Note: This blog post wasn’t planned. Due to a number of requests for NYC Garment District fabric shop recommendations I decided to quickly write up this blog post. As I make trips back into the city in the next few months, I will take better photos and update this blog.

A Little About Me 🙂

HI, I’m Mary Anne~ often known as Sew Mary Mac on Instagram and my blog. You may see me post in various Facebook Groups as Mary Anne MacLean. I’m also an Ambassador for Love Notions Patterns, an avid pattern tester and confirmed Fabricholic. I’m a retired FCS teacher (Home Economics) but began my career as a Technical Writer then Fabric Library Coordinator for Simplicity Pattern Company back in the 80’s. (I still have a collection of fabrics I was gifted by various manufacturers when I worked there!)

I have ALWAYS loved fabric (my BS degree was in Textiles). I will admit to being a Fabric “snob”. I love good quality fabrics. Good quality doesn’t always mean expensive. So many of my favorite fabrics that I have sewn up are from the Garment District in NYC all purchased at great prices!

So many of the stores I visited in the 80’s as I walked through the Garment District to the bus station are gone. During the 90’s and early 2000’s I rarely visited the Garment District. (My children were young) However, back in 2006-2010 when my oldest daughter attended FIT in NYC, we began to visit all the shops again. I’ve been shopping there ever since!

Where Is The Garment District?

The Garment District is located in Midtown Manhattan, primarily between 35th and 40th streets between 6th and 9th Avenues. Within this district you will find:

• Designer Showrooms
• Designer Studios
• Manufacturers Headquarters
• Fabric Stores
• Notions and Trims Stores

The area you will find almost all of the fabric stores are 35th-39th Streets between 7th and 8th Avenues. NYC is a big grid. The Avenues run North and South. The Streets run East and West. Addresses in the 200’s are between 7th and 8th Avenues. (100’s between 8th and 9th/300’s between 7th and Broadway/6th)

*Unless noted otherwise, all shops listed below are located between 7th and 8th Avenues.

**On the map below, 7th Avenue is labeled as Fashion Avenue as it also called. Avenue of the Americas is 6th Avenue. Note: Broadway runs diagonal between 6th and 7th Avenues.

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My Favorite NYC Garment District Fabric Shops~

……….The Ones I Purchase From Most Often

So many people have asked for shopping recommendation, so I figured this was the easiest way to get all my recommendations out to you all!!! These shops are where I typically shop when I need something specific or I’m just looking to add to my fabric collection. I never take a trip into the city without stopping in at least one of these. The first four listed are my absolute favorites!

When you shop any of these stores remember the following:

• If you’re just looking, you can say that!
• Always walk to the back!!! Often the flashier fabrics will be upfront and in the windows.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for something (you would be surprised how well they know their inventory!)
• It’s okay if you knock over some rolls of fabric~ we’ve ALL done it!
• If you see something in the back of a pile or up high on a shelf~ ask and they will get it for you.
• Don’t feel bad if you find nothing, simply say “Thank You” and leave.
• When asking the price of something~ simply say “Is that the best you can do?” You would be surprised how many of them will knock a dollar or 2 off the price per yard.

1. METRO TEXTILES~ 265 W. 37th Street, (9th floor)

Closed on Saturdays!

My first stop is ALWAYS Metro Textiles to visit my friend Kashi. (As you can see from the photos I have been shopping with him for years!). When arriving at the doors of 265 W. 37th Street proceed through the doors. There will be someone sitting at the desk, but you can simply walk behind the desk to the elevators. Go up to the 9th Floor and exit to the right. You will be able to see Kashi’s door~ the fabrics are typically spilling out the door.

I have purchased so much fabric from Kashi. My favorite of all time being the Italian Boucle I purchased on my birthday a few years ago. You’ll also find linens, coatings, suitings and so much more. Most importantly he also has a Bargain Wall!

If you are looking for something particular, be sure to tell him. He is one of nicest humans ever! Be sure to tell him that “Sew Mary Mac” sent you! He will let you know what are some of the newer fabrics he has just gotten in. If you don’t have room for all your purchases, Kashi will ship them home for you!

2. CHIC FABRICS~ 247 W. 38th Street

This is another one of my very favorites! When you walk in you’ll find some fancy stuff and lots of ITY knits. If you want silk~ this is the place to grab some! As usual~ keep walking to the back~ that is where you can search for some great things! I have purchased so many different fabrics from here. Most of them are designer deadstocks! One thing I always find here is Stretch Cotton Twill that I use for my Love Notions Tinley skirts. Rayon Challis, Linen and linen blends, suiting, and high end cotton shirtings can always be found in the back too!

Perhaps my favorite purchase from Chic is the wool suiting I used to sew up my Love Notions Encore Skirt during testing. I went into the city that day looking for fabric for the Encore skirt in particular. I showed them the line drawing of the Encore and explained what I was thinking and the saleswoman(I can’t remember her name~ but she is always there) found the navy windowpane suiting for me!

