Ray Stitch image

Ray Stitch

Craft store Training center Hobby store Fabric store Sewing shop Embroidery shop Training school Dressmaker Haberdashery Sewing company

One of the Top rated Hobby stores in London


Address

66 Essex Rd, London N1 8LR, United Kingdom

Website

www.raystitch.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 7704 1060

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (113 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 6:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (22) fabric (16) shop (14) fabrics (13) friendly (12) helpful (10) sewing (9) patterns (8) feel (7) great (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Mia W. 1 year ago on Google
    Hate to leave a bad review but visited the shop today and had the strangest interaction with a staff member here. The person who served me was cold and rude from the outset. When I asked to see a couple of fabrics she came up with lots of reasons why that would be an inconvenience - that I was asking to see too many and that it would be hard to put them back on the shelf, that it was unreasonable for me to ask to see them in front of a mirror, etc. Eventually I walked out because I felt so uncomfortable. After thinking quite hard about what it could’ve been about me that made her act in this way (given I wasn’t asking for anything laborious or out of the ordinary!) I came to the conclusion that it must be because I’m not white. The other google reviews sadly confirm my worst thoughts. Coming here is such a contrast to going to other fabric shops in London.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 SC 1 year ago on Google
    The shop has nice fabrics and patterns, but I had an unpleasant experience with the staff. One person specifically was quite rude and made me feel unwelcomed. I felt treated differently from the other customers for no reasons. At one point I saw this lady from the staff trying to get something, and she was struggling with it, so I tried to help but I just got a rude reaction. Then I went to pay and the same lady was rude again, just making me feel unwelcomed. It’s a shame because the young staff seemed quite nice. I wasn’t sure about writing the review, but then I read it happened to other customers and I think this should stop.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ben C. 2 years ago on Google
    Apparently a great shop, sadly only if you're white (which I am). My wife is a POC and a happy, friendly shopper, having worked in retail many years. She's come in here a few times, bought things each time, but today will be the last time in. Each time she thought the staff weren't particularly friendly to her in contrast to the enthusiasm shown and extra help offered to white customers. She told herself each time 'maybe they were helping them already', 'maybe they're friends' etc. Earlier today she walked in and was coldly greeted. Just after a middle aged middle class white woman walked in and was showered with enthusiasm and extra guidance. My wife asked the same youngish sales associate if they had something specific and was just told 'no' as she hardly looked up from the piece she was working on at the counter. My wife works in high-end independent fashion and supports independent business whenever possible. That's very quickly being eroded. Ray Stitch won't get her back as a customer, but perhaps in the interest of not ruining another POC's day, the owners should address the flagrant prejudicial attitude towards customers, even if they are bigots, they might not want to show it outwardly to people that want to give them money.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Country Cow D. 3 years ago on Google
    I ordered this AMAZING fabric from Ray Stitch online. Customer service and delivery was good so I’m pretty happy!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CharM A. 3 years ago on Google
    Quirky little shop with nice eccentric staff to match. An eye catching array of printed materials as well as an onsite tailor and every haberdashery item you could imagine. They helped me find what I needed (buttons and thread) and the price was very reasonable. All that was missing was some background music. Anita 'O Day would match the atmosphere..
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Hannah B. 1 year ago on Google
    I finally made the journey across London to Ray Stitch after a long time of wanting to visit in person. The shop stocks lots of lovely sewing supplies and is well laid out and I really like that they offer classes that teach various sewing skills. I was shocked however to be treated very rudely by a particular member of staff after I accidentally knocked a rail holding reels of ribbons, and a few fell to the floor. I was embarrassed, extremely apologetic, and immediately went to collect the reels. The staff member who happened to be nearby was visibly irritated, impatient, and rude in her response to my apologies, so much so that I was stunned into silence and felt quite upset. I don’t think I’ve been treated in such a way since I was a child! Extremely poor way to treat anyone but especially a paying customer, unfortunately this customer will not be returning. Disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sruthi R. 1 year ago on Google
    Attended a darning class here as part of their zero-waste week which was great - staff were very helpful after helping me pick out the correct materials to start darning at home
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Anisa M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a racist shop. They are incredibly rude to non white people. I had a very snobby vibe from the staff members. I'd rather support a place where I am welcome.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debbie E. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic shop with loads of gorgeous fabric and haberdashery. Went in to get supplies for my husband's Ilford jacket project and the staff couldn't have been more helpful, giving suggestions and good advice. So pleased I've discovered this place!!

  • 5/5 Su I. 1 year ago on Google
    Cannot recommend highly enough!Beautifully laid out and high quality fabrics, haberdashery supplies and also a pleasant area to browse through patterns. Really helpful staff. A good range of classes on offer too from beginner levels to more advanced classes. Easy to get to - close to several bus stops and within easy walking distance from Angel Tube.

  • 5/5 Ruby L. 1 year ago on Google
    I just had another enjoyable trip to my favourite haberdashery. I cannot recommend this place enough. the staff are so knowledgeable and friendly and I always come away feeling inspired and happy , thank you !

  • 5/5 Lisa F. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m writing my review 5 months on, it is just I finally made my jeans (and shorts) from the beautiful fabric and pattern I purchased at Ray and Stitch in July. I am so happy with the quality. And to the woman (whose name I have forgotten) but I did not forget her helpfulness and honesty and the time she spent with me whilst I deliberated on what to pick for my first project.

  • 5/5 Nikola S. 1 year ago on Google
    A great selection of fabrics. Staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. There are sewing classes hosted on the premises which gives it a nice buzz. Lots of trims and patterns available as well. Some of the patterns are made up to try on/ check out before purchasing which I thought was great. Fabric swatches are available in packs all over the place which can be super helpful when looping for a fabric pairing or when patch-working like in my case. Definitely worth the trip from south London.

