Guide to the Garment District - Buying Fabric in NYC

I know this is different from my usual videos but I've wanted to make this for a long time. It's the type of video I wish I could have watched when I first started going into NYC. I hope it will be helpful to anyone who is just starting out and wants advice on surviving the garment district!
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Everything in this video is based off of my personal experience. I can only give advice based off of what i've experienced in shops. I'm sorry if you disagree or if your experience differs from mine.
I've only shopped in the NYC Garment district, but i'm sure a good part of this would apply to other garment districts as well!
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If you are interested in seeing more of my work or contacting me, I'll leave links to my various sites below!
Tumblr: / doxiequeen1
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Blog: doxiequeen1.wo...
Portfolio: angelaclayton.c...
Instagram: / angelacostumery
Email: [e-mail] [serious inquires only please!]
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[@PowerToolsofJustice]

I'm so glad you posted this, I've been planning to go to the garment district in NY soon and wanted some names of stores other than Mood. The last time I was there I was 12 and I had a terrible experience with a nasty employe who reduced me to tears when I tried to get some fabric cut for my mom. Even though I'm sure that person doesn't work there anymore, it doesn't mean that at 23 I want to give that company any money now.

[@emmyp95]

+PowerToolsofJustice I lived and shopped in NYC for four years while going to college there- I set foot in there once and didn't give them a dime. Mood's attitude and customer service is awful. Pacific Trim for life.

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

+PowerToolsofJustice I'm so sorry to hear that! I also had a bad experience at Mood when I was about 15. I didn't know very much about fabric at the time (but I did know what I wanted) and I somehow left feeling like a complete idiot thanks to how I was treated. Luckily there are better options in the garment district with better prices and better staff!

[@jazielaryan5977]

i guess Im asking randomly but does someone know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@VivianMorrisInADream]

I wish Texas had anything close to this. Dallas kind of does. but I do agree you have to shop around. bc I have seen fabric selling at 35 yard and off the main drag 7 dollars a yard. really makes me want to fly up to NYC now.

[@zbird10123]

Love the video, and you look so beautiful! Can you do a tutorial on your hair?

[@alaskacosplay]

in my country, the salespersonel are always asking me how many yards i need and i always ask first and they are like not really sure on the price so they hold a yardstick and a pair of scissors and I end up leaving them dumbfounded but its their fault for not knowing their merchandise price

[@melanievarela4048]

Well, this was fabulous! You've got some really good info in this video. Do they cut or tear in these shops? I always get beef from store employees when I ask them to tear, or at least do an adjust so I get a straight of grain cut. Do any of the shops offer Consulting? And when you pull out your Costume Sample Card, do they make recommendations? I use something similar called a project diary sheet. I put a small photo of my drawing/pattern in it, as well as fabric list with yardages and there is an area for "to-do", or progress. When the project is complete, I finish off with a final photo. I'm a fabric "toucher". I really dislike buying online, especially for a fabric I haven't used before. I have bought fabric by the pound, which is tricky, as you have to go to the manufacturers web site for measurement and weights before you buy. I'm all caught up on video's now. Time for a new one? Yes? Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

+Melanie Varela Thank you! It depends on the type of fabric you are buying and the store. I'm sure you could request one or the other if you have a preference, but it's never really mattered to me. I'm pretty independent - I usually know what type of material I want and would rather be left alone well I look. But they are pretty great about suggesting alternative fabrics (I originally discovered cotton sateen because I asked if they had something with less sheen and more stiffness than satin) if you ask, so they could probably make recommendations too! I didn't even know you could buy fabric by the pound! What an interesting concept.

[@antiquebeast]

+Melanie Varela Most shops, the ones cluttered with fabric, will cut then tear. I don't know about consulting, in general they have a medium amount of patience for you asking for fabric recommendations. For the most part, come in with a firm idea of what you need. And you can touch all you want!

[@JuJuForREAL]

whoa, her complexion is stunning

[@ucjaokon1672]

True, she is complitely white!

