Some of the best finds in Texas hide behind plain walls on streets you would never pick for a Saturday outing. I walked into one expecting a quick look and walked out hours later with an armful of satin and a grin I could not shake.
The bolts stretched farther than I could see, the prices made my wallet relax, and the people behind the counter treated me like family. If you sew, craft, or just love a good bargain hunt, this little shop deserves a spot on your next road trip list.
A Family-Run Shop on Perth Street
Tucked onto Perth Street in northwest Dallas, DFW Fabric Mart, Inc. sits at 2657 Perth St, right in the heart of the city’s Harry Hines fabric district. Most regulars simply call it Petra’s Fabrics, after the woman who runs it.
From the curb, it looks like plenty of other warehouse-style shops along the block. Nothing flashy, no giant banners, no shiny mall entrance.
That humble face is part of the charm.
Step inside, though, and the story changes fast. The shop is a family-owned, local retailer stocked with an assortment of fabrics plus trims, laces, zippers, and the small odds and ends that finish a project.
Neighbors on the same street include other fabric warehouses, which makes Perth Street a kind of treasure row for sewers. Petra’s holds its own on that strip by mixing a deep selection with a personal touch that big chain stores rarely match.
For Texas day-trippers who like their shopping old-school and unpolished, this place fits right in. You come for the fabric, and you remember the people.
Petra Behind the Counter
Plenty of shoppers assume Petra is just a name on the sign. Then they reach the register and discover the friendly cashier ringing them up is Petra herself.
One visitor described the moment like meeting a celebrity. That reaction says a lot about how much the store’s identity is tied to its owner.
According to the shop’s own reply to a customer, it is a minority-woman owned business. Petra has not served in the military, but the store does offer discounts for veterans, a kind gesture worth asking about at checkout.
Having the owner on the floor changes the whole feel of a shopping trip. Questions get real answers, and decisions about yardage or color come with honest advice instead of a shrug.
Regulars mention that she is there for just about anything a sewer could need. In an age of self-checkout lanes, that kind of face-to-face care feels refreshingly stubborn.
From Narrow Aisles to a Brighter Floor
Here is a fun bit of shop history. Customers who visited during the pandemic years remember a narrow, dim space with a thinner selection that leaned heavily on polyester.
Fast forward, and one returning shopper was surprised to find a larger, well-lit store packed with a far wider range of fabric and trims. The difference was big enough to change a lukewarm first impression into a strong recommendation.
That growth shows a business that listens and keeps improving without losing its roots. It did not turn into a slick boutique.
It simply got roomier, brighter, and better stocked.
Today, visitors often describe the space as clean and neatly arranged. Fabrics are organized in a way that makes browsing easier, even when you are not sure what you want yet.
If you tried it years ago and walked away underwhelmed, it may be time for a second look.
Rolls of Satin, Silk, and Brocade
Shine is the name of the game here. Shoppers rave about a huge selection of satin and polyester, with colors that run from soft pastels to deep jewel tones.
One cosplayer found the perfect violet satin for a costume. Another shopper came hunting brocade and called the selection extensive, spotting 100 percent silk and flowing chiffon along the way.
Fabric selection is the most talked-about topic among visitors, and quality comes up often too. Longtime customers describe the material as top tier, the kind that holds up through careful stitching and pressing.
New shipments arrive regularly, and some designers admit they get excited when fresh stock lands. That means the shelves can look a little different from visit to visit.
Keep in mind that most fabric lives on large rolls. You may need to ask staff to help pull a bolt down, which is part of the warehouse experience.
The Color-Coded Wall of Beaded Lace
Picture a whole wall of beaded lace, sorted by color like a giant paint chip display. That is one of the details local designers love most.
Lace shows up again and again when shoppers talk about the store. The color-coded layout makes it easy to match a trim to a gown without dragging samples all over the building.
Beaded laces add sparkle to bodices, veils, sleeves, and hems. For anyone building a special-occasion look, this wall alone can save hours of searching.
Prices on lace can vary a lot, so it helps to know your budget before you fall in love. Some fancier pieces may run higher per yard, while sale selections can bring things back down.
Even if you are only browsing, the display is worth a slow walk. It is the kind of eye candy that sparks ideas for your next project.
Gowns for Quinceañeras, Proms, and Weddings
Big Texas celebrations call for big dresses. Bridal, quinceañera, and prom fabrics are a real specialty here.
Shoppers point out that the store shines brightest for formal and occasion sewing. Think satins, chiffons, laces, and trims that can turn a simple pattern into something unforgettable.
One family said the staff cut their event fabric into five-yard pieces, bagged each one, and labeled them. That kind of help turns a stressful planning list into a much calmer afternoon.
On the flip side, a few visitors note that choices for everyday apparel, like basic cottons for casual wear, can feel limited. Some also say much of the stock leans toward specialty and costume fabric.
