Fabric Outlet

4.5 star rating
106 reviews Rating Details

Category: Fabric Stores  [Edit]

2109 Mission St
(between 17th St & Clarion Aly)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 552-4525
Hours:

Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Definitely keep your eye on the faux fur section." (in 12 reviews)
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"I love the selection in lace and notions." (in 23 reviews)
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"great selection, great prices, great staff." (in 8 reviews)
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106 reviews in English

  • Review from Johanna M.

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    • 3 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/22/2011

    When the zombie apocalypse comes, I will probably be in this store...

    This place has a great selection of fabric - basic apparel, home decor and fancy fashion fabrics - and an apparently endless supply of liquid metallic lah-may*  It's also a great place for the very basics - muslin and interfacing of various weights. Their notions sales are the best - I'm never paying full price for needles and such ever again!

    The staff are smart and willing to share advice when asked - and they have the paitence of Job.

    My only caveat: avoid the place during the run-up to Burning Man. You will inevitably get stuck in line behind some sewing neophyte who is clutching a roll of faux fur and saying the following. "Is this stuff hard to sew? How much would I need to cover a tent? Oh, it's thirty bucks a YARD?? Wow, guys, who's going to pay for this...?" It's the price the store pays for being the best in town...

    *I don't know how to make the browser do an acute angle over the 'e' and I don't want to be misunderstood by typing 'lame'

  • Review from Kensey W.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    so tempted to rate the fabric outlet way down because of a mean lady who rudely tried to kick us out fifteen minutes before close. but i guess i can consider that a one off and not be too angry about it. other people have been helpful and pleasant, if not at all friendly.

    i've been here several times now and each time i go to san francisco, i make it a point to stop here. you never know what will be on super sale! almost everything is almost always forty percent off, meaning, that's likely just the price. but even so, it is very cheap. even their notions and patterns are much cheaper than jo-ann fabrics (i think because jo-ann marks up their stuff expecting you to use their coupon).

    i love the huge upholstery fabrics selection. i am obsessed with upholstery fabric.

    i'll never forget the gabardine i got for $2.40 a yard. not normal! but awesome. they also have super cheap patterns for practicing with, including mccall's easiest ones for $1.50 (though you have to be lucky to catch the one you want in stock). jo-ann's never lets you use a coupon on patterns.

    notions are cheap too, as are ribbons and trimmings. such a great place to just browse, but you'll definitely end up buying something.

  • Review from Rita Y.

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    • 357 friends
    • 849 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/20/2011

    There are not that many good, large fabric stores around these days.  
    I came here w/my niece who was looking for particular fabric - blue plaids for an outfit she was making for someone.  
    The prices here are reasonable and inexpensive, compared to Britex, which is comparatively overpriced.  But, Britex carries high end fabrics and notions.

    They had a wonderful collection of gauze fabrics with sparkles on them in about 10 colors, great for making Halloween costumes.  Wish I had known about this place in the past.  I no longer make Halloween costumes for the Jr. Yelpers, but this place would've been so cool to come for ideas.  And it it's pretty spacious.  

    Niecey says the same employees work here which tells you the turn over is low.  Happy employees = happy business.

  • Review from Julia D.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    I get a lot of my sock monkey materials here.  They have everything I need: stuffing, thread, buttons.  I usually supplement with going to SCRAP too, but this place is good for the basics like felt, needles, typical sewing stuff.

  • Review from samanta v.

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    • 180 friends
    • 707 reviews

    Healdsburg, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/18/2012

    I love their discount bins.  I could spend my entire day rummaging through the discount bins of ribbon and bias tape.     I haven't unlocked this places full potential because my parking meter was going to expire, but I will return in the near future, and update my review.

  • Review from Suzanne K.

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    • 2 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2012

    I love this place!  They have a good variety of fabrics, patterns, and lots of notions & threads & trims, and all at a really good price.  This isn't the store to go to if you want a very specific fabric in a very specific color (for that I'd hit Britex, but you'll definitely pay a *lot* more there) but if you're not too fussy you'll definitely find something you like and get a great deal.  The staff is really helpful and knowledgeable too.

    Watch for their sales, which happen several times a year -- 40% off everything in the whole store!

