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Textile Discount Outlet
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Fabric Stores Fabric Stores [Edit]
2121 W 21st St(between Hoyne Ave & Leavitt St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen
(773) 847-0572
- Nearest Transit:
-
Damen-cermak (Pink Line)
Western-cermak (Pink Line)
- Hours:
Mon, Thu 9:30 am - 7 pm
Tue-Wed 9:30 am - 5 pm
Fri 9:30 am - 2 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
74 reviews for Textile Discount Outlet
Review Highlights
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"Huge selection and good prices." In 5 reviews -
"They are closed on Saturdays and super busy on Sundays." In 3 reviews
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"This place is AMAZING." In 4 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Elizabeth B.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
I'm trying very hard to work through my fabric stash before buying anything that isn't for a specific project. Living four blocks from Textile Discount Outlet is going to make that very, very difficult.
If you sew and live in Chicago and haven't been here, you're missing out. This place is incredibly large, the selection incredibly deep, and the prices incredibly reasonable. I just walked home with nine yards of beautiful drapery fabric for around $35, which will be turned into curtains for three very large windows and at roughly half the price of the curtains of inferior fabric that I was considering at Target yesterday.
Lots of street parking and a private lot - plus it's barely a block from the Hoyne St exit from the Damen Pink line stop. -
Review from Hannah P.
Chicago, IL
My go to place for fabrics. It's just a bit messy and you can get lost in this place but people are very helpful.
3rd time around and I found out there are 2 floors...i think it was only 2. Places that are off limits or should be are wide open so you are free to walk anywhere. It's amazing how employees know where everything is. This place is gigantic. -
Review from Spiderella C.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
one of the most magical places on earth
although beware cause it's really easy to get lost and i know a friend who was once in the basement when all the lights turned off!!
the basement is personally my own private wonderland. they have all kinds of studs fastenings ribbons scraps and a bunch of crazy cheap fabrics!!!
i love everyone who works here because they are all hilarious and extremely helpful.
pretty odd hours but its w/e because everything is such a deal in here that you can't even complain!!!
this is truly one of the best things chicago has
i used to live just down the street and i miss being able to just walk here and waste hours wandering around into all the secret rooms -
Review from Theresa P.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2012
All other fabric stores have nothing on the Textile Discount Outlet. The store is SOOOO BIG and will take some time to get use to, but once you see the amazing price tags, your heart will stop. Lace in almost every color of the rainbow for only $3.95 a yard? You betcha! Did I mention they have a parking lot for customers and a 10% student discount with your ID!?!?!?!
Their hours are a bit odd but their friendly and helpful staff who also understand the magnitude of the store in combination with the crazy prices and selection makes up for everything!
I would love to spend hours in the warehouse and lose myself in all the beautiful fabrics! Definitely making the trip back soon!
*Shout out to the floor manager Michelle. THANK YOU!* -
Review from Alexandra S.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
beware - bring cash, and be committed to only spend that much when you go there, because you will want to buy a ton.
Also, this is a 4 hour trip just to get through everything. this is not something to rush through, and there's always "ooh, what's that underneath 200 lbs of fabric that catches my eye?" or "hmm.. what all the way at the end of this aisle at the very bottom?" This place is, with no exaggeration, 4 warehouses big (the old timey factory kind), connected, each with a main floor, an attic, and a basement.
I have been coming here since 2003, and it was rough. over the years i have noticed that they are definitely working on their organization. Now the lace and trimming is in a room, the upholstery is in another part of the maze, etc... When you go you can see the parts that still need to be organized, mostly the basement. There, you will find oil cloth next to car upholstery next to velvet next to anything else.
one downside is they don't carry a ton of cotton, which is my preference for making clothes so they breath better. Also, if you ventured to the depths of this place, prices get more and more scarce. So, you have to fireman-carry some reams of fabric to the counter, and they get the price checked, and sometimes its more than i prefer so the fire-man carry of dead weight was for naught. I do frequently think, "hmm.. i think i'm the first person in 25 years to touch this fabric." haha
great for big projects, slipcovers, curtains, prom/evening wear. for something like blouses or simple skirts, my supply is still joann just due to the appeal and simplicity. you will find a lot of costume makers, people from the theater, seamstresses, and others who do specialty sewing, because this is the place to go.
prices are much cheaper than joann, but the aesthetically pleasing prints for blouses as I said, are in short supply. -
Review from Kate D.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011
I love this place. It is an absolute treasure trove of hidden gems.
