Discover Elphicks: The Best Fabric Shop in Farnham for Sewing, Knitting & Crafts
Nestled on West Street in the centre of historic Farnham, our department store houses one of Surrey’s most comprehensive collections of fabrics, sewing supplies, knitting yarn, quilting materials, and haberdashery items.
As an established fabric shop in Farnham, we’ve curated these collections to meet every creative need. From absolute beginners taking their first tentative stitches to seasoned makers working on ambitious projects, our team genuinely loves helping bring creative visions to life.
Why Elphicks Is Farnham’s Trusted Fabric Shop
Since opening our doors in 1881, Elphicks has grown alongside the Farnham community, watching generations of families discover the joy of creating something beautiful with their own hands. What started as George Elphick’s modest drapery business has evolved into a creative sanctuary where modern makers meet traditional craftsmanship.
Our dedicated haberdashery department brings together carefully curated materials, professional-grade tools, and trusted specialist brands all under one welcoming roof. Whether you’re searching for comprehensive sewing supplies in Farnham or seeking specialist materials for intricate projects, we’ve established ourselves as the region’s premier destination.
It’s quite a different experience walking through our fabric department compared to rushing through an impersonal chain store. Our staff genuinely care about your projects and will take time to understand what you’re hoping to achieve.
Planning your daughter’s first school costume or commencing a complex quilting project that’s been years in the making? We’re here to offer practical advice about your project and materials, and offer the kind of personal service that makes crafting feel like a community endeavour rather than a solitary pursuit.
Fabrics for Every Project, From Dressmaking to Quilting
Quality Fabrics for Sewing Enthusiasts
The foundation of any successful sewing project lies in choosing the right fabric, and that’s where our expertise really shines. We’ve built relationships with suppliers who share our commitment to quality, which is why you’ll find premium materials including the renowned Liberty Fabrics collection and distinctive Makower UK designs throughout our sewing supplies section. Our cotton selection ranges from crisp shirting weights perfect for structured garments to soft lawn cottons ideal for children’s clothes and summer dresses.
For those working on home décor projects, our linen collection offers everything from heavyweight upholstery fabrics to delicate voiles for curtains. Jersey fabrics provide the stretch required for comfortable everyday wear, while our selection of fleece materials keeps families warm during Surrey’s cooler months. When special occasions call for something truly elegant, our velvet collection adds luxury and sophistication to evening wear and formal projects.
Each fabric in our collection has been chosen for its visual appeal, for how it performs during construction and how it wears over time. We understand that when you’re investing hours into creating something special, the materials need to do justice to your efforts.
Quilting Fabrics and Fat Quarters
The art of quilting has experienced a wonderful resurgence in recent years, and our quilting fabrics selection reflects this growing enthusiasm, and our reputation for stocking exceptional quilting fabrics in Farnham draws enthusiasts from across Surrey and beyond.
Patchwork enthusiasts will discover carefully coordinated fabric ranges that work beautifully together, removing the guesswork from colour and pattern matching. Our fat quarter bundles have become particularly popular with customers who enjoy the flexibility of having perfectly sized pieces for smaller projects or for testing new techniques before committing to larger quantities.
These pre-cut bundles work wonderfully for seasonal crafts, gift-making, and those satisfying weekend projects that can be completed between other commitments. From traditional country florals to contemporary geometric patterns, there’s something to suit every quilter’s aesthetic preferences.
Full Range of Haberdashery Essentials
Sewing Notions & Tools
Professional results require professional tools, which is why our haberdashery stocks everything serious sewers need to create beautiful, lasting garments, and if you’re seeking the most complete haberdashery in Farnham, we offer unparalleled variety.
Sharp scissors make clean cuts that prevent fraying, while quality needles glide smoothly through fabric without leaving unwanted holes. Our selection of Gütermann threads provides colour matches that satisfy, even under different lighting conditions.
Measuring accurately forms the backbone of successful sewing, which is why we stock various measuring tapes, rulers, and curves to help achieve precise results. Interfacing might seem like a technical detail, but choosing the right weight and type can really make a homemade garment appear professionally finished.
Buttons, Zips & Ribbons
The finishing touches often make the biggest difference in any sewing project, and our buttons, zips & ribbons collection provides countless options for adding personality and professional polish. As we have one of the most comprehensive stocks of buttons, zips & ribbons in Farnham, you[re sure to find whatever you need for your latest project.
Zips are available in every standard length and many colours, with both concealed and decorative options depending on your design vision. When standard lengths do not quite fit your needs, we can often source specific sizes or suggest creative alternatives.
Our button selection has everything from classic pearl shirt buttons to statement pieces which can refresh a plain cardigan. Our selection of wooden buttons can add rustic charm to children’s clothing, while metallic options bring contemporary edge to jackets and coats. Elphicks ribbon selection spans from practical grosgrain for reinforcement to delicate satin for gift wrapping and decorative touches.
