Top 5 Fabric Shops in Winnipeg
The ancient Egyptians made the first fabrics out of flax fibres. These were then dyed, cut, and turned into different types of garments.
Today, fabrics are now available in different textures, colours, and materials. The best part is you don’t need to make your own as you can get them from fabric shops.
Just for you, we looked into different fabric shops in Winnipeg, and reviewed the best ones in this article! Read on to learn more.
How much do different types of fabrics cost?
Fabric prices differ, depending on the type or material. Prices may also change on how many yards or metres customers can buy on a minimum.
Take a look at the table below for the average prices of different fabric types you’ll find in Winnipeg stores:
How did we choose the best fabric shops in Winnipeg?
We chose the top fabric shops in Winnipeg based on these standards:
1. Marshall Fabrics
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| FABRIC SELECTION | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Wide selection of materials | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Available in various colors and prints | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| STORE AMBIANCE | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
| > Clean, organized, and well-lit | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Easy to navigate | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| PRICES | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
| CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
Marshall Fabrics carries a wide selection of fabric suitable for garments, draperies, upholstery, and automotive purposes.
Our favourite thing about this place is that it has natural and synthetic woven materials available. We noticed that there aren’t many shops that can offer both.
We’re also giving plus points to this fabric store for having a section for notions, which are accessories used to decorate sewn items or fasten two garments together.
Notions offered include buttons, sequins, hooks, elastics, beads, thread (various colours), ribbons, trims, and even fabric glue.
The store’s cutting table is another highlight as it allows customers to have their fabric options measured and cut precisely by employees.
It’s just a tad unfortunate that Marshalls’ currently doesn’t have an online shop. Prices aren’t currently displayed on its website either, which we think is inconvenient for those planning to set aside a budget before visiting the store.
On a brighter note, the store offers mail order and curbside pickup for those who can’t visit the store physically.
In terms of improvement, we do think that they could work on their customer service. We weren’t pleased to hear about some of the staff being unfriendly and unwelcoming.
Although we understand that the staff might not intend to be rude to the customers, we stil think they should exercise patience in answering customer queries.
Pros
- Carries an impressive selection of fabrics
- Has a notions section
- Offers mail order and curbside pickup
Cons
- Currently doesn’t have an online store
- Staff could work on customer relations skills
Customer Reviews
Great customer response and delivery!
“I recently saw and ordered some fabric from their store. I live in BC and they made the experience truly easy.” – Jana Candale
Prices are great, you won’t need a discount card
“The staff has always been friendly and helpful, there is a huge selection of fabric at really great prices, no discount card needed. Same with notions and trim. It is my go-to fabric store.” – Amanda Taylor
2. Overseas Fashion & Fabrics
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| FABRIC SELECTION | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
| > Wide selection of materials | ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 |
| > Available in various colors and prints | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| STORE AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Clean, organized, and well-lit | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Easy to navigate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| PRICES | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Overseas Fashion and Fabrics is one of the notable fabric shops in Winnipeg, having started in 2000.
What we loved about Overseas Fashion and Fabrics is that it has an online shop. We found the site easy to navigate, thanks to filters that help narrow down the types of fabric available.
We visited its physical store and found that this fabric shop carries lace, fleece, and quilting materials. They even have fabric for pillow cases, duvets, bedding linens, and upholstery work.
We were pleased with how clean and well-lit the shop was. Items are also well-organised, which makes it easy to spot what you’re looking for.
When it comes to fabric selection, we love that the shop offers over 90 kinds of prints and patterns. We found the colours and designs vibrant and beautiful, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Do note that most of their designs lean toward the bold and eye-catching, so those who prefer simpler or subdued looks may struggle to find something they like. Also, they only offer quilt and fleece fabrics, so take note of this when you go.
Thankfully, we’ve been told that this place is still generally great for shopping as the staff there are responsive and kind to customers.
