Visiting a fabric market is one of the best parts of this hobby. In this post, you'll find out the 10 things you should buy at the fabric market - and where to get them when there isn't a fabric market nearby! :)
The most important things at a glance
- The fabric market is a great opportunity to buy sewing tools that are otherwise hard to find
- This post is about what you can get particularly well and inexpensively at many fabric markets
- I’ll give you shopping tips for the times when there isn't a fabric market going on
- It's better to have your fabric cut to size separately instead of buying pre-cut pieces. That way, you can immediately check if it was measured correctly and cut straight
These 10 things you should buy at the fabric market
In my post about the best tips for the fabric market, I’ve already shared a lot of tricks with you on the subject.
Today is all about what you can get particularly well and inexpensively at many fabric markets. At the same time, I’ll give you shopping tips for the times when (alas, alas) there isn't a fabric market going on!
For all your quick or more elaborate sewing projects, you will find the right—and sometimes truly amazing—accessories* and materials at the fabric market!
Buttons and cord ends/cord stoppers
On my last visit to the fabric market, I was so blown away by the selection of buttons* that I completely forgot to take a picture of them. It's incredible what you can find there! Buttons made of mother-of-pearl, wood, plastic, metal, with rhinestones, pearls, printed with cute little coffee pots, flowers, unicorns, dachshunds, and much, much more.
An Eldorado for those who sew jackets and bags.
My tip: Definitely take two or three more buttons than you need for your sewing project.
Why? Buttons have a habit of getting snagged in things like shopping cart wire frames and vanishing without a trace. Especially when you choose eye-catching buttons, you should think about getting spares.
Otherwise, you might have to replace all the buttons so they match again. :)
And when there isn't a fabric market going on?
When there isn't a fabric market, I like to buy my buttons* at Hemmers. Mainly because I have never been let down by the buttons—keyword: washing machine. It has always worked perfectly!
I also keep finding unique buttons on Etsy*—here, the products come from all over the world!
Faux leather cord ends* are something I also shopped for at Hemmers—and I just think they really enhance an outfit. I like the rather rustic charm of these items—in the sewing world, you get a lot for girls, but you have to specifically look for accessories for boys. I think these cord ends are a real exception.
Brand new are cord clips, which I also find very practical. I saw them for the first time at the fabric market and unfortunately missed grabbing some. The revolutionary part: You can simply open the clips and attach them to a different garment. Genius, right?
Besides that, they also look really good, I think.
For my son's hoodie, I ordered these clever cord clips* from Hemmers, and I also find them super easy to use: clip them onto the end of the cord, and you're done!
Ribbons and trims
The selection here is also overwhelming. And sometimes you are lucky enough to get a discount on certain items or bulk quantities. You can always use pretty trims* and ribbons*: For example, I love decorating the lining of my cosmetic bags with thematically matching woven ribbons!
But they are also great for key cases, children's clothing (click here for our children's patterns), or bags (like, for example, my beloved Foldover Bag San Diego).
And when there isn't a fabric market going on?
I always find the most unique (that is truly a unique selling point) and colorful wovenribbons* on Etsy*. Definitely browse through them!
Buying zippers at the fabric market
What comes on large wooden spools, is brightly colored, and can be cut to size? That's right! Continuous zippers at the fabric market. Whether in pastel, neon, or classic colors, every sewing enthusiast will find something they like here. Really cool: buying the zipper pulls not just to match the zipper teeth, but in a fun contrast!
My tip: It's better to buy a few extra zipper pulls*, then you'll have a supply for small bags!
What is unfortunately not available or only very rarely: my favorite zippers made of metallized plastic.
I often find them at Stoffe Hemmers: They have a very pretty continuous zipper made of Lurex in gold* and silver*. Also available as spiral zippers in silver*, gold*, and copper*.
And my all-time favorite: the colorful zippers with a wide plastic spiral. Simply super beautiful. I’ve already written so much about these zippers—and you’ve already seen them in tons of my sewing projects. For me, they are simply the non plus ultra.
Curve rulers & special tools
The fabric market is a great opportunity to buy sewing tools that are otherwise hard to find, or whose existence you haven't even suspected. At least that's how it is for me. Especially in the area of patchwork and quilting, there is always so much for me to discover.
One of my newest discoveries is a rotary cutter sharpener. Basically, it’s a plastic rail with sharpening elements in the middle. You roll the rotary cutter blade through it a few times, similar to a knife sharpener, and: WOW!
I discovered it for the first time at the fabric market in the spring and was already annoyed when I got out of the car at home that I hadn't bought it. I really do sew a lot, and lately, especially jersey. And it just annoys me like crazy when the pattern pieces keep getting stuck on micro-threads and I have to re-cut because the cutter blade* was dull.
And when there isn't a fabric market going on?
So: I did my research, got smart, and found it: The rotary cutter sharpener* is also available online.
The purchase was really worth it: I have to change blades much less often since I parked the little thing right on my cutting table. Rolled through a few times, and it works again.
There are various versions from different manufacturers. And comparing them can definitely be worthwhile, both in terms of the scale, the shape, and also the price.
I didn't have to buy a curve ruler this time because I’ve already owned the curve ruler* from Prym for quite some time... It convinced me because it is very sturdily made. If you buy at the fabric market, definitely take a closer look at the item! Better to choose a firm, flexible plastic that won't splinter in case of doubt!
The situation with the flexible ruler from Prym was a bit different. I thought you just used it to measure curves. I was slightly mistaken. I mean, you can of course use it for that.
