Fabric Stores

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  • Fabric store plus seamstress

    Nov 26, 2016

    Hi all, I am looking for recommendations in Albany, El Cerrito, Berkeley for a fabric store and a seamstress, tailor or dry cleaner for the purpose of making curtains.  The problem: a very large front window in our home; requiring two curtain panels measuring roughly 80" W x 84" L each.  Many attempts to find panels online in a color and fabric that we like have come up empty, prompting us to go the DIY route.  We recently went to Joanne's Fabrics and came up empty, so we're looking for other fabric options.  Looking forward to any recommendations for either the fabric or the sewing!

    Paul

    Have you tried Discount Fabrics at Ashby & San Pablo in Berkeley? (http://www.discountfabrics-sf.com/locations/3006-san-pablo-ave-ashby-be…) Their selection varies widely, but I like to say that although I don't always find exactly what I went in looking for, I always find what I need there. And the prices are good, too, especially on big pieces.  (Or if you want to go totally custom, design what you have in mind and have it printed at Spoonflower.com!) 

    Discount fabrics at the corner of Ashby and San Pablo is awesome, cheap, and huge.  Maybe task rabbit or craigs list for the sewing?  Or definitely ask at Discount fabrics - perhaps they have a bulletin board. But I also agree you might find someone at a dry cleaner who already does alterations willing to do it.  It sounds simple.

    I recently had curtains and cushions made by a lovely seamstress named Charmaine Sifert. You can reach her at 510-381-5724. Charmaine guided us to fabric shops, told us how much to buy, and the results are perfect. She also shortened some other curtains and sheers, plus made some throw pillows. She works fast and charges reasonably for high quality work. Tell her Judith sent you.

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Reasonably Priced Fabric Store

Nov 2003

I am looking for a place in the East Bay or San Francisco to buy silk velvet for 3 chairs. I have only looked at two stores, but have been told that I can find the fabric for much cheaper, and just as good quality. Any recommendations would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you- Cindy



Try Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley on Shattuck Ave. anon


You might check out the discount fabric store on the corner of Ashby and San Pablo.


There's a great discount store on the corner of 3rd and Brannan in the city. Can't remember the name. I know they sell a lot of upohlstery fabric, can't say whether they have silk velvet in particular. Metered parking is usually available on 3rd. It's very convenient to South Park (btwn 2nd/3rd and Brannan/Bryant,) where I'd recommend a quick and tasty lunch at Caffe Centro (Mmmm, the bread salad alone is worth the trip).