NYC's 5 Best Fabric Stores: Clothing, Textiles, More

Whether you dream of redecorating your apartment or you're a professional looking to create the next big clothing line, here are the five best fabric stores in NYC to help you get started. By Carly Petrone.

B&J Fabrics is the family-owned and family-run fabric retail store that takes customer service to another level. This friendly store specializes in ladies' fashion textiles and offers the largest and latest selections of high-end fabrics from all over the world. You'll find the largest online retail selection of Liberty of London cotton prints and plenty of brocade ranging from metallic to floral. Make sure to check out their sale section, which are end cuts of first quality inventory. Come here for the service as well as the wide selection. Store is open from 8 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. on Saturday. They also offer student swatching hours. See website for more details.

You probably recognize Mood Fabrics from their long-running appearance on Project Runway. There's a reason designers run through their store to get the best fabrics. Located in the heart of the fashion district, they offer everything from fashion and home fabrics to leather, trims, and buttons, and closures. Whether you're making a pair of linen pants or crushed velvet curtains for your living room, you'll get what you need here. You can also browse through a variety of designer fabrics from Jason Wu to Marc Jacobs. Their website makes it easy to see what's trending in the industry and they also offer helpful information from network bloggers through their own Mood Sewing Network. Prices for fabric run for as little as $8/yard all the way up to $80/yard, depending on what you're looking for. It's also a great place to stop by just to get inspired for your next creation. Oh, and say hello to resident dog, Swatch, on your way out. Store open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Zarin Fabrics is where you go when you're looking to redecorate. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable while the company itself has been family-run since 1936. Set designers for TV, film, and theater productions have been known to stock up here because of its one-stop-shop convenience. Its famous fabric warehouse holds millions of yards of fabric so you can choose what you need and take it home with you the same day. Shop for hardware and trimming, discover discounted designer fabrics, or get something custom made. Bolts of both indoor and outdoor fabric are arranged by color and type, making it easy to find what you need. If you're looking for that personal touch make sure to stop into Zarin Fabrics. Store open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

It's trimming galore at Brooklyn's Trim-Fabrics. Go bold and stock up on rhinestone or beaded trim or be playful and fun with pom pom or fringe trim. Walk inside and you'll immediately notice what's in stock because they're all hanging in mid-air from the ceiling. Make sure to check out their extensive collection of wholesale, sewing, and designer buttons. You may have to do a little hunting to find the fabric you want but the low price point makes it worth it. Plus, shopping with the owner, "Prince William" is always fun. Since the store buys in bulk from the garment district they're able to sell fabric at a very low price. Think of this place as a treasure hunt and you'll certainly find some buried treasure (that you can use to make a one-of-a-kind piece!).

What started out as a French and beaded lace supplier, quickly grew into Fabric & Fabric, the large store located in the heart of the garment district. It's a little tricky to find since their previous store name, Lace Star, is also on the doorbell. Just know that it's located on the 3rd floor of the building. They still specialize in lace as well as beaded materials, which is why so many brides come to find a specific trim for their gowns and veils. But they also have a large variety of other beautiful fabrics including fine woolens, silk prints, and brocades. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter to get special offers, discounts, and updates. Store is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.