Where to Find Secondhand, Deadstock, and Vintage Fabric Online 

To the person who suggested lowering the ironing board and setting it up next to the sewing machine: You are a genius. This is an absolute game changer for me, and I'm so very glad for the tip. Thank you.

> It's terry-cloth... with cherries on it? It's cherry-cloth!

In the UK, rainbow fabrics sell dead stock fabric. In Ireland, Black Raven crafts sell deadstock and end roll linen.

My grandmother was the oldest of 18 children. When clothes got holes or wore out, she would cut squares out of these clothes and make quilts. She was born in Croatia in the area now known as Yugoslavia before her parents brought her to the United States. She made a quilt for me out of her old dresses. Thanks for this video and reminding me of her thriftiness.

To set pleats in natural fibers, fill a spray bottle with vinegar water (10%-50% vinegar), and mist your fabric before pressing the pleats. Works great!

I got lucky about 10 years ago when a Joann’s was closing down.. I paid pennys on the dollar for my fabric haul. I added my receipts and spent 2500$ in cash, but I saved something like 25k. After that I ended up being a cheapskate, I won’t spend more than 2$ a yard on anything…. And patterns, I have a huge stash of patterns, I can’t sew without them and kudos to those who can! I always stock up on patterns when they have them on sale at Joann’s.. I still have a huge stash of fabric from my Joann’s haul. I go and randomly pull out a pattern every now and then and pick fabric then start sewing….

I purchased a costume shop warehouse storage years ago… cheap and I mean super cheap… I had so much I cried for months, I had to give away some … but I still have a full 6 foot metal rack and two rooms full of fabric and notions… I have decided to do an on going sale for the community which is in so need of a fabric store… time to make up bundles 😊

It is so much fun watching you unbox your fabrics. You mentioned the fun of taking a road trip and visiting fabric stores...several years ago, my husband did that for me. He had bought an over-the-road bus and we were driving across the country to bring it back home. Whenever he needed to put gas in the bus, I checked my Quilter's Directory and we found shops nearby. He would drop me at the shop, go gas up the bus and come pick me up. I ended up with a fabulous collection, some of which I am still sewing.

I feel these fabric resources needs to be made into a, dare I say it…spreadsheet! 😂

The colonial williamsburg is probably one of the reproduction fabrics they sell in the dress shop. It's usually sold by the yard, and they have a variety of prints.

I used to live 15 minutes from a thrift store that specializes on crafts and fabric. Now I am an hour away, so I only gone once in 18 months. I like the idea of finding an online version.

AT 7:15 CHATTY CATHY FINALLY OPENS A BOX.

Wow! You took me back to my childhood when you flashed the photo of F & M Fabrics. I went there with my grandmother occasionally. The store has been at that location since before I was born (I'm 65). 😊 It reminds me of Mill End in Reno, Nevada.

Our Social Fabric - in Vancouver (Canada) does have an online store as well as brick&mortar.

I made a terry cloth robe from thrifted fabric. There wasn't enough fabric for my project, so I searched for and found striped towel to match the hunter green terry cloth, also second hand that I used for the sleeves. I now dry off after a bath or shower simply by putting on my robe. The yellow/cherry print terry would be so perfect for a bath robe.

If you're in SoCal, stop in at M&L Fabrics in Huntington Beach, CA. Big warehouse of discounted fabrics - mostly quilters cotton - in flat folds. They do have current and good quality products that are discounted.

When you factor in delivery costs, you really need to think, "How much would this cost me in fuel if I were to drive there?" If it's cheaper than your petrol usage, then you should pay it and don't complain, but if you live close enough, then save yourself that fee. Good haul girl. I must have a look to see if there are any similar stores within Australia and my state. Though as tempting as it could be to look at material, I'd like to find yarn stores like these. I look forward to seeing what you make with some of your haul.

You, amazing person, are an enabler. And I want to say thank you. 💖

F & M is in my hometown and I used to love going there! I haven't thought about them since I moved and now I DEFINITELY want to go back when I visit for my birthday

A couple of years ago I got a 30 gal. and a 20 gal. totes from Goodwill for $35 combined. Inside were an amazing assortment of fabrics, including almost a whole bolt of one fabric. It also included an Olfa cutter still in the packaging, some quilting rulers, thread and other sewing accessories. I just wanted to remind people to open bins in thrift stores even if they're taped closed. You never know what you'll find. Thanks for all the different places to look for fabrics.

