This is a great little fabric store in Boulder. They not only have some unique quilt fabrics, but also a very extensive garment fabric selection. It's amazing how much beautiful material is in this little space!! We went there because my mom was visiting from out of town and one of her sewing students was needing a few different pieces of wool for her "Make it with Wool" project for the year. We brought in the swatches of what had already been purchased for the project and they were able to pull quite a few wool fabric options that were beautiful. They not only pulled this fabric and placed in the best lighting for pictures for us to send back to her student, but also gave some swatches for my mom to take back to Indiana for the final decision. Not all of the selections we found were available in their online store, but they were willing to take an order over the phone and ship it to her. I have a good feeling this may start to be an annual tradition. She usually selects fabrics at Mood in New York, but the extra level of service provided may make her permanently switch! It also doesn't hurt that they have been a supporter of "Make it with Wool" for over forty years!! We will most certainly be back! read more

Elfriede and staff were joyful, friendly and helpful. They have a large selection of Liberty Lawns and other fine fabrics for apparel and quilting. read more

See all

Fabulous selection and staff. We make sure to visit any time we are visiting from Massachusetts

Well, after walking into this establishment, my husband and I are still wondering what happened and why. To be clear, no other customers were in this store. I think I know why. We were first greeted by a gracious younger woman who made us feel welcome. IMMEDIATELY following the warm welcome an older Caucasian woman asked both my husband and I, if we would mind stepping into their bathroom to wash our hands. We had not touched anything. We'd literally just walked in the door. My first thought was, why and I've never used or experienced a bathroom at a fabric store. You have to walk under a construction zone tunnel just to get to this store. We were already hesitant to even walk in the door. My husband is Swiss. He has darker skin and looks more Italian. We've traveled all over the world. We have traveled to many establishments, fabric stores, museums in, to name a few, London, Paris, Rome. Not one of them has ever asked us to step into some random bathroom to "wash our hands". I guess it needs to be said that our hands were perfectly clean. What if I had brought my Native American niece or my African American cousin to this store?! You CANNOT talk to customer's this way. More than offensive and unacceptable. Provide hand wipes! Put up a sign! Even ask everyone who enter to wear gloves!!! So absurd. They don't require stepping into a bathroom at The Louvre or the Vatican, but maybe your establishment is under the impression that it is more significant? If it is that important you should really provide a free of charge professional hand washing experience, in your strip mall parking lot, before entering the odd, dirty construction tunnel before the entrance of your establishment. If your fabrics are that special, then that would certainly work out better for your company than having an older Caucasian woman ask your customer's to 'step into your BATHROOM'. I will let everyone I know about our disgusting experience. read more

What a great find this is. And what a friendly staff. I loved my first visit there. And I will be doing many more visits. Unique and exquisite fabrics. We need more places like this. read more

The selection is amazing, the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and the store just generally has a very welcoming atmosphere! Will definitely be back after I work through the stash I just purchased! read more

Had no idea that this shop existed in the Denver area...AMAZING selection and quality...the staff is unbelievably helpful...cannot say enough good thinks about this business... read more

Elfriede's is my mecca. Very special place for me that makes me want to take risks and stretch my talents. I learn something new every time I go! read more

I absolutely love this store I have moved away from the area but even when I shop in Portland OR the fabric shops there know how great Elfriede's Fine Fabrics is . I have spent hours in one go looking for the perfect fabric and honestly have left a couple of times not buying, but more times then most bought way more because once it's gone it's gone! The staff really helps you without being pushy and it's so much fun! The quality is crazy for the price if you're shopping online,you are guaranteed to get fantastic fabric without even seeing it. But they are really great with samples they sent some to a ship I was working on! On the hand washing note.... It's not personal I have always been asked to wash my hands. And really the renovations aren't the business fault. So too bad for people that don't just wash their hands and enjoy the shop really missing out. read more

I am a quilter and have been in dozens of fabric stores, but walking into Elfriede's is notably different. I was greeted warmly and asked to wash my hands (I had noticed a note on the door requesting it as well). Once I looked around and saw the quality of the fabric here I understood why. Dozens of pure linens, a rainbow of batiks, a large selection of authentic indigos, wool, knits, and silks that just begged to be touched filled the small store. The vast selection of 100% cottons included locally designed prints unavailable anywhere else. Even their cutting process was more accurate than I had experienced anywhere else, perfectly along the grain. If you appreciate working with fine fabric, a trip to Boulder and a visit to Elfriede's is not to be missed! read more

