Add to Cart: The Local Indie Fabric Stores You Need to Know
- Words by Peppermint
Once you set out on the journey of sewing your own clothes, it’s no secret you’ll soon develop a penchant for pretty fabrics. Whether you’re a restrained buy-as-needed fabric shopper or a seasoned stasher (we see you over there with your ‘fabric room’), choosing fabric for your handmade garments is half the fun!
For today’s maker, sewing your values has never been easier with all the options available; you could create a handmade wardrobe sewn entirely from upcycled or secondhand fabric, or choose to buy new fabric or a mix of both.
At Peppermint, there’s nothing we love more than discovering independent local businesses – and we love sewing, so of course it made sense to combine the best of both worlds and share some of the unique indie fabric shops in Australia (and a few beyond). You’re welcome. Your wallet, however, may not thank us.
It’s by no means an exhaustive list, rather a small curation of some of the incredible fabric stores out there – a list that’s growing by the day, and that will help you decide where to buy fabric! And if you need an excuse to indulge these lovely fabric businesses, here’s our sewing patterns to get you started…
TOP IMAGE: WEFT + WARP
Doops Designs
@doopsdesigns || doopsdesigns.com
The only thing better than textile designer Jane Newham’s bright and euphoric printed garments gracing our feed, is those same prints available in fabric form! Home grown in the Byron Bay hinterland and inspired by the “happy chaos” of raising kids, Doops Designs’ eye-popping designs are digitally printed onto natural fabrics using water-based, 100% solvent-free inks. Win and win!
Ink and Spindle
@inkandspindle_ || inkandspindle.com
Best known for their collection of bespoke, organic and sustainably printed fabrics inspired by Australian flora and fauna, Ink and Spindle have long been a household name in the sustainable textile scene. Having perfected the art of large-scale screen printing, the iconic designs are available in meterage and printed on a selection of sustainable base fabrics using certified organic inks.
Karina + Kind
@karinaandkind || karinaandkind.com.au
This vibrant Australian online store celebrates bold, artist-designed textiles with carefully chosen woven and knit bases. Fabrics are printed twice a month, ensuring a fresh rotation of stunning designs. Repeat buyers are rewarded with discounts starting from $5 off 3m, increasing to VIP savings at 10m, 15m and beyond – plus free domestic shipping on orders over $250. As an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 print partner, sustainability is central to every release. Only biodegradable, organic bases such as cotton, linen, tencel and bamboo are offered. Polyester nylon and acrylic are intentionally left out to encourage mindful choices.
Ikuntji Artists
@ikuntjiartists ||ikuntji.com.au
Sew your values and support Australia’s First Nations designers at the same time with an eye-catching print designed by Indigenous artists from the Ikuntji Artists’ community. Situated in Haasts Bluff, NT, the not-for-profit art centre provides a platform for local artists to promote their works; a selection of which have been hand screen-printed onto natural fabrics and made available in small quantities.
Circular Sourcing
@circularsourcing || circularsourcing.world
The sustainable haberdashery we’ve all been waiting for! Circular Sourcing (founded by Courtney Holm of A.BCH) is home to a small curation of sustainable fabric, trims and notions for all your home sewing projects. Think formaldehyde-free organic cotton fusing (yes, it exists!), pure rubber elastic and 100% Tencel sewing thread (made from eucalyptus pulp) available in a range of core colours.
Cloth Cuts
@clothcutsco || clothcuts.com.au
Cloth Cuts is a family-run online Australian business that specialises in custom-printed fabrics. They are passionate about providing high-quality digitally printed fabrics with a wide range of fabric bases, including Cotton Lycra, PUL, Canvas, Vinyl, Muslin, Linen, and Twill. You can pick any print you love or even upload your own design and match it with the perfect fabric for your project. This kind of creative freedom is hard to find in regular fabric shops. Plus, most of their fabric is 150cm wide, meaning you get more in every metre. New designs are added every two weeks so you can always find something fresh and exciting.