So come with the right mission in mind. If you are sewing something to dance in, walk down an aisle in, or wear for photos, you are in exactly the right place.
Trims, Zippers, and the Clearance Corner
Sometimes the smallest piece saves the whole project. Petra’s carries a huge variety of trims and notions alongside its fabric.
First-time visitors have spotted a clearance section loaded with zippers. One shopper on a tight deadline walked in and found exactly what she needed almost immediately.
Near checkout, there are also handy accessories that are easy to grab on the way out. It is the kind of spot where you remember the thread or closure you forgot to put on your list.
Trims come up often when customers talk about what keeps them coming back. Ribbons, edgings, and decorative accents help finish costumes, gowns, and home pieces with a polished look.
Bargain hunters should poke around the clearance area before heading to the register. That is where the lottery-winner feeling often kicks in.
Prices That Keep Sewers Coming Back
Talk to regulars and one word keeps popping up: fair. Many describe the pricing as reasonable, affordable, and good for the quality you get.
A local designer said there is a wide range of prices, with select fabrics always on sale. That range helps her find something that fits each client’s budget.
Not every shopper agrees, and that is honest to share. One visitor felt some lace was pricey, around $20 per yard, and preferred nearby shops for basics like muslin.
The takeaway is simple. Prices can vary a lot depending on what you buy, and specialty fabric naturally costs more than plain staples.
Smart shoppers compare a few stores along Perth Street, check the sale picks, and ask staff about options. With that approach, many walk out feeling they scored a real deal.
Staff Who Remember Your Name
Ask around and you will hear names like Ivan, Adan, and Gab. Shoppers mention these team members by name, which tells you a lot about the service.
One mother and daughter arrived ten minutes before closing, feeling lost on a first dress project. A staff member guided them, inspired ideas, and never rushed them out the door.
Another visitor in a panic over a deadline praised an employee for being patient and calm. A local designer added that the staff always know where everything is, even after new inventory shuffles things around.
The team is bilingual in English and Spanish, which many customers appreciate. Switching languages mid-sentence is no problem here.
People describe the vibe as a family environment, and some even call the store their familia. That warmth is hard to put a price on.
Who Will Love It Most
Costume makers, gown sewers, and small-business designers will feel right at home. Those are the folks who light up when they see racks of shimmering fabric.
Local designers call it their home base, and cosplayers find bold colors for character builds. Families planning quinceañeras or weddings can source most of what they need in one stop.
Beginners are welcome too. The staff has helped first-timers piece together their very first dress, which is a sweet start to any sewing journey.
Casual crafters looking for quilting cottons or everyday apparel prints may want to plan a stop at a few neighboring stores as well. Some shoppers miss the self-serve style of big chains, since bolts here often need staff help.
Know what you are after, bring a little patience, and you will likely leave happy.
Buying Tips Before You Cut
Quick heads-up for planners: cut fabric has a one-yard minimum. Small swatch-style purchases are not the move here.
Bring measurements, pattern notes, and even a photo of your design. Staff have been known to help with yardage calculations, which can save money and stress.
Since much of the stock sits on big rolls, ask for help rather than tugging on bolts yourself. The team is used to it and usually quick to assist.
Shopping for a large event? Ask whether pieces can be cut into set lengths and labeled.
One family got exactly that service, and it made their project much easier.
Cannot make the trip? Customers say the store also sells fabric online through its website, often at the same price as in person.
Still, nothing beats seeing satin catch the light in real life.
Hours, Parking, and Getting There
Early birds, rejoice. DFW Fabric Mart opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, and stays closed on Sundays.
That Saturday schedule makes it easy to fit into a weekend drive. During hot Texas summers, a morning visit means cooler parking lot walks and calmer aisles.
Hours can change, so a quick call to 214-352-7900 before you go is smart.
The address is 2657 Perth St, Dallas, TX 75220, near Harry Hines Boulevard. It is an easy hop from much of the Dallas area.
Parking around the block can be tight, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Carpooling with a sewing buddy helps.
Some shoppers happily drive an hour or more to get here. Since other fabric shops line the same street, it is easy to turn one stop into a full afternoon of browsing.
Worth Every Mile of the Drive
Not every great Texas find comes with a plate of food. Some come wrapped in satin, lace, and a friendly hello at the counter.
Petra’s Fabrics proves that a plain building can hold something special. The selection is deep for formal wear, the trims are plentiful, and the staff treats shoppers like neighbors.
It is not trying to be a trendy craft superstore. It is a family-run shop that cares about quality, service, and helping you finish your project well.
Go with a plan, a budget, and an open mind. You might find the exact shade you dreamed about, or a clearance zipper that saves the day.
Either way, you will probably leave with fuller bags and a happier heart. For sewers who love an old-school hunt, that feels a lot like hitting the jackpot.