Just say'n--I'd be overjoyed to fly 3000 miles, ride the bus from DIA, duck through the construction zone and step into the warmth and creative joy of Elfreides and wash my hands. To fondle the colorful silks, the soft woolens, the crisp cottons and linger over a bolt of cashmere. To bring down a dozen fabrics and design a new garment with all the wisdom and experience Elfreide and the staff have. To bring out boxes and boxes of buttons and scatter them like stars over my chosen fabrics before making a final selection. To tap their knowledge for proper interfacing and lining, and how to prepare the fabric and care for the finished clothing. But I can only make the trip every few years, and rely instead on the patience and understanding of everyone there to provide me with quality fabrics for my "Rustic Alaska" lifestyle. Thanks to Elfreide, I chop wood in cashmere, hike the wilderness in warm flannel and fly my floatplane in silk. And on stormy winter days, I create glorious garments for myself and my family. Thank you with all my heart. read more

A fine fabric purveyor with superb customer service--and I shop for fabric all over the U. S.!!!! A lot of variety and high quality is packed into this shop! You WILL be asked to wash your hands when you enter the store because of the high-end merchandise so you won't grease it up with your nasty hands--the same reason you aren't allowed to touch artwork in a museum!!!! Experienced sewists are cognizant about clean hands and fabrics--and are appreciative that Elfriede's fabrics are pristeen (and gorgeous)! read more

Love the quality of fabrics here , pieces actually worth my precious time to sew . Helpful and knowledgeable staff read more

I've been shopping at Elfriede's for 34 years. The shop is first class and Elfriede is a wonderful lady.

Elfriede's is a delightful experience for any sewist! I visited Elfriede's in person several years back and was so impressed with the warmth of the staff, the beauty of the store and the amazing selection of fabrics. Because I do not visit Boulder often, I have come to rely on ordering online. Every single time I have been so pleased with the quality of the packaging and the speed of delivery. As it becomes more and more difficult to find quality fabric stores, Elfriede's is a breath of fresh air. read more

I have never set foot in the physical Elfriede's store in Boulder, but I do shop from them regularly online and my experience has always been positive. If I message them for more pics, they accomodate. If I call them with a change to my order, it's not a problem. And I always receive my order in Texas within a week of placing it. We don't have apparel fabric stores in my area other than big box stores that don't have the kind (or quality) of fabric I'm looking for so I really rely on online fabric stores for my sewing needs. I enjoy perusing the fabrics online and there are many beautiful fabrics that I probably won't have a need, occasion or budget for but I can dream! There are a lot of reasonably priced options as well and those are what I focus on. I bought a beautiful linen last week that is the same price as what the big box retailers sell drab beige linen for, but with a gorgeous biweave. I hope to visit the shop in person this summer on our vacation to Colorado and I see from another review that I will have to wash my hands upon entering the store. Seeing all the expensive silks and laces posted online, this seems like a reasonable ask. Judging by the number of women at my job who don't wash their hands or just use water without soap, I never assume others wash their hands regularly either (even if they "look" clean). The Vatican & Louvre don't let you touch the paintings, so that isn't really a fair comparison. And the Boulder area is known for being an outdoor sports destination so I can imagine people coming in after doing that & needing to wash up. I'll likely visit after exploring RMNP so I completely get it. read more

I live in Illinois and whenever I go to Colorado I try to make a trip to Elfriede's. I also shop their online store. Their fabrics are unique and wonderful! The staff is friendly and courteous. I have been asked to wash my hands and heard the same request being made of the other customers. Ok. No big deal. The shop is great! Ann G. read more

I have been a loyal Elfriede's customer since 1999. I, like a previous reviewer, have also been to fabric stores all over the world. The only establishment I've ever been to that cares enough about its merchandise to make all customers entering the store wash their hands before touching the fabric is Elfriede's and I am eternally grateful they do so. I am not interested in buying fine fabrics that have been touched by greasy, dirty, sweaty fingers. Elfriede's asks ALL customers entering the store to wash their hands so to insinuate otherwise is blatantly wrong. And to further insinuate it has anything to do with race or skin color says a lot about the individual writing the review and nothing about the store. In a world where there are very few brick and mortar fabric stores still selling high quality fabrics and notions, Elfriede's is a treasure. My only complaint about them is that they're too far away. read more

