Sewing Supplies in Chinatown, Singapore
Updated: July 2025
Ever wondered where the fabric and haberdashery shops are in Singapore? If the answer is yes, you can find them in Chinatown, Arab street, Textile Centre, Joo Chiat Complex and Spotlight!
There are several locations we’ve been going to and we’d love to share a few of our favourite spots right in the heart of Chinatown! And no, we absolutely don’t get paid for recommending them but we frequent them very often.
The Chinatown shops usually open between 11.30am to 6pm, Mon-Sat and are closed on Sundays. We've summed up some information below so you can speed up your buying process!
It’s hard to imagine there would be fabric shops on top of all the hustle and bustle of food stalls at the ground level. I recently brought a friend along to pick fabric for tote bags and his first remark upon arriving was, “How did you teleport us to the 80s?”
There are plenty of shops here! I always end up spending way too much time or too much money. There’s a POSB & UOB atm at the first floor of the market too. It is a good idea to always bargain if you are buying more than a yard/metre and scour the sale-bales that are displayed outside the stalls. Dress lightly as this place isn’t exactly air-conditioned.
WHAT KIND OF FABRICS CAN YOU FIND HERE?
Whether you’re a beginner sewing your first tote or a seasoned sewist working on a statement piece, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how we usually break down the shops — it makes things easier when you know exactly what you’re looking for!
🧺 Everyday Cottons, Linens & Easy-to-Sew Fabrics
These are your go-tos for basic projects like pillowcases, scrunchies, beginner tops, or accessories. They’re generally more breathable and easier to handle for beginners too.
Try these stores:
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Maggie Textile #02-1076/78 & #02-1124: Family-owned and managed, Maggie & Malin Textiles have a few stalls spread out; head to #02-1076/78 to be spoiled for choice with fabrics for dresses and garments.
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Thye Guan Textile #02-1006: A fine selection of designer tweed, linen, chiffon, lace and other gorgeous fabrics like embroidered plaid, wool blends and PVC leather.
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Malin Textile #02-1134 & #02-1122: If you are into Japanese fabrics, then this is the shop for you! From kimono prints, indigo dyed fabrics to high quality Japanese cotton, you will find yourself spoilt for choice! Ps. Only shop here that stocks genuine Sanrio HELLO KITTY prints.
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Lee Ann Textile #02-1110: An evocative mix of hand-stamped batik prints, versatile cotton fabrics, and hearty canvas. You can bet you can always find something there, as this place has quite a diverse range.
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Red Dot Textile #02-1074: The store offers a welcoming selection of cotton, linen, and lace— perfect for apparel, crafts, and home décor projects!
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Soon Hup #02-1148: A long-standing local gem known for its extensive range of durable cottons and linens; consistently praised by sewing enthusiasts for dependable basics and good value.
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Choy Kee #02-1152: Offers a steady supply of everyday cottons and light linens in solid tones and simple prints
- Sterling Textile #02-108: A friendly cotton and linen haven offering a rotating mix of vibrant seasonal prints.
🎨 Specialty & Designer Fabrics
Looking for something a bit more niche — like Japanese textiles, Tencel, muslin, or even batik prints? These stores are curated, a bit pricier, but worth it for special projects.
Try these stores:
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Wing Seng Textile #02-1100: Specialises in exquisite embroidered jacquard fabrics, the traditional material of choice for cheongsam and qipao garments.
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Fabric Stories #02-1136: Hidden gem for lovers of Japanese textiles and minimalist design, this boutique specialises in Japanese designer graphic prints, linen, and cotton fabrics.
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Batik Arts #02-1090: Celebrating the rich tradition of batik craftsmanship, Batik Arts specialises in batik prints,offering an extensive collection of beautifully hand-dyed fabrics, each showcasing intricate patterns and vivid colours.
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Nicolexavier #02-1138: First to import the globally renowned Liberty London fabrics into Singapore, Nicolexavier imports high-quality designer European fabrics.
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Fabricity #02-1098: Thoughtfully curated selection of European and Australian quality cotton and linen fabrics.
💃 Fancy Occasion Fabrics
Think lace, sequins, satin, tulle — anything you'd need for a gala outfit, wedding guest dress or a bold fashion statement.
Try these stores:
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Guan Lee Textiles #02-1142: If you’re looking for tulle, satins, and a range of polyester and nylon fabrics.
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Yongzhi Trading #02-1084: Houses a great deal of printed jerseys, chiffon, georgettes, satin, and even lycra. They provide a very good offering for those going for more luxurious fabrics.
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Eng Cheng Textile #02-1150: Looking for smooth, shiny, or fancy material for a D&D or themed night? You can find a wide range here.
🧵 Sewing Accessories, Tools & Notions
No point having fabric and no thread! These shops stock tools like bias tape makers, buttons, zippers, rotary cutters, pins,and more.
Try these stores:
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Brighton Accessories House #02-1062-68: Featuring a huge range of cottons at $6/yard, in addition to a wide range of drafting rulers, buttons, ribbons, lace trims and all your sewing tools and footers. This shop is indeed a pocket-friendly version of Spotlight.
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Lye Nai Shiong #02-1018A/B: A good offering of trims, like elastic, bias tape, cording tape, zippers, and anything you may need to help you sew, including the cheapest price for calico in this building.
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Mui Huay #03-1142: Do not miss this shop if you’re looking for buttons! The elderly owners here have collected a ton of buttons (even frog buttons for your Cheongsam!)
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SMH Crafts #03-32: A well-established hub for craft and sewing enthusiasts, SMH Craft stocks a wide selection of quality haberdashery and sewing supplies.
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Pow Li Specialise in grinding knives & scissors #02-1040: One of the last traditional manual knife sharpeners left in Singapore. For over 50 years, they’ve been perfecting the craft, running knives and scissors along a rotating stone grinder with bare hands to ensure unmatched sharpness and precision.
🕴 Formal & Businesswear Fabrics
If you're making office wear, blazers, shirts, pants, or uniforms, check out these shops for clean lines and neutral tones.
Try these stores:
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Teoh Huat Textile #02‑1144/46: A well-established stall known for its reliable stock of everyday cottons, with print ranges from classic solids to cheerful patterns
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Seng Heng Textile #02-1154: Specialises in premium shirting fabrics, including Italian superfine plaids and high-grade cottons.
FINAL TIPS:
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Bring cash just in case — not every shop accepts PayNow or cards.
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Don’t be shy to ask if you can feel the fabric or cut a small swatch.
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The aisles are narrow and packed, so keep your bags compact.
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If you're unsure, take a picture and come back after some thinking — stocks usually move fast, but some shops will recognise you and help you find it again.
Whether you're fabric hunting for a passion project or just soaking in the old-school charm of the place, we hope this guide helps you navigate Chinatown’s textile haven with more confidence (and fewer blisters!). Happy sewing!