GOOD EARL & BAILEY

A canvas kingdom. The wholesale institution, which supplies canvas for everything from outdoor furniture to awnings, is happy to direct the public to suppliers in their area. Go for the heavier 12- to 18- ounce off-white canvases suitable for upholstery and slip covers. 25-27 Salisbury Street, Botany NSW, 2019, (02) 9316 1300, www.goodearlandbailey.com.au

E&M GREENFIELDS

This wholesaler, which supplies Opera Australia, sells direct to the public but does charge a small handling fee if you buy less than the entire 50m bolt of fabric. It specialises in plains, with stacks of lightweight cottons, voiles, piques, georgettes, satins, viscoses, sheers and muslins that are ideal for floaty bedroom curtains. Also linens, linen blends, suedes, textures and wools that you could use to upholster your walls. You choose from a sample book and fabrics are brought to you from the stock room. Easy. Also, fab ribbons and trims sold by the roll. 30 Ann St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, (02) 8217 1900, www.emgreenfield.com

LINCRAFT

Bargain fabric heaven that proves you don’t have to be rich to have smart things. So much choice you will definitely find what you are looking for, with stacks of colourfast fabrics in lots of plains. Go for the denim, cotton drill, linens, muslin,  and hessian in neutral hues – the textural finishes run the gamut from rough to smooth. Great for tablecloths and curtains. when you need an abundance of fabric with heavy lining. www.lincraft.com.au

Image via @loveoflinen instagram – Chains such as Spotlight and Lincraft have rolls of such fabrics.

SPOTLIGHT

The chain has great pinwale cords in cherry, stone, khaki and navy that would be ideal for valances in children’s bedrooms, as well as a range of cottons, damasks and linens in oyster, putty and ecrus that you could buy en masse and use to create abundant curtains with heavy lining. Also lots of Oxford stripes, tickings, cotton drills, rayons and synthetic silks, which are perfect if you live by the water, as salt air rots real silk. 1300 305 405, www.spotlightstores.com

VAN HUNG FABRICS

Possibly the lowest prices for quality fabric around. Our top fashion designers regularly raid it for voiles, piques, lightweight cottons, satins, silks and georgettes that you can use to great effect in bedrooms. Then peruse the linens, cottons and wools (including brocades) for cushions. 46 John St, Cabramatta NSW 2166, (02) 9726 6026.