Fabric Shopping in DC
One of the most common questions I get from people about sewing is where to buy fabric in DC. Unfortunately, there isn't a single fabric store within the District! I know, it's crazy! But just outside of DC there are some great little shops where you can find the perfect fabric for your project.
First, a brief word on what type of fabric you should buy for your project. There are two big categories of fabric: woven and knit. My general rule for beginners is to stick to woven fabrics such as chambray, cotton lawn, or even quilting cotton. These fabrics are easy to work with because they hold their shape and don't stretch. Skirts, shirts, dresses, pants, they can all be made from these materials - and they come in a lot of great prints!
Knit fabrics, with either a two way or four way stretch, are more difficult to work with because of the stretch and usually require a serger or two-needle finish. Knit fabrics are great for t-shirts, dresses, and any garment you want to have a lot drape.
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| Quilting cottons have a lot of personality. |
Knit fabrics, with either a two way or four way stretch, are more difficult to work with because of the stretch and usually require a serger or two-needle finish. Knit fabrics are great for t-shirts, dresses, and any garment you want to have a lot drape.
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| A lovely, drapey knit. |
The above paragraphs are a wildly simplified explanation of fabrics. For more information check out Craftsy's guide to fabric and, for an even deeper dive into the world of textiles check out Sewing.com for their everything-to-know guide.
So, now that you know what fabric type to buy, where can you buy some? The bummer is that there isn't a single fabric store in the District of Columbia. The good news is there are some great local stores just outside of the District and some great online options.
Locally-owned Stores
It's a real treat to stumble upon a locally-owned sewing shop. In addition to more modern selections of fabrics and indie patterns, these shops offer weekend classes, sewing retreats, and a nice little community of fellow sewists. We've got four just outside of DC:
Three Little Birds Sewing Co. - Hyattsville, MD
Stitch Sew Shop - Old Town Alexandria, VA
Finch Knitting and Sewing Studio - Leesburg, VA
G Street Fabrics - Rockville, MD (note: G Street also has a truly impressive collection of buttons, fasteners, and high-end fabrics ... pricey but beautiful!)
There are also two Joann locations, the classic big-box sewing store, in Falls Church and in Rockville. Joann's offers a wide selection of fabrics in every shape and style, hundreds of sewing patterns, and the full range of sewing supplies.
Online is also a great option, especially once you know the exact type of fabric you want. There are a million sites but some of my favorites include:
Imagine Gnats - owned by my friend Rachael :)
For a real bargain, old sheets from a thrift store are great for beginners and sometimes have some truly excellent patterns. A full size bed sheet contains roughly 2.5 yards of fabric, enough for a skirt, pants, or even a dress, so long as the skirt isn't too full.
The array of fabric prints out there is truly amazing - you can even make your own design on spoonflower! The one thing to look out for is fabrics with borders, clear linear patterns, and plaids. These are fun to sew with but they do require a bit of extra effort with pattern matching.
The array of fabric prints out there is truly amazing - you can even make your own design on spoonflower! The one thing to look out for is fabrics with borders, clear linear patterns, and plaids. These are fun to sew with but they do require a bit of extra effort with pattern matching.
Happy shopping!
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