  • Review from Madalynn P.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011

    Fabric Outlet gets five stars for the following reasons:

    1. Great prices
    2. VERY friendly, helpful staff
    3. Open until 7pm

    The fabric selection isn't the absolute best, but they do have an impressive amount that's all heavily discounted. If you're looking for something super high quality then head to Britex, but if you just need something basic then this is the place. I do wish they had a larger variety of linens/wools, but they're pretty well stocked with everything else. The faux fur section in the back is generously stocked - I'm sure it's a great resource for burning man costumes.

    I always tell the staff what I'm making and they spring into action to help me find the right materials for the project. That kind of customer service is rare but you'll find it at Fabric Outlet.

  • Review from Sushi S.

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    • 32 friends
    • 44 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/25/2011

    This fabric store is awesome! They have a huge selection of fabrics, buttons, ribbon, trim etc. I went there at least five times when I was making my Halloween costume and was always greeted by friendly and helpful staff members. And their sales are off the hook!

  • Review from Natalie G.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    In a city where many things stay open late, fabric stores are not one of them! I had the hardest time finding a fabric store that I could make it to after work with time to shop.

    This location is huge and very organized. They have tons of fabric and sewing tools. The people here are so incredibly helpful and seem actually interested and excited about what you are making. The fabric cutting station didn't have a long wait and again, they were so friendly.

    The prices are really good too and they had tons of sales. They have small squares of felt as well as large rolls, zippers, buttons, organza, etc. Pretty much anything you need for your sewing project they have and will help you find. Highly recommend this store!

  • Review from sonya d.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/29/2011

    There are way too many words to explain how much I love this store. The moment you walk through the front door, you're hit with this overwhelming urge to be as creative as possible. Unfortunately I was never taught how to sew and I've never been super crafty in general (which is weird considering how artsy my mom is), but oh man, this place brings it out of me! There is every kind of everything in the world that you would need to make something fabulous. My friend and I were there to buy stuff for our B2B costume- so funky, fun, and princess-y were on our checklist.

    We saw everything from glitter, pink lacy sequiny ruffles, every color sequin bags, pretty rhinestones in every color (including crown shaped ones!!), pink everything, fur, feathers, boas, buttons, random pieces of sparkly material, zippers, fabric galore, puff paint, yarn, string, belt buckles, tassels, flowers, bows, strings of pearls, chains, etc. etc. etc. I need to learn how to sew just so I can make myself some hot new skirts!

    The outside of the store fools you, because it looks like a it wouldn't be as cool as it is. Well I'm glad we walked in, or we never would've known  about  this creativity sparking gem! Makes me happy just thinking about it!

    Ps- Everything is super cheap, and much of it is 50% off, so even cheaper than how cheap it was before! Score!

  • Review from Stumbalina b.

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    • 21 friends
    • 267 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    I love this store and it's employees. I have nothing bad to say about it. My only hope for this world is that Fab Outlet would consider opening on the Sabbath, which happens to be the most popular day of the week for sewing. It's only logical. Other than that, carry on!

  • Review from Jen A.

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    • 5 friends
    • 111 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/9/2011

    I've been to Fabric Outlet enough times where it is high-time that I write a review of this joint. I have to admit that I am a textile junkie. So I get my kicks differently from others. I love visiting fabric stores and touching _stuff_. I get thrilled. Really.

    First off, admittedly I find Fabric Outlet to be a bit "grungier", can I say, than other fabric stores in the region. Maybe it's due to its proximity to the ever-so-eventful corner of Mission/16th. Maybe it's because it is sub-street-level; you've got to go downstairs (and no I don't know if they have an elevator). But at least it is really convenient to get to and other shopping errands are within reach in this neighborhood.

    Upon reaching the innards of this place, you are at the notions corner; they have a crazy-cool collection of fabric ribbons, buttons, sewing tools, etc right there. Once you get past that, there is the almost claustrophobic-inducing amount of fabric on rolls everywhere else in the store.

    One of the wonderful surprises that I've found here is their (small) yarn and knitting supplies. I just figured they wouldn't have room for this, yet they do, and it's sufficient for basic knitting projects. They have a good amount of fabric patterns from the usual suspects: McCall's, Vogue, Butterick's, Simplicity, New Look, (I think even Burda's), etc. If you're a Furry-wannabe or you just like wearing the Burning Man-inspired faux-fur ensemble, you just might want to take a look here. After a failed visit to Britex to procure some reasonably-priced, yet fashionable white eyelet fabric, I found it here at Fabric Outlet.

