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How To Buy “To The Trade” Fabrics

May 20, 2013

When I first started doing design work, I quickly realized that there was a limit to how creative you could be if you only shopped at the same one or two fabric stores.  Once I officially opened my design business, I figured out that I could access “to the trade only” fabrics at a discount by obtaining a tax ID number and setting up accounts with those fabric manufacturers. 

 how to buy to the trade designer fabrics

fabrics for this client room (most of these are made by Duralee)

 

So, what does this mean for all of the non-designers in the world that just want to buy pretty fabrics without hiring a designer?  You can still get them.  A lot of you reading my blog already know all about this, but for those who don’t, I thought you might be interested. 

 

Schumacher Chiang Mai fabric

 

Since some fabric manufacturers require that you set up a business account to purchase, or require a minimum order, there are buying services that act as the middle man.  My sponsor, House of Pemberley, happens to be one.  I asked Kimber how she typically charges for fabrics, and she told me that she usually marks up her cost by 20% and doesn’t require a minimum purchase—unless the company does.  (Most don’t.)

 

Lee Jofa Groundworks Confetti fabric

 

 

House of Pemberley has some fabric listed by the yard on their site (as well as ready-made pillow covers) but they can order almost anything, if you search fabric sites (like Quadrille, Schumacher, Kravet, etc.,) and find something you like.

 

 

 

You can also find a limited selection of designer fabrics now on sites like Fabric.com and HouseFabric.com.  Etsy has also opened up a whole world of access to pillows and home decor items in “to the trade” fabrics.  (If you find a pillow you like but need more of the fabric, a buying service like House of Pemberley can usually order more.)

 

Hope this helps and clears up some of the mystery of those elusive to the trade fabrics. . .

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Filed Under: fabric

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Comments

  1. Lindsay, Xo Lindsay says

    May 20, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    Good to know. I personally love to decorate & think I’m pretty good at it. I would never think to hire a designer except for the fact that I don’t have access to so many great fabrics & furniture pieces… This will definitely come in handy!

    Reply
  2. KristiMcMurry says

    May 20, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Awesome info! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Laura Stutzman House Envy says

    May 20, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Great to know!! Thank you!

    Reply
  4. mom23 says

    May 20, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Thank you for sharing the very useful information!

    Reply
  5. Chaney @ May Richer Fuller Be says

    May 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    Great to know! I’ve never really looked into ordering “to the trade” fabric, so thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  6. theanatomyofdesign.com says

    May 20, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    thanks so much for this! great information!

    Reply
  7. M says

    May 20, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Thank you so much for this wonderful information!

    Reply
  8. Beth of designPOST Interiors says

    May 20, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    You were my first blogger “teacher” and continue to be…thanks for always sharing info!

    Reply
  9. jerri says

    May 20, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    I am so excited to get this fabric tip.
    PS. I love your new navy sneakers.

    Reply
  10. Queen Mavreen says

    May 21, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Excellent advice! Thank you! I’ve been searching for fabric for new kitchen valances, and this has opened up so many more possibilities! I’ll be sure to check them out! Thanks again!

    Reply
  11. Kris L. says

    May 21, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    LOVE this post! I have been lusting after a Quadrille fabric and couldn’t figure out how to get my hands on it!

    Reply
  12. cherry india says

    September 18, 2013 at 9:56 am

    Welcome to Cherry Home Furnishings, one of south India’s leading silk home furnishing suppliers, cherry apparels manufacture suppliers decorative products and home furnishing products in India and all over the world.

    for more info
    http://www.cherryindia.com

    Reply
  13. Carlos M says

    August 16, 2018 at 10:15 am

    Any updated information for August 2018?
    HouseofPemberley is gone and Etsy doesn’t have the fabric I want.

    but it does sound logical and reasonable for someone to buy the fabric at cost and mark it up some for helping.

    Reply

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