Why is it that all arts & crafts stores in the city open at 10am, and close at 5:30? They are losing my business because of this. ARGH. That being said, I managed to get over there when they were open and they helped me select a needle to hand-sew some PVC. The store definitely has a little bit of everything, and its focus is definitely not on sewing. Think of it more like an expanded glue, scissors, and beads store. Various arts & crafts stuff can be found here, but none of it is particularly competitively priced. Wish there were other options but it'll do for the moment. read more

Best selection of fake fur I've seen in the Bay Area....its the only reason I go here. I design costumes using fur, so its my best go-to place for options when I'm in a pinch. However, I can get the exact same fur for about 40% less at my preferred online store. Mendels Price = about $28 per yard My alternative online store (shipped right to my house within 2 days) = $17 per yard for the exact same fur. They also offer very low shipping rates, and free shipping with a bulk purchase. I actually went in here recently to buy some last minute trim and the sales clerks (both of them) were somewhat abrasive, but this isnt the first time I've encountered this type of service here. They rarely hold sales, and even when they occur - they're still a lot more expensive than my other supplier. Bottom line, its convenient because they're local - they have some awesome fabrics and cool trim selection - If you are looking for unique fabrics and cool ideas for costuming, its a great place - but in true Haight fashion - you'll have to pay for it! read more

I spent most of my time there upstairs in the fabrics section. That said, they do have lots of fabrics that you wouldn't find at Joann or Hancock. They have a great selection of faux furs, power stretch, and oilcloth in really awesome prints, as well as a handful of designer quilting cotton prints. The two ladies working up there seemed to know what they were talking about. However, they cut really badly, the fabric is organized oddly, and not really labeled well. I bought metallic (!) power stretch, but they were unlabeled ($18.99/yd), and displayed a lot like Discount Fabrics does it. In fact, I think the DF on Haight is better organized than Mendel's. If I'm paying $19 a yard, it'd better look like it. Bottom line: if you need something really crazy, come here but be prepared to pay a premium. read more

This is my go-to spot when if I need to pick up any art supplies quickly like inking pens, single Prismacolors, and the like. There's so much random stuff in here! You can get beads, trims, sketchbooks, paints, fabrics, and much more. The staff is hit or miss. Sometimes...SOMETIMES, they're helpful, other times not so much ;( Ah well. read more

All arts/crafts stores are designed for a specific audience. Costuming appears to be the focus of Mendel's. One one level they have variations of wings, wigs, and fake facial hair. On a second level, they have a selection of fabric specifically designed for folks who want to make things that are fun, funky, and crafty rather than suits and Sunday dresses. The BEST selection of fake furs in physical form or online. Prices are reasonable too! For quilting/funky clothes making (beyond fake fur), they carry the best brands of fabric for awesome prints. Pin-up gals/guys prints by Alexander McHenry are my favorite (and often difficult to find), but Mendel's has them all. Tiki prints for a nice Hawaiian shirt? Japanese inspired prints for a nice quilt? they have it all. For embroidery, they carry Guterman's threads which is one of the better brands. What's more, everyone we talked to knew what they were doing. They knew exactly where to point us for any product questions and when I asked a few points of advice on our project, they had good solid answers. As far as other supplies go, I didn't really look at them because we didn't have the time to mill around, but I did notice a selection of foam-core and poster boards, foamies, spray adhesive for styrofoam, mounting, and all purpose, and other supplies. They definitely seemed more aimed at the craft crowd than the "fine arts" crowd. read more

This seems to be the only place that sells snap tape that fits gdiapers. Yay! It has taken me nearly a year to finally find a place that sells snaps for my daughter's diapers, and I started looking before she was born. read more

They are currently having 25% off their entire stock. GO! This is a pretty basic arts and crafts store. They have a great selection of trims, which was what I was there for. The 25% discount they are currently having made the trip worthwhile! read more

I have been shopping here since I could walk, and I have always been able to find something I love in this store. They have every art supply you could ever need, and lots of crafty things like face paint and feathers. In the past couple years they stopped carrying school supply things as much and i wish that they hadn't. The people who work here are very nice, just as long as you pay attention to what their signs say... :] read more