Oh, dear! Every time you talk about Remainders my heart pings a little. I lived less than a mile from the store when it was on Walnut, but I moved 150 miles away to the Southern Sierras. Tonight you gave me such a delightful surprise!! I’m only about 50 miles from F&M, but I hadn’t discovered them yet!! Gosh thanks for the thrills…and a sarcastic gosh, thanks for a renewed urge to increase my “collection”!!

In my area (Central PA), the local Salvation Army centers in several nearby towns have yearly fabric and yarn sales. They sell donated fabric, notions, patterns ect. for very good prices.

When I watched your last video I KNEW exactly where you had gotten the fabric for the last pair. Stephanie Canada! She is so fun to watch and everyone needs to watch the saga of how she got that fabric, it’s amazing!

In the UK, Abakhan Fabrics have stores in the North West from Liverpool down to Shrewsbury. They also sell online. I've shopped at their store in Hanley and always found their prices reasonable. Deadstock tweeds from Linton Tweeds are amazing but pricey (from about £42 a metre) but they produce for top haute couture designers.

So Glad you mentioned Stephanie Canada/ Backroomfinds....If you missed here we would have some words, but alas...YEA!!!! Looks like you got some good scores. Fabric shopping SUCKS in my area, but its a small town, go figure, we never have what the cities have, but each has their charms.

So Remainders is a creative reuse center. They are a growing trend in craft shopping. There are over 100 creative reuse centers across the US. And some sell fabric some do not. But google if there is one near you!

😂 you continue to be a bad influence on me. Now I must make the hour drive to investigate Swanson's Fabrics since it happens to be in a quaint town that i love that also has the MOST amazing used book store

Thank you SO much for this! Not only do I have a place to donate, but new places to buy - plus, I found a music store near remainders that can fix my cello! ❤

It's a good thing you now own your own home. That looks like a lot of fabric added to your closet that you won't have to ever move. Love watching your channel. It inspires me to break into my own (small) stash.

I just recently discovered that my local thrift store has so much beautiful fabric in the form of drapes! All different colors types fabrics textures oooooh what fun I had just picking up the draperies! Many had embellishments that could either stay on the fabric or be easily removed. But my favorite was a blue silk that had 4 panels each was 110 inches long and 49 inches wide. These will make a beautiful pair of trousers for spring and nice blouse. I’m 5’1” so I will have a lot of fabric to work with! I love the idea of using used fabric! Yay!

You are the second person this week to tell me about F & M Fabrics - it's a sign, I must go! About a 2 hour drive for me, I will make it happen!

In the UK I've been impressed by Dalston Mills fabric remnant bundles so far. AmoThreads are a true deadstock company I've only just seen and their prices seem reasonable.

The Fabric Market is a good vendor! I've bought a bunch from them and will continue to do so. They're really good about shipping quickly and they're very affordable.

I want to thank you just for being you! I got some bad (but expected) news today and my mood was...I need to watch YOU! The idea of a trip across America to visit fabric thrift stores is fantastic. I would love to see that. Again, you are so appreciated.

I got really lucky to acquire a tiny stash of vintage lace and trims from the 70's to the 90's. I needed this video. Now I can keep a project genuine.

Swanson's has been my obsession for the past year. I need to take a breather and use some of this stash before I let myself go back to their site. Highly recommend.

Don't live in US or Canada - but this is great content/advice for those who do and that deserves a like and comment to push that algorithm button😊

The fabric with the little scenes on it is called toile (twahl). It’s usually used for upholstery and curtains. I don’t think I have ever seen toile with more than two colors-what you showed looks amazing. 😊

Swanson's is everything that I want to be when I retire. I dream of running a secondhand arts and crafts store because there is SO MUCH JUNK. Let's share our hoards. ;)

Thank you for the video it is fun to see fabric even if it cannot be bought in my country. Thank you very much for all the other viewers who shared places in the UK and Ireland very much appreciated as I am new to sewing garments. I usually embroider so your suggestions have been invaluable.

I have used Swansons before. They are excellent and the customer service is wonderful.

I just bought my first sewing machine EVER last week and I am so happy I found your channel for these resources, and also, inspiration!