I've been going to Elfriede's for years - their selection of fabrics is top notch! Any time I go in with a particular project in mind, I'm met with enthusiasm and I always leave excited to start sewing! read more

I visited Elfriede's Fine Fabrics on 5/11/24 in the middle of the afternoon to find some silk for nuno felting. I was greeted by the friendly staff and asked to wash my hands, which I willingly did, having done so when visiting the shop during the pandemic protocols - but happy to do so now, because who can keep their hands off of the amazing array of fabrics of every kind in this store? Elfriede's Fine Fabrics is one of the last shops of its kind in the country - offering the finest fabrics for garment sewing (and quilting) - and the knowledgeable staff to help customers begin their projects with all the right materials. I am so happy that our community has this one-of-a-kind shop that has stayed open for over 50 years - we are so fortunate. Let's support local brick and mortar businesses while we have them! read more

The address has now been updated on Yelp so it is correct for Elfriede's, but the Studio Bernina is not located here. It is located at 2850 Arapahoe Rd #100, Lafayette, CO 80026 and has a separate website: studiobernina.com. Both stores are wonderful specialty shops carrying quality products for sewing but with quite a different emphasis. read more

Best fabric store in Colorado! Love the owner and staff. Wonderful in store experience and online shopping is easy and accurate. Thank you!

One of the best fabric stores I've ever been to. The owner was so kind and helpful and gave us a full tour of the store when we came in. They have everything from Liberty London to bamboo knit to bridal; definitely the best garment fabric selection I've seen. Be ready to wash your hands upon entering! read more

The Denver Metro Area had a bit of a fabric desert after a large fabric store farther south closed a few years ago. I started shopping online and missed the chance to feel and see all the colors up close. Then, I discovered Elfriede's--a 50 year old store with customer service like no other. From the moment you walk in the front door (or back door) you will assisted to find the perfect fabric for your project or allowed to browse and touch and feel and imagine all the possibilities for the fabrics and trims. If you aren't sure, Elfriede and her staff will help you to find complimentary colors and help you to choose the correct amount of fabric needed. There is even a small selection of remnants for "collectors" like myself. The social media postings keep you up to date with the latest offerings--Lauren, the manager, drapes the mannequins and it's truly gorgeous. I wish I had known about Elfriede's years ago. I now stop anytime I'm in Boulder. read more

Wow! What an amazing fabric store; Boulder is lucky to have this gem. They have an amazing selection of Italian linen, wool, silk, and so much more apparel fabric! They also have a great selection of quilting fabrics: Kaffe Fasset, Aboriginal designs, so many cool batiks! And don't get me started on the button collection! We were graced by the energetic and delightful presence of the shop owner for a few minutes and she truly seemed like a rad lady. We can't wait to be back! read more

I saw several swatches of fabric that looked like they were pretty so I entered the front door of the shop. Someone called out: "oh hello. Will you wash your hands in our sink in the back of the store?" This was delivered in a snarky tone that implied that they were doing me a favor to let me walk into the shop. I will not be shopping here, ever.I saw several swatches of fabric that looked like they were pretty so I entered the front door of the shop. Someone called out: "oh hello. Will you wash your hands in our sink in the back of the store?" This was delivered in a snarky tone that implied that they were doing me a favor to let me walk into the shop. I will not be shopping here, ever. read more

Came in here today in planning mode for upcoming future projects. Totally disappointed that they didn't carry home dec fabrics, although I could have easily faked it with some of the silks. The store was jam packed with fabrics, the way a fabric store should be, and an older woman whom I assume was Elfriede herself (at least I hope so, because the name fit her accent and her awesomeness) swooped on me and took me on a mini tour of the shop. Lots of quilt fabrics and quality brands for making clothing. They also carried two brands of patterns, Burda and Vogue, I believe. Also a selection of laces and trims. I just want to add a comment about the parking lot, which is mainly: WTF? Pretty much EVERY parking space was labeled by some maniacal control freak. 30 minute parking. 2 hour parking. 1 hour parking. 15 minute parking. Parking for X company only. Random unidentifiable code which I assume meant: you can't park here unless you understand what this code means. I was surprised there wasn't anyone out there angrily hovering over parked cars with a stopwatch. It was just WEIRD. read more

