This is one of 3 fabric shops left on Brick Lane - from many…read more As early as 5 years ago this used to be an area of fabric and trimmings shops catering to local factories. As this tradition has slowly died the fabric shops have also relocated or closed. However Z. Butt Textiles has survived.The shop has been there since the 1950's and is family run - now in its 3rd generation (4th ready to take over in 10 years!) They are so nice as well. Catering mainly to the theatre business now - its busiest selling time is pantamine season. And the fabrics reflect this -- no high end Berwick street here - They are pretty basic with alot of polyester satins and chiffons / some upholstery fabrics and odds and ends .Cheaper to buy more than less, a tarif is put on meters less than 10. If you just need some plain cottons , calico or canvas with trims -or perhaps feel inspired - and have a need for a litttle gold poly lurex with sequin foil print or perhaps a little dayglow chiffon - it is all here.

Literally cannot say enough about Mr Butt and his textile shoppe. The faux fur was fab and the…read moreservice was even better. As a Yank in unknown territory, I had mixed expectations for my former colonial overseer, but Mr Butt quickly turned my frown upside down. I went in to buy a Union Jack bandana and left with ten yards (meters for all you blokes out there) of fake fur. Next time I'm in London, I'll be sure to give Mr Butt a big "OY!"

Unique little business.read more

I don't know a stitch about knitting, but this too-darling shop is eye-catching enough for even…read morenovices to peruse. I came in with a friend who was inquiring about a certain pattern, and the girl working was extremely friendly and as helpful as could be - even though her advice meant we didn't end up needing to buy anything... Perhaps what makes this store especially unique is their fantastical window displays, made entirely of, you guessed it - yarn. Apparently there's a whole slew of "knitting artists" out there... and many of them are on the monthly docket of this shop to deck out the window in whimsical and unbelievably architectural cascades of yarn. Last month it was a (large!) knitted sink and toilet... this month its a wooly version of a snowman. The shop offers classes... now, I'm not exactly one to bother knitting a scarf... but a truly ambitious and artistic construction of woven fiber is a slightly different and more enticing story... for £40 I can join one of their classes for "knitters and crocheters who have visions!" Hmmm....

Reckons its a haberdashery but is mostly selling knitting stuff like it's some hallowed form of…read morereverential lost art. As a keen crafter who grew up in jumpers hand knitted and handed down by me ma I don't think it's anything special. Went in to check it out and the attendant was pretending she didn't notice us (2 people) this is hard to believe as you can almost see a red stripe round the walls where someone tried to swing a cat. When the attendant finally acknowledged us with a face like someone had dropped a stitch we had just about seen all of the meagre ammount of items on sale. I think they do 'knitting circles' in there too. In such a small space it would be the ideal way to pass on knits. Get yourself up the Roman Road nearby for bargain haberdashery and a fairly good sewing shop with a lovely chap who repairs machines.

Z Butt has fabrics galore. If you need to make curtains, a dress, or a shirt you'll find all…read morematerial you need in here to make a fine garment. They have silk, lace, chiffon, any kind of fabric you can think of for reasonable prices. My friend made a makeshift sheet from the cloth he bought here. Makeshift sheet? I know, it's ridiculous. Don't ask me why. He probably doesn't know either.

From the owner: Z Butt Textiles Is A Well Established Family Run Business In The Textile & Haberdashery Industry…read moreSince The 1960s, That Has Built Up An Enviable Reputation Over The Last 60 Years. We Pride Ourselves On Our Commitment To Providing A Professional & Speedy Service At All Times, Whilst Maintaining The Highest Quality Of Work. While Providing A Tailored Service To All Types Of Students, Local Communities, Fashion Designers, & Manufacturers Needs For Commercial & Domestic Use. By Supplying Them A Vast Range Of Products From Calicos, To Laces, Embroidery, Stuffing, Foam, Cushions, Threads, & Bobbins & Much More. A Guaranteed Visit Is A Must.