Great place to come for craft supplies / Halloween costuming. My La Croix can costume came together perfectly with some dark blue felt from Mendels for the logo and a few bottles of cheap acrylic paint for the colorful backdrop. read more

I couldn't believe the outrageous rude "customer service" I received from this store yesterday morning, but after perusing other comments here, I guess I should've arrived expecting it. I attempted to exchange a Pigma Micron 01 pen in sepia for a black one within the window of allowable time to return or exchange. I had grabbed it in a rush from their convoluted, and mislabeled, cubby hole display to add it last minute to a total purchase so I could use my credit card. They have a $5 minimum. I use these black pens all the time as I'm a cartoonist and having the right supplies are important. However it wasn't until I got home that I noticed it was sepia. I arrived to exchange it with the receipt after like 10 days since I have been unable to get there during their limited short hours of operation, short for those who work, especially out of the city, during the week and don't live on the Haight. I presumed this older gray-haired woman was the owner. I was there first thing Monday morning and presented the receipt expecting a quick exchange. Instead, she became hostile instantly, blaming me for not checking the pen first and how did she know it wasn't used, etc. I could understand the concern in theory, but then there should be a policy for pens being unreturnable or unexchangeable. She went off on me, loudly lecturing, her hand holding the pen up at me, shaking. "This is a PEN!!!??" she bellowed, as if to imply, why would I bother to exchange in the first place. I couldn't say much since she didn't want to hear it. "I do this in PROTEST!" she screamed, then allowed me to find a replacement. I scanned the square box shelves and saw, once again, sepia pens kept where black pens should've been, among other mislabeling. I couldn't find the size but found something comparable. "Happy Monday," I deadpanned upon leaving. "Thank you!" she replied. Um, I was being sarcastic... Her tirade was uncalled for and spoke volumes about someone clearly unhappy or in pain. This was unprovoked and was the nail in the coffin about being a customer there again. Yes, ma'am, this is a pen, just a pen. It's not cancer. In the past, Mendel's had always been a last resort for small purchases, as I found their staff apathetic and lethargic, their inventory lacking and the prices high. I thought for pens, you can't go wrong. Clearly, you can. Ma'am, you act like someone who is suffering. I don't know your story. But I wish you peace and healing. read more

This is an awesome family owned art store. The family has owned the store for four generations. The workers we met were super nice and he store is very large with lots of crafty options. A plus that their neighborhood is amazing as well! read more

I don't really care for reviews but I want to shout out the lady who I think might own the place? But she helped me and my brother ALOT we honestly had no idea what we really wanted and she was super great! Thanks :) just an fyi.. if your coming here with the intents to make a FURSUIT, you will not be disappointed. read more

Has barely anything, so I have no idea why my intro to graphic design prof put it on the art supplies list. The little it does have is overpriced and the service is abysmal. Not only is the service unhelpful the staff is unattractive, if you're not going to bother with customer service, you should at least be easy on the eyes...and the nose for that matter. 2 because I'm kind...changed my mind. 1 star (though a star is far kinder than the icon I would have chosen had I had the option) read more

They have some awesome fabrics and art supplies. I love their fabrics. The girls working at the fabric section give good sewing advice.

Great place and super stocked. One star missing for short hours. Who can get off work downtown and up to this place by 5:30?!?! Not this chick and they're losing business. I suggest they stay open til 7 or 8. read more

I stopped into the store to kill a few minutes before Distractions opened. Jesus, what a jackpot! A helpful employee pointed me out to an item I've been hunting for months. They had some stickers that were perfect for a project I'm working on, as well as some craft tape that'll punch up a series of cards I'm doing for my political group. I'll visit every time I'm in the Haight! read more

Even though I found what I was looking for I try not to frequent this shop due to its lack of customer service. Do not expect anyone to be friendly and or helpful when you walk in and then your expectations won't fall short. If you don't normally need help and don't mind wandering around until you find what you are looking for then you will probably like this store. My two stars are simply because the people who work here aren't very nice. read more

i can't give one star because my boyfriend used to work here, and even when i would come in- his colleagues were SO rude to me. i tried making small talk with one of them and he told me that he didn't care to hear my story. what kind of person does that? the stuff is really really pricey, the people are typically a la Haight Street (meaning asshole), and in the end- it's not a fun place to be at. Also the fabric section is not wheelchair accessible- which is fucked up. What kind of art store is cold and drafty with rude service and no music? Not my kind of art store. read more