Pros
- Has an online store
- A great place to shop for lace, fleece, and quilting cotton
- Reports of staff being responsive and kind
Cons
- Limited to fleece and quilting fabrics
- Limited selection for solid-colored materials
Customer Reviews
Smaller selection, but with really good fabric options
“Small selection but a good one. Didn’t let me bring my mom into the store due to covid groups which was too bad but they did help. Great place for lace but not so much for embossed fabric. Came back another time and found fabric of exactly the colour I needed. Checked other fabric stores with no luck. They are very welcoming and warm.” – Shannon Maendel
Prompt services and great fabric selection
“9x out of 10 im buying my fabric from here. The customer service is impeccable, they’re prompt to reply to all my Inquiries and concerns. The shipping omg! Fastest I have ever experienced. The selection and quality are among the best. I live in bc, I recieve items quicker from these guys then I do from another fabric store ive ordered from with delivery and they’re in the next town over.” – Jennifer John
3. Fabricland
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| FABRIC SELECTION | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Wide selection of materials | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Available in various colors and prints | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| STORE AMBIANCE | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
| > Clean, organized, and well-lit | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Easy to navigate | ★☆☆☆☆ 1/5 |
| PRICES | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
| CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
Fabricland carries a varied selection of fabrics, including cotton, lace, fleece, brocade, silk, chiffon, crepe, velvet, denim, and faux fur.
One of the highlights of Fabricland is that it has a dedicated page on its website for DIY ideas, complete with downloadable instructions.
We think this is great for people who are running out of new things to try or are just looking for quick creative ideas.
Another favorable point of this shop is that it offers memberships that come with discounts, coupons, and advanced access to new and limited-edition items.
There are currently two membership types, one priced at $20 and the other at $25. We think these are worth looking into as they last one year and come with 20% to 50% discounts on patterns, thread, notions, and quilting cotton.
That said, it’s just a tad unfortunate that the fabric store currently doesn’t have an online shop.
While that’s the case, we appreciate the store for displaying which of its items have discounts on its website.
Customers may also avail of these discounts by presenting their membership cards upon payment.
We just wish that the shop would improve its accessibility for people with special needs. Some customers mentioned that they showed their disability cards to skip the queue, which is understandable – but were refused.
We believe that the store’s management should look into this issue and work on making the store safer and easier to navigate for all customers.
Pros
- Carries an impressive selection of fabrics
- Has a page dedicated to DIY project ideas
- Offers annual memberships
Cons
- Online shopping is not available
- Could show due consideration for people with mobility issues
Customer Reviews
A haven for all DIY crafters
“Fabricland has a large selection of items and friendly, helpful staff. I don’t sew much, usually just holes and buttons, but my son had a particular request and we couldn’t find it in stores or online, so we decided to make it… the staff helped us find the materials and offered advice, which was very appreciated! – Mike Warner
Offers on-sal items with great quality and prices.
Everyone was super friendly and helpful. The young lady who initially helped us took us directly to what we were looking for, explained the different items and gave her recommendations as to what would be best for our project. The regular prices on many items were cheaper than you could find online, and the sale items were great.” – Amar Beauchamp
4. Economy Textile
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| FABRIC SELECTION | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
| > Wide selection of materials | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| > Available in various colours and prints | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
| STORE AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Clean, organised, and well-lit | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Easy to navigate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| PRICES | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
One of the things we appreciate about Economy Textile is that it strives to operate a sustainable business. To date, 50% of its inventory are made of reclaimed products.
The fabric shop offers a varied fabric lineup that features leather, unique patterns and prints, and fancy designer fabrics.
In terms of designer fabrics, the store currently carries various types of velvet and suede materials.
Shoppers can choose from plaids and stripes to abstract patterns, and embroidered-like designs – there’s certainly something for every design preference.
We also have to give it to this store for carrying festive fabric prints perfect for making Christmas sweaters, curtains, hats, coasters, and upholstery.
Do note, however, that the store’s selection is a little limited compared to other fabric shops. Most of the textiles are either vividly-coloured, printed, or patterned, options that might not suit those looking for neutral or solid-hued options.