Yes, it is dusty and unorganized. But that makes it all the more fun. I find the randomness of the selection actually very helpful creatively. I have often gone in with a particular idea in mind, only to discover several new options and at a tenth the regular price.
The prices are amazingly low.
It may take a little work to find what you want, and they may not have exactly what you came in for, but I always leave with fantastic and unexpected fabrics and notions.
As for the reviews which describe the neighborhood as sketchy, they are absurd. Pilsen is a great neighborhood. It's primarily residential and full of families. They may not be very wealthy, but that does not make it dangerous or crime riddled. There's plenty of crime in Lincoln Park and Evanston too, ya know. The neighborhood is however primarily latino. Make of that what you will. The population also includes a large number of School of the Art Institute students and other hipsters. Yet another group not known for violent crime.
I love this store and have always found the staff friendly, polite and helpful, even during a crazy Halloween rush.
Don't expect a Hancock fabrics and you won't be disappointed. The place is enormous and the prices are extremely low. I love it. -
Review from Damian P.
7/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Antiquated but well worth the trip to Pilsen. I was really surprised at the size of this place. My aunt and uncle use to own a bar a few doors away from them in the early 80's but now its changed up.
The place squeaks and can be warm in some spots, but believe me when I say: You can get lost in this place. It is GINORMOUS! I mean, you have 3 floors of factory and you really can't understand the size until your there. I started in the beginning and was inspired to look all over with the textiles they have. The prices can be very competitive and you will not find prices like this around. I was at Joannes fabrics in Ford City the day before last, and they can't compare in price at all. I spend way more there and at Vogue fabrics and the quality is not even close to what I saw in this place.
But check out their hours of operation, for they are closed on Saturday due to the Jewish Heritage. -
Review from Rebecca Y.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2011
This is a good place to get some good deals on nice fabric. Do be prepared to spend some time there because it's huge (and I do mean HUGE) and some areas are a little on the messy side.
If you're looking mainly for apparel fabric there's a couple of rooms on the main floor where you're most likely to find what you want. Upstairs there is some more stuff, not all of it marked. It gets hot up there in the summer and you want to check things for stains before you buy.
The prices are excellent. I got some great cotton prints for $3/yd. They gave me a nice deal on some leftover pieces of satin charmeuse. Even the fancier stuff is mostly very nicely priced.
As others have said, the trims here are stellar. Lace, beaded trim, ribbon, in many colors and very inexpensive. Again you may have to poke around or even venture to the basement which is, let's just say, untended. The stuff you will find will often be old, and may have been sitting on that spool for the past 30 or so years, but most everything is in useable condition. I got some grosgrain ribbon for something like $.12 a yard. Sweet!
This store appeals to my "hunting and gathering" side. After poking around for about 4 hours, I emerged with enough raw materials to make at least 5 garments, some odds and ends, and the total was around $80. I was very pleased with the quality of the things I did find. I will no doubt be back before long. -
Review from Erin M.
8/28/2011
This place is massive but to me it had no order. No one introduced themselves to me at the door or offered to help. It can be a bit desolate in areas of the store which made me nervous at times. Neighborhood is really sketchy so make sure you park close to door so you can keep an eye on your car.
I need to go back now that I know what to excpect and spend some quality time there. Prices are rock bottom. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
3/6/2011 1 photo
This outfit dwarfs Fishman's, but here they sell more drek. You have to look harder for the good stuff, of which there is plenty.
I had come today with my couturier on our mission for just the right tablecloth material, which she found - on the second of several floors.
Closed Saturdays for Shabbas. -
Review from Margaret R.
Aurora, IL
4/5/2011
This is my favorite fabric store. Unfortunately, I live out in the way west burbs so getting out to this place is hard.
