Where to Buy Fabric Material

 You already know that I am passionate about sewing, but what you don't know is that my second great passion is Japanese culture. Also, after many trips to Japan, it seemed important to me to share my tips. I suggest you start with Osaka, the third largest city in Japan with its 2.7 million inhabitants and the economic heart of Kansai.

The store that you absolutely must visit both for its selection and for the experience that constitutes its ordering system is the store: Toraya (3 Chome-2-30 Nanba, Chuo Ward). This three-story store is in a bustling covered gallery and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Outside you will find huge bins filled with coupons of up to 2m at unbeatable prices. These are roll bottoms or clearance products.

On the ground floor, you will find cotton knitted fabric manufacturers with a floral pattern (nice selection of liberty and imitation fabrics), geometric, Japanese… in brands known or not. The majority of these fabrics are produced in Japan, some come from Korea. You will also find on the ground floor of the chirimen, a Japanese fabric in lightly embossed cotton crepe, but also fabrics for making shirts and men's suits.

Laces

Knit, jersey, wool…

Polyesters and technical fabrics (lycra, etc.)

Fancy fabrics (sequins, faux fur, etc.)

Designer fabrics (devoré velvet, pearl)

Just for the fabric ordering and cutting system, this store is worth a visit!

Indeed, you will not find, as usual in sewing stores, rolls of fabric on display. Here, all the fabrics are exposed via coupons of about 2 meters.

After a difficult selection as the choice is great, give a sign to one of the sellers. Speak your command by showing him the fabric and telling him (or showing with your fingers) the number of meters you want. The seller will cut 2 small pieces of fabric: one will be attached to a receipt that he will give you, the other will be attached to a ticket with the fabric references and the yardage. This ticket by a clever teletube system is sent to the cutting area, invisible to the visitor. Go to the checkout, 5 to 10 minutes later, your fabrics arrive at the checkout again by an automated sending system.

All you have to do is show the cashier your receipt who will confirm your order and pay in cash or by card.

What did I bring in my suitcases?

A 2m coupon of a pretty blue checkered cotton found in one of the large bins placed in front. The price: 780 yen, that is to say about 6 euros which amounts to 3 euros/m. I intend this coupon to make overalls from the January / February 2019 edition of Victor.

A 3m coupon of flowery blue chirimen at 510 yen or 4.3 euros/m. I'm thinking of making a wrap dress with this coupon; why not a Deer and Doe Magnolia?

A 2m coupon (chosen by my husband) of a turquoise cotton fabric with silver forest patterns from Echino. This one was more expensive at 1500 yen/meter or 12.6 euros/m. The fabric is quite thick and I wonder if I will make a pleated skirt with this one… idea under progress….