Tessuti Fabrics
@tessutifabrics || tessuti-shop.com
We can’t share a list of Australian fabric stores without a mention of Tessuti Fabrics – founded in 1992 by mother-daughter team Silva and Colette, they’re still providing home sewists with gourmet fabrics from around the world to this day! You’ll find a sizeable selection of Liberty of London prints, designer ends, wool coatings and luxury European silks in their online store and Melbourne and Sydney outlets.
Indy Bindy Fabrics
@indybindyfabrics || indybindy.com || Japan
Indy Bindy Fabrics is a superb online fabric store that represents a bounty of indie Japanese fabric designers. Curated by fabric and sewing lover Aims Watts, Indy Bindy invites you into the wonderful world of hand-printing and artisan methods, giving you access to unique Japanese fabrics. Each designer is a true artisan, filled with passion, who pours their heart into their work. Some live in the heart of Tokyo, others in the mountains of Aichi Prefecture or seaside where they hand print their fabrics at their live-in atelier. Their individual processes and style are unique, resulting in extraordinary fabrics.
The Fabric Store
@wearethefabricstore | wearethefabricstore.com
Home to a curated range of designer ends, mill overruns and exclusive milled linen and merino wool, The Fabric Store is the go-to for all your handmade wardrobe needs. Hunt down fabric finds from the convenience of the online store or pet all the fabrics in person at bricks-and-mortar locations in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and New Zealand.
Weft and Warp
@weftandwarpfabrics || weftandwarp.com.au
After nearly 30 years of travelling the globe seeking out the finest fabrics and the most mysterious sewing secrets, Rebecca and Matthew have compiled their experience into creating the ultimate welcoming local sewing space filled with “the world’s most beautiful and ethical apparel fabrics”. Whether shopping online or in their Canberra-based brick-and-mortar, Weft and Warp stocks everything you need to make your sewing dreams come true.
Potter & Co
@potter_and_co_australia || potterandco.com.au
Looking for linen? Then pop on over to Potter & Co! Proudly based in WA, their sister company, Potter Textiles, has been supplying fabric to the Australian and New Zealand fashion industry for over 20 years. Potter & Co boasts a stunning collection of linen fabric in all the colours of the rainbow (think mouth-watering colourways like ‘papaya’ and ‘blossom’). Come for the linen and stay for the textured cottons, gingham prints and dreamy double gauze.
The Fine Cloth Company
@thefineclothcompany || thefineclothcompany.co.nz || New Zealand
Over in the windy capital of Wellington, partners Tracy Johnson and Stephen Shaw have combined decades of industry experience to create their joy-infused textile business, The Fine Cloth Company, tapping into their common goal of living a ‘simple life that’s invigorating, creative, and fun!’ They keep their ranges intentionally small, and are fans of a circular-economy approach, working to add more environmentally and socially certified fabrics to their offering of natural fibres like linen, cotton, wool, tencel, and silk. You’ll find something special to suit any sewing budget, plus unique sewing patterns and nifty accessories!
Blackbird Fabrics
@blackbirdfabrics.com|| blackbirdfabrics.com || East Vancouver, Canada
Caroline started Blackbird Fabrics in 2014 with a simple goal – to make high-quality garment fabrics accessible to home sewists. What began as a small selection of 12 fabrics in a spare-room studio has grown into a thriving business, now run by a passionate team in a 10,000-square-foot East Vancouver warehouse.
Blackbird Fabrics stocks natural fibres, deadstock fabrics and exclusive custom prints – all carefully chosen to feel at home in any modern wardrobe. Sustainability and social responsibility are key, shaping a collection that supports both makers and the planet. From curating fabrics to launching community initiatives, Blackbird Fabrics continues to evolve – thanks to the support of sewists worldwide.
mollymolly Fabric
@pmollymollyfabric || mollymollyfabric.com
What began as a hobby grew into a thriving studio at mollymolly Fabric, for Melbourne-based surface designer Shelley. Her work found its way into the hands of makers and brands across the globe, each design reflecting her thoughtful, slow-crafted approach. Drawing, painting and collage bring Shelley’s patterns to life, expressing inspiration found in the everyday. Designed with clothing in mind, prints feature larger-scale tiles and ‘half-drop’ arrangements so garments look great when worn. Sustainability and longevity are key, with new designs released every few months rather than following seasonal trends.