[@cinairizarry9702]

Like a doll

[@iyanatalie]

Me and my boyfriend are going to NYC next month (we're from the UK) and I want to go to so badly. But I'm so nervous to! I've been sewing most of my life but I'm mainly nervous that there's differences between English and American sewing so I'll be completely in the dark :(

[@victoriawhite2726]

Natalie Hardman I live in the U.K. and have just started sewing costumes, but I really struggle in finding fabric stores. If you have any recommendations I'd love to hear from you! (no worries if you can't though!)❤️

[@iyanatalie]

v -torya Online I would say Minerva Crafts! They have a wide range of a lot and tend to have sales quite a bit. Actual shops can be a bit trickier as it depends where abouts you live, there are stores dotted around the UK called Abakhan Fabrics (it's also available online). That has a big selection and if you can get to a store they sell remnants, they're technically seconds but as long as you check the fabric for obvious problems you should be fine. Other than that, hunting good around your local area, I have a market near me that sells some fabric. It can be really hard to find places sometimes and also places that don't massively overcharge! Be really careful of that! I'd try to avoid places like Hobbycraft as they tend to overcharge too. It's so so tricky trying to find places here :( Americans seem to have it so good with JoAnns and stuff :( I know that's not a lot of help! Sorry!

[@iyanatalie]

If you have Twitter feel free to follow/DM me and I can try to help some more :) @nataliehardman3

[@kairakewley3596]

I know this video is from a while back, but I gotta say. This video is very important. I get SO overwhelmed when I go to this giant fabric warehouse, Sr Harris Fabric. The aisles are so dense, they suck up sound... Not to mention a lot of things are either not prices or have some sort of sale. You cut out your own fabric too. I could come out of there with a full bag of high end fabric for 40$ vs. joann's being 90$

[@z.abbasi9788]

This video is soooo helpful!!! I moved to New York and I never knew where to buy fabric from... So it's been years since I last sewed anything because I never really got out and looked for these shops. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recommendations. I can't wait to give those shops a visit

[@enslavedvessel]

This is kind of related but if you have the Bead Renaissance, a touring wholesale event going through your state on their tour which is usually in September where I'm at. It's kind of similar in where you should look at every thing because some vendors will have the same at a lower cost but there are niche vendors too so only they will have certain things. I also usually go in with a list and keep all the business cards too. Some will haggle with you but not all, it will depend on how much you buy and the quality of whatever beads or gems you are buying because there will be the real stuff there too at a discount. I'd at least have some knowledge going in about how the market is going for certain things so you don't get screwed. The bead and gem market is a bit different than how material is when you go whole sale. What you buy is sometimes weighed or goes buy strand or buy piece and even the more you buy the lower the price goes in some cases.

[@bethcupo1537]

My sister and I went to Metro Textiles. There was a large selection of great fabrics at a bargain. The owner was so helpful. It is a smaller store but I wished we would have known about it before our shopping day. The fabrics I purchased were lovely. Any hints on stores with fabrics for quilters in NYC? Thanks for the informative video.

[@victoriawhite2726]

If anyone can recommend any UK stores I'd love to hear from you! I never seem to be able to find fabric stores!!❤️

[@TheRealNuriko]

Every time I go into the city for costume shopping I always go to Daytona to pet Rick & Rack!! There the nicest kitties!! Was just there Friday.

[@carolempluckrose778]

Why cannot Plymouth, UK have a garment district! Our hard-earned shops have slowly got less and less over the years. There are 2 good ones, but I fear the Covid-19 lockdown might be such that they not come through this time.

[@cherriesnhoney]

this is wonderful, thank you for putting out this video. im taking a trip to nyc and the tips will definitely be helpful. i have a feeling the garment district will be a bit overwhelming but i think your info will be quite helpful. thx again:)

[@AmberFairydust]

I love seeing you grow and how you feel far more comfortable doing these now as opposed to in the beginning! Love the tips, if I ever get to ny I'll be sure to check it out!

[@SaintScoutt]

-makes grabby hands from Texas-

[@ogga]

Thanks for making this video it was very interesting and helpful

[@ahlonvs.theworld]

This video was so informative, and as someone who is stepping into the designer world nearly blind its given me a lot of confidence.

