Top 20 Fabric Resources

I decided to write one for my favorite design essential: fabric! If I had to give up everything in my home and only focus on one key design element, it would be fabric. Everything in my being responds to fabric — I love bright colors, playful patterns, and interesting textures. And man, find me a great striped fabric and you have a friend for life. So today I thought I’d round up my top 20 fabric resources, ranging from inexpensive and vintage designs to higher-end trade studios. I’ll keep it real and say that I am not a fan of trade-only designs. I understand why designers do it, but I only recommend trade-only fabric if I think it’s definitely worth the extra cost of hiring a designer or consultant to buy. So 99% of these sources will be open to the public because beautiful fabric should be available to everyone, trade or not. Have a favorite fabric studio or shop that’s missing here? Feel free to add it below! I’m always looking for great places to buy fabric.Resources are listed in no particular order.

• Purl Soho: This NYC institution is my go-to shop for great fabrics online or in person. They have a phenomenal collection of colorful basics and imported designs from Japan.
• Repro Depot: Repro is closed for the summer (due to open again soon) but when they re-open, they’ll resume being one of the best places to buy affordable fabrics and vintage/retro-style textiles online.
• Ikea: The strength of Ikea’s fabric collection improves every year. Though the ease of procuring it in person depends on the customer service quality at your local store, you can often buy their newer styles online. Their modern florals are my favorite.
• Marimekko: Marimekko’s bold designs are always a good choice if you need a strong dash of color and pattern.
• Hable Construction: Ok, trade-only alert. Hable only sells their fabric design to the trade, but I’m hoping that if I keep begging them every year, they’ll eventually change their policy. They make my favorite pattern in the world (Beads in Green Bean) and are definitely worth the extra fee of hiring a designer or D&D building to order for you.
• Skinny LaMinx: I’ve loved watching South African designer Heather Moore expand her collection of textiles over the years. Her playful style has a slightly retro feel but always comes in a modern color palette.
• Studio Bon: Bonnee Sharp’s sophisticated patterns are in my top three at all times. They’re the perfect combination of fun and ladylike.
• Mod Green Pod: Eco-friendly fabrics in playful patterns. Their “Aspire” pattern in grey is one of my current loves.
• Ebay: Ebay is an endless source for amazing vintage (and new) fabric. Whether you’re looking for vintage Swedish textiles or discount patterns from contemporary designers, someone’s selling it here. (The craft section is great for inexpensive options.)
• Just Scandinavian: If you lust after Josef Frank’s iconic patterns like I do, this shop is a must. They stock most of Mr. Frank’s patterns. (For the majority of Frank patterns, you need to call to place an order, but you can view the pattern, price, and availability online.)
• Textile Arts: This great online boutique sells a nice selection of Marimekko, Ljungbergs, and Mod Green Pod fabric.
• Imagine Fabric: A nice one-stop shop for fabrics from designers like Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler.
• Hancock’s: Hancock’s may not be super cutting-edge, but they are a great source for basics like toile, plaid, and stripes.
• Joann Fabrics: Ditto for Joann Fabrics. Not the “coolest” right off the bat, but they have a great collection of classic designs for reasonable prices.
• Frelis: I love their basic linens. I’ve been dying to find a place to use their “Wasabi” linen.
• Contemporary Cloth: This website could use a little face lift, but they stock a nice range of designer, organic, and simple cotton fabrics.
• Modern Fabrics: If you like classic designs from companies like KnollTextiles and Maharam, this shop has you covered with sophisticated designs.
• Rubie Green: Super chic fabrics (I have the zig zag fabric on my office chair) from Lonny Magazine’s Michelle Adams.
• Sew Mama Sew: A nice selection of small and large-scale prints.
• Etsy: Etsy is a great spot to find up and coming designers. Some of my favorites are Kalla, Melbomba, and Frumafar.
• Spoonflower: Custom printed fabrics at reasonable prices from new and up-and-coming designers. You can also print you own designs!

from Design*Sponge