Love Elfriede's! Beautiful apparel fabrics - second to none. Their small quilt section is only good stuff, so you can't go wrong. For such upscale textiles, you'd think the people would be snobby, but it's the exact opposite. So, so helpful and kind, even when I show up with my 4, 6, and 8 year old. For such a small space, they maximize it with only the most impeccable fabrics. Great naturals, knits, wool, linen, and special occasion. And when Elfriede, herself sweeps in, you'd swear you were in the presence of some European sewing style connoisseur. She's magnificent, funny, and she's created an amazing store, atmosphere, and team. Love to go there :) read more

This place has so many beautiful fabrics to inspire you to sew... amazing selection and the staff is super helpful and very friendly. Elfriede herself is often there too, and she's just great. It's a Boulder institution where they are still kind people, not pretentious, and we should support this wholeheartedly! But be warned, you will spend more than you planned to, but for all good things! read more

This store is like a 40 carat diamond. I have been there numerous times and each time it's like visiting family. They are helpful and gracious whether I make a purchase or not. They listen carefully to what you are using a fabric to make and guide you to what will or will not work. I chose an exquisite piece and simply can't wait to get to work on it. After emerging from the Marshall Fire, this is an experience I never thought would come to me again. The final moment came when I was gifted the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen, much less thought to own. It was compliments of a singularly talented textile artist and EFF. I may have come in thinking I could have one special dress that allowed me a break from my 3 sweaters and two jeans. And washing my 2 nightgowns and underwear sets. This 75 year old feels beautiful! There just aren't words for that hour of time that almost erased the pain of loss. This shop personifies human kindness, respect, and hope. I thank them and urge anyone to look there. read more

So wonderfully helpful on a variety of projects! I went in with my girlfriend and they helped her find a matching fabric to patch her favorite quilt. I wanted advise on a cosplay I was making and they told me about other cosplays people have come in for. All in all such a possitive experiance and such lovely fabrics! read more

to say the service at Elfriede's was incredible doesn't do it justice ! This quaint little shop has a gorgeous and sprawling inventory you wouldn't expect from a tiny little shop. the way the lady working there showed me around and helped me source fabrics just from my amateur descriptions of my vision was a great help and amazing experience that you wont find anywhere else ! I will say that this place is not quite geared toward the shallow pocket though, creators go in at your own wallets risk ! read more

Many people have recommended this store to me and it did not disappoint. They have an amazing selection of wools, better than any other online store I looked at. I'm somewhat new to sewing and I didn't have enough knowledge to choose between two fabrics, so I called up the store and the owner herself walked me through my options and helped me decide. They also picked out matching thread and a zipper, and sent a complimentary swatch of fun cotton in the box that I'm going to turn into a mask. Fantastic customer service and products. read more

If you sew, you must visit this store. The fabrics are generally very high quality and the wide range of choices in designs is inspiring. If Joann's leaves you wanting more, or you just appreciate working with high quality fibers, get thee to Elfriede's. The staff is also friendly and knowledgeable and you might even meet Elfriede herself there! (They sell online but beware, because we sewists know that's a slippery slope. ; ) read more

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. GO HERE. The selection of fabrics is so worth it. Cashmere; wool; wool blends; silk; beautiful linens; Italian shirting; bridal and OH THE TRIMS. The trims. Woven ribbon; wool blanket binding; silk ribbon; buttons. Japanese quilting cottons (both modern and traditional). If walking into Joanne makes you break into hives, then this is the fabric store for you. read more

Elfriede's has the most beautiful, high quality fabrics. You will pay a premium for such quality; however, if you are going to be investing your time into a project that you intend to cherish it may be worth it. Honestly, it's hard to go to Joann's after visiting this fabric store. read more

Very packed and half of the fabric is apparel. The staff was friendly and attentive. Not the most current lines for the price, a lot of batiks. read more

My favorite fine fabric destination! Not only does Elfiedes have everything from quilting cottons to the most luxurious silks, the staff are always friendly and helpful, including the amazing Elfriede herself! Just go!! read more

There are fabric stores and then there is Elfriede's, where you get help, encouragement, enthusiasm, and beaming smiles with your fabric purchase. Prices are reasonable, the selection is amazing. No matter what your level of sewing skill is, these people can help you out when you come in to create something great! Just go there! read more

Visiting from CT, I was advised to go to Elfriede's Fabrics to see their button selection. As a knitter I am always looking for interesting buttons. The women were helpful & the selection good. read more