Top 5 fabric stores within 15 miles of El Camino

By Elsa Rosales|June 3, 2022

A wide variety of denim is available for $5.99 per yard at SAS Fabrics in Hawthorne. SAS Fabrics is the largest family-owned fabric store in the South Bay. (Elsa Rosales | Warrior Life)

Growing up in the South Bay, there was no shortage of fabric stores you could count on to take care of all your communion, quinceañera, prom and other dress-making needs. Lennox Boulevard, Market Street in Inglewood and Gardena Boulevard were where you would go for the perfect fabrics and accessories for your special occasion.

Those places are mostly gone now and only the biggest and best has survived. For anyone wanting to support family-owned businesses and willing to drive a bit further out, here are Warrior Life’s top five picks for fabric stores within 15 miles of El Camino.

 

1. SAS Fabrics

Opened in 1989, SAS Fabrics is a large family business with a huge selection of fabrics and also trims, yarn and accessories. The inside has a warehouse-like feel that invites you to rummage freely aisle after aisle.

 

Address: 13500 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne

Phone: 310-978-8985

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday-Monday: Closed

Website: https://www.sasfabricscalifornia.com/

 

Traditional, festive and brightly-colored Polynesian fabrics are the specialty of Islands Fabric in Carson. Most prints are available for $5 to $10 per yard.
Traditional, festive and brightly-colored Polynesian fabrics are the specialty of Islands Fabric in Carson. Most prints are available for $5 to $10 per yard. (Elsa Rosales | Warrior Life)

2. Islands Fabric

Islands Fabric is a small store packed with aisles and walls of vibrant Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan and other island fabrics. Small sections of clothing, sarongs, flags, accessories and pro sports fabrics are also available.

 

Address: 638 E. 219th St., Carson

Phone: 310-518-0600

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Website: https://alensfabric.com/

 

A nice selection of cotton fabrics is available for $9.99 per yard at Fabric Barn in Long Beach. Fabric Barn is the largest family-owned crafting store in Long Beach.
A wide selection of cotton fabrics is available for $9.99 per yard at Fabric Barn in Long Beach. Fabric Barn is the largest family-owned crafting store in Long Beach. (Elsa Rosales | Warrior Life)

3. Fabric Barn Inc.

Opened in 1980, Fabric Barn is a large arts and crafts store with a small, but well-stocked, section of fabric in the very back of the store. Pre-packaged cuts of fabric and a variety of party favors and decorations are available up front.

 

Address: 3111 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

Phone: 562-719-2881

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: https://fabricbarninc.com/fabric.aspx

 

More than just a fabric store, Africa by the Yard in Inglewood is a little cultural treasure. A nice selection of rich African fabrics is available for your traditional needs.
More than just a fabric store, Africa by the Yard in Inglewood is a little cultural treasure. A nice selection of rich African fabrics is available for your traditional dress needs. (Elsa Rosales | Warrior Life)

4. Africa by the Yard

Originally opened in Leimert Park in 1987, Africa by the Yard is a small home furnishings shop run by owner Faadil Asadullah. The shop features a wall of authentic fabrics imported from Niger, Nigeria, Ghana and other West African nations.

 

Address: 416 E. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood

Phone: 323-291-1517

Hours: Tuesday: noon-8 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday: noon-8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday-Monday: Closed

 

Fabrics typically used for quinceañeras, party dresses and evening gowns are available in a variety of colors at Chic Fabric in Long Beach. Cotton print fabric is also available.
Fabrics used for quinceañeras, party dresses and evening gowns are available in a variety of colors at Chic Fabric Remnants in Long Beach. Cotton print fabric and accessories are also available. (Elsa Rosales | Warrior Life)

5. Chic Fabric Remnants

Chic Fabric Remnants is a small neighborhood shop packed with rolls of silk, lace, tulle and all your fancy dress needs. The shop is run by owner Sylvia Garcia, whose customers greet her by name as they arrive to pick up their alterations.

 

Address: 1704 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

Phone: 562-591-3572

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed