Can anyone recommend places to buy fabric cheap?

jackyann

You may also need extra to match a pattern, or if the fabric all needs to run in the same direction.
I would recommend markets, but maybe they would be difficult to travel to as well?

My "go to" sites are:

fabricuk.com - fantastic range and although you pay for samples they are a decent size so you get a good idea.

fabricland.co.uk - can be very cheap, but do make sure you ring for a sample as they can be variable (some bizarre colours!) but I've had some fantastic bargains from them.

I'd be a bit wary of ebay unless the seller will send you a sample (they often won't as they are just selling an odd length)

For covering a chair & ottoman, I would head for "curtain" fabric rather than sheeting. If you're a novice, beware of the sites that are aimed at crafters & quilters - they charge a lot for tiny pieces.

flutterbyuk25

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Maman - it's approx 3.5metres all the way round!

I was going to take the fabric off and measure that to work it out properly. Just need to find a time when I'm not knackered! (I'm 7mths pregnant). I'll try and do that over the wknd and re post once I have the correct measurements.

flutterbyuk25

Oh and yes I'm going to use a staple gun

NewShadow

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

Maman - it's approx 3.5metres all the way round!

I'm a visual creature, so stay with me...

3.5 metres is about 11.5 foot.

Does that mean it's a square that's about 3 foot on each side?

Only asking, as if it's 36 inches (a foot) on each side, that could change your options with regards fabric needed - given a lot of fabric is around 45 inches wide (giving plenty for seam allowances).

Mrs_Boo_Boo wrote: »

I am part of a team who make items for charity. My partner buys material from car boot sales such as quilt covers and curtains. Picks them up very cheaply and really good quality.

May I suggest charity shop curtains - heavier weight fabric and often c.£5 for a pair with a wide width and decent drop.

If you're lucky you might pick up a set of 4, then be able to match the windows in the nursery.

Cappella

If you live in the north west Leon's Fabric Superstore is brilliant. Good fabric, and much cheaper than others I've tried. Far cheaper than Ab****ns and Du***m.

http://www.leonsfabrics.co.uk/

pollypenny

Abakhan does fabric remnants, of varying sizes, by weight.

Look online.

summerlady_2

NewShadow wrote: »

May I suggest charity shop curtains - heavier weight fabric and often c.£5 for a pair with a wide width and decent drop.

If you're lucky you might pick up a set of 4, then be able to match the windows in the nursery.

New Shadow has a good point.



You will need to carefully consider the type of fabric as well as the size. A looser weave may not work well if there is any kind of tension on the fabric - it will simply fray around any staples, unless you use some type of stabiliser.


Curtain or upholstery weight with a close weave would be most stable, and these fabrics are often wider than dress or craft fabrics.

jackyann

Remember that you will want to neaten the edges - certainly on the underside of the ottoman lid - the usual way of doing this is with a small amount of curtain lining.
Round the edges of the main part of the ottoman you may want tape. You can usually buy this from the same sites as curtain fabric.
Underneath the chair is less important, you can just turn the edges over.

Most curtain fabric bought off the roll is about 140cms. wide

If you are a fabric buying novice, look for the "repeat" information - that tells you how often the pattern repeats. It is therefore the amount you need to add to ensure that your pattern matches when you are joining 2 pieces together.
You might also not like a join in the middle of a side, but might not mind if you are keeping it against all wall, say and don't see the back!

flutterbyuk25

Well after stressing about trying to measure it all correctly I decided to take the original material off and took that to Dunelm today. The very kind lady measured it out for me against the material I wanted so I could see how much I needed (I'm a visual person). Turns out I only needed 1.5metres from the roll! So it cost me £13.49. I also bought edging ribbon to go around the top to cover any edges.

So now I just need to cut it out and put it together. I videoed how it was attached originally so hope to mimic that. If it turns out ok I'll post a picture here.

Thanks again for all suggestions

maman

That's great that you found someone knowledgeable to help you. Good luck with your project.:)