Deadstock Fabrics



Of all of the fabrics we sell, the majority (around 85%) are sourced as deadstock. Deadstock fabrics are the leftover fabrics of brands and manufacturers who have over ordered fabric, or textile mills that have overproduced. End-of-line, mill overruns, cancelled orders or designer excess are some of the common phrases used when describing deadstock fabrics. When they remain within the system, these fabrics generally become waste, destined for landfill or incineration where they generate greenhouse gas and other toxic emissions.

The Pulse of the Fashion Industry 2018 report states that a quarter of the fashion industry’s resources are wasted in leftovers of fabric and garment production every year! Around half of this so called 'waste' includes yarns, with the rest made up of greige (undyed) fabrics, cut pieces, roll ends, defective fabric pieces, and or course, garments.

Our mission at The Fabric Store is to ensure the fabrics and products we offer to the creative community are promoting slow sewing, through a transparent and circular supply model.

Origins + Transparency

We are fortunate to have been in the textile business for over 25 years, and over this time we’ve formed close relationships with some of the best designer deadstock suppliers, both internationally and locally, in order to bring our community a unique and eclectic range of high-quality fabrics. Deadstock fabrics are notoriously difficult to trace and these trusted long-term relationships provide us assurance of consistency in quality and ethical manufacturing.

Occasionally we source deadstock fabrics from local New Zealand and Australian fashion designers, and others from designers, agents and mills further abroad in New York, Japan and China. We're constantly working to supply our customers with as much information about the origins of our deadstock fabrics as we can. To make it easy for you to locate deadstock fabrics in our stores, we've given them all colour coded swing tags. Shopping online? Simply check the product description for the term 'Deadstock' or use the 'Deadstock' filter.

What Makes Deadstock Fabric Special?

Transforming this so-called ‘waste’ into new wearable garments as a sewist using deadstock fabrics at home helps to break the chain in a cycle of waste, which we think is a big win! Not only are those fabrics kept out of landfill or incineration, but they provide our customers direct access to some of the incredible prints, textures and styles produced by the worlds leading designers.

That lush silk satin, playful cotton poplin print and snuggly wool coating you've spotted in one of our stores recently? Chances are, its a deadstock fabric! Our evolving array of deadstock fabrics in store provides an ongoing treasure hunt for many a seasoned sewist, with lots of these rolls one-of-a-kind and never to be seen again.

Landscape-BagDuo.jpg

Blog Inspiration


Over on the blog you'll find loads of makes made with deadstock fabrics! There's a project for every purposes, including reviews of popular sewing patterns using deadstock fabrics, DIY ideas, staff makes, beginner sewing guides and more!