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Dragon's Guide to Philly Fabrics
I have been doing this list for over 10 years now. Every year there is something new, often a new store comes and then the next year (or two) it is gone. One of the major changes to this list is a response from the e-mail I've received with a recurring theme - What about the suburbs?
Over time I have added a few stores here and there that are not on Fabric Row. Due to popular request, I have expanded this to include stores that are within a "reasonable" distance of Center City Philadelphia.
As always, I will not be including chain stores like JoAnn, Hancock, or Rag Shop. The only "chain" I do include is Jo-Mar - if I didn't, I'd be lynched!
When you stop in, be sure to mention that you heard about them here!
Notes
Saturday is the busy day. Cash is always welcome. Please have Driver's License or other I.D. for checks. Some stores are cash only (but don't let this deter you!). As much information is given as possible. Any questions about a place, just call and they will be happy to answer your questions. Many Philadelphia stores are open late on Wednesday. Street parking is available, please be mindful of posted restrictions. If you are coming from outside the Philadelphia area, please be advised that they have recently re-numbered the exits and many online map services have not updated their records.
Credit Cards (a necessary evil):
MC - Master Card V - Visa D - Discover AX - American Express
MAC - Automatic Teller Card. May not accept NYCE, HONOR, or other ATM cards. Inquire.
Indicates a store that has not yet been visited/contaced/reviewed, but will be soon!
Indicates that there is something in the area that I think is worth checking out. Will open in a new window.
My thanks to all the shopkeepers who took the time to answer my questions.
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Fabric Row Store Information - See also FabricRow.com for specials!
 |  Under New Ownership
10% Discount to costumers (mention this listing) and students. Good selection of ethnic, exotic fabrics, and bridal. Bought out Goldberg's stock - mostly vintage! |
A. Brood & Sons
10% discount on quantity orders or if you mention you're with the Philadelphia Costumer's Guild. Excellent selection of tapestry materials (one of the best I've seen)! | |
 | Adler's Fabrics
Need tax number for discount (ask for more info) Excellent selection of upholstery, drapery, & vinyl. Foam cushion cut to order, poly/cotton batting, 12"-30" pillow forms |
| Albert Zoll, Inc. 744 S. 4th Street Phila., PA 19147 (215) 922-0589 Fax: (215) 922-0719 Mon - Sat 9:30-5:00 Cash and MAC, V, MC (over $25.00) Sequined appliqués, ribbons, and a large selection of buttons. Some fabric (decent price on silk for recreation undergarments), boning both steel and plastic. Quantity discounts available (wholesale) |  |
 | Designer Fabrics of Fabric Row
All sorts of stuff: designer fabric, trimmings, sewing machines, sewing classes, "one stop fabric shop". Quantity discount. |
Great Leathers
Good selection (and not bad pricing) of clothing leather and suede, many with exotic and metallic prints. Seasonal items - Bridal in the summer, furs for the fall. |  |
 | Grossman's Decorative Fabrics
Nice selection of upholstery fabrics Quantity discount - ask |
Jack B. Fabrics
Extensive selection, reasonable prices 10% discount, tell costumer, SCA, or ask It's not a good store to browse in (there is just too much!) but if you know what you want, they probably have it. |  |
 | Kincus Fabrics
Probably the largest (or at least up there) store on the row. Reasonable prices. Discount depending on quantity, ask. |
Marmelstein's
Excellent selection of trims & decorating notions. Some imported tapestry panels. Ask for Professional Courtesy Card Discount on full lots. Will special order and ship. |  |
 | Maxie's Daughter
Quantity Discount, ask. Vintage fabrics, ask for selection. Upholstery, drapery, bridal, & dressmaker fabrics. Website forthcoming, mail order in the meantime. |
Paul's
Upholstery fabric Good selection. Same family ownership since 1917. |  |
 | Pennsylvania Fabric Outlet
Wide selection - Fabric, leather, thread, trim, notions. Discount prices, used to be across from JoMar. |
Other Philadelphia Store Information
Dance (ballet, tap, exotic) supplies, theatrical makeup, speciality shoes, sequined ribbon, appliques, etc. Call for information on discount parking. Wholesaler, open to the public.Wide selection, great prices. Sign up for their mailing list for specials. No patterns, some trims and notions. Wholesaler, open to the public (second floor).Wide selection, great prices. When you talk to a local about Jo-Mar, this is often the one they are talking about. Well worth the trip. Wholesaler, open to the public. This is the corporate office as well. Fabric is in the back of the store, not as big a variety as Juniata Park...Unless the warehouse side is open. If you are looking for quantity this is the branch to visit. Call first and if the warehouse side is open, it's worth the headache at the Whitacker/Adams/Boulevard intersection! Wholesaler, open to the public. Fabric is in the back of the store, not as big a selection as Juniata Park. Wholesaler, open to the public. A little bit of everything (more of some things). Big selection of shoulder pads and "push-up" pads. Big selection of buttons (they say they're the largest). Discounts to groups, inquire. Located a short walk from the PA Convention Center and Market east train station. Cash, Checks MC, V, D Good selection of better decorator fabric. Helpful staff.