Seriously Mendel's. How about training your staff to not be so rude. My coworker just went in on a recommendation from me and was treated extremely poorly after asking a question about getting fabric cut. You guys seriously need to stop being so unfriendly and sour. read more

I feel sad about Mendels as of lately. Been coming here for all my crafting needs since I've lived in SF (2006) and the level of customer service here has plummeted. It used to be a friendly, funky weird craft store that felt like you were going to a weird aunts house where she had a room with everything a creative kid could want. It had quirky SF charm and I never got outta there under $40 even when I planned to buy one thing. Many scarves, paintings, Halloween costumes and cards have come from the wonderful supplies I have found there. Now, I get that it's on haight street and I'm not expecting someone to help a customer with as much investment as a realtor closing a deal on a 13.5 million dollar house, but the cashiers there act like they are pissed off at the customers for even coming up to the counter like we did something wrong. I think they are all probably overworked and underpaid and doing my best to not just order online but at this point I may trade the brick n mortar Mendel's shopping for the Amazon way as it is never served up with a side of hipster attitude. read more

Just tried to shop at Mendels and they wouldn't take my credit/debit card because it wasn't signed! I didn't have any ID because I live around the corner and was with my son buying art supplies. i had my cell phone which could ID me and they still wouldn't do it! they were a--hol--. won't EVER shop there again. I shop there at least once a week and have lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. every time i go in there they are jerks but i let it slide. not anymore. read more

I could spend hours in Mendel's, so I always have to give myself a time limit in the store. For a craft store in the city, it is amazing. It has a large assortment of cloth, paint, sewing materials, and all sorts of crafting supplies. Worth checking out if you have some last minute craft supplies shopping to do or to get some crafting inspiration! read more

As the other reviews say, their customer service is shitty. They don't walk around and ask if you need any help with anything. It's pretty dusty in here, so prepare to touch some dust. hah. Unlike other people, I don't come here for their fabrics, but I came here for their Embroidery Floss, because it's pretty cheap (0.39 each) and they have an okay variety of colors. I just wish they wouldn't close so early at 5:30pm, because I live on the other side of town. This place would be a good place if you are looking for some arts and crafts (since pearls isn't open anymore) then come here, but don't expect any help from the workers. Also, if you try to return something from them, prepare to get yelled at by their owner. read more

THIS IS THE WORST BUSINESS I EVER WALKED INTO. There are plenty of other art stores in this city where you can shop. I came in after walking by because I saw a map inside I wanted to buy. It came out to $4.75. But the girl at the counter said there was a $5.00 minimum for credit card purchases. Well, sorry, I had $2.00 cash on me at the time. I was not planning on walking by this store to buy a map. Isn't this what retail is all about? You have stuff like this to lure people in off the street, but then refuse to sell it? How do you move merchandise? All over a quarter? I am sure that in the end, they will be stuck with 2 or 3 of these maps they cannot get rid of, and will need to discount anyway. This was the opportunity to move merchandise. Not only that, but this girl was so extremely rude. I told her I wanted to talk to the manager. She told me to go upstairs in back myself and look for Naomi. I told her to page the manager and have her come down. Then she calls me a dickhead. This is bad customer service; and allowing your staff to run your business into the ground. All this girl had to do was use her walkie-talkie to call Naomi, who she had just been chatting with. Did she bother? No. So I go to the back. She then called Naomi now to warn her I was coming. She could not call Naomi in the name of customer service, but she calls her anyway to warn her. Illogical from a business/customer service standpoint. After I find Naomi, the manager, owner, who knows, I realize that what the girl at the register lacked in politeness, Naomi lacked in wisdom. Are you reading this Naomi? You had an opportunity to diffuse the situation. Instead you made it even worse. For the mere service charges you want to avoid by having a $5.00 minimum on credit card purchases, you bought yourself a seriously pissed off customer, a piece of unsold merchandise, a scathing Yelp review and even with the merchant fee of my credit card purchase, you still would have turned a profit. Was all of this all worth saving on that measly merchant fee? Take note Naomi. You are a bad business person. You run your store unprofessionally and illogically. Also, how do I know you would have turned a profit? How much could a paper map possibly cost at wholesale? And you are selling it for $4.75? Just simple reasoning would tell you that even with the merchant fee of my transaction you are still pulling a nice profit margin on that 1 map. But I am privy to your wholesale information anyways. Your rude girl at the counter is obviously not very smart for what I described above but also because the entire time I spent at the register before I came looking for you, this girl tagging new merchandise leaves your wholesale invoices on the counter in plain view of everybody. Two other customers and myself in that time span saw it too. I saw your mark-ups, yes, she even had that written in there too. read more

