Have you recently rediscovered the joy of sewing? Do you want to make your wardrobe work harder for longer? Or has the Great British Sewing Bee finally won you over? Whatever your reason, knowing where to buy fabric and thread in London is essential. Fortunately, the capital has some brilliant options. From century-old Soho institutions to sustainable independents in Islington, there’s a haberdashery here for every kind of maker.
The Best Haberdashery Shops in London
MacCulloch & Wallis
MacCulloch & Wallis has served London’s fashion trade since 1902. That’s over a century of supplying costume departments, bridal designers, and home sewers from the heart of the West End. In 2015, the shop moved from Dering Street to its current home on Poland Street in Soho. Today, it operates across two spacious floors. You’ll find everything here, from everyday essentials like thimbles and thread to specialist millinery and tailoring tools. In short, if it exists in the sewing world, MacCulloch & Wallis almost certainly stocks it.
25–26 Poland Street, London, W1F 8QN
macculloch-wallis.co.uk
V V Rouleaux
Think of V V Rouleaux as the Hermès of the haberdashery world. This exquisite shop on Marylebone Lane focuses entirely on luxury trimmings. For example, you’ll find velvet ribbons in jewel tones, Japanese organdies, French wire-edged taffeta, and feather trims. The selection is unlike anything on the high street. As a result, V V Rouleaux draws designers, dressmakers, and decorators from across the city. If your project deserves a beautiful finish, this is the place to find it.
102 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QD
vvrouleaux.com
Cloth House
Cloth House has been a Berwick Street landmark since 1984. The shop at number 47 carries a beautifully curated range of fabrics from around the world. Natural fibres are a particular strength. You’ll find washed linens, organic cottons, jersey, wool, and felt, all neatly displayed and easy to browse. Moreover, the staff know their stock exceptionally well and are happy to help you choose. Berwick Street remains one of the best streets in London for fabric shopping, and Cloth House is a key reason why.
Note: The second branch at 98 Berwick Street has permanently closed. However, the shop at number 47 remains fully open.
47 Berwick Street, London, W1F 8SQ
clothhouse.com
William Gee
William Gee in Dalston is something of a trade secret. The shop supplies some of London’s top fashion designers and theatre costume departments. As a result, the range here leans professional. Expect specialist tailoring tools, industrial-grade notions, and materials that serious makers rely on. It may feel a little advanced for complete beginners. However, if you’ve outgrown the high street and want to take your craft further, William Gee is exactly where you need to go next.
520–522 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AR
williamgee.co.uk
Ray Stitch
Ray Stitch is one of London’s most thoughtfully run fabric shops. Founder Rachel Hart built the business around a conscious approach to clothing and making. Consequently, every fabric in the shop carries organic or Fair Trade credentials. The range is beautifully edited and chosen with longevity in mind. In addition to the fabric selection, Ray Stitch runs a full programme of sewing classes for all levels. So whether you’re a confident maker or a total beginner, you’ll find exactly what you need here.
99 Essex Road, London, N1 2SJ
raystitch.co.uk
Loop
Loop is primarily a knitting shop, but don’t let that put you off. The haberdashery section alone is worth the trip. Located on the charming Camden Passage in Islington, just a short walk from Angel Tube, Loop stocks one of the finest yarn selections in the country. Furthermore, the shop carries hand-dyed, natural fibre yarns from artisan producers — including UK and European exclusives you won’t find elsewhere. You’ll also discover vintage haberdashery such as beautiful buttons and ribbons. On top of that, Loop runs a brilliant range of knitting, crochet, and embroidery classes for all abilities. Note that the shop closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so check before you visit.
15 Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EA
loopknitting.com
Know a brilliant haberdashery we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below.