I love the attitude, honesty and grace you bring to sewing adventures!

You are feeding my fabric dragon tendencies!...thank you. I like the dead stock idea since I'm tall and trying to get enough fabric for dramatic dresses that are floor length takes a lot of yardage.

When I was watching your introduction I was hoping that you had found Swanson's and then it was your first and I was so excited 😊 I live in Australia and follow them online, I'd love to set up a community stash house like they have

my third reason for buying secondhand fabric is because modern fabrics are crummy. i've purchased GOOD, but never GREAT, new. but i've always found amazing fabric secondhand!

i bought a couple of the randomized boxes of fabric off the Thrifty Notions shop...i'm so excited! thank you for making this video and introducing us to new-to-us places to get fun fabric!

That brown, denim-look, faux patchwork, double knit is definitely vintage 70s fabric.

I for one find this vid super interesting! It can be hard to find good secondhand sites, especially for fabrics and other craft things, so thank you!

A very informative video! If you’re in Southern California, another deadstock purveyor to check out is L’Etoffe Fabrics out of Redlands. I met the gal who runs it at the Road to CA quilt show in Ontario. She’s more focused on high end deadstock, but she gets some amazing fabrics and trims in. My go-to store online is FabricMart in Pennsylvania. They seem to stock lots of high end fabrics. I like working with wool, silk and linen, and if you stalk their sales you can score silk for $5-8 per yard and wool coating for as low as $10. One thing about deadstock manufacturing fabrics is they’re often much wider than those from say Joanne’s, so you need less yardage (ie, fabric that is 58” wide versus 44”).

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! I first watched 2 weeks ago and realized that Swansons is not too far from me and today I made the trip. It was awesome! Not only did I find some wonderful fabrics and stuff, I also decluttered my stash and they took ALL 30 grocery bags of fabrics, notions, and trims! Woo hoo...thank you!!.

Canada - Fabcycle out of Vancouver BC has a great selection of materials from the garment industry there

I LOVE your skirt!!!!!!! It's gorgeous! I also love that you promote these sites/businesses that are packaging up old fabric for people to buy!

I tried that Sew by Sew because of your review, and I got the MOST HORRIBLE MATERIAL EVER!!!! IT WAS UNBVELIEVABLE, I spent over $100 and got the most unusable, disgusting colored, unsewable material EVER!!! HOOKERS DOWN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MAIN WOULD NOT WEAR HALF OF THIS!!!! OMG … and there is NO phone number to call, and you are liable for what you get. NO refunds!!!! I DO NOT RECCOMMEND that company AT ALL!!!!!

I just had the most delightful time watching you unpack your mail away stash that I’ve subscribed. Thank you for the education and entertainment,

❤ I COMPLETELY LOVE THIS!!!! All the joy of discovering and ordering cool fabrics - without the expense. 😂😂

Interesting to see even though I don't live in the US. Always fun to share in the joy of new fabric! 😁 Shipping vs driving somewhere is something I always consider since gas prices is rather high where I live so shipping can sometimes be cheaper even if the store is located somewhere close-ish by.

Aw, geeez-I can’t tell you how much your honesty about why 2nd hand fabric is Better, made my day! New sub, lovin’ thee Vibe)!

Genius here. I have always used a lowered ironing board next to my sewing machine for extra work space. My ironing board for pressing and ironing is deliberately put on the other side of the room so I will move around more.

There is a “store”in Durham, NC that “recycles” many items.. including scrap material. Not sure if they ship (doubt it) but if you are in the Triangle area.. they are a great place to go to get scrap items of all kinds. They are called “The Scrap Exchange” and are located at 2050 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham, NC. The items are all donated and they vary.. but its a great place!!

OMG THAT FABRIC, Right after the yellow waffle one. THAT. Is the exact pattern of the wallpaper in my parent's bedroom XD

I love Thrifty Notions and Stone Mountain Daughter. Thank you for the new recommendations.

This is my first visit to your channel. What a fun video. Although I don't sew any more I have been thinking of picking it up again and you make that idea tempting! Thank you for being so complete on your information. That really helps

Hello beautiful! I looked after my dad too, at his end... knowing it would be hard. I understand that your heart being so open & forgiving has brought you to this day. And for sure, it will bring you peace. But... please know you can change arrangements, add support, and step back... so you & Carrie can keep your strength and health. This is loving too --- enabling you to nurture your heart. I had to change plans... it was the best for all of us. Love to you, Liz ❤

Swansons ! Thank you. Cheaper than my goodwill! ❤❤❤

More fabric means more sewing and I'm not sad at all. The pig fabric would look super cute as big fat square pockets. Or the top square part of overalls. The cherry terry OMG.

