Allison’s Guide to Downtown LA, Part 1: Fabric

The very first time I went to downtown LA, I was a bride. My seamstress took me to pick out bridesmaid dress fabric with my maid of honor. We strolled through store after store to find the perfect shade of cranberry-colored satin, organza, and thread. It was an intimidating and overwhelming but exciting experience for me. A year later, I returned to the fabric district on my own. On this second trip, I realized just how thankful I was to have a guide when I first explored the wonders of downtown Los Angeles.

You have to understand that I grew up in a small town. We had a six-block long main street. We had a Walmart. We had a few specialty shops. But the commerce was a bit… limited. I wasn’t totally sheltered or anything. My family traveled. We did go to “the big city” from time to time. My shopping experiences just didn’t really compare to the labyrinth of stalls, shops, and stands that make up the Los Angeles Fashion District.

If you’re in need of fabric and you’re anywhere near Los Angeles, downtown really is the best place to go. Since those first intimidating trips, I’ve frequented downtown in pursuit of the “perfect” fabric, trim, beading, thread, pattern, etc for all manner of projects. I’ve got a few regular haunts but for the most part, I go with an open mind and a good pair of walking shoes.

Here are my tips for exploring downtown Los Angeles for fabric:

•Park in the structure on Cecelia between 8th & 9th. They have varying rates of $3-10 per day depending on when you arrive. It is safe and open until 6 pm. If you are only staying for a few minutes, there are meters on the streets but they cost $3 per hour (quarters only).

•Store hours vary from shop to shop but if you plan to get there between 10 am and 4 pm Monday through Saturday, they’ll all be open. Most shops will be closed on Jewish holidays.

•Bring cash. While a lot of shops will take plastic, most have minimums for credit card purchases. You’ll also have a lot more bargaining power if you’ve got cash. There are a few ATMs around but they charge fees to withdraw money.

•Most stores will only sell fabric and trim in 1 yard increments. If you buy a lot (5 yards or more), be sure to ask for a better deal.

•Stop into a lot of stores but prep yourself for some high pressure. Most shopkeepers are friendly and jovial but some will try to guilt you into a purchase you don’t want to make. Shop around and be ready to negotiate for the best price.

•If you don’t find what you want, just ask. If they don’t carry it, someone nearby will.

•Most of the shops are mom & pop places with 1-4 people working in them. These places will have unique and one-of-a kind textiles and you’ll find great deals. If you need something a little more mainstream or specific (like patterns, stretch denim, Amy Butler fabric, or fusible interfacing), check out Michael Levine. Their prices are not as low as you’ll find in the smaller stores but they have lots of options in one place and some lines you won’t find elsewhere.

•The best streets for fabric are 9th between Maple & San Pedro, Maple between 8th & 11th. Most of the smaller streets off of these also have good options. You’ll also come across rug shops, upholstery supplies, and accessory stores here.

•If you have a seller’s permit, bring it along. You won’t have to pay sales tax if you’re purchasing something to resell and some stores will give you better pricing if you’re buying wholesale.

•I’m comfortable shopping alone in downtown LA but it is always more fun to bring a friend along. Second opinions are helpful, especially since you won’t be able to return it.

•Buy a hotdog wrapped in bacon from a street cart. It really completes the downtown experience.

Stay tuned for the next installments of this series: Flowers and Beads

Tags: diy, Downtown LA, Fabric, Hotdogs, Michael Levine, Supplies