A new chapter for 1st For Fabrics
On 26th September 2026 we will close the doors of our current shop on North Tyne Industrial Estate.
We are heading to pastures new so that we can bring to life a long held dream: alongside selling our beautiful fabrics we will be opening a sewing studio for classes and workshops!
Once we pack up, move and settle into our new home in Northumberland our business will be primarily online with the view to host regular open days.
You can purchase fabrics, patterns and haberdashery on our wonderful website where we are committed to creating an easy and enjoyable online shopping experience with:
- clear photographs and helpful videos of each new fabric
- a sampling service so you can choose your fabrics with confidence
- friendly advice via phone or email if you need any extra help
We understand that this might come as quite a shock to some of our lovely customers who come to shop with us in person, and we do share your feelings of disappointment that we will no longer be open as frequently as we have been for the last 26 years.
Escalating costs including a hike in rent and business rates have had a hand in this difficult decision but we are excited for what the opportunity this has given us for steering our beloved fabric shop in a slightly new direction.
We’ve preempted a few questions you may have:
Can I still order patterns?
Yes, our popular A0 printing service is available via our website.
What about Click and Collect?
Until we get up and running from our new space we will be pausing our collection service.
Will you still be making curtains?
We will no longer be making Made-to-Measure soft furnishings.
Can I still come and browse?
Initially we will be online only, but we will be establishing open days in the near future as well as opening a sewing studio for workshops, classes and events.
What if I have a gift voucher to use?
If you don’t get a chance to pop in and spend it before we move, then please get in touch and we can issue a voucher code (if you don’t already have one) to use online.
Where will you be moving to?
We will be revealing our new home very soon - we’re making some small improvements and can’t wait to share more in the next couple of weeks.
How will I hear about the sewing classes and workshops?
We will be setting up a newsletter in the coming weeks where you can sign up to be the first to hear when we begin our calendar of classes. Check back in with us soon!
Please allow us this moment to sincerely thank you for choosing to shop with us - whether you live locally or took a detour on your travels past the North East. We will miss chatting in the shop everyday but we hope to welcome you to an open day or sewing class when we are all settled in our new home.