[@beccasbeauty22]

My mom is like an A+ haggler and I have no fucking clue how to haggle

[@BunnieBentonVeljre]

We shop at the same places!

[@DebbieBuckland]

I have a choice of three stores in my city. That are miles away from each other but luckily they are all reasonably priced and all carry trims. But I like looking for unstained retro summer sheets and bed spreads with prints in second hand stores... They are often more fabric for very cheap prices $5 for a queensized fitted/flat and two pillow cases which is heaps of fabric.

[@solanget9766]

Debbie Buckland

[@rowdeo8968]

How I miss NYC and the garment industry as I worked there once in a menswear showroom. I love the fabrics, the nutty atmosphere. I love the smell, the fact they are usually up in a nondescript crappy old building, I love the bartering the whole ball of wax. I miss it .........

[@MsHighpeaks]

Hi thank you for posting this video. Do you have any extra advice for a UK visitor? I'm going in November any hints and tips would be great

[@iamsharon3306]

I am so happy you mentioned haggling. I didnt think you would cover that - which, to me - is most important. NEVER PAY ASKING PRICE

[@NikkiVelazquez]

Thank you! This was so helpful. I've been wanting to go to NYC for years.

[@solanget9766]

Nikki Velazquez

[@z.abbasi9788]

This video is solo helpful!!! I moved to New York and I never knew where to buy fabric from... So it's been years since I last sewed anything because I never really got out and looked for these shops. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recommendations. I can't wait to give those shops a visit

[@z.abbasi9788]

This video is soooo helpful!!! I moved to New York and I never knew where to buy fabric from... So it's been years since I last sewed anything because I never really got out and looked for these shops. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recommendations. I can't wait to give those shops a visit

[@reginaromsey]

This applies to the LA fabric district as well. I found the price could differ widely between buying one yard and buying ten yards there too. There is a parking lot in the district, or there was, more than once I’ve gone with people in a big van or even an RV. This means you can stash your loot and go back for more. I’ve heard that bargaining is no longer as possible there as it was.

[@mausandthimble]

Thanks so much for sharing this fascinating little corner of the world of fabric! Wow! I had no idea there were fabric stores where you had to haggle the prices! It sounds so intimidating! I hate feeling rushed by pushy people trying to sell me something, and I have never haggled before. But after watching your video, I hope I get the chance to go to New York because I am super excited to take on the challenge! Who wouldn't be? 'Tis a noble cause: FABRIC!!!

[@Cjandlindseyland]

this was great advice!thank you !

[@lillisanchez8004]

One of my goals has always been to go to the garment district in New York, so thank you so much for this. I was also wondering if maybe one day in the possible future if you could do a hand sewing basics video? If not do you have any good tips on starting more hand sewing or do you know any good website? Thank you again :D

[@jls4382]

This is an older video but what she's saying applies to shopping in NYC in general and is very valuable! Thank-you Angela!

[@elliotbracken6286]

Really good video! Just a tip though, if you want to keep doing these kind of videos you might want to invest in a microphone, it was quite hard to hear you.

[@z.abbasi9788]

This video is solo helpful!!! I moved to New York and I never knew where to buy fabric from... So it's been years since I last sewed anything because I never really got out and looked for these shops. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recommendations. I can't wait to give those shops a visit 😊😊😊

[@louiselill1528]

Unfortunately I don't have much option where I shop living in a small town we only have 3 stores that sell fabric but thank you for the great tip

[@beareid6053]

Could you tell me a good place for Ribbons in the garment district? I am also looking for leather and vinyls. This was a great vid. So glad you posted.

[@SilverDawnArrow]

I'd say a lot of this advice applies very well to London's Goldhawk Road and Walthamstow too. I've not really tried Berwick Street because it seems more expensive given it's in central. I do wish we had more shops for trims because it's so hard to buy nice lace and I usually end up finding what I want online. I'd love to visit New York's garment district sometime

[@mommabrigit]

good thing is that the fabric district in LA will also haggle....I lost my mind shopping there :)

[@deannastevens1217]

WOW!! I I hope I get to do this some day. I have been in SF in the flower disrict and that was amazing. I can imagine how it would be for this. Thank you for the info.

