Textiles, Fabrics and Sewing

Explore cotton, linen, wool, denim, jersey and patterned fabrics for clothing, crafts and home projects. Check fabric width, composition, care instructions and the amount you need. Ask for a sample before placing a large order.

These are external commercial suppliers. Links are not endorsements or affiliate partnerships. Check each product’s origin, availability and suitability directly with the supplier.

• Minerva

  Dressmaking fabrics, patterns and haberdashery

  Visit Minerva

• Croft Mill

  Dressmaking fabrics and sewing patterns

  Visit Croft Mill

• Empress Mills

  Fabric, thread and haberdashery

  Visit Empress Mills

• Fabric UK

  Retail and wholesale textiles, including upholstery and specialist fabrics

  Visit Fabric UK

Whether you want to shorten trousers, replace a zip or make something new, start with a project that suits your skills. Local alteration shops and dressmakers can help with repairs and fitting. Ask for an estimate, timescale and fitting arrangements before agreeing to work.

Sewing essentials include thread, needles, scissors, fasteners, patterns and measuring tools. Choose tools and materials that suit your project.

• Minerva

  Sewing patterns and haberdashery — external commercial supplier

  Visit Minerva

• Empress Mills

  Thread and sewing essentials — external commercial supplier

  Visit Empress Mills

Local dressmakers and alteration businesses can contact us about a free listing. We do not currently provide a nationwide local alterations directory.

Find materials for curtains, cushions and furniture projects. Order samples, measure carefully and check the fabric is suitable for its intended use. For upholstery or commercial projects, ask the supplier or upholsterer which specifications and documentation are required.

A fabric listing alone does not establish that it meets the requirements for your particular project.

• Fabric UK

  Fabric collection by use — external commercial supplier

  Visit Fabric UK

• Empress Mills

  Fabrics and sewing supplies — external commercial supplier

  Visit Empress Mills

Explore yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and patterns. Check yarn weight, fibre content and the pattern's requirements before buying. Local groups can be a place to learn and meet other makers.

• UK Hand Knitting

  Information about belonging to a knitting group

  Visit UK Hand Knitting

• Minerva

  Knitting and crochet supplies — external commercial supplier

  Visit Minerva

Ask libraries, community centres, local colleges and fabric shops about sewing, textiles, knitting and crochet sessions. Check experience level, equipment provided, venue access, course fees and any funding eligibility before booking.

Availability varies by location and provider. Do not assume a course is free or that a group runs sessions in every part of the UK.

• WEA

  Textiles and sewing courses — check the location, fees and eligibility for each course

  Visit WEA

• UK Hand Knitting

  Group information for people interested in knitting

  Visit UK Hand Knitting

Repair, reuse or pass on clothes and fabrics where practical. Check donation and collection rules before taking items to a charity shop or textile bank. Recycling arrangements vary by area.

• Recycle Now

  Clothing and textile reuse and recycling information — check local collection rules

  Visit Recycle Now

Some suppliers sell by the metre; others also offer rolls or trade orders. Confirm minimum quantities, VAT, delivery costs, sample availability and returns terms before ordering. Check the terms that apply to cut fabric, made-to-order items and business purchases.

• Fabric UK

  Retail and wholesale textiles — external commercial supplier; confirm your order terms directly

  Visit Fabric UK

Are you a UK fabric supplier, dressmaker, upholsterer or community craft group? Contact help@sixpencesupportuk.org to ask about a free listing. If you would like to support Sixpence Support UK, a voluntary donation is welcome. Donating is optional and is not a condition of being listed.