Haberdashery

A Haberdashery is a shop or outlet that sells items used for sewing and tailoring, such as ribbons, buttons, threads and zippers.

Traditionally, a haberdasher is a men’s outfitter or men’s clothier, however most haberdashery shops today cater to women’s clothing alterations as well as men’s. Haberdashery is a term for ‘old fashioned’ service. In today’s mass-produced society, haberdashery is a term that stands for personal service and attention to detail. A skilled haberdasher will be able to offer advice on what type of fabric is best suited to the construction of a garment, often stocks a good selection of patterns, sewing tools and equipment from knitting needles to sewing machines, and some haberdashery stores even hold sewing and craft workshops and classes.

Haberdashery shops also sell craft items used in making clothing accessories as well as sewing, quilting, machine embroidery, knitting, crochet and hand embroidery products. Some of the items you are likely to find in a haberdashery store include fabric, sewing patterns, sewing, lace, ribbon, material, fabrics, satin and textiles and even knitting supplies. For anyone interested in craft, whether it’s sewing, knitting or needle point, a visit to a haberdashery store will provide a wealth of information and will assist in working out how much material is required for a pattern, or how many balls of wool are required to knit a scarf. Haberdashers are very skilled in interpreting patterns and are happy to pass on tips and advice to everyone from sewing novices to experienced seamstresses.