When LkldNow profiled Fabric Warehouse in 2025, the family-run shop in Lakeland, Florida, stocked more than 10,000 bolts of fabric. That’s not a typo, and it’s not a chain store either.
Silk, velvet, corduroy, and outdoor fabric all share the shelves.
The land under it has belonged to the same family since the 1920s. The business started as a small mother-daughter operation and kept growing from there.
That kind of history is rare anywhere.
I love that a place this big still feels so personal. It’s also the largest Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machine dealer in the whole state.
I can’t imagine a quilter leaving empty-handed.
So how does one shop end up with that much fabric? And what else is hiding between all those bolts?
Let’s take a slow, closer look, aisle by aisle.
Ten Thousand Bolts Means You Should Clear Your Afternoon
At Fabric Warehouse, you can start with a cotton print for a quilt and end up comparing fabrics for a patio cushion. Give yourself time to see what’s tucked into each room.
The building is known for meandering spaces that seem to stretch past what the outside suggests. One room opens into another, and then another.
It feels a bit like a puzzle made of cotton and color.
Thousands of yards of fabric fill those rooms. Plan on moving slowly, because rushing here is basically impossible.
Every turn brings a new wall of patterns to study.
A quick tip helps a lot before you go. Bring your project measurements, a photo of your pattern, or a fabric swatch you want to match.
Having those details saves you from wandering in happy circles for hours.
Comfortable shoes are also a smart call. You’ll be on your feet, reaching, comparing, and backtracking to that one print you almost skipped.
Trust me, there will be one.
Size alone makes this place worth the trip. Still, the real fun is finding something you never knew existed.
The Family Roots Here Go Back About A Century
Back in the 1920s, the land under today’s store already belonged to the family that runs it now. That’s a long time to hold onto one spot of Florida ground.
Owner Rebecca Garland’s father, William H. Gumtow, bought the property in 1951.
A few years later, in 1958, a building went up for a business called Dody’s Fabrics.
Dody was Rebecca’s mother, Dody Gumtow. The shop began as a small mother-daughter operation, which feels like the sweetest possible origin story for a fabric store.
I like knowing that the same family still guides things today. Rebecca Garland is the current owner, carrying forward what her parents started decades ago.
So many stores change hands or vanish completely over time. Here, the thread runs straight from one generation to the next.
Yes, that pun was fully intended.
History like this gives a shop a certain steadiness. When you browse those aisles, you’re shopping somewhere with deep local roots.
Small family businesses often carry the personal touch that chains can’t copy. That personal history is a big part of what makes this place special.
Beachwear Was Once Part Of The Story, Believe It Or Not
Names change, and this business has worn a few of them. Before it became Fabric Warehouse, it went through several different identities.
One early name was Gumtow’s Sewing Notions. During that chapter, the family business added wholesale fabric and sewing supplies.
Then came Butterfly of Florida, and this one is a fun surprise. That version of the business focused on women’s beachwear.
Honestly, a Florida beachwear chapter fits the Sunshine State perfectly.
By the late 1970s, the name Fabric Warehouse arrived and stuck. Given the sheer amount of fabric inside, the new name was pretty much a promise kept.
I think these shifts show how a small business survives for decades. It adapts, tries new ideas, and keeps the parts that work best.
Each name tells a little piece of the larger story. Notions, then swimsuits, then a warehouse packed with bolts from floor to ceiling.
Next time you shop there, think about that winding path. It makes every yard you buy feel connected to something with real staying power.
Velvet, Vinyl, And Plenty Of Fabric Chain Stores Skip
Chenille and corduroy share space with silk and nylon here. The selection covers fabric types you won’t always spot at typical chain stores.
Quilters get plenty of cotton to work with. Apparel sewists can browse linen, polyester, and silk for their next outfit.
Home decor fans have options too. Upholstery fabric, outdoor fabric, and vinyl make it easier to tackle chairs, cushions, and patio pieces.
Cozy projects are covered with fleece and velvet. Baby fabric is also on hand, which is great for blankets and tiny clothes.
Here’s a helpful move before you shop. Write down what your project needs, like stretch, weight, or water resistance, so you can ask the right questions.
One honest note matters if you’re planning costumes. The focus leans toward quilting, apparel, decor, and upholstery rather than specialty costume materials.
Designer fabrics show up throughout the store as well. With this much variety, the hardest part is choosing just one.
Good luck limiting yourself to a single project, because the shelves make a strong case for three.