[@teresamorgan4529]

Loved the video and all the information. What a shame I live on the west coast and have never set foot in New York.

[@sherripicciano]

Angela, thank you so much for posting this information. For those of us who have never been to the garment industry and feel overwhelmed, you have made it so much more possible. Thank you again, keep up the great work!!!!

[@lizheartsdarcy7933]

She is our Polonius, and we are Laertes, listening to the Instructions of Life speech.

[@602redroses]

These are wonderful tips. I would LOVE to visit NY and all of the fabric stores. tfs

[@belindadeas1974]

Thank you so so much🙏. Are these stores wheelchair friendly?

[@karenwalker9383]

Thank you have lots info I will be going to garment district for first time this summer.

[@sewhappy121]

this video was great i have planned a trip to the nyc garment and you answer all my questions about the garment district thank you so much

[@naturedean3229]

Girl your very pale.... great video tho

[@gormalfun99]

The garment district is over priced.

[@emiliamurryramey7596]

What if you live on the west coast, and can't reasonably go to NYC? Do these stores have websites for online shopping?

[@daleannharsh8295]

You don't mention where....but Los Angeles has a Fashion District downtown and they claim to have the most fabrics and notion store in the country.... Try a computer search for the area you live in and then expand outwards.

[@emiliamurryramey7596]

I am actually closest to Portland OR (as far as major cities go) I found one discount store there. I do have family not far from LA, so next time I visit them I will look that up. Thanks!

[@lilolmecj]

Emilia Ramey Seattle Fabrics...and Fabric Depot in Portland are both large. Fabric Depot was much more expansive 18 years ago, but they still have a lot of luxury fabrics. They seem to have decreased the variety but it is still a good resource. I made a trip from Seattle just to shop. We lived in Vancouver for 7 years, it was a great store, still is, just it used to be better.

[@CulinaryGuide]

Great advice! So many suggestions I hadn't considered. Thank you.

[@crabby419]

Thank You so much !!! I just bought my first sewing machine and was so confused on buying fabric

[@lynncampbell1943]

Late to the party on this one but your tips are amazing and helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[@melissa-ur7kl]

Thank you for this video! Planning a trip in the future and I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it!

[@seriousshark8481]

wuao your work is amazing thank you for this video..

[@sewhappy121]

oops i do have one question i was told that in order to get into some of the fabric shops you would have to have your business license with you is that true

[@AngelaClaytonCostumery]

+Kim lowe A small percentage of the stores are wholesale only and would require that. It's usually pretty obvious which ones only deal with wholesale only since they don't have flashy displays in their windows. But the vast majority of the stores (especially on street level) only have 1 yard minimums and will sell to anyone. I don't have a business license and i've never felt like that limits my options or experience!

[@clarity905]

when you need store recommendations in San Francisco not nyc

[@Puppy52]

Good tips! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@UlyaUppy]

You are wonderful ! I admire you and your work )

[@lieveongenae734]

Hi there! I'm Belgian and will be visiting NYC in April. I'm addicted to fabric and notions and hardware so I've been watching several videos on KZbin. Yours was most informative for me. Your tips are really helpful! I was wondering though. Are there any shops you could recommend for zippers and for bag hardware? TIA!

[@shehbazstrong6790]

you are like fairy cute cute doll

[@ainawinslet8658]

You are so beautiful

[@Tina06019]

Excellent advice.

[@lillollipopsdesigns]

Great!

[@karlakirkpatrick8927]

your welcome

[@z.abbasi9788]

This video is soooo helpful!!! I moved to New York and I never knew where to buy fabric from... So it's been years since I last sewed anything because I never really got out and looked for these shops. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recommendations. I can't wait to give those shops a visit

[@bianca-michellel9999]

Thank you so much for doing this!! I've always wanted to visit the garment district!