Parking isn't great, but there's almost always parking on the street if the lot is full.
My problem with Joannes is that they NEVER have what I'm looking for. Here, I can't say that i've ever been here without finding either exactly what I need or damn close.
Yeah its dusty, but that is so part of it's charm! My mom tells me my Great Grandfather used to own a dry goods store and this place is exactly how I imagined my great grandfather's store to look.
They carry leather and price it by the square foot.
My advice? plan 2 trips. One for gawking because you'll be so dang overstimulated and won't be able to process the sheer amount of fabulous fabric and a second for serious buying. Since they ARE a discount warehouse though, if you see something you MUST HAVE, buy it then!!! -
Review from Courtland H.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2011
No frills for buying frills! this place is great, off the beaten path this is a real Chicago Place. Cheap, wide selection. old school checkout process, only family handles the money! Nothing but great experiences here!
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Review from Natalia T.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2012
I am not sure how to rate this place. I loved the staff there they are very friendly. I do not mind the dust and a bit of a mess. But:
The place is cheap for a simple reason: they only carry cheap stuff. Most of the fabrics, if not all of them are made of synthetic materials, polyester.
I was hoping to find some linen, wool, or at least nice heavy cotton for curtains, but nothing....
Most of the fabric has that synthetic shine to them, and unpleasant noise when touched. I was disappointed. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2011
Well, it's huge and as overwhelming as walking into a hoarder house thinking you will be able to find a diamond ring lost in there. It's also three floors and each floor is set up in a very particular way. I will attempt to break it down for you so you can have the most efficient shopping experience.
TOP FLOOR: this is apparently where all patterns that might be considered a bit on the questionable side of currency (in this case 20+ years) are displayed. If I am ever picked to be on HGTV's Design Star and one of the challenges is to do a room in a 1984 South Beach theme, I am TOTALLY going to rock that shit. Also most of the area is in a perpetual state of being organized so you will have to pick your way around giant boxes of randomness as well as entire aisles being blocked by other racks of fabric.
GROUND FLOOR: are you planning a Quinceañera? or have a strip club and require many yards of stretchable sequined fabric? This is the largest of the floors and it is just room after room of every conceivable tacky, crazy patterned, brightly coloured fabric imaginable. There is one section of upholstery weight fabric, laces, and trims, but you will need to spend a considerable time searching and most of what is displayed is not priced.
BASEMENT: well holy hoppin jesus what in the hell is going on down here? I *GUESS* if once you can get past the smell, and adjust your eyes to the dim lighting, and are OK with possibly contracting asthma and/or COPD while you are here you might have an adequate shopping experience on this level. This has got to be the most filthy, ridiculous area of merchandise for sale I have ever experienced in my life. How has this not been closed down by the city yet? I was terrified to pull out any bolt of fabric for fear of a) a massive cloud of asbestos being stirred up b) finding some extra "gift" such as a large penetrating stain of questionable origin, potent smell, or worse, a giant web or c) a family of rats being disturbed and exploding from underneath the rack. On the plus side though, I did see a dust covered bolt of a very popular pattern from Waverly in the 1980's, so if you are in need of a green ivy chintz PM me and I can point you toward it.
I don't really see the appeal here and would not make the trip back since it is far for me and the lack of current, clean and good quality merchandise is sorely lacking. Well, unless my next client is the owner of a strip club - then HEY-OH!Listed in: House of Blues
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Review from Jillian g.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
as a fiber artist who has a leaning towards 70s craft-era kitsch, this is a wet-dream come true for me. i can easily spend $100 here per trip. good thing im poor. its also just around the corner from me so i can make stops here just look. kinda fun to get high and spend an afternoon perusing the aisles...
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Review from Brian Q.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2011
Sure, I like a diamond in the rough. But this place came across more like cubic zirconia to me. Every time I found something I liked, it had some questionable stain. Mold? Mildew? Smooshed spider webs? Or the amount of fabric on the bolt fell short of my needs.