As Haight Ashbury's only arts and crafts store , Mendel's is a prime destination for Halloween shopping and any occasion that requires a costume. They have a little bit of everything including fabrics, knitting supplies (books, needles, yarn - but not really nice yarn), sewing supplies, rubber stamps, greeting cards, office supplies, fancy papers, paints, and more. I've come here for everything from candlemaking supplies to fabric pens. It's not as large as say Michael's or JoAnn's but it has much more character. I think Mendel's qualifies as a Haight Ashbury institution. For some reason they have a storewide sale every September (for the whole month) and everything's on sale. read more

Decent selection. Bad customer service. I've shopped here over a dozen times over the last few years. I'm glad there's an art/craft store on haight for last minute projects. They have some unique products, though their paint selection could use some work. Not a great variety of paint brushes and supplies. However, I was impressed with their fabric and drawing pad selection. The reason I'm only leaving 2 stars is exclusively because of the staff. Every interaction I've had with them has been really unpleasant. They clearly HATE their job! Or at least give that impression. I went in the other day and shopped for an hour or so, and hurried up to be at the counter BEFORE closing time. However, when it was my turn in line and I had a question about a product, saying I'd like to know if it worked before I purchased 6 of them, the cashier was extremely rude and said "you probably have to remove the battery seal or something" and quickly rang me up. Wow... She all but said "I don't care. Just buy your crap and leave so I can go home". I wasn't holding the line up because there were 2 cashiers and no one else in line... Plus I was buying almost $200 worth of stuff!!! Not that that matters to a non-commission employee, but it definitely makes me not want to shop here anymore. My partner and I have separately had numerous unpleasant interactions like this one with the rest of the employees. Most of the interactions have been them just apathetic about my existence in the store and somewhat surprised/annoyed when I ask for assistance. I was shocked ONE time when an associate was generally pleasant to me. I will keep shopping here only in emergency last minute craft runs, which I think is what this store is meant for, but otherwise I will avoid like the plague. The associates would rather not be bothered with customers, so I will not give this business anymore of my hard earned money. Is the management crap? Are the employees treated badly? Are they not paid enough? Perhaps we will never know. I've worked in retail for years. It's sucks. It's a crap job for no money. The managers are usually clueless pressure tactic sales goal mongers. But I NEVER dreamed of treating a customer the way they have treated me each time I come in. It's not about putting on a smile and faking niceties... It's about having empathy and not being a total jerk to other human beings........ read more

I went in there looking for something kind of obscure and found it! A very nice Asian gentleman asked me if I needed any help and was so eager to get me what I needed. That's the kind of good service we are missing these days. Thanks Mendel's! read more

Mendel's brings me back to kindergarten - construction paper, glue, glitter, felt, brightly colored markers. Deb got it right - like Flax without the serious and add groovy fabrics. read more

Perfect perfect place for last minute Halloween stuff! Lots of wigs, accessories and hats. Really helped inspire my Halloween costume. Lots of ribbon and other art supplies. Today is Halloween so the line was super long! read more

Perfect place to find craft items for rainy days. Peacock feathers, thread, special abalone shell buttons, jewelry findings, embroidery thread, ribbon, fabric, zippers, watercolor cards. Inventory changes quarterly and the 60 year old former hippie haired, Mother micro manager keeps the staff on its feet fo sure. read more

