Sewing Supplies in Chinatown, Singapore
Updated: June 2023
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!
WHERE EXACTLY?
People’s Park Complex Level 2, 32 New Market Road, Singapore 050032
(Between OG and People’s Park complex facing NEL Chinatown Station Exit C)
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.
Thye Guan Textiles #02-1006
Thinking of making a Chanel jacket? A fine selection of designer tweed, linen, chiffon, lace and other gorgeous fabrics like embroidered plaid, wool blends and PVC leather. You will spot a few model outfit pictures that give an indication of what the fabric would look like if it’s sewn into a garment. Prices are reasonable too!
Fabricity #02-1098
Yes, there's an air-con in a store here! This fabric store has a great handpicked selection of linens, denims, corduroys and many other quality fabrics. Just ask the friendly store owner! If you're going for gorgeous fabrics for the special outfit that no one else would have, you’ve come to the right place and most imports are from Europe and Japan.
Yong Zhi Trading #02-1084
This shop houses a great deal of printed jerseys, chiffon, georgettes, satin and even lycra. They provide a very good offering for those who need more than the usual cotton range.
Chan Cheong Textiles #02-1080
This shop almost always has great fabrics in the sale-bales outside going for as cheap as $3/yd. They also stock lots of quirky prints for kids (owls, paisley-motifs, strawberries, etc. I pick up my cotton black twill from this shop at $4/m (45”width).
Lee Ann Textiles #02-1110
It's great to see when the younger generation takes over their parents' stalls and carry on the business! You can bet you can always find something there as this place has quite a diverse range. They display fabrics up to the ceiling and don’t kick up a fuss about taking bales out from the stack to show. They’re very active on social media too!
Maggie Textile #02-1076/78 & #02-1124
Family-owned and managed, Maggie & Malin Textiles have a few stalls spread out over this floor as this whole family is in the fabric business! They each carry different types of fabric: head to #02-1076/78 to be spoiled for choice with fabrics for dresses and garments. #02-1124 is a haven for men’s shirting and suiting.
Malin Textile #02-1134
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! The lady running the stall is cheery and will give excellent suggestions for what you need. She is the only shop here that stocks genuine Sanrio HELLO KITTY prints. There are also lots of fat quarters & bale-ends stacked up on one side - perfect for small projects or quilts!
Teoh Huat Textiles #02-1144
Expect a lot of range when you come in here. From pretty cottons to canvases, duchess satin to linens, poplins to suiting fabrics and corduroys to denims, you will be surprised by the diversity! Prices are attractive and expect even nice quality canvas at $12/yard.
HABERDASHERY & NOTIONS
Brighton #02-1168/1166/1164/1162/1160
Welcome to the world of haberdashery and fabric choices to suit your project needs! 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.
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. You will definitely find something you need, however sometimes you may need to increase your patience level as this shop does get pretty busy.
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!) and you won’t be disappointed. Should you have a very specific size or colour of button that you are looking for, just voice it out to them and they will pull out even more buttons hiding behind the shelves of buttons for your selection!
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