Sewing Supplies in Chinatown, Singapore

Updated: July 2022

Ever wondered where and if there are fabric and haberdashery shops in Singapore? The answer is YES! They are at Chinatown, Arab street, Textile Centre, Joo Chiat Complex and Spotlight (for those with deeper pockets).

There are several locations we’ve been going to and we’ll love to share a few of our favourite spots right in the heart of Chinatown! And no, we absolutely don’t get paid for recommending them but we frequent them very often.

The shops do close as early as 6pm Mon-Sun (With the COVID-19 situation, do make sure to check the updated operating hours of the stores - some close as early as 5pm) and usually start opening at about 11am. Most shops will sell by yard or metre. (metre is longer by 8.5cm) and there about 3 sizes of fabric width: 36”(91.5cm), 45”(114.5cm) or 60”(1.5m).

WHERE EXACTLY?

People’s Park Complex Level 2,  32 New Market Road, Singapore 050032

(Between OG and People’s Park complex facing NEL Chinatown Station Exit C)


It’s hard to imagine there would be fabric shops on top of all the hustle and bustle of food stalls at ground level. I recently brought a friend along to pick fabric for tote bags that he ordered and his first remark upon arriving was, “How did you teleport us to the 80s?”

There are a ton of shops here! I always end up spending way too much time or too much money. There’s a POSB atm at the entrance to the market too. It is a good idea to always bargain if you are buying more than a yard/metre and scour the sale-bales that are displayed outside the stalls. Dress lightly as this place gets warm!!!

Thye Guan Textiles #02-1006 (next to Swanston)
Thinking of making a Chanel jacket? A fine selection of designer tweed, linen, chiffon, lace and other gorgeously luxurious fabrics like embroidered plaid, wool blends. You will spot a few model outfit pictures that give an indication of what the fabric would look like if sewn into a garment. Prices are fairly reasonable for the quality provided!

Fabricity #02-1098  (Cover photo above)
Yes, there’s air-con in a store here! A newly opened fabric store that has a great handpicked selection of linens, denims, corduroys and many other quality fabrics. Just ask the friendly young store owner if you’re looking for anything specfic.

Yong Zhi Trading #02-1084 
This shop houses a great deal of printed jerseys, chiffon, georgettes, satin and even lycra. They provide a very good offering for those who need more than the usual cotton range.

Chan Cheong Textiles #02-1080 
This shop almost always has great fabrics in the sale-bales outside going for as cheap as $3/yd. they also stock lots of quirky prints for kids (owls, paisley-motifs, strawberries..etc. I pick up my cotton black twill from this shop at $4/m (45”width)

Lee Ann Textiles #02-1110 
This is run by a lovely senior couple that are always friendly and has possibly one of the best prices on the floor. They display fabrics up on the wall and don’t kick up a fuss about taking bales out from the stack to show. Do ask them for their $5/m rack- there are often beautiful Japanese cotton prints that make it in there!

Malin Textile #02-1134
If you are into quilting or looking for high quality Japanese cotton, this is the shop for you! The lady running the stall is cheery and will give excellent suggestions for what you need. She is the only shop here that stocks genuine Sanrio HELLO KITTY prints! There are also lots of fat quarters & bale-ends stacked up on one side- perfect for small projects!

“M” Maggie Textile #02-1076/78 & #02-1124 
Family-owned and managed, Maggie Textiles has a few stalls spread out over this floor. They each carry different types of fabric #02-1076/78 – a lot of chiffon, georgette and jacquard & #02-1124- men’s shirting and suiting.

Teoh Huat Textiles #02-1144 
Want to make a nice suit for yourself? Expect lots of executive fabrics for suits, shirts and even an organic cotton/ modal jersey section to surprise you! Prices are attractive and expect even nice quality shirting at $12/yard. And yes, they sell quite a good variety of Denim fabrics right outside their store too!

HABERDASHERY & NOTIONS

Brighton #02-1168/1166/1164/1162/1160
Welcome to the world of haberdashery and fabric choices to suit your project needs. Featuring a colourful fabric stash at $6/yard, to a range of drafting rulers, buttons, ribbons, lace trims and all your sewing tools and footers, this shop is indeed a pocket-friendly version of Spotlight.

Lye Nai Shiong #02-1018A/B 
A good offering of trims, like elastic, bias tape, cording tape, zippers, etc and anything you may need to help you sew, including the cheapest price for calico in this building. You will definitely find something you need, however sometimes you may need to increase your patience level as this shop does get pretty busy.

Mui Huay #03-1142 
Do not miss this shop if you’re looking for buttons! The elderly owners here have collected a ton of buttons and even frog buttons and you won’t be disappointed! Should you have a very specific size or color of button that you are looking for, just ask them and they will pull out even more buttons hiding behind the shelves of buttons for your selection!