Sewing Machine Shoppers Have Serious Choices Waiting
Since 1985, the store has been a Viking sewing machine dealer. Today, Fabric Warehouse is the largest Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff dealership in Florida.
That’s a big deal if you’re shopping for a new machine. Seeing several models in person beats guessing from a screen.
Other sewing machine brands are also sold here. Embroidery machines and sergers are part of the conversation for folks ready to level up.
Sewing furniture is available too. A good table or cabinet can make long quilting sessions much easier on your back and shoulders.
My advice is simple before you buy. Think about what you sew most, whether that’s quilts, clothes, or embroidery, then ask the staff to match a machine to it.
Bring along a scrap of the fabric you usually use. Testing stitches on your real material tells you far more than a sales brochure.
Notions and accessories fill in the rest of the picture. Needles, thread, and presser feet are all within reach, so you can leave fully ready to sew.
Your Cranky Machine Might Just Need A Visit
Skipped stitches and tangled bobbins can ruin a whole weekend project. Thankfully, Fabric Warehouse offers sewing machine repair right on site.
That service matters more than people realize. Plenty of fabric shops sell supplies, but far fewer can fix the machine that uses them.
Having repair under the same roof is handy. You can drop off your machine, then browse fabric while you’re already there.
A little prep goes a long way. Write down exactly what’s going wrong, like noises, thread jams, or uneven stitches, before you bring it in.
Pack the power cord, foot pedal, and any attachments you use often. Missing parts can slow down figuring out the real problem.
Regular care also keeps machines happy longer. Changing needles often and cleaning out lint are easy habits that prevent many common headaches.
Owning a machine is a bit like owning a car. It runs best with check-ups, and it’s nice knowing where to go when something feels off.
For Florida sewists with older machines, that peace of mind is priceless. Your trusty sewing buddy deserves a little attention now and then.
Kids, Quilters, And Stitch Clubs All Find A Seat
Learning to sew is way easier with a teacher nearby. Fabric Warehouse offers sewing classes for anyone ready to build new skills.
Summer camps for children are part of the lineup too. That’s a fun way for kids to trade screen time for thread, pins, and real projects.
Beginners can start small and grow from there. A simple pillow or tote bag often teaches more than you’d expect.
The store also works as a community hub. Local groups like the Ladies of the Lakes and Polk County Crossroads Stitchers meet there.
I love that a fabric shop doubles as a gathering spot. Sewing can feel lonely at home, and a group changes that quickly.
Charity sew days have happened here as well. Hands working together on a good cause feels like the best use of a big workroom.
Class schedules can vary, so check ahead before planning your week. Space in popular sessions may fill up, especially during summer.
Whether you’re nine or ninety, there’s room to learn. Finding friends who share your hobby is a sweet bonus.
Shopping For Fabric With A Project In Mind
Fabric Warehouse carries fabrics from names like Tula Pink and Moda Fabrics. If you’re buying for a quilt or an upholstery project, compare the price per yard before deciding how much to take home.
The store has a sales and coupons page worth checking before a big fabric haul. Credit cards are accepted, so you can pay by card at checkout.
Gift cards are available for purchase as well. For the sewist who already owns every gadget, that might be the perfect present.
A budget trick can keep you on track. Decide your spending limit and yardage needs at home, then stick to them once you’re inside.
That plan sounds easy until you meet a print you love. Give yourself a small fun allowance for surprises, because they will happen.
Smart shopping and great fabric can live together. Here, they share the same shelves.
Plan Your Trip Around These Weekday-Friendly Hours
Lakeland sits right between Tampa and Orlando, which makes this stop pretty easy to reach. You’ll find the store at 3030 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The doors stay closed on Sundays, so save that day for sewing at home.
That closing time comes earlier than many shops. Arriving in the morning gives you more breathing room to explore every room.
Fabric Warehouse has also welcomed many new shoppers lately. Several fabric and craft stores have closed, sending sewists searching for a dependable spot.
For many Florida crafters, that makes this shop even more valuable. A long-running local store feels reassuring when big chains disappear.
Packing a little kit helps your visit go smoothly. Bring measurements, swatches, a project list, and maybe a reusable bag for your treasures.
Some people even make it a day trip with friends. Lunch somewhere nearby, then hours of browsing, sounds like a solid Saturday plan.
Wherever you’re coming from, the drive feels worth it once you see those shelves. Just leave room in the car for everything you’ll carry out.