Fabric wholesalers, mainly for trade. You need to make an account with them (no charge) to buy…read moreanything, which means you will get a few emails from them. They have a lot of your standard type fabrics, namely printed polycottons, ticking, some lower end suitings, poly satins, linings and synthetic laces. Minimum 10m order unless you reach the end of the roll. Nice staff, there are quite a few places round here of the same vain, so it'd a good place to look if you're a business needing fabric suppliers.

This fabric store is right in Hoxton Square, so it's super-convenient for all of the arty people…read moreand fashion students in the area, but every time I'm in here it seems empty. Since the store is pretty decent, I can only think that either nobody knows about it, or the fact that you have to push a buzzer to be let in causes some to think that it's just for wholesalers... but it's not, so don't let the buzzer intimidate you! Especially since they're rather student-friendly. The fabric isn't on bolts... cloth is draped onto racks much the way Oriental carpets are displayed, so you kind of have to swing through the lot, which can take time.... but they have *so* many different types of fabric, and practically each one comes in ten different colourways. A lot of the prints are outdated and not very fashionable - they tend to err on 90's auntie look... but let that discourage you... there are definitely some good finds to be had. The staff is really friendly... although you'll probably have to wait to be served, and then wait again to get your swatch or order, but they anticipate that, and have kindly set up chairs and tables - piled with plenty of magazines. Prices are reasonable... and another major plus is that it's easy to open an account here - and they ship!

From the owner: Specialists in Silk Fabrics. 1m minimum order…read more from stock.

This is one of the best wholesaler in town for upmarket fabrics…read more Now selling to the public (10m metre min) you cannot get better deals on fabric anywhere. They have an amazing selection of mens suitings and often have cashmeres and rare wools of the highest pedigree.They buy end of season and you never know what they may have. They also have a pretty regular supply of various silks and chiffons. Good quality cottons and linens also show up from time to time. Getting married or having a suit made this is where you can buy incredible fabrics for the best prices around. These guys have been around the block a few times as well and have seen many things in the area- they are lovely to chat to when not selling you fabric !

I was on my way home from The Shop when I saw this, the fabric store of my dreams. Mostly gorgeous…read morewoolen suitings, made in England, some silks and linens, very few prints Just wanted to update the previous review, as they indicated they would sell me three meters, so I don't believe they still have a 10 meter minimum. Really personable sales people.

Wandering around Cowling and Wilcox makes me long to be an arty type, someone with some real…read morecreativity that could put all these chalks and canvases to goo use. Unfortunately I never got much further than the Blue Peter school of glitter glue so a lot of the stock in this shop goes a bit over my head. Sticking to what I can understand, Cowling and Wilcox has a really nice card and gift selection with a bit more personality than anything you'll find in Clinton's. The writing sets are particularly stylish although they can be quite expensive. Similarly, they have a great selection of Moleskin diaries and books but these can cost anything upwards of £15. On the other hand they have a great selection of arty presents for kids which all seem very reasonably priced and a lot of fun too for that matter! I defy anyone to be too old for face-paints. Cowling and Wilcox is a lovely shop which is well worth a look around if you're in need of anything a bit arty or looking for a more personal present for that difficult someone.

I could spend hours in art shops. I always end up spending a fortune. It is just something about…read morenew paper and sketch books and paints. Mindlessly wandering through the store, picking up colourful bottles and textured paper. The mind can run wild with new ideas. Cowling and Wilcox is a huge store situated on Shoreditch High Street. They have everything from portfolios, to canvas, paints, spray paint, paper, printer ink cartridges and much more. A light and airy shop pack fill of supplies all organised clearly on shelves and stands making for easy spending. It is a little on the expensive side, however the quality and quantity of supplies is impressive. Especially if it is a final year portfolio or important presentation. To top it off the staff are very helpful and inspiring if stuck for colour choices or alternative solutions to presentation.