I probably ended up paying more at Joann's, but my fabric arrived clean as a whistle. With hide nor hair of the heebie-jeebie-inspiring stuff I witnessed within the bowels of the Textile Discount Outlet.
But don't let me discourage you. Don your Indiana Jones fedora and fire up a torch to find the fabric you're after.
I'll stick to mail-order. -
Review from Dominique L.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2011
I love this place!!!!!!!!
My Grandmother has been a seamstress for over 40 yrs. and she has been going to this place forever! I can go in there and spend hours looking at fabric and walking through all o the rooms.
Any creative person reading this already knows about this place, if you don't what the hell are you doing?!?!!? Head over there now ! (well not right now because they're not open but as soon as they do go !!!) -
Review from Steven K.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
this place is huge and can be overwhelming. But... Brandon knows every square inch of this place. It's simple they are very busy. It's not like they are standing around doing nothing. If you need help here.... simply ask. I did not get the whole "watch your car feel" a previous Yelper wrote. It's a warehouse not a boutique fabric store! Brandon is a true asset!
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Review from Kitty K.
Hinsdale, IL
1/22/2011
What a find! Thank you, fellow Yelpers, for allowing me to discover this amazing place. My first trip: yesterday, January 21. I walked in the door to find a busy, bustling scene in complete disarray. The clientele ranged from interior designer types to little old ladies in babushkas to bewildered men trailing behind their women. I felt like I was walking into another time. In short, I was totally psyched!
Yes - the parking lot is, as another Yelper indicated, about the size of a living room. Remarkably, I did find a spot. Once inside, I felt like I needed a GPS to navigate the place. The workers were a little hard to find at times, but were very helpful. I agree with the rest of you - the basement is not so great. Most of the really good stuff is on the first floor. The second floor seemed to have a lot of older, but not really cool vintage, fabrics.
Found some beautiful upholstery fabrics at amazing prices.
Now all I need is a good upholsterer. The company I used to use is no longer in business. Any ideas, Yelpers? -
Review from Lindsay R.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2010
Pros:
* Giant warehouse
* Huge selection, I mean HUGE
* VERY cheap prices
* Negotiable prices if damaged or dirty
* Floors upon floors to search in
Cons:
* Service while your searching is limited, most are on the 1st floor
* Need a Car and parking in VERY LIMITED
* Most things are dirty and dusty
* Alot of rooms have stuff thrown into a pile on the floor
All in all this place is great, I had a great experience the check out was very efficient and there was tons of people purchasing fabric. I'm a digger and if its going to be cheap I'll sift through dust to get at it. I purchased 12 yards of nice fabric and my total was $45. So I think it was a steal. -
Review from Brandie T.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2008
The effusive reviews here, I have to wonder if the bar is set *so low* that this is the --best-- Chicago has to offer ... really?
It's FILTHY. Warehouse or not -- for PETE sake CLEAN IT UP!! Fabric grabs, AND HOLDS ONTO dust / dirt!! Asthmatic? If you value your life -- bring your inhaler!! I didn't and I nearly went into a full blown attack - I had to leave. I've shopped HUGE warehouse type fabric stores elsewhere - While in disarray, were PRISTINE in comparison to this place!!
I honestly don't think they've bought anything in *at least* the last 5 years to offer up to their clientèle in the way of 'new on the market - hey look at this cool stuff' fabric !!
Yes, it's great if you have a costume to create, a mock up of a project and don't want to put much into it... but not for anything that *really* matters - certainly *NOTHING* high-end .... Further, you'll have to take anything you DO purchase to have it cleaned **before** you can even use it.
If you have a client? forget it. I would NEVER bring a client here to purchase fabric for any project (especially given the neighborhood it's in)
I would certainly be embarrassed to tell any client I bought their fabric there. What if they went in there to shop on their own? -
Review from Marie L.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2007 1 photo
I love this place. I could live here.
It's hard to find because 21st Street and 21st Place are right next to each other so inevitably you'll end up at 2121 21st Place walking up to someone's house and trying to convince them their house is indeed a fabric warehouse. After forcing your way inside and rummaging through the scared family's closets and underwear drawers, you'll realize that the Textile Outlet is at 2121 21st STREET.