Sew To Grow
@sewtogrow || sewtogrow.com.au
Founded by Lindsey Rae, Sew To Grow helps makers build well-fitted, handmade wardrobes. With 18 years of experience as a sewist, Lindsey has crafted 80% of her own clothing from handmade or secondhand pieces, embracing sustainability and inspiring others.
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Sew To Grow fabrics feature artist-designed prints and patterns that come with full-colour illustrations and video tutorials. Beyond fabrics, Lindsey offers workshops and business consulting, empowering sewists to refine their skills and grow their brands.
Ellie Whittaker Studio
@elliewhitakerstudio || elliewhittaker.com.au
“Fabric that brings smiles to faces” – we couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Hailing from the sunshine state, Ellie Whittaker and her prints are a celebration of all good summertime festivities. We’re particularly fond of the ‘Troppo’ design: starring tropical fruits and printed on 100% organic cotton sateen, it’s a must-have for picnic season.
Maai Design
@maaidesign || maaidesign.com.au
“Modern fabrics for modern makers” is a movement we can get behind! And that’s exactly what Maai Design is bringing to the sewing community – modern fabrics from household names on the indie sewing scene like Lady McElroy, Mind The Maker and Atelier Brunette. With a strong emphasis on natural fabrics, you’ll find everything from quality cottons and denim to tencel and cupro in their line-up.
Digital Fabrics
@digitalfabrics || digitalfabrics.com.au
Digital Fabrics is your go-to Aussie crew for custom fabric printing magic. Based in Sydney, they help you turn your designs into real-deal textiles – whether you need one metre or a whole roll. Everything’s printed in-house using eco-friendly, waterless tech, so it’s fast, high-quality, and kind to the planet. From wedding decor to swimwear, marketing merch to fashion ranges, they’ve worked with everyone and love a creative challenge. Plus, they offer colour matching, product making (hello, custom cushions!) and design help too. No boring fabrics here – just unique prints and big heart energy.
Drapers Fabrics
@drapersfabrics || drapersfabrics.com
Self-confessed purveyors of “beautiful textiles for the creative community”, Drapers Fabrics are winning hearts with their collection of designer deadstock, organic fibres and ethically made fabrics. The organic cotton shirtings and pin-stripes deserve a special mention, but it would be lax of us not to include the Linen Eucalyptus Twill or GOTS-certified linen knit in our official wish list.
Fabric Godmother
@fabricgodmother || fabricgodmother.co.uk || Hove, UK
Fabric Godmother was born from frustration – founder Josie wanted fabulous, reasonably priced dressmaking fabrics, but couldn’t find where to buy fabric online alongside sewing essentials like patterns and haberdashery. So in 2012, she launched her own store, creating a one-stop destination for makers.
Josie’s passion for sewing runs deep. She learned on her mum’s machine, making clothes for her dolls, then graduated to Saturday night outfits by 18. For her 21st birthday, she got her first brand-new sewing machine – a Husqvarna Viking 350, which she still uses today. Fabric Godmother now stocks ex-designer, fashion and indie fabrics, helping sewists create garments with style and quality, at an affordable price.
The Remnant Warehouse
@theremnantwarehouse || theremnantwarehouse.com
Your one-stop shop for trims, notions and buttons and a selection of Australian designer deadstock from local fashion manufacturers – their range is made up of 95% designer remnants! You’ll find plenty of knit fabrics at The Remnant Warehouse for all those stretch sewing projects and a sizeable collection of basics in solid colours to build a wardrobe of wearable staples.
Whimsy Kaleidoscope
@whimsykaleidoscope || whimsykaleidoscope.com
Offering a vibrant range of fabrics for makers, home sewists and small businesses, Whimsy Kaleidoscope, founded by surface designer Sheree, stocks everything from breezy cottons to structured textiles, all with her fun, limited-edition prints. Each release is carefully curated, and limited pre-orders ensure makers can secure their preferred designs before they sell out. Remaining stock is released after pre-orders ship – but these exclusive cuts move fast, making each collection feel extra special.