This store is right down the street from my place so it is very convenient, however it doesn't have the selection of a larger craft store. It is probably very good for fabrics, but i am not big on sewing nor do i have a machine. The staff is very nice and i love that it is a locally owned business! read more

Have been a here a few times and each time got worse and worse service. This time was absolutely abysmal. Rude staff, terrible customer service. Was essentially told to go f*** myself because they were too lazy to help me with something I needed very badly. If that's how this place does business then I hope it comes back around on them. One of the worst experiences I've ever had at a retail store. Shop online and save yourself the trouble read more

I just have to start by saying that I have been coming here for years and always try to support small businesses. This place is expensive, which I would expect, since its on Haight street. But the staff is so incredibly rude and unpleasant. The girl at the cutting counter was very mean. I could already tell she was bothered by my presence, in which case i decided to pay her a compliment to lighten the mood. I told her i like her scissor apron. She gave me the fakest almost smile and looked away. Didnt even say thank you. I came in looking for red tulle and found it easily. I asked her if she had anything more red, as this red tulle didnt exactly look red, but more of a fuscha tone. She looked at me like i was a complete imbecile and very rudely and almost angrily pointed to the label of the tulle that said "red" and said to me, "THIS is what we would call 'RED'." I bought the tulle since i was already there and figured it might have just looked a different tone because of the color of the cutting table. I took it home to compare it to actual red tulle i already had, only to figure out that is was infact, fuscha. I will post a photo and let you decide. I just have to say, San Francisco is not an easy place to keep a business open. Your customers are your bread and butter. This store is far too over priced to also have bad customer service. I'd rather drive all the way to Colma to shop at Michaels for half the price then spend anymore of my money at this place. read more

Mendel's - Girl at the cutting counter was condescending when i suggested THE TULLE might not exactly be red, but fuscha. Real red is on the right. - Fabric Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Perfect goto place for craft. Be it paper, fabric, buttons, feathers, boa's , buttons, fabric, trim, supplies.. Mendle's is always there. The staff people are sweet and helpful. Even when waiting in line, it is an opportunity to strike up conversations with other like minded people and pick up a few tips. read more

I arrived 20 minutes before closing time. I had oil cloth in my hand and was waiting to have it cut. Ten minutes before closing time, I was told that the fabric department closes at 5:45pm and that therefore they would not cut the fabric. (Josh was helping another customer at the time.) This shop seems more excited by closing than opening. Three times an employee yelled through the store: we are closing! Josh was so rude that we were shocked, and honestly, he could easily have accommodated since we were in the shop prior to his fifteen minute rule. He was just so intent on the clock which was at 5:47pm. The manager tried to be polite, but the entire experience was horrific. Go to Flax where customer service still exists. Heck, even Amazon beats this place out. Worse experience ever. read more

I don't know what's up with the inconsistent reviews of this place, I found it a perfect perfect stop on my trek to the burn. Everything is here, from bulk fur and materials to fabrics and odd accoutrements. They also carry all sorts of acrylic paints, and surprising trinkets to get your creative juices flowing. Deck out your stuff and get ready for the dust! read more

Great boutique for crafty people. They have wide range of supplies for different types of activities. Huge selection of body paints.

Any store that has to do with being creative I'm totally there! It's not the best art store in SF but hey whatever you got to do to feed that creative soul of yours definitely go in and check it out! They have some pretty cool stuff! read more

I've been shopping at Mendel's since I was a teenager back in 1980... it's like a journey through your hip auntie's attic. there is always new stuff to find there - from gorgeous imported paper, to oilcloth, fake fur & fabrics, felt, art supplies, canvas, paints, jewelry findings, cardmaking supplies - if it is artsy-crafty, they have it. Really inspirational and hard to leave without picking up some new fun craft to try. The owners/workers are always friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you find stuff - a true neighborhood treasure! Get on their email list for advance notice of new arrivals and the fabulous yearly sale... a true treasure of the haight. read more

I can usually find the yarn I need. And that means the world to me. I feel lucky to have this place in my 'hood.