And there you are. A mecca of fabric and bric-a-brac goodness. Three, count 'em THREE floors or delirium-inducing patterns and textures. The basement is absolute insanity but it's my favorite floor - take a look at the picture.
If you're looking for fabrics that are organized and have visible prices, you're better off elsewhere because the system here works like this: you fill your cart with bolts and bolts of fabric and notions, you bring it up to the counter and tell them how much you want, the guy comes and tells you how much everything is per yard.
Their hours are different every day so definitely check before you go. And leave that scared family on the other street alone. -
Review from deirdre l.
Ravenswood, Chicago, IL
1/7/2008
I would love to give a 3.5 here....
Let me start with the positives:
You walk into this hidden gem of a place and the main room is filled floor to ceiling with rainbows of dramatic fabrics - silks, cottons, sheers, whatever your heart could desire in a solid colored fabric. Also there were wedding-type laces and silks and finishes. My mom and I shared a little gasp upon walking in to the main room. Its stunning and a little overwhelming at the same time.
You then move on to the other rooms on the main floor that are filled with great drapery fabrics, upholstery fabrics, exquisite trims, cording and tiebacks and more for EXTRAORDINARILY CHEAP!!!!!!!!!! I mean the pricing was outstanding compared to any type of mainstream textile place. This part played a huge part in my favorable rating.
Now to the pitfalls.
Upstairs was in a bit of a mess. There were a couple organized rooms with older/out-of-vogue fabric, but then you move on to rooms of fabric everywhere, some damaged or stained, much of it in disarray and lots of it was very very dated.
Then to the basement, well it was quite a clusterf&*k. Musty, dusty and outright gross in some spots. The low ceiling was covered in peeling paint, buttons clips and pins were scattered everywhere underfoot. Stacks and stacks of old, damaged fabric, strips of scraps, water damaged lots - mixed in with a few good finds.
My other complaint is the lack of nice patterns. Very limited selection of anything bold/dramatic/contemporary. There was plenty of 'nice' fabric, a fantastic selection of solids, some fun and classy sheers and no shortage of great quality stuff, however very few really sharp patterns or stripes. It was overall kinda neutral or something - can't quite put my finger on it. I was looking for a great stripe for a bedspread and in this whole place nothing struck my eye. I guess this is an 'outlet' so I have to come to terms with the fact that its a bit picked over, but aside from a couple nice damasks (not my thing) and some great sheers, most of the patterns/stripes were pretty 'vanilla'.
Overall: If you need something cream or beige (or nearly any solid color), a pretty sheer or a nice solid drapery fabric at a great price, this place is hog heaven. If you want a bold or modern pattern or stripe, you may need to hit up Off The Bolt or Loomcraft in the N. Burbs. -
Review from Lisa C.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2007
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh...
This place is AMAZING. I remember seeing it featured on Wild Chicago way back when, when I was too young to drive, or head over there without parental supervision for that matter. After all of these years, I finally got a chance to check it out, and I wasn't disappointed.
I spent a good 1-2 hours in this place, and I don't think I made it to every room.
Great prices, a BEYOND amazing selection........ I love it. -
Review from Corinna A.
Chicago, IL
5/30/2009
Overwhelmingly AWESOME!
And I quote to a friend on email:
"OMFG - 3 FLOORs of fabric BLISS - enough to create the new word - Fabricgasm! XD"
This IS a FABRIC store.
No crafts, no paint, no floral department, no jewelry parts, no seasonal trinkets or stuff, no scrapbook section, no baking aisle, no knitting, no kiddie toys, no vases or home decor gunk, no art supplies, no miscellaneous goods clutter. Just fabric on first floor, fabric on second floor, and fabric on third floor. And trim, notions, leather, and sewing related items. The selection is insane. Probably spend a month there and find something new. Cannot believe after all these years (even worked at unnamed chain fabric store zillion years ago) that I never heard of this store.
Yes, it's not "pretty" and sterile. When going to the basement or 3rd floor, it's like going to someone's basement or attic - just 1/2 block long.
