Sourcing Fabrics

[Olit]

I will soon be designing and making a waistcoat for a student project. Im wondering where is the best place in central london to buy fabrics? Is there any good shops or markets that have a wide range?. I just want to see what types of materials are out there before I start designing. Im totally new to the Wardrobe Dept hence not knowing much about suppliers etc. If you could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Brian]

Berwick Street. Loads of good fabric shops.

[shadaca]

Or the cheaper version...

 

Head down to Tooting. Out of Tooting Broadway station turn right, walk up the main road. There are two markets on the right hand side by Primark, which have fabric stalls and a trimings and buttons man who is brilliant and can get anything for you.

 

Over the road is Silkhance (Turquoise facade) which is an Alladdin's Cave of fabric. don't be afraid to ask then what you want, what they have in the shop is a fraction of the fabric they have lining the walls of the rest of the building, and they really know thier stuff and are wonderfully helpful. They have some really beautiful stuff, all very reasonably priced.

 

Occasionally I have been guilty of sourcing stuff in berwick street and then taking a sample down to silkhance to get it within budget, so its well worth a travelcard down.

[w/robe]

You could also try Goldhawk Road. Turn right out of the tube and there are 8 fabric shops within 100 yards

[Olit]

Thanks everybody for the advice, should have time the week to pop down and have a look.