But the real highlight is actually that you can shape it along curves. It keeps its shape! That means: if I have traced a curve with it (e.g., if I want to copy a shape from a piece of clothing), I can simply lift the ruler up, place it down, and transfer the shape to the other side. Sooo ingenious!
This is what the miracle tool looks like:
*And when there isn't a fabric market going on?
You can order the clever thing* on Amazon. Start getting excited already! ;)
Buying jersey fabrics at the fabric market
Sure, there are many stands with jersey offcuts. But if you are sure that you won't be sewing the fabric immediately and your child won't be in size 50/56 forever: It's better to have the fabric cut to size separately. That way, you can immediately check if it was measured correctly and cut straight.
Sometimes the tightly rolled offcuts hide little flaws that would annoy you when you unpack them at home.
My tip: As wonderful as patterned jerseys* are—definitely think about solid-colored fabrics* to combine with the colorful ones.
Only sewing with patterned fabrics—that's like cooking only with spices!
And: Solid-colored fabrics are often super cheap at the fabric market! Go for it!
And when there isn't a fabric market going on?
I prefer to buy my jerseys* at Hemmers—when I’m in Lübeck, I love buying directly in their shop. Great selection! Oh! I think especially when I go through the effort of tailoring my clothing myself, the quality of the fabrics should be right—it’s just too bad if my lovingly sewn items are ruined in the wash, fade quickly, or lose their shape. I’ve always been very lucky with Hemmers jersey. Therefore, I can highly recommend them.
Yarns/Wool
If you are not only a fabric junkie but also a knitter, the fabric market is also an insider tip for your next sock or jacket projects. Some stands have great yarns on offer—and often fresh from the trade fair. In terms of price, you can really get lucky here too—often the offers are up to 25% below the regular retail price!
And if there isn't a fabric market on right now?
You can sometimes find the most colorful sock yarn* on Amazon at fabric market prices.
Leather/Faux Leather/Oilcloth/Coated Cotton
Faux leather, oilcloth, and coated cotton are great items to buy at the fabric market.
Why? For several reasons:
- Because you have the opportunity here to compare different qualities with each other
- to negotiate the best price
- to pick out matching fabrics right on the spot
When you buy these materials online, you have to have some trust in the retailer or already be familiar with the quality of the fabric. I buy my favorite faux leather* (which you already know from my Alsterprinzessin cosmetic bags) from Hemmers.
Visiting the fabric market is also worth it for leather. Important: Be sure to unfold the leather pieces and check them. Defects can appear that make the pieces unusable for larger projects!
At most fabric markets, it isn't possible to have your desired amount cut to order, so: keep your eyes peeled when buying leather. But it is still worth it, as the prices are usually unbeatable!
And if there isn't a fabric market on right now?
Then you can find super great leather and faux leather on Etsy. My insider tip is the shop LeatherAA.*
My tip: If you want to coat your favorite fabric yourself, you should definitely also pick up a jar of Odicoat Gel* at the fabric market. This stuff is truly genius! I like using it to coat cotton fabrics* that I want to sew into bags and cosmetic bags. In total, it is much cheaper than buying coated cotton fabrics. And I always have the full selection of fabrics!
Take a look at my tutorial for this as well: In it, I show you how to easily coat fabric with Odicoat.
Buying elastic/haberdashery at the fabric market
Great for skirts, sweatpants, children's clothing, and underwear! I mean: Self-sewn panties with cool elastic bands* (e.g., the glitter elastic bands in many colors* from Hemmers) are the best, right?
At the fabric market, you often get the latest and wildest designs - sometimes the vendors come straight from the trade fair and have items in stock that aren't even available in local fabric shops yet.
My tip: Sometimes vendors at the fabric market sell leftover pieces at a special discount - you can sew almost another pair of panties for next to nothing, right? ;)
Cotton fabrics/Muslin
Muslin is still a top seller at the fabric market. Many stalls have their own muslin section - with their own muslin prices. Where you often pay 12 euros or more in stores, I've seen it at the fabric market for 6 - 9 euros. And in really good quality, printed with the latest designs.
Here too, I wasn't on the ball during my last fabric market visit (probably because I didn't have the right sewing pattern ready!). In any case, I had to reorder muslin for my new tunic. It works wonderfully for summery shirts, harem pants, and airy cardigans. I love muslin. But you have known that for a long time since my blog post about working with muslin! ;)
And if there isn't a fabric market on right now?
By the way, I found all the muslins* from the fabric market at Stoffe-Hemmers again - also at very moderate prices. I've just developed a soft spot for muslin with golden prints*...
Buying tailor's chalk/chalk pencils at the fabric market
The classic among marking tools*. And often available in larger quantities and at particularly good prices at the fabric market. If the edges have become dull: simply sharpen them quickly with a vegetable peeler and carry on!
This kind of tailor's chalk* lasts forever and - the older it gets - the better it becomes (because it gets harder!).
If you prefer to use a pencil, I highly recommend the Koh-i-noor pencil*. The pencil itself is actually just the holder for fine chalk leads, which are included in 6 colors. It is manufactured by the Hardtmuth company. This is what the Koh-i-noor looks like:
*In the meantime, the Koh-i-noor is also available in a double pack with replacement leads*. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to snag not just the pencil but also the replacement leads at a good price at the fabric market. If so: definitely grab them!
Have fun at your next visit to the fabric market and happy simple sewing,
Yours, Sabine
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