And like a basement or attic - you never know what treasure you'll find. :D
Sometimes hard to know the price of the fabric. But most of the time it's pretty damn cheap. And they're generous with fabric swatches and don't count it against your fabric length when they cut it. Also, the rolls are big and bulky - so bring a fabric loving friend (with muscles) or gain some yourself by weight training doing reps with the fabric rolls. And parking might be difficult despite having a small lot, but what do you expect - it's metro Chicago - not a suburb mall with sweeping hills of parking.
But whatever, I'm there for fabric, plain and simple. Got a couple of knits that can easily cost 2-3 times as much at another store. Also found out about discount pricing applies to some of their fabrics. The staff were very nice, patient, and helpful too.
So if you like a pristine, organized store with lots of miscellaneous junk (and usually higher prices) - don't bother to come. The rest of us can enjoy this buried treasure and have more fabric to ourselves. Yaaar! -
Review from Audrey T.
Chicago, IL
11/16/2008 1 photo
This place is a BOGGLE. Not a snuggly Popple, but an utter mind BOGGLE.
2343 floors of fabric, and patterns and add-ons and oh my god what???
Odds are if you go here looking for something specific, you'll find it. Either color-wise or texture-wise or anything else, they really might just have it.
I was on a mission to find a certain type of sew on patch, in multiples, and boy howdy... I hit the jackpot. Sure, I was sitting sprawled on the basement floor going through random buckets, but I sure found it. Plus a bunch of other LOL-worthy items buried down there as well. -
Review from Mary T.
8/23/2008
Looking for fabric, but don't want to pay an arm and a leg - look no further. This place has more fabric than I've ever seen, they could probably sew at least one coverlet for the Sears Tower with it.
This place is a big old factory building chock full of fabric, a fabric-o-rama if you will. You want to make a prom dress, drapes, slip cover, or sweater for your dog - no problem. When you go wear your walking shoes, there are rooms and rooms of fabric, by type for the most part, on the main floor, upstairs and in the basement. This place is not for the casual browser, did I mention how huge it was? And the employees are rather hands off so go with some idea of what you want and they'll point you in the general direction.
TIP: the basement has some clearance items, you can find some really good deals on fabric - I got 7 yards of upholstery fabric for under $40.Listed in: To build a home, She's crafty
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Review from Cheryl L.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2008
I found this place thanks to one of those "So, you're new in Chicago, eh?" type books (I forget the exact title). I have come here for fabric for every purpose - for dresses, for costumes, for kimonos, for covering the couch or my windows, just all kinds of reasons - and have *always* found exactly what I'm looking for, or more often, what I didn't know I was looking for but it was better than I thought I was looking for. Prices can't be beat, either. For sheer volume, prices and quality, it's great.
Drawbacks (and for these I took off a star, otherwise I cannot sing enough praises) --
1) there is minimal organization here beyond the first floor. The best-quality fabrics are decently organized, but they can be a bit hunt-and-peck in other areas of the store. (This also means some of the corners can be a bit dusty.)
2) because this place can get crazy-busy at times, sometimes you really have to wait to get/find help.
3) this used to be a factory of some kind and now it is a giant, but fun, maze to wander around.
4) store hours could stand be longer - ie. 7pm all nights - and they are CLOSED on Saturdays. I don't understand why they're closed Saturdays - if you work a M-F 9-5 job and you want to do a weekend project you need to plan your visit here carefully (that is, manage to get down here on Mon/Thur nights, or the Sunday before).
So yeah, there's drawbacks, but even *with* the drawbacks, their selections are so overall awesome that I never fail to find what I need/want when I come here, at prices that don't break my bank.
I've also been able to occasionally meet designers/stage designers/etc. while wandering around here and picked up a few tips about the merits of various fabrics, which has been a nice side bonus.
* * *
Update 3/09 - The nearest El stops are now the Pink line stops "Hoyne-Damen" (closest - 1 block north, 1-1/2 blocks east) or Pink line "Western". -
Review from Tchad E.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2007
This place has a little of everything.
I send students here frequently, because the prices are superb and the selection is outstanding - if a little overwhelming.
