🧵 Best Fabric Stores in New Zealand – As Recommended by NZ Sewists (2025 Edition)

Looking for the best fabric stores in New Zealand? Whether you’re after quilting cottons, fashion fabrics, or hard-to-find notions, New Zealand’s vibrant sewing community knows where to go. We recently asked our Facebook fans to share their favourite spots—and their responses were gold!

In this region-by-region guide, you’ll find both big-name fabric warehouses and hidden boutique gems, including online shops and patchwork destinations. So whether you're restocking your stash or discovering a new creative haven, this list has you covered.

🏙️ Auckland Region

• The Fabric Store - Multiple Locations 

• Nick’s Fabrics – Ōtara

• Ribbon Rose – Penrose

• Drapers Fabrics – Newmarket

• The Fabric Warehouse – Mt Eden

• Ikes Emporium – Browns Bay

• Tiffany Treasures - Albany

• Hawes & Freer – Eden Terrace 

• Wall Fabrics - Avondale 
  
• Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies - Henderson 

These Auckland favourites are beloved for their massive selections, unique imports, and inspiring retail spaces.

🌿 Waikato & Bay of Plenty

• Bowerbird NZ – Tamahere

• Tis the Season – Matangi

• David’s Emporium – Hamilton

• Backstreet Bargains – Hamilton & Online

• Stitchin Stuff – Te Awamutu

• Country Dawn – Whangārei 

• Cottage Flair – Rotorua

• Fabric Fixation – Waihi

From country charm to discount havens, this region is packed with creative fabric sources.

🌆 Wellington Region

• The Fabric Warehouse – Thorndon Quay

• Fine Cloth Company – Thorndon

• Pete’s Emporium – Lower Hutt & Porirua

• Thimble and Threads – Upper Hutt

• Busy Bee – Kilbirnie

• Fibre Flair – Waikanae (Outstanding service and soon offering classes!)

• Stitchbird – Kilbirnie

Sewists across Wellington love these stores for their range, friendly service, and great pricing.

❄️ South Island (Christchurch, Blenheim, Nelson, etc.)

• Sew&Co – The Tannery, Christchurch

• Sew It – Hornby, Christchurch

• Harold’s & Toms Emporium – Christchurch

• Polynesian Choice – Christchurch 

• The Sewing Store – Blenheim

• Quilters Barn – Blenheim & Marlborough

• The Pin Tin – Geraldine

• Crafty or Wot – Richmond, Tasman

• MillyMac Supplies – Nelson (Online + Mail order)

• Annie’s Country Quilt Store – Ashburton / Tinwald

• Sewing Room – Darfield

• Centrepoint Craft & Fabrics – Waimate

Whether you're a quilter, dressmaker, or collector of beautiful textiles, the South Island has gems aplenty.

🧵 Lower North Island & Manawatū–Whanganui

• Fox’s Cottage – Foxton

• Curtis Fabrics – Waipukurau

• Hidden Hollows – Palmerston North

• Amiee’s Homestead Quilts – Palmerston North

• Centrepoint Craft & Fabrics – Levin

Friendly advice, quilting supplies, and local knowledge make these small-town favourites shine.

🌄 Northland & Far North

• Bernina Northland Sewing Centre

• Country Dawn Quilting & Patchwork – Whangārei

• Arthur’s Emporium – Whangārei

For those in the Far North, these trusted fabric spots offer fantastic service and variety.

🧵 Online & Nationwide Fabric Stores

• Miss Maude – Greytown (Online)

• The Fabric Box – Online & Store

• Warwick Fabrics (NZ) Ltd – Online

• Backstreet Bargains – Online + Stores

• OTY Fabrics – Custom knits and printed cottons

• Milky Fabric Store – Online (100% cotton sweatshirting)

• Rainbow Stash – Online (Fast service & great quilting finds)

Online stores are perfect for rural sewists or those looking for niche fabrics delivered to their door.

Honorable Mentions (Multi-location or Unclassified)

• Drapers Fabrics – Mentioned across multiple cities

• Smart Dress Fabrics – Loved for value and fashion fabrics

• The Apple Basket Patchwork Shop

• The Country Yard

• Fabric Fantasy

• More Than Fabric – Gisborne

🪡 Need a Sewing Machine to Match Your Fabric Haul?

At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, we’re proud to be New Zealand’s go-to destination for sewing machines, overlockers, and everything in between. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to invest in your dream setup, our expert team will help match you with the perfect machine—plus accessories, parts, and servicing.

We’re honoured to support this creative community and keep New Zealand sewing strong 🧵💛