Fabric Row

Who’s happy Philly has a Fabric Row? This girl! I love this little section of Philly, and sometimes, I find reasons just to walk past it so I can stop in the fabric stores to buy more fabric to hoard in my craft bin! Love it!

I haven’t really been down to fabric row in a long time (about 10 years). I always thought it was about apparel and tailoring, but really as another reviewer mentioned… most of these places are about upholstery. Some of the old places I remember are gone. I think I was fortunate to find what I needed at Baldwin’s. A few places I walked into were helpful and others were completely indifferent. I’d walk in browse a bit and walk out and not a word was spoken by anyone. Maybe it’s me? Overall, it helps to know what you’re looking for and I certainly did. If it’s a decent shop they can just tell you straight up… even over the phone.
I don’t know the legacy and history behind the row, but it could use a facelift and a strong dog turd blasting water hose.

Cool street, cheap deals and steals. Just watch out for the dust and smells!

well I guess it depends on what your used to as kitty c. pointed out !.. if all you know is a Joann’s ‚.then yeah it’s great!.. and then some!.. personally it’s the best in my experience of shopping… however I did get to run into moods-​fabrics in NY,.and was blown away!.. but didn’t get to shop… And yes I’ve have heard from every sewer who has ever went to LA that the fabric district is a dream out there!

I was a bit disappointed in fabric row. For starters, most of the fabric stores are upholstery and home dec stores. Nothing wrong with that, except that when you are looking for apparel fabric, it’s not very helpful.
I suppose I should put in a disclaimer that I might be spoiled from having visited Los Angeles’ garment district numerous times, and also having access to the great fabric discount/​outlet stores of San Francisco when I used to live there.
Most of the stores are disorganized and put together in such a way that you have to ask for assistance right from the get-​go (like having the fabric placed out of reach). I prefer to browse, then ask for assistance.
Not much in the way of trims and notions. Also fabric selections seemed a bit dated, and colors limited. Shops tend to have more synthetic than natural fibers. If you are looking for gaudy, sparkly stuff for costume or special occasion, this may be great for you. If you are looking for everyday fabrics in neutral or basic colors, you might get frustrated.
There is more wool suiting here than I have ever seen in my life. This may be a plus for some people.
Shopkeepers tend to be very courteous and helpful. If only they carried some simple rayon challis or satins. And polar fleece.
I’ll save up some money and check out the NYC garment district.

i like to sew. which, if i am being a bit more truthful, translates to i like to buy fabric and hoard it like precious gold.
why? i cannot say for sure. i love the piles of neatly folded, freshly washed yardage i’ve got, though.
the best couple of stores? yeah. not telling you! you have to wander down here for yourself!

This is hands down the place to go for all things fabric. On this one street they have everything that you could possibly be looking for — fabric shops, tailors, bridal accessories, dress shops, upholsterers, and so much more. and because they have so many shops of that variety you can easily find the best deals too.
Fabric has been sold on this street for over a century, so it definitely has a lot of history behind it too. If you check out the website you can get a lot of background on the shops, and even find out about a lot of deals and events.