Thank you for this video!!! I buy from Backroom Finds quite often and love her stuff, but I just got my order from The Fabric Market (already!) and I am absolutely obsessed with how beautiful the fabrics I ordered are in real life! I wouldn't have known about these great new resources without your video. 😄

Thank you for the very fun video! I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of works you can create with these fabrics. There are deadstock fabrics in Japan, but they all have different patterns and color trends than American deadstock fabrics, so it was very interesting.

Heck, I find my cheap fabric at Walmart. It will only come in 2 to 4 yard pieces and you have to make sure how thin it is because the pieces are rolled up and you can't see it clearly. I have bought nice thick and soft t-shirt material, stretchy denim, gauzy type printed fabric and woven and sweater fabric. I've even found material for formal type outfits. I found some of that black ribbed fabric there. All of it priced about $2.50-$2.70 a yard. I need more grandkids to sew for. Right now, as a joke, i am making my daughter's family matching sweaters. I have to quit buying fabric....I'm not even someone who sews much and I have a room full.

For the Canadians Len's Mill has warehouse and online shopping located in 12 locations around Toronto. Shipping is free over $50 but since there is a store in my town, I go there. For under $50 and US, shipping is actual cost.

I really enjoy your videos. I have been wondering a out ways to find second hand cheaper fabric. Thanks for the video.

Not sure how you came into my feed, but I’d heard about using starch to wallpaper walls with sheets and here we are. I went looking for purple, velvet damask and fell in love with a yellow Chinoiserie fabric that showed up in my search. It’s in my wall now and gorgeous! Thank you!!!

I really appreciate the quality subtitles

Nick of Time fabrics has deadstock and they get a huge chunk of my fabric budget. I recommend them but conditionally. 1) Their customer service isn’t great…. I have never received a response to inquiries… most of which were “when can I expect my order to ship”. So if you need it fast, this is not the place for you. They do usually call if they can’t fulfill your order in a single cut and ask if you prefer 2 smaller pieces or cancel/refund. 2) they run great sales but sometimes they raise the prices before the sale so the percentage off is not what it seems. You need to have a good idea of what the value of the fabric is and what it is worth to you. 3) free shipping for over $50. 4) coupon on next purchase within 30 days in every package. 5) ends of fabric are almost always crazy wonky but nearly every item has plenty of extra inches to make up for the crooked cuts 6) quantity discounts and a running tally of available yardage on most items. 7) fabric quality ranges from good to surprisingly fantastic 8) regular prices are fair - lower than retail but not thrift store cheap. Sale prices are good but occasionally they run crazy sales that are clearly designed to move fabric fast and those prices are awesome.

THANK YOU so much, this is why I cruise RU-vid, you made my day. I want to make a kimono with a pattern I have from several years ago and had no idea how I was going to afford like $20 a yard and up for the drape I want. I'm a quilter so I have tons of cotton and that's all I have. This was finding gold on a Monday morning for me, absolutely I subbed, so happy to have found you.

You're so funny. You continue to surprise me with some of the patterns/colors you love. You're a pastel loving cute print softie

I like your "moss" rug, by the way! I make reenactment gear. My range of colors/prints is more narrow. (solid colors, few prints) When you make "a dress" it can take six or more yards of fabric with all the details. As the reenactment gear is from the 10th century, I don't care if the cloth is used, washed, or slightly worn. Little imperfections are and post construction detailing are key for the look. Wool, linen, leather are way expensive to sew with, so I'm scrounging. Some of my most prized creations began as an old army blanket, or linen tablecloth. I really do appreciate the lead!

I have the opposite "problem" of too many floral fabrics! I really noticed it in 2020 when making lots of masks. I didn't think men and kids would be thrilled with flowered masks, so it was an excuse to buy some novelty prints. I do try to gravitate away from florals, but they're so pretty!

thank you very much! I had actually been looking for some more affordable fabric options.