A + R Fabrics
@aandrfabrics || aandrfabrics.com
Whether you’re on the hunt for a rigid denim, 100% Australian Merino Wool jersey or slubby silk noil, A & R Fabrics are here to celebrate natural fibres. Their modest collection of mindfully curated textiles is what handmade wardrobe dreams are made of!
Next State Print
@nextstateprint || nextstateprint.com
As a print-on-demand textile printer, Next State minimises waste by producing only what’s needed – reducing excess and supporting responsible production. Their Print and Make service transforms printed fabric into finished products, including cushions, tote bags, banners and tea towels, all made right here in Australia! Print as little as one metre or place a bulk order across natural, polyester, recycled and organic textiles.
So, if you’ve been wondering where to buy fabric, this list should get you started!
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“Crafting is something that has come naturally since I was small and I just haven’t stopped. When I was smaller, I was interested in the end result. As I’ve gotten older, I realise it’s the process that keeps me coming back to craft. It’s a meditative state for me and I find the repetitive action of the stitching and felting quite therapeutic.”
Craving a world filled with warmth and whimsy? It’s all in a day’s work for textile artist @Cat_Rabbit, whose latest book, ‘Trinkets’, is bursting with felty food friends to make and cherish. Cat invited us into her universe, filled with cheeky characters, layered storytelling and loads of humour.
Plus: try the super sweet pattern for Cat’s Lucky Pickle, perfect to make as a stocking stuffer, extracted from Trinkets.
Read more from our ‘Just felt right’ feature in Issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: Tatanja Ross @On_JacksonStreet and Cat Rabbit
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Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Bondi Beach violence, especially the Jewish community. Also to the beachgoers, those who bravely helped and the first responders.
While it`s easy – and understandable – to get caught up in the horror of it all and direct anger at certain groups, remember this quote from teacher and author Erin Gruwell: "Don`t let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group."
“You don`t fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity," said Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. And solidarity is exactly what we need right now.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Remember there is much more kindness in the world than hate. ❤️🩹
@LifelineAustralia has created a Bondi Beach Incident: Wellbeing support guide, where you’ll find information about common reactions, reassurance that what you’re feeling is valid, and ideas for taking care of your wellbeing.
https://lifeline.org.au/bondi-incident
You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 or chat at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat anytime, no matter how this has impacted you.
@BeyondBlueOfficial is also available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Register.Find.Reunite. has been activated by @RedCrossAu to help people reconnect with family and friends. Visit redcross.org.au to access the service.
@NSWPolice Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is operating 24/7 on 1800 227 228 for information relating to people impacted.
@LifeBloodAu is supporting Sydney hospitals. O- and O+ blood are always in high demand in emergencies. To donate (from anywhere in Australia – all states are welcome and helpful!) call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app.
Just a reminder… from @SugarHouseCeramicCo
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Last year we were extremely excited to receive funding from the Meta Australian News Fund, in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. The result of this is a fabulous new website, with a sustainable fashion and sewing directory that will follow early next year. We`ve worked with the lovely Amy and Jenny at @CrumpetClubHouse who have been making the magic happen – we can`t wait to show you the outcome! ✨️
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🎄On the 12th day of Christmas, we’re giving away… a GREENPAN FROST ICE CREAM & FROZEN DRINK MAKER! 🎄
Ice, ice, baby! Calling all kitchen magicians and dessert devotees: it’s time to churn, blend and devour your way to frozen heaven. It’s our final giveaway – and hoo girl, it’s a goodie! Thanks to the clever folks at @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz, one reader will cool their mitts on the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker – perfect for conjuring up home-made gelato, sorbet, smoothies, slushies and more!
Valued at $599, the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker is designed with GreenPan’s signature Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating, so you can whip up summer-ready sweet treats free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium.
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