Welcome back to our ongoing series on fabric shopping adventures from cities around the globe! Today, Miren is taking us on a delightful journey through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain. We’re thrilled to have her guide us through this textile treasure trove. Enjoy the tour!
Shopping for fabric in a foreign country can sometimes feel like navigating a linguistic labyrinth, especially when sewing terms aren’t easily translated. That’s why we created the Sewing Translator, a resource many of you have helped build and use. Now available in 14 languages, it’s a handy tool for travelers. If you own an iPhone or iPad, you can download the native iOS app to use it offline. Give it a try—it’s completely free!
Hey there! I’m Miren, and I’m thrilled to take you on a little fabric tour through Barcelona, one of Europe’s most stunning and lively cities.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region with a rich textile history dating back to the 18th century. Back then, it was a thriving hub for haberdashery, design, and fashion. Barcelona became known as the fashion capital of Spain. While many factories have moved to Asia, like most European countries, the region still holds remnants of its textile legacy—old mills, repurposed industrial buildings, and a strong design school culture.
It’s no surprise that you’ll stumble upon little fabric shops or haberdasheries in nearly every neighborhood. Wandering around is half the fun, but since Barcelona offers so much to see, I’ve mapped out some fabric shops near popular tourist spots to help you make the most of your time.
Close to La Pedrera and Casa Batlló on Passeig de Grà cia, you’ll find four prominent fabric shops. Gratacós stands out as the most exclusive, while Ribes y Casals, La Casa del Retall, and Teixits Donna are just steps away from each other on Roger de Llúria.
Gratacós opened its doors in 1940 and has since crafted its own fabric collections, used by top fashion houses like Chanel. Their fabrics are exceptional but come with a premium price tag. Perfect for those special occasions!
Ribes y Casals is Barcelona’s largest fabric shop, spanning over 1000 square meters across two floors. They stock everything from apparel to home decor fabrics, including an outlet and discount section. Prices are generally reasonable, and they even have a wide selection of interfacing and linings. For convenience, they also offer an online shop.
Right next door is La Casa del Retall, a knit specialist. Their selection includes cotton jersey, viscose, polyester blends, tricot, sweatshirt fabric, and lycra. Be quick—popular items sell out fast! They also carry basic sewing notions, though no interlinings or linings.
Across the street, Teixits Donna shares the same owner as La Casa del Retall. I love this shop for its mix of novelty prints and timeless basics. While the front tables are full of bold designs, check the shelves behind for essential fabrics like crepe, viscose, and wool. I always pick up my favorite fusible interfacing here, a German brand I adore. Their patchwork fabrics are incredible too, with so many prints to choose from.
Further away from the tourist trail lies Nunoya, a must-visit shop featuring Japanese fabrics and trendy brands like Attelier Brunette. The shop’s aesthetic, high-quality fabrics, and Instagram-worthy charm make it irresistible. While the prices reflect the quality, it’s worth saving some budget for this gem.
Moving to El Born, Barcelona’s historic district, you’ll find La Antigua Pasamaneria Soler, Casa Félix haberdashery, and GaniveterÃa Roca. All three shops hold a piece of Barcelona’s history and appeal beyond just sewists.
La Antigua Pasamaneria Soler, founded in 1898, specializes in uniforms. Its historic furniture and picturesque location make it worth exploring. Don’t hesitate to chat with the staff—they’re knowledgeable and speak English.
Casa Félix, a family-owned haberdashery since 1939, is a go-to for interlining advice. The staff is friendly and incredibly helpful. They carry a vast array of notions at affordable prices.
GaniveterÃa Roca, a knife shop since 1911, is perfect for sharpening your sewing shears or picking up a unique souvenir.
Halfway between these shops and the old town lies Plaza Catalunya, another must-see site. Near here, you’ll find MercerÃa Santa Ana, a legendary haberdashery. After relocating, they left behind their iconic wooden counters—a loss for nostalgic shoppers. Be prepared to explain your passion for threads and trims!
Finally, every European city has its open-air market, and Barcelona’s Los Encants fits the bill. Close to landmarks like the National Theatre of Catalonia and the Design Museum, it’s accessible by tram. The building itself is a modern architectural marvel. Check their website for opening hours, as it’s not daily. The lower level hosts affordable haberdashery stalls, while the upper level offers budget-friendly fabrics. Be warned—you might leave with more than you planned!
That wraps up my mini-guide to Barcelona’s fabric shopping scene. There are countless other shops throughout the city and surrounding areas, but these central spots should give you a great start. If you visit Barcelona, there’s no shortage of fabric treasures to discover!
[Image: A bustling Barcelona street with fabric shops]
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**Related Posts:**
* [Fabric Shopping in Paris](#)
* [Textile Traditions in Milan](#)
* [Discovering London's Hidden Fabric Shops](#)
Happy sewing!
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