Holy cow ! Thank you thank you thank you..our last fabric store went out of business 2 months ago and there is not any fabric stores around here. I was going to have to travel 90 miles for fabric..you are a life saver 😊

Fabric Mart fabrics is a good place to shop for deadstock fabric

Those of us who claim to be environmentalists and nature advocates really need to be paying attention here and taking note of your hard work! Thank you thank you!

Holy moly! I happen to just go through my parent’s stuff and found LOTS of vintage material. Things I remember using when I was in junior high and high school, ancient history stuff. Now to get rid of it, or learn to sew all over again 🤨

I live in Minnesota.There is a store called SR Harris. There is fabric Florida ceiling. It is crazy how much fabric they have and notions. They have everything. It is known for people to travel from all over to come to that store. Just thought I would mention it didn't know anybody ever heard about it. They have cheap fabric and then they have more expensive fabric. But their horizon of what they have is huge.

6 mins and 20 seconds before she apologizes that it took her so long to get started.

First off, I love watching your videos. I really enjoy watching someone who learns by trial-and-error, like I do. I also am a person who doesn't use patterns often and just does what works and feels right. And who doesn't love getting great deals on fabrics and notions whenever you find them. For me, it's like treasure hunting. But since I do not sew normal garments for myself or others, my needs are slightly different. I typically restore and / or re- imagine old-time photo costumes and ladies' hats that would generally be thrown out by others. This process can prolong the life of these crazy expensive costumes and turn them into one of a kind. That being said, I have to be somewhat selective on the types, colors, and designs of the fabrics, etc, I use. However, I'm always searching for lace and trims for these projects. Problem being sourcing lace that is suitable (durable and vintage looking) as well as cost effective for my projects is crazy difficult. Do you or any of your subscribers know of any business that may sell factory seconds, end of runs, or discontinued lace and trims at a reasonable price? Temu is great for some kinds of trims but not so great for the types of lace I'm looking for. Thanks in advance.

This spring im going on a roadtrip, and now I know what route to take LOL! I am totally planning a stop to f and m! Thanks!

I loved this video. thanks for the info. I am dying to see what you make with that yellow terry with the cherries. That fabric was intriguing.

The animal print denim is definitely vintage and a great find! I made a house dress from the same fabric in 1986-87 when my son was about 18 months old. He loved the animals on it.😊

I like how you put your fabric on the hangers, that’s a great idea

Thank you for making this video! I just started a business making baby clothes, and my goal is to use second hand fabrics. I've bought from Swansons and thrifty notion, definitely will again, and now I have a couple more sites to browse!

This made my day!!! I love love fabric and maybe even more than sewing! 😮 Definitely saw some I would like in my stash..thank you, you are a lovely person and now I will subscribe! 🌹🎉🎶🐦

Blackduck, MN. They have an Anderson Fabric Outlet. I used to buy TONS of material when my brother lived in Bemidji....such a neat place.

I am about two hours from Sawnson's, half hour from my sister's house, and I never knew! I am now planning on taking some of their classes! Thank youuu

So beautiful, especially the first box. Best I've ever done was 50% off when Handcock Fabrics and Joanne's brick and mortar stores closed nearby. Happy sewing!

I just ran across your channel tonight and saw there was a store in Kansas not far from me. So happy to hear this and plan to check them out. Thank you.

Great list! Thank you for the recommendations! I would add that for anyone who is in southern California but can't get out to Remainders, Lucky DeLuxe Fabrics in Orange, CA is a smaller fabric thrift store run by some incredibly kind ladies. They have a pretty good selection, including fabrics, notions, yarn, sewing patterns, and an assortment of sewing accessories. Also! Most (but not all) of their fabrics are only $4 per yard. They also sell a smaller selection online for those who are unable to get to the physical store.

Thank you! I looked for a place near me that sells fabric and found several. So excited!

Just found your channel. I haven’t sewn anything in years but I still have fabric and 2 sewing machines. I used to visit a store down in So Cal when I lived there for cheap fabric. I think I’m going to dust off my sewing area and find something to make. I look forward to watching more of you. BTWi love your skirt🤩

Yay! When the video started I thought, ‘I have to tell you about Swansons.’ But then I didn’t have to. :) I destashed a carload of fabric, fiber, and craft books there. It felt good, too, since I was still able to put it to a purpose, helping support a cool store that I wanted to succeed.