As for pricing, we found that this fabric shop’s rates are quite reasonable, especially for its designer cloth options.
For example, this store’s velvet fabrics cost at least $9 per metre (0.1 yard), a price we think is quite a steal given that velvet can cost at least $15 a yard in Canada.
It’s just a tad unfortunate that this fabric shop doesn’t have an online store as of writing. But on the bright side, we appreciate the shop for providing prices for some of its products on its website.
Alternatively, shoppers may order items via phone or email – although some items may require special orders – and get their orders via curbside pickup.
Pros
- Carries printed, leather, and designer fabrics
- Advocates for sustainability
- Accepts custom orders
- Prices of items are displayed on website
- Offers phone/mail order and curbside pickup
Cons
- Currently doesn’t have an online store
- Few plain and neutral fabrics available
Customer Reviews
Has a great selection of quality fabrics
“What a great place to buy quality fabrics!!!! The selection is super on cottons, knits, and leathers… What an array of beautiful prints; southwest, animals, and even quite a few polka dots…. Friendly and helpful staff to help make it a once in a lifetime fabric buying experience!!!!!!!!” – Alec Dueck
Offers good value on its products and services
“Great selection of fabrics and notions. Really good value compared to a lot of places in the city. Staff are friendly and happy to offer advice.” – Kristi Nelson
5. Keystone Modern Creative
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| FABRIC SELECTION | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
| > Wide selection of materials | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Available in various colours and prints | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| STORE AMBIANCE | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Clean, organised, and well-lit | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| > Easy to navigate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| PRICES | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
| CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
Keystone Modern Creative offers plain and patterned fabrics, as well as different cloth materials, such as cotton, linen, fleece, and felt.
We also like how the store carries pre-cut cloth, patterns, and project kits (with varying difficulty levels) in its store.
This makes it easier for customers to finally work on their small personal projects to practise and improve their sewing skills.
That said, we hope that the store adds more kid-friendly fabrics to its selection.
Another great thing about this fabric shop is that it offers sewing classes. The shop offers 2-week courses, inclusive of sewing kits and lesson materials, for around $35 to $50.
This is perfect for entry-level sewing enthusiasts, as well as hobbyists who want to improve their craft.
We also appreciate how hassle-free payment is, both online and in-shop. Keystone accept credit cards, Diners Club cards, and online money transfers.
Loyal customers also get perks and special memberships through Keystone’s Rewards Programme.
Members will be given a card they can fill out with stamps, then get $25 off (or more) on their next purchase once they’ve ticked off all their stamps
That said, Keystone’s rewards are currently limited to in-store shopping. The rewards also cannot be combined with other discounts, so do take note of this before availing of the programme.
Pros
- Offers a wide array of fabrics, patterns, and project kits
- Offers sewing classes
- Accepts different modes of payment
- Gives perks to loyal customers
Cons
- Could add more kid-oriented designs to selection
- Rewards are currently limited to in-store shopping
Customer Reviews
Always looking forward to the store’s sewing classes
“I can’t believe it has taken me this long to write this review. I love this shop. I discovered the shop right when the pandemic hit and it was a lifesaver for getting fabric when I needed it. Website was easy to navigate and get what I needed quickly. Since the pandemic is still going, but mask sewing has slowed down I still shop for what I need when I need it and I appreciate the owner Leslie so much for always being accommodating. I can’t wait for things to get back to normal so I can join some fun sewing classes.” – B. M.
Impeccable cutting and packaging skills
“Cuts are never crooked, and packaged neatly. Leslie really cares about her customers. Curb side is ridiculously efficient and online ordering is a breeze. My only wish, would be a few more kids friendly prints.” – Angelina Kisiloski
FAQs on Fabric Shops
That sums up our unbiased review of the top shops to buy fabrics in Winnipeg!
If you’re looking for other places to purchase items for sewing and crafting, we recommend checking out the top art supplies stores in Winnipeg.