One of the trickiest things about being a sewing beginner is knowing where to buy fabric and notions. Gone are the days when your trusty local department store could be counted on for a great haberdashery selection; now you’ll be lucky to find a novelty sewing kit.

But don’t lose heart if you aren’t lucky enough to have a fabulous sewing shop near you, for the good-old world wide web is chock-a-block with great buys. Net (sorry) a fabric to add to your stash at one of these well-stocked online shops:

The Little Fabric Shop
http://www.thelittlefabricshop.co.uk

The Little Fabric Shop is a tip-top choice for beginners thanks to their ultra-reasonable prices. With cute cotton and poly-cotton prints (I love this pretty floral pattern), ribbon, thread, buttons and other notions galore, you’re sure to find all you need for your next project amongst their stock.

The Polished Button
http://www.thepolishedbutton.co.uk

This is a one-stop shop for gals who want to bring a touch of retro charm to their sewing (I include myself in this – I’m a sucker for a vintage pattern). The site is run by ex-costume designer Ruth, and her expert knowledge of vintage fashion, costumes and sewing means you’ll find only the best retro and vintage-inspired products listed here. I could spend hours browsing her range of stylish vintage patterns, stunning fabrics and pretty trimmings.

Patterns from the Past
http://www.oldpatterns.com

My aforementioned love of vintage patterns leads nicely on to Patterns from the Past, which does what it says on the tin. Here you’ll find original patterns from the 1920s onwards – ideal for those after winning costume-party outfit ideas, or home-sewers who just fancy adding some vintage style to their wardrobe.

Fabric Godmother
http://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk

No, this one isn’t run by the magical fairy godmother of the fabric world (sadly) but a real-life person called Josie, who launched the site after becoming frustrated at not being able to find fashionable fabrics online. This is the place to go for unique prints and helpful haberdashery, all at pocket-friendly prices. Hurrah!

Sewbox
http://www.sewbox.co.uk

Sewbox has everything you’d like your dream sewing stash to have – fashion-forward patterns by the likes of Eliza M, Colette & Papercut; muslin, tracing paper and interfacings; super-cute buttons and other haberdashery; and, of course, a beautiful selection of fabric, including some stunning Liberty prints to lust over.

What sewing sites do you rate? I’d love to know (I’m always looking for opportunities to add to my stash!).

Photo credit: Vanessa Maurer / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA