. All products shipped super quick- and arrived in good packaging (never torn) within a few days of my order. Beautiful color saturation in fabrics. Spotlessly clean fabric – consistently, folded nicely. Highly recommend – 5 STARS! Keep up the great work! I’m not going anywhere!”
- Charlotte Waterman, Google Reviews
3. Morris & Sons
Address: 1/234 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 3 9654 0888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
I was drawn to Morris & Sons for their dedicated Sashiko collection, a traditional Japanese stitching technique used for decorative reinforcement.
When I looked further, I realised the shop has so much more to offer. They provide everything from Devonstone precut panels to Cosmos threads, which are tightly twisted for better stitch definition.
Aside from specialised Japanese crafts, they are a great spot for those looking for quilting fabric in Melbourne. The store offers a wide variety of “fat quarters” (pre-cut fabric squares perfect for patchwork).
I also love that they stock woven labels. They gave handmade gifts a professional finish.
Their collection of felt and soft craft fabrics is perfect for small-scale projects or hand-stitching.
That said, the shop might not be the best for those looking for satins, silks, or everyday-wear fabrics.
Range of fabric is excellent
“Great shop. Range of fabric is excellent especially if you are a kona fan. Staff very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.”
- Maryann Hamilton, Google Reviews
So many colours and textures
“So many colors and textures, so little time to create all this place has led me to imagine! Fabric supplies, embroidery supplies, yarns of different plys and textures.”
- Heather Bm, Google Reviews
4. Shine Trimmings & Fabrics
Address: 421 Graham St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
Contact Details: +61 3 9646 0072
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Shine Trimmings & Fabrics is one of the best places to find fabrics for dancewear, bridal pieces, and theatrical costumes.
They stock specialised items like 4-way stretch Lycra and hologram-foil fabrics that are nearly impossible to find at any old fabric shop near me in Melbourne.
A costume designer I interviewed said they rely on this shop for its wide range of trimmings, from feathers and masks to Preciosa crystals.
I like how accommodating Shine’s staff are. If they do not have a specific colour in stock, they will actually source it from their global network of suppliers.
I also think it is fantastic that they receive new stock every month from Asia, America, and Europe. This keeps their inventory fresh with the latest glitter tulles and laces.
Their warehouse also always has tons of haberdashery (small sewing items like buttons, zips, and ribbons). One regular shopper mentioned they never go anywhere else for motifs (decorative sewing patches) or fringe.
Just be very sure of any purchase before leaving the counter, as they have a strict no-refunds policy.
Excellent range of fabrics
“Excellent range of fabrics, trims and gems for all your costume needs. The staff are so amazing and offer great advise and suggestions. A regular here for last minute extra gems and being, I always love to browse the extensive range and always buy a little something extra as its all too beautiful to resist. Excellent help over the phone too, they look up your previous orders as well and you can click and collect too. I love the member deals and discount is a lovely bonus.”
- Tania Orourke, Google Reviews
They have an excellent range of products
“I order from Shine regularly online and they couldn’t be more helpful and friendly. They have an excellent range of products and the customer service is excellent. I thoroughly recommend them to everyone!”
- Liz Franklin, Google Reviews
5. The Fabric Store
Address: 184 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Contact Details: +61 3 9416 4455
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
The Fabric Store earned its spot because 85% of its stock is deadstock, meaning these are one-of-a-kind rolls that I might never see again once they are gone.
One local shopper told me they love the thrill of finding a unique knit that no one else in the city will be wearing.
I’m particularly impressed by their exclusive milled collections, like the ZQ Premium Merino and organic linens, which come in an awesome curated palette of colours. I also enjoy their Vintage Finish linens, which have a soft, lived-in feel.
For anyone running a small label, their wholesale and trade rates are a massive benefit.
I spoke to a small business owner who appreciated the clear structure of the wholesale process, even though there is a $1200 yearly minimum spend to keep the account active.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the shop can be a bit overwhelming because its stock changes so fast (within days).
Very lovely, high-quality fabric
“One of the best places in VIC for designer Deadstock. Very lovely high quality fabric and attentive, friendly, knowledgable staff service. Sometimes the fabric fibre content % is different between web and store (or listed partially) so double check if you are picky about that – But otherwise great!”
- Veronica R, Google Reviews
Many gorgeous fabrics
“Beautiful huge open shop. Many gorgeous fabrics. Staff always friendly, engaging, knowledgeable. Love this place!”
- Gita Flower, Google Reviews