Right next to the checkout counter is a big box of discounted fabrics. I have found great rib knits in the box for just $5. I usually look through the box for fabrics I can use to make muslins. (I will get of pic of this box next time I go in.)

Typically you can haggle the price a bit here~ especially if it is off season. Regardless~ I think the prices here are awesome!

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3. AK TEXTILES~ 257 W. 39th Street

This is another shop that I always visit, even if just for a quick walk through. They have bolts and rolls of fabric. Be prepared to knock over a few rolls of fabric! It’s crowded and packed with all sorts of great fabrics. One trip I was searching for a cotton madras plaid to recreate a Brooks Brothers dress(no, I haven’t made it yet). I found exactly what I wanted here for $8 per yard. That being said if you have an idea of something you’re looking for~ don’t be shy and ask!! They are friendly!!!

I also purchased some lovely Eyelet fabric and was able to grab a piece of patchwork madras as well(on the same shopping trip too!)

4. GRAY LINES LINEN~ 247 W. 37th Street

This shop is my go-to for linen! It’s all linen, from handkerchief linen up to upholstery weight. In the front on the right you will find the solid color Handkerchief and Barry Linens. You’ll be amazed at the color selection. On the left wall, are patterned and mostly striped linens. As you move farther down the wall, the linen will get heavier. Around the corner in the back you will find decorator weight linens. The price is great! Try to pay cash, as there is a discount for doing so. Generally they will not bargain on the price unless you are buying the last of a roll. The last time I purchased linen this year it was still under $20 per yard. When I have a project planned for linen~ this is the first stop I make.

Below you’ll see my husband’s Love Notions Band Camp Shirt(Barry Linen) and my color blocked LN Aria Button-downs(Handkerchief Linen). In addition I’ve purchased some great striped linens as well.

You can purchase from them online. I never have, only because a bus ticket is less than shipping.

5. SPANDEX HOUSE~ 263 W. 38th Street

This is a newer shop for me. I have walked past it many many times and just never ventured inside. Why not? Because the name made me think it was all Spandex~ and when walking by I always thought it was where dance and skating moms shopped for costumes! But seriously~ it’s so much more than that. They do carry stretch velvet and ITY knits as well. When I’m looking for those next time, I WILL stop in. I’ll also get some photos to add here!

6. IT’S A MATERIAL WORLD (H+M FABRICS)~ 257 W. 39th Street

This is a quirky store that ALWAYS has a sign outside stating “Going Out Of Business”. It’s been there for at least 5 years! Yes it actually has the same address as AK Textiles, but they aren’t the same store! I typically stop in here if I have some extra time. You really need to dig through the rolls~ but sometimes you find some great fabrics!

In the front of the store they typically have all the fancy brocades, sequins and silks (at good prices). As with a lot of the shops~ work your way to the back. In the past I have found some awesome linen/rayon chambrays, bordered eyelet and denims. All the way in the back are coating and suitings.

Like many shops the prices are not listed and you must ask. Always ask “Is this the best you can do?”. Beware, they aren’t always as “nice” as some of the other shop owners. Many of us refer to this as the “Janky” store. Note: Only go in if you aren’t pressed for time.

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My Go-To Notions Shops

1. SIL~ 257 W. 38th Street

THIS IS THE ONE STORE I NEVER MISS STOPPING IN AT!!!

SIL is my source for YKK zippers mainly. Great prices, hundreds of colors to choose from, various styles AND they will custom cut any zipper for you while you wait! When I know that I am going into the city, I take tiny snips of all the fabrics I “may” need a zipper for and match them all! (LN Constellations, LN Oakley Vest and LN Clef Coat). I have shopped here for my zippers long before Joann Fabrics closed because I can always get the exact color I want!

They also carry Gutermann thread if you want to match that as well. They carry quite a few different types as well and carry the full line (all the colors)! I also purchase elastic here. Any sewing notion you may need, they have! You will always find a ton of FIT students in this shop. (That’s how I first learned about it~ from my daughter almost 20 years ago!”

You can order online from them~ their color chart online for the zippers is extremely accurate. Last winter I needed a zipper and didn’t feel like going into the city. I ordered 2 colors online and they were perfect matches and I had them in 2 days! My favorite zipper is the

Their online store can be found HERE.

2. PACIFIC TRIMMING~ 220 W. 38th Street

This is the place go to for buttons and drawstring. They do carry rick rack and other trims as well. The button selection is huge and very well organized!

3. DAYTONA TRIMMING~ 251 W. 39th Street

This is where I shop for my Rick Rack!! Whatever color you need~ they have it and lots of it! They also carry lots of other decorative trims as well. Employees and friendly and super helpful!

EAST COAST TRIMMING~ 142 W. 38th Street (between 7th and Broadway)

This is your shop to swoon in! They have the largest selection of ribbons I have ever seen! Their ribbons are high quality~ and of course the prices match. This shop is located one block up from most of the other shops~ but it is a fun place to visit.