It is especially nice that over the past year they have really started to clean up the entire place. And that is no small feat. This is three floors jam-packed with every fabric, fiber, and notion you could think of and some you never would.
What I tell my students when they go:
-Budget at least three to five hours the first time. Take a buddy and a snack. If you have allergies, an inhaler would not be a bad idea either.
-Do not be afraid to ask the prices - they are getting better, but a lot of the stock is not priced.
-Do not be afraid to DIG! there are piles and piles of remnants in the basement and on the second floor.
-The guy who runs the place when I have been there is named Steve. He is swell, and can answer your questions, but he is busy. If he is short with you, don't be hard on him, he is a good guy.
-Do not try to go on a Saturday - the family who runs it is Conservative Jewish and has better things to do than sell you fabric on the holy day - so they are closed.
This really is a great place filled with some helpful people. But it is a warehouse - not Jo-Anna's fabrics. Keep that in mind.
But I am really not kidding about packing a snack. Whenever we go, we loose track of time and end up with hunger headaches. -
Review from Stacy C.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2009
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!!!!
I understand maybe there are magical places like this in other cities...but this is by far the best thing I've come across in Chicago. Yes, it's dusty. Yes, it's kinda dirty but for what it is, I think it's just amazing.
I'm a belly dancer and quite frequently need to make my own costumes...trying to find the right stuff to do that at most other chain fabric stores is such a pain, and you never know if you're going to be able to find the exact color you need, or the trim to match...
Worry no more! This place has every color ANYTHING you could want. Tulle, fringe, sequin trim in every color you could want, any kind of lace imaginable. They have an entire ROOM of trim.
The best part is this stuff is so cheap too! I was able to get some really awesome WIDE lace trim for 79 and 99 cents a yard! How can you beat that?
Granted, it is a little disorganized in parts but really I think it just adds to the magic. The staff is very diverse and I happened to get a really nice young girl who helped me figure out prices and cut my yardage. I even asked her how they deal with those big rolls of fabric (FYI - you pull the rods out and put the rods back if you can, if you need help you just ask them to get it down when you get your yardage cut).
This is my new favorite place!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Tracey H.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2010
Huge selection and good prices. Not too far from the Damen stop on the Pink Line 'L' train.
They are closed on Saturdays and super busy on Sundays. The parking lot seems only slightly larger than my living room. Try to find street parking if you can. -
Review from nikki c.
6/18/2007
The next time you have to paint or redecorate, your parents are coming over and the place looks...well like a mess, need artwork, a new look to your bedroom or couch. or need material for a cheap bridal dress....
check this place out and let your imagination RUN!!!!
HUGE, DUSTY, FULL of bolts and bolts of great material to cover almost anything and everything.
Having stolen ideas from places like Ikea, my favorite night clubs to even shows on HGTV and trading places, the magic of multiple textures and colors now lives and breathes in my sanctuary where it was done for a fraction of the cost of shopping at a place like joannes fabrics.
Most bolts or the stands that hold them do carry prices of the material, staff is fairly helpful though they do work in a huge, dusty old factory so their demeanor does reflect this sometimes.
Perfect place for the college student, apartment dweller, first time home buyer and do it your selfer with a little imagination, a few tools(staplegun, maybe sewing machine, and more imagination) and clothes that can get a little dirty or dusty;) -
Review from Dina T.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2010 5 photos
This place is priced cheap in comparison to Joann's. It going to take a few trips to get my mind wrapped around this place. It way too big to just casually shop. Bring a list and idea of what you want to find for example color pallet, swatches, size of buttons.
Tips to power through this place.
1. Wear comfortable shoes.
2. Wear gloves.
3. Stay clean and bring tissue and handi-wipes.
4. Bring small scissors to take a sample and compare fabrics.
5. Go on a weekday in the morning to avoid crowds.
6. Don't bring any kids. You'll lose them. Plus they will hate it there.
My first impression when looking at the walls... costume fabric galore and curtains. I couldn't see any day wear outfits made from the material there. Pleather, vinyl, satin, sequins. Wonderful if it was Halloween time. I was looking to MadMen looking colors and material for a dress. After leaving I had a feeling I missed my fabric and didn't dig enough. Now I don't want to pay over $10/yard.