Sewing Machine Accessories
Keeping your sewing machine running smoothly supports consistent, professional results, which is why our accessories include everything needed for proper maintenance and greater functionality. Our long time expertise of sewing machine accessories in Farnham also means that we can advise on compatibility and functionality for all major brands.
For example, as stockists of Elna sewing machines, we understand the importance of using the correct accessories and can advise on everything from specialty feet for specific techniques to the right needles for different fabric weights.
Regular oiling and cleaning can extend machine life significantly, and we stock the products needed to keep mechanisms running smoothly. Having spare bobbins wound and ready prevents project interruptions, while keeping a selection of needles appropriate for different fabrics supports clean stitching every time.
Knitting and Crochet Supplies
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating warm, comforting items for family and friends, and our knitting wool provides endless possibilities for both practical and decorative projects. Customers also consistently choose us when it comes to premium knitting wool in Farnham because of our exceptional range and expert guidance.
Both King Cole and Sirdar yarns feature prominently in our collection, offering reliable quality across different weights and fibres. From delicate 4-ply perfect for baby blankets to chunky weights that create cosy winter scarves, we stock yarns suitable for knitters at every skill level.
Colour selection changes seasonally, reflecting both fashion trends and the natural rhythms of crafting throughout the year. Spring brings fresh pastels perfect for lightweight cardigans, while autumn introduces rich jewel tones ideal for winter accessories. Our staff can suggest yarn combinations for multicolour projects and advise on the quantities needed for different garment sizes.
Needles, Hooks & Patterns
Having the right tools makes any craft more enjoyable, and our selection of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and pattern booklets supports both traditional techniques and contemporary innovations. If you prefer straight needles for flat knitting or circular needles for seamless construction, we stock quality options in various materials and sizes.
Pattern booklets provide inspiration and guidance, particularly valuable for those ready to move beyond basic scarves and dishcloths. From classic Aran designs to modern interpretations of traditional techniques, these resources can open up new creative possibilities for your next project.
Arts and Crafts for All Ages
Creativity should not be limited by age or experience level, which is why Elphicks arts and crafts section welcomes everyone from curious children to grandparents discovering new hobbies.
Cross-stitch kits provide perfect introductions to counted thread techniques, and our store includes everything needed for both traditional and contemporary stitching styles, making us a favourite destination for embroidery supplies in Surrey amongst customers who enjoy pursuing arts and crafts in Farnham.
Seasonal craft materials also appear throughout the year supporting everything from Easter decorations to Christmas preparations.
The Elphicks Advantage: In-Store Expertise You Can Trust
Shopping for craft supplies online might seem convenient, but it cannot replicate the experience of feeling fabric textures, comparing thread colours under proper lighting, and receiving immediate answers to technical questions.
Our knowledgeable staff bring decades of combined experience to every customer interaction, offering tailored advice on fabric choices, tool selection, and project planning which can save you both time and money.
The community aspect of crafting thrives in our store environment, where customers often share techniques, recommend suppliers, and display finished projects. This organic exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm creates an atmosphere you can’t afford to miss and is an experience that online shopping simply cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer beginner-friendly sewing supplies?
Absolutely. Our team takes particular pleasure in helping newcomers choose essential tools and providing guidance for first projects.
What fabrics do you stock for dressmaking?
Our range includes cottons, linens, jerseys, velvets, and special fabrics from trusted suppliers including Liberty and Makower collections.
Can I match zips and buttons to my fabric in-store?
Certainly. Having access to our complete selection of trims and fastenings supports real-time comparison and achieves perfect matches that might be impossible through online shopping.
Do you carry specialty quilting fabrics?
Yes, we maintain a dedicated selection of quilting fabrics including coordinated collections and popular fat quarter bundles. Our staff can suggest combinations and calculate quantities for specific projects.
Are knitting patterns and wool available year-round?
Definitely. While our colour selection changes seasonally, we maintain core ranges of popular weights and brands like King Cole and Sirdar throughout the year, along with pattern booklets for various skill levels.
Can staff help me calculate how much fabric I need?
Of course. We’ll measure and advise based on your specific pattern requirements, helping avoid both shortages and expensive overages.
Visit Elphicks, Farnham’s One-Stop Fabric & Craft Shop
Located at 10–13 West Street, Farnham GU9 7DN, we’re easily accessible and have an exceptional selection that’s supported by genuine expertise and personalised service that makes every visit worthwhile.So the next time you’re doing a search for fabric shop Farnham, haberdashery Farnham, knitting wool Farnham, or even craft shop Farnham, choose Elphicks as your local creative partner. Step into our store, get inspired, and let your projects flourish with our quality, service, and community spirit. We can’t wait to welcome crafters from across Surrey!