    Here are a few drawbacks to the shopping experience here. It is not a huge place; you're excusing/pardoning yourself to people all the time trying to get around down here. A lot of the fabric bolts/rolls are stacked deep on tables and it takes the patience of Job and the strength of Hercules to get through it, if what you want isn't on the very top. The line to get your yards of fabric cut can get long and a bit slow at times, as well as the checkout lane. And very importantly, it is pretty dark down there underground.

  • Review from amanda y.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    maybe i'm paranoid schizophrenic, but when i see a sign that says "EVERYTHING IS ON SALE", i am always skeptical. so, i decided to test them and check the place out. NOTIONS N POTIONS. this place has everything, and it really IS on sale. from the 99cent zippers to the 75 percent off jegging material. THEY HAVE IT ALL!

    really! they have everything from jersey to a wall of fake fur. i felt like i was in project runway, except i wasn't getting ripped off or berated by tim gunn and michael kors. it's garden apartment-type atmosphere reminds me of a dungeon or a parlor.

    if you're looking for a fabulous deal, like i am, and you don't want to support a corporate place like joanne's or walmart, HIT UP FABRIC OUTLET. it's a sure fire spot for a deal. you can make a prom dress or a pocket watch holder! do it!!

  • Review from Spiferina P.

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    • 37 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2011

    This place is great. A wide selection. Good prices. And, most importantly really nice, helpful people work here!

  • Review from Cathy A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/25/2011

    I've always had a good experience at this store. The selection includes everything you'll find for everyday projects, plus a few things in the "nice stuff" range, like silks. The prices are normally good, and they have some great sales.

    By far the best thing about the store is its staff. They're knowledgeable, willing to help, interested in your projects, and straightforward with their answers (they won't BS you or try to make you buy something you don't need). I'm a relatively experienced sewer, but i still go here when I need help or advice on my projects.

  • Review from Gilbert B.

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    • 2 friends
    • 21 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/30/2011

    very very very nice people. always keeping the store tidy and always willing to help u find something.
    I spent a chunk of time there the other day getting some stuff for a few projects I've got going and this young girl was way nice and had plenty of information to offer me.
    I pretty much only go here. Only other place I go is to Britex, and I dont even know why! they're so expensive!

    Anyway, Im only on yelp this morning because I am trying to see if they are open today (memorial day) and I thought while I'm killin some time (it's 15 minutes til they would be open and ready to answer the phone) I could say something nice about a real gem of a fabric store.

    Love em!

  • Review from Jennifer M.

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    • 16 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/11/2011

    Very impressed with the service here!  In the 20 minutes or so that I was wandering around, two sales people asked if I had any questions and seemed to sincerely want to help me.  I didn't need any help then but 5 minutes later when I did need help, there was someone right there to take me from the cutting table to the cash register.

    Enormous amounts of fabric and notions at really good prices.

    My only complaint is that I was looking for a good collection of colorfully printed cotton wovens and they only had about 6 different bolts.

  • Review from Adrian L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 25 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/24/2011

    For the majority of items here, the prices are below retail and I wouldn't consider them amazing either.

    A couple of problems in the customer service dept. though;

    1) I must say that they don't have really good customer service skills.  In fact, a couple of people that rang me up were quite rude.  They had horrible communication skills and were very impatient.  They talked to me condescendingly because I didn't understand their half-assed sentences and mumbling.  Like seriously-- you don't talk to me like I'm an idiot after you talk like one yourself.  

    2) One lady looked at an item and made up a price for it, basically doubling the shelf price.  I told her that if she didn't know the correct price, that I didn't want it and told her to take it off the bill.  She said she did, but the receipt didn't show any deduction.. after asking her twice about it!  Omgosh, so annoying.

    In all fairness, there were several helpful employees that helped me and were completely normal!  :)

    So yeah.  -1 star x 2 incompetent cashiers = -2 stars off of 5.

  • Review from Meg T.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/8/2010

    So price wise I have no idea how this one shapes up to others. So I'll let you decide if I was shafted.

    1/2 yard of black paisley velvet: 11 dollars
    2 yards of zipper ribbon: 16 dollars

    Making the wrapping better than than the actual gift?

    29 dollars even.