M & J TRIMMING 😦 ~ 1008 6th Avenue

Sadly after 90 years M & J Trimming is closing. Last I heard, the door were still open but they are just selling off what inventory they have left. I was really saddened by this, as this was my favorite place to buy ribbons. If you walk buy, I would stick my head in. This is not right with all the other stores, but up over on 6th Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets.

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Great Stores To Visit~ and Swoon

Here are a few stores that I like to visit from time to time. I don’t typically go here unless I have time to kill or I need/want something very specific. If you want a souvenir from your NYC Garment District trip you might consider one of these (cough cough~ Mood).

MOOD~225 W. 37th Street, 3rd floor

Mood is probably the most known fabric shop in NYC. (Thanks Project Runway). Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE MOOD, but it isn’t my one of my first choices for fabric shopping. It’s a beautiful store filled with rolls and rolls of just about any type fabric you could imagine~ BUT~ it can be very overwhelming! There are three floors of fabrics, and yes it is very organized. The employees are awesome and can help you find what you are looking for such please ask for help! If you have the time, then certainly stop in there, even just so you can say you did!

I go to Mood when~

• I have time to kill/waste (you can literally spend hours here)
• I want something very specific yet don’t have time to go to my regular spot

In June, I went there for seersucker specifically. I have gotten some at my usual spots, but it’s not something I could count on. Mood has a section devoted to seersucker. So, I went in right to that section and was out in about 20 min. Yes, I had to put my blinders on!

I do like that all fabrics are labeled with fiber content and price. Typically you’ll find this on a card stuffed into the end of the roll. There is no bargaining for prices. The prices are great bargains~ but this is a great stop if you want a souvenir from your NYC trip.

PRIME~212 W. 35th Street

If I wanted to buy myself a truly special piece of fabric THIS is where I would go!! These are couture fabrics sourced mostly from Italy. They are truly luxury fabrics and rare deadstocks from some of the world’s finest fashion houses. Here you will find:

• Couture Tweeds
• Wool Suiting
• Silk Prints
• Jacquards & Brocades

Last summer, I had to pull myself away from a beautiful wool boucle! I had no reason to buy it, no event to wear it to~ but Ohhh I really wanted it!!! This store is where I go to swoon!!

B & J FABRICS~ 525 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor

This is a very expensive shop, however it is a fun experience to head in and look around. My oldest daughter used to work in this building, so when I would go in and meet her for lunch I would stop in to visit this shop. I have not purchased anything from here.

Most of the fabrics are on headers, not full bolts. It can seem more like a showroom than a shop. Last I was there, they did have a nice selection of Liberty Tana Lawn on bolts.

ELLIOTT BERMAN~ 225 W. 35th Street

This is a textile showroom, not an actual store. Technically they are a wholesale showroom, however they “may” let you purchase something. Most of the fabrics are imported from Italy and France and expensive. Again, this is a great experience to get a feel of the garment district as a whole.

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I hope this list helps those of you who are able to visit the Garment District in NYC. This is by no means all of the stores! If you have time, simply go up and down the streets and wander into each store. Sometimes when I visit I have time to visit a new to me store. Others trips I have just an hour or so before/after a Broadway show. It’s those times that I quickly run into one of my favorite shops.

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The Museum at FIT

If you have more than a few hours, consider walking down 7th Avenue to 27th Street. Right on the corner is the museum in the middle of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). They have a great little museum that is free to enter. Every few months the exhibit changes and it never disappoints. It won’t take more than an hour to go through. The museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the eighteenth century  to the present.

Click here to see what the current exhibit is.

Click here for the museum hours. It is closed Monday and Tuesdays along with Holidays.

The last exhibit I went to see was “Statement Sleeves”. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

The “Big Button”

.Just across Seventh Avenue from all the fabric stores, right on the corner of Seventh and 39th Street, is the iconic Giant Needle and Button Sculpture often just called “The Big Button”. This is a newer version that was redesigned and erected in 2023. The original was first erected in 1996.

Be sure to get a photo of yourself here! When redesigned it now can be walked through.

The Garment Worker Statue

This 8 foot bronze statue was created to commemorate the Jewish garment workers in New York City at the turn of the century. Many Jewish immigrants who moved to NYC found themselves working the the Garment District in NYC. They were often considered the “backbone” of the garment industry. This is also on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 39th Street.

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Thanks for visiting my little sewing blog! If you want to follow along with my sewing projects be sure to subscribe to the Sew Mary Mac blog. Each (almost) every Friday I publish the “Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac” where I talk about what me-mades I’ve worn that week along with what I’m sewing. In addition, you’ll always find out what the Love Notions $6 Friday pattern is at 7:00 AM (EST).

I also include fabric resources and information about online fabric stores that I prefer and trust shopping with.

I hope you’ll join the fun!!!

Mary Anne 🙂

**Please note, I worked on this blog very quickly in order to get this information out to many fellow sewists who were going to be in NYC. I will have a chance in the next week or so to edit it! So excuse any mistakes!