Fabric Shopping: A Morning in Melbourne, Australia

Sewists love fabric shopping, am I right?

Yes, we probably already have a burgeoning fabric stash, but there is just something irresistable about more fabric! All those textures, colours and patterns…

Going into a fabric store and touching all those sumptuous fabrics allows us to run away with our imagination. This dreaming and planning stage is an important and satisfying part of the whole sewing process.

It allows us to tap into our creativity: we have a unique opportunity to express our own personal style when we choose to marry this particular fabric with that sewing pattern.

I’ve been quiet here on the Bernina blog for the past several months since our family moved from Europe Down Under.

One of my favourite things to do when visiting a new place –well, technically Melbourne is a new/old place for me; I grew up here but was subsequently away for 20+ years– is to check out the fabric shops.

So, it should come as no surprise that one of the top things on my to do list, immediately upon arrival, was to go fabric shopping, lol.

For locals and visitors alike, I have put together a list of my top 3 favourite fabric shops in Melbourne, Australia.

This is by no means a definitive list, but rather a springboard for discussion. Feel free to share your own insider tips in the comments below.

The Fabric Store, 184 Brunswick St Fitzroy.

This is a Mecca for sewists and designers. It stands out for its beautiful selection of natural fibres and deadstock designer remnants.

They offer a carefully and creatively curated selection, featuring unique, exclusive and limited-edition fabrics.

The staff are exceptionally friendly and knowledgable.

Plus, there is a comfy couch area where you can peruse patterns and soak up the cool neighbourhood vibe.

Draper’s Fabrics, 264 Bruswick St Fitzroy.

Literally just across the street, here’s another amazing fabric store.

Like The Fabric Store, Draper’s originated in New Zealand, but it has its own distinct style.

It has a great selection of designer/sustainable/natural fibres so if you’re after high-quality, ethically-sourced textiles you’ve come to the right place.

Drapers is strong on interestingly textured fabrics with unique fashion-forward prints.

Tessuti Fabrics, 141 Flinders Lane

Tessuti feels synonymous with luxury.

Its location in historically significant Flinder’s Lane is iconic: this area is where Melbourne had its fashion and textile boom in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Located directly opposite an enormous Chanel store, you can peruse Tessuti’s high-quality Italian designer deadstock fabrics like a bonafide fashion designer.

The unique atmosphere and friendly staff, who are naturally all sewists themselves, combine to make this the all-round perfect fabric shopping experience. 

Even if you are only in Melbourne for a day, then you can easily visit these three fabric shops in just one morning.

And if you’re in need of refreshment after all this fabric inspiration then be sure to wander around the nearby laneways to discover some of Melbourne’s best culinary delights.  

Happy sewing, Leanne xx

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