    Priceless woulda been had I dumped it all in a paper bag, wrote "There is no cat in this bag" and handed it to him.

    He's a weird guy really.

  • Review from Scarlet F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2010

    Love this place! I have been going here for about 6 years and they always have hard to find things I need.

    If you are looking for unique fabrics, notions, trim, or other items you could have never dreamed you wanted- this is the place! They have fabric in a wide variety of materials, prints, and sizes. You will find what seem to be one of kind fabrics.

    If you are looking for standard or basic fabrics, like white cotton, this is not for you.

    I just went in there the other day looking for a button and ending up finding like 100 I wanted! They are so unique!!!!

    The staff is super friendly and helpful too.

    They have great sales- sometimes 50% to 75% off certain fabrics. Make it affordable!

    HUGE selection of fake furs too if that is what you are looking for.

  • Review from Maggie L.

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    • 8 friends
    • 36 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2011

    Isn't it strange that a fabric store has so many good reviews?  (Or maybe I'm the only one that mostly focuses on restaurants on yelp)

    But after going there, I have to agree with everyone.  Lots of selection, great prices, and great service.  They were definitely friendly and helpful.

  • Review from Jean K.

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    Fabric Outlet is a pretty small place but it has a good variety of stuff.  It's not quite as enticing as Britex but the prices are more in my price range.  If you can't find what you need the staff there are super helpful.

  • Review from Emily G.

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    • 5 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/29/2011

    This place is magnificent. Easy to access, right on Mission and 17th, this is a basement warehouse stocked with everything! Fabric, lace, trim, thread, sewing, knitting supplies, you name it. There's also great deals on scrap leather pieces and the biggest selection of faux fur and party/club fabrics around. Perfect for those who make their own outfits and costumes. Did I mention their prices are SUPER CHEAP!! I've stocked up numerous times and never dropped more than $17. Seriously. GO HERE.

  • Review from Vicki S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/26/2010

    I just visited their web site first time, and found under our story that " a strong commitment to customer service".
    Every sales person are nice, and ready to help.
    Because of this, it make me to visit the store more often. Even I have no plan to make anything, I end up to buy something.

  • Review from Vanilla C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 150 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/5/2010

    They always have 40% to 50% off on notions and sometimes fabrics.  I save so much money at this store.  

    I always find what I need, and it is comfortable to walk around the place.  Parking is crazy, so go early if you drive or take BART and get off at 16th, or the 14, 47, or 33 buses.

    I give 4 stars because there is no parking and the area is

    Listed in: Born to Shop

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/3/2008

      I love this store.   I have been shopping there for over 15 years.  They have such good prices and… Read more »

  • Review from Mirjam d.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Santa Rosa, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/21/2011

    Visited for the first time today: great selection, great prices, great service.
    A lot of fabric stores focus on quilting and upholstery, Fabric Outlet has a great selection for clothing. Will definitely go back, made my day today. Parking is a pain but the store is worth it.

  • Review from Mel G.

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    • 33 friends
    • 550 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/8/2011

    All the fabrics and prints you could ever want -- woo!

  • Review from Valeria R.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/3/2008

    Halloween is less than 2 months away, and in our home that means two things: 1) The kid has announced what she wants to be, and 2) Mommy has gone to the Fabric Outlet.

    Fabric Outlet is the anti-Britex. There is zero luxury here and service can be brusque. But who cares when you can consistently find the yardage you want at 30% (and sometimes more) below retail?

    Everything you could possibly need is here. Notions, linings, interfacing, patterns, fabric paint, fabric glue, felts, fake fur and, of course, rainbows of satin, wool, cotton, and poly. It's a one-stop shop for whatever your project might be. While not everything is marked down, you can invariably find a suitable substitute on sale elsewhere in the store.

    There is a protocol for queuing up to get your fabrics cut. As you find your bolts of fabric, deposit them in the big cart you'll find next to the counters. Once you've finished all your shopping, including notions, line up under the posted sign rather than wait at an empty counter like in some fabric stores. When you're called, grab your fabrics out of the cart and go to the nearest open counter.

    Then, before you leave 17th & Mission, stop by ThriftTown upstairs to complete your frugal Mission shopping experience!

  • Review from Michelle B.

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    • 1651 friends
    • 1166 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    5/19/2009

    Call me crazy but when I go into a grubby basement called Fabric Outlet I expect to find bargains.