Oh 2121, I'm hooked. I'll be back. -
Review from Darkling S.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2008
I've read the reviews, and i cannot disagree with the more thoughtful appraisals of all aspects of a fabric store. But this place IS a Textile Outlet ... for my first ever place of my own and a concrete loft i hired a decorator -Lisa Wolfe Design - who recommended it. i found a lot of very beautiful drapery and upholstery fabric. i covered two walls of my mistress - no master lives within my walls - bdrm with gold sheers top to bottom - 64 yards - and it could only be found here. true, i would never think to shop here for clothing faabric ... but in 2006 i bought an entire bag of ribbon remnants for $2.00!!!!! and still haven't used it all.
it is truly a world of textural delights.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from sarah b.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2007
Go for the fabric. Stay for the selection and the prices. Then go to Cafe Aorta down the street for an oatmeal banana chocolate smoothie. (Mmmm...so good)
I also suggest bringing an inhaler or face mask if you're allergic to dust...especially for the basement. -
Review from Annie W.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place is huge, affordable, and by far one of the best place to find and purchase unique fabric, trims, etc for costumes.
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Review from Lauren K.
10/19/2009
If you like fabric and trim, and you don't mind digging and being a bit overwhelmed and look at that as an opportunity to dig even more, then this is the place for you!
It is a warehouse filled floor to ceiling (3 floors!) with every kind of fabric imaginable. I was talking to the lady who was doing my cutting and she said it is mostly closeout fabric. So this is like the TJ Maxx of fabric stores, only so much better.
Trim and ribbon--don't go anywhere else. Come here. I walked out of there with 3 yards each of 5 different trims and my total was $20. -
Review from Tammy Q.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2008
If you ever need fabric, come to this place. Anything you'd ever wanted to make-- drapes, clothes, costumes, etc -- this is THE place. I needed about 150 yards of fabric to drape an event and most places either didn't have enough or was too expensive. Well, after Yelping a bit -- I found this gem of a place and decided to check it out.
Yes, things are all over the place. Yes, people are running around. And yes, it could be cleaner. However, this is a warehouse people! I swear -- if I could sew -- I'd be hanging out here all the time.
I found what I needed and the people are super helpful. I even got a hefty discount for getting it in bulk. I don't think I will look at regular fabric stores the same now. -
Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2009
A bunch of friends just calls this place "2121" bc of the address it's also known as LZ Fabrics, but either way it is 3 floors of fabrics/notions/trims and more. I found some great red glitter vinyl I'd love to use in my kitchen, but upholstery is about where my sewing skills end (staples are easy!). Fortunately, I was only there for trims mostly, trying to create my first burlesque costume. I found silver and black sequin strands for only 39 CENTS a yard! I ended up with 4 types of trims, 16 yrds total for $20.
Yes, it is a little dusty/dirty and you have to dig....but it's a WAREHOUSE, and I didn't find that when I left my hands desperately needed a wash or anything (though I didn't go to the basement). It is *easy* to spend several hours wandering around. Sure, I'd love a nice, spotless place with a huge selection and great prices-but that doesn't exist, so I go here because they will have something like what I want for CHEAP and that is what my budget is. Plus, my last visit sparked my creativity a bit, you never know what you'll walk out of there with!
Important to note: There is a 10% student discount, and the hours can be wonky so check the website/call before you go.Listed in: Costuming
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Review from Karen Anne B.
Riverside, IL
1/25/2010
Oh Textile Discount Outlet, if you don't have it, it must not exist.
Yes, as mentioned it's dusty (the main floors aren't too bad, others - scary). On my last trip I heard two employess discussing how they wanted the owner to toss some old musty fabrics and he wouldn't...
Ok,maybe that's a little disturbing.
Yes, you'll be driving around looking for it wondering where the hell you are. If they swankify the place, it wouldn't be so cheap!
Lots of great fabrics and great prices. Just suck it up and go.