Baum's
Jo-Mar Fabrics -Juniata Park
Jo-Mar Fabrics -Lawndale
Jo-Mar Fabrics - NE Philadelphia
Jo-Mar Fabrics - South Philadelphia
Karlin's
Stapler Fabrics
PA Suburban Stores
Coté, Inc. - 74 West Bridge Street
- Morrisville, PA 19067
- (215) 295-8156
- (800) 523-3948 (outside PA)
- http://www.cote-inc.com/
Glitz, glitter - this is where to find it. They specialize in drum major supply so you're gonna be seen across the stadium. Website has a good reflection <ahem> of the sequin applique and other bits of glitz.
Very easy to get to from Trenton or Route 1 in PA. If you take the Trenton Makes bridge, continue straight it will be on the right. From Route 1 in PA, bear left at the Morrisville fork and it will be on the left just before the light at Pennsylvania Avenue.
Fabric Warehouse 2838 Street Rd
Bensalem, PA
(215) 244-1354
Call for hours
Cash, MC,V ($15 min)
Interesting selection of dressmaker and upholstery fabric. Doesn't have many bolts, but will often have many "remnants" of the same fabric. Not good if you're looking for something particular (like a definate wool blend), but if you're willing to browse, then it is worth the trip. Most of the upholstery fabric is on rolls, so you'll have better luck with that. Sign up for mailing list for 50% off sale fliers.
Jo-Mar Lansdale - 816 W. 2nd
- Lansdale, PA 19446
- (215) 855-7162
- (215) 393-7878 fax
- http://jomarstores.com/
- Directions
-
- Mon-Fri 10:00-9:00, Sat 10:00-6:00, Sun 12:00-5:00
- Cash, Checks MC, V, D
Good selection of both dressmaker and upholstery fabrics. Haven't visited since became Jo-Mar (used to be Lansdale Discount House).
The Quilting Circle 2631 Street Rd
Bensalem, PA
(215) 638-1006
http://www.thequiltingcircle.com/
Monday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Sew Free Friday's 10am - 9pm
Saturday10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 5pm
Cash, Checks, MC,V, D
Specializes in fabric for quilting. Has one section of fabric that resembles building materials (brick, stone, terra cotta roof tile). Fabrics organized by color groups or themes. Offers classes, lectures, workshops, check website for details. Sign up for mailing list for classes, specials, and sales.
Sew Smart Fabrics - 53 W. State Street
- Doylestown, PA 18901
- (215) 345-7990
- Mon - Wed 10:00-6:00, Thur 10:00-9:00,
- Fri 10:00-8:00, Sat 10:00-5:00, Sun 12:00-4:00
- Cash, Checks MC, V
Excellent selection of calicos, some exotics.
Not local to central Philly. Call for directions.
Jo-Mar Upper Darby - This store is now closed. Notified 10 February 2005.
Coté, Inc. - 74 West Bridge Street
- Morrisville, PA 19067
- (215) 295-8156
- (800) 523-3948 (outside PA)
- http://www.cote-inc.com/
- Morrisville, PA 19067
Glitz, glitter - this is where to find it. They specialize in drum major supply so you're gonna be seen across the stadium. Website has a good reflection <ahem> of the sequin applique and other bits of glitz.
Very easy to get to from Trenton or Route 1 in PA. If you take the Trenton Makes bridge, continue straight it will be on the right. From Route 1 in PA, bear left at the Morrisville fork and it will be on the left just before the light at Pennsylvania Avenue.
Fabric Warehouse 2838 Street Rd
Bensalem, PA
(215) 244-1354
Call for hours
Cash, MC,V ($15 min)
Interesting selection of dressmaker and upholstery fabric. Doesn't have many bolts, but will often have many "remnants" of the same fabric. Not good if you're looking for something particular (like a definate wool blend), but if you're willing to browse, then it is worth the trip. Most of the upholstery fabric is on rolls, so you'll have better luck with that. Sign up for mailing list for 50% off sale fliers.
Jo-Mar Lansdale - 816 W. 2nd
- Lansdale, PA 19446
- (215) 855-7162
- (215) 393-7878 fax
- http://jomarstores.com/
- Directions
- Mon-Fri 10:00-9:00, Sat 10:00-6:00, Sun 12:00-5:00
- Cash, Checks MC, V, D
- Lansdale, PA 19446
Good selection of both dressmaker and upholstery fabrics. Haven't visited since became Jo-Mar (used to be Lansdale Discount House).
The Quilting Circle 2631 Street Rd
Bensalem, PA
(215) 638-1006
http://www.thequiltingcircle.com/
Monday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Sew Free Friday's 10am - 9pm
Saturday10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 5pm
Cash, Checks, MC,V, D
Specializes in fabric for quilting. Has one section of fabric that resembles building materials (brick, stone, terra cotta roof tile). Fabrics organized by color groups or themes. Offers classes, lectures, workshops, check website for details. Sign up for mailing list for classes, specials, and sales.
Sew Smart Fabrics - 53 W. State Street
- Doylestown, PA 18901
- (215) 345-7990
- Mon - Wed 10:00-6:00, Thur 10:00-9:00,
- Fri 10:00-8:00, Sat 10:00-5:00, Sun 12:00-4:00
- Cash, Checks MC, V
- Doylestown, PA 18901
Excellent selection of calicos, some exotics.
Not local to central Philly. Call for directions.
Jo-Mar Upper Darby - This store is now closed. Notified 10 February 2005.
New Jersey Stores - COMING SOON!
bravenet.com