    I did not find bargains. I found a long line, average prices (you're not fooling anyone with your 40% off sale) and little to no help.

    True, I was purchasing red fur fabric, so perhaps you ought to call me crazy.

  • Review from Jill D.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2008

    My chihuahua has the BEST Halloween costume this year!
    And it was relatively cheap and easy to assemble largely because of this place. For a measly $8.50 I was able to get all the necessary items needed to complete my fabulously creative doggie costume.
    They have a HUGE selection of discounted items and it was quick and easy to get in and out in the allotted time I had.
    My dog is totally going to win the prize for best costume!
    BTW, he's going as a winged monkey from The Wizard of Oz.
    And, yes, I will post pics!

  • Review from BRITT L.

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    • 6 friends
    • 172 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2010

    This place is insane!! The people are so nice and helpful, esp. when compared to the service I receive at some other fabric shops...you feel me???

    Whoa, they have big bins full of inexpensive weirdo scraps of applique lace and bears and strawberries and bows and flowers etc etc etc. Plus, you're walking through a jungle of incredible fabrics, all at much better prices that other fabric stores I know in this town...

    Why go anywhere else??

  • Review from Lauren F.

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    • 497 friends
    • 702 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/18/2006

    Im going to learn how to sew tomorrow!!!  Thanks to my friends that will finally teach me how to use my sewing machine.  
    Went here to figure out a project to do....still dont really know but i bought a few patterns and silly fabric in the mean time.
    This place has a HUGE selection of reasonably priced fabrics, all of which were 30-50% off.   i tend to get obsessed quickly, so i figure ill be back within the week to buy more fabric and fun.
    I want to learn how to make my own clothes for my first burn this August...so im starting early, and getting excited.

  • Review from Stacey L.

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    • 24 friends
    • 165 reviews

    Madison, WI

    4.0 star rating
    11/6/2009

    Four stars for service and price. My first venture here was to pick up some supplies for a craft project for work. I have practically no experience with sewing & fabric, so I asked their staff to point me in the right direction. An incredibly nice woman walked me through the store, helping me find everything on my list - not only pointing out what items were cheapest if there were several varieties/brands, but also telling me other stores where I could find items they didn't carry.

    Due to the great service, I stopped in to pick up some ribbon for my Halloween costume. It was so cheap! Four yards for one dollar. Amazing.

  • Review from Atousa F.

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    • 73 friends
    • 228 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/15/2008

    I just went here to get some fabric to make some curtains.  Please keep in mind:

    - That I have no idea what I'm doing.
    -  I can't tell the difference between the different kinds of fabrics.
    -  I barely know how to sew.
    -  Fabric stores intimidate me.
    -  I suck at math.

    So I go downstairs and it's TONS of fabric everywhere.  I browse while listening to some Luther Vandross on the sound system.  I see the perfect shade of purple for my curtains, but the fabric is polyester?  Eh.

    I buy it.  The patient little Asian lady behind the counter humors me while I try to explain how I measured out my current curtains with a school ruler.  She starts asking me all sorts of questions (do you need an extra inches on the side to hem?  do you plan on double bending???????!!!!!!!!!).  I had no idea what she was talking about.

    In short, the place was rad, the staff was helpful, I think the small Asian lady thinks I'm an ass for making curtains out of polyester, and the price seemed reasonable.  Then again, I have no idea what I'm doing.

    I shall return for all my other halfassed DIY adventures!

  • Review from Christina C.

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    • 90 friends
    • 575 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/3/2010

    I will go back one more time and adjust the rating because the service was spectacular, but the half-yard of fabric I bought was cut at such an angle that it resulted in a TRIANGLE.  

    This place has a ton of stuff.  So much fabric.  So many types of faux furs!  So much stuff on sale!  Everything was a wonderland.  
    Wonderland was in a basement so there was very little ventilation and it was swelteringly hot.  I wanted to shave my head in protest.  
    They sell googly eyes at a nice price.  They had ribbons, zippers, etc.  I can't even remember exactly what they had because while I was there, they used thermal nuclear radiation to brainwash me.

    The 7-year old and the 3-year old each had a melt down in here of astronautical proportions.  The woman cutting the fabric was very nice while it happened.  However, the combination of these gaseous forces caused her to cut the fabric at an angle.  While one edge was rightly one-half a yard, the other edge was one-fourth a yard.  It was partly the 7-year old's fault because she decided to yank on the roll while the lady was cutting.  Which is why I'm going to give this place one more chance.  

    And because of this, I'm never going to give the 7-year old a choice.  I really hate badly behaved kids.  I really really hate them.

  • Review from Kat C.

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    • 110 friends
    • 179 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/11/2008

    It's got a blacklight mounted to one of the walls.  Seriously.  When you "need" to know whether your fabu outfit is going to glow under blacklights, this is the place to buy fabrics.  The staff is super helpful.  And if you go there pre-Burningman, so that the staff recognize you, you're likely to get better service the month or so leading up to the event.

    Definitely keep your eye on the faux fur section.  Sometimes they have furs that I haven't seen anyplace else, including LA's fabric/fashion district.  And if the fur is on sale, it's really something you can't say "no" to.

  • Review from Hannah N.

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    • 6 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    3/28/2006

    I must say, I really like this place.

    Sure, the product may be crappy for the most part (I know that everyone is looking for stale Gutermann thread and factory reject calico), but having spent the last 9 1/2 years in New York and working in fashion (still do), this place is a goldmine with a little creativity. And I love the attitude of the cutters (no joke, its a pleasure- and I can be a class A jerk!).   Plus, they have EXCELLENT prices on leather skins.

    Anyways, although they could stock up a bit more on their T-shirt knits, overall, if you need junk fabric for a muslin, cheap notions or plastic-y yarn, you got it at Fabric Outlet!

  • Review from Rachel J.

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    • 45 friends
    • 145 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    5/4/2006

    That's 4.5 stars, actually.
    Pro: They have a great big selection of diverse types of fabrics and supplies.
    Con:Quite a bit of it is ugly closeouts that no one else wanted...
    Pro:...Meaning that it's cheap. Especially when they have sales like they were having when I visited.
    Con: The sales bring in the crowds, so patience with the lines is necessary.
    Pro: When you do get to the front of the fabric cutting line, hopefully you'll get the super nice lady who cut for me. She was very sweet and helpful.
    I'll definitely be back here the next time I need fabric (which, going by my fabric stash, would be never, but we all know that's inaccurate).

  • Review from Liz P.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 144 reviews

    Worcester, MA

    4.0 star rating
    1/13/2008

    The place to get your fur on.  This place has piles of outrageous fabrics perfect for an over the top costume.  

    If you're patient digging through endless bolts of fabric you can get some real bargains.  I recently found a beautiful gray cotton brushed twill for $5.99 a yard plus 20% off.  It was perfect for an A-line skirt I made for a friend.  

    I also scored copious amounts of cotton canvas for aprons and potholders.  Again the price was really reasonable and the width of the fabric was 60" so it was great bang for my buck.

    It can be real hit or miss.  But I've seen fabulous corduroys and wool suiting fabrics mixed in with hideous synthetic knits.  They have a decent notions section too.  

    The prices can't be beat.  Patience grasshopper and you may score some serious loot.

  • Review from Tatyana S.

    •  
    • 38 friends
    • 161 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/17/2009

    Fabric Outlet is one amazing fabric store.  I wouldn't even call it a 'Fabric' store. It's a craft store.

    With many fabric stores closing, including my favorite Discount Fabrics closed on Haight and moved their second location from downtown to boondocks on 11th street, I was desperate to find a new store that would feed my creative vein.

    Thanks to Lisa C., the new store is found. Finally. I thought my inspiration had died. Until I came here and saw a plethora of opportunities. Ideas started swarming in my head, and I ended up buying enough fabric and notions to last me for 6 months! Granted, I only have time to sew on weekends.

    The store is in a dicey location. However, it's convenient to get to -  just a block away from 16th Street & Mission BART station. It takes exactly 15 minutes to get here from DT, which leaves whole 30 minutes to browse unending varieties of corduroys, cotton prints, gabardines, lycra, leather hides, upholstery, and even dupeoni silk.

    They carry notions, including buttons, studs, snaps, zippers, lace, ribbons, and patterns too. They carry most of the stuff you need for knitting too.

    Prices are decent. Incomparable to Britex, yet slightly higher than Discount Fabrics. Many styles are constantly on sale. Staff is very friendly and helpful, just ask for help.

    Thank you, Lisa C, you revived me.

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