  • 5/5 Felix R. 1 year ago on Google
    Phenomenal range of sewing patterns. Super nice staff. Excellent atmosphere. Will come back many times I'm sure

  • 5/5 Jennifer P. 1 year ago on Google
    I attended the one day 'Pattern Cutting with Alice Prier - Perfect Fit Trousers Block' course. As an intermediate sewer, I had disastrous results making trousers in the past, but found this course to be excellent. It was like being let into the 'Magic Circle' world of pattern cutting secrets, which turned out to be not that difficult and not that secret! Alice is an excellent tutor and I ended the course with a perfectly fitting trouser block and the knowledge to use the pattern to make many styles of trousers in the future.

  • 5/5 Juliane B. 7 months ago on Google
    Awesome shop. Very friendly and helpful staff. Great selection of fabrics, patterns and haberdashery! Would have loved to roam through the fabrics and take loads, but luggage space was limited...

  • 5/5 ROAR FITNESS H. 1 year ago on Google
    If I could I would give you a 10 star! Where do I start… ok let’s start from the moment I walked in: The set up, design, layout, cleanliness, size, vibes all next level. If you are a seamstress, crafter, designer, hobbies… you may feel the way i did.. died and gone into dream studio heaven! I want a house that looks and feels like this! Warm, friendly and fun. This goes for both the staff and the studio. The instructor, Moyna, was incredibly hands on, with the right amount of advice, guidance and a little bit of sewing help ;) to ensure my project came out as I wanted. I arrived to the class, with my organza cut for the dress making class. A bit of a risk, but she put me at ease and I felt anything was possible. Giving myself additional work - slightly diverting from the project, she was more than happy to show me additional skills including French seams and bindings. If I could i would be there every day! Cups of tea and coffee flowed, I felt more like I was at a mates house gossiping. However we all got our heads down and pushed through a good 9 hrs sewing session. I’ll 100% be back and already shared the love with sew ;) many friends. Thanks again & really you have created an incredible creative, kind a place to focus learn, relaxation and meet some lovely people. Cannot recommend highly enough! Buffi

  • 5/5 Helen B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely shop with a range of beautiful fabrics including a lot of solids, which many shops don’t have. Gorgeous linens. Also a selection of lovely patterns made up into garments so you can see how the fabrics look. Super range of patterns and haberdashery too. And the staff were so helpful and friendly. Top class.

  • 5/5 Susan Knight C. 3 years ago on Google
    Ordered yesterday afternoon arrived this morning! Easy to navigate website. The linen I ordered is beautiful, cannot wait to get started on my project. Will definitely use this site again !!

  • 5/5 Connie O. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful fabrics and very friendly assistants, they helped guide me through what I’d need for my project and had a great selection. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Martha L. 1 year ago on Google
    Love, love, love all their fabrics and delivery is so quick. They are one of my fav fabrics stores and can only recommend them… thanks so much

  • 5/5 Caris G. 2 years ago on Google
    I am part of the costume department at Sadler's Wells theatre, so know my fabric, and I have recommended this place to so many people after finding it so helpful, and inspiring! You walk in and just are hit with the beautiful lay out, great choice, and the ladies there are so wonderfully helpful and encouraging. Friends who have gone on my recommendation felt the same and thanked me for the tip, it's going to be our go to place for all things sewing, and if you are just starting out, this is the perfect place to go, as it can feel daunting learning a new skill, but you will just feel excited to start when you see what Ray Stitch has to offer, whatever level you're at. So many sewing and London fabric shops can feel intimidating and snobby if you don't know what you need, so well done guys on being the total opposite!

  • 5/5 Shona R. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my favourite fabric shop. I've attended a beginner's workshop and bought fabric here on multiple occasions. The staff here are so friendly and helpful, they've given me such good advice. The fabric selection here is also lovely, they pack so much choice into the space and everything is beautifully displayed.

  • 5/5 claire l. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a gorgeous shop. I have followed on Instagram for a while, and finally got there. Amazing, excellent quality fabrics. It is a small space but unbelievably well organized. An excellent pattern section and workshop area. Very pleasant staff too. Loved it.

  • 5/5 Joannis F. 1 year ago on Google
    Always been very happy with ray stitch. The staff are real friendly and knowledgeable about the fabrics and accessories they sell. If not they will look it up immediately to assist you. The quality is always excellent and anyone in London who sews would benefit from going for a visit you will not be disappointed. They do sewing lessons too.

  • 5/5 Ana 3 years ago on Google
    I regularly shop at Ray Stitch and I love it! The staff are so friendly and attentive, they make my trips to their shop a real treat. They have been a saviour during lockdown 🙌🏻😁

  • 4/5 Helga W. 3 years ago on Google
    I changed my initial review as on a recent visit, everyone was very helpful. On my first two visits I did not find the staff all that friendly and I had some issues online and in the store with the cuttings (not along pattern or grain line and wrong length) and I swore I wouldn't go back. But it is a nice little store with lots of stuff. It's so much better to be able to see and feel the fabric than buying online. A bit pricey, but it's handy. Thanks for responding so quickly to my earlier posting, happy I came back!.

  • 5/5 Nadine W. 3 years ago on Google
    I normally buy in their shop but due to the current situation had ordered online. I bought a cotton fabric, which is as on the website, prefect colour and fabric. It came next day. Only paper envelopes were used, great: No plastic.

  • 5/5 Megan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing selection of fabric and well set out. Friendly service.

  • 5/5 Linda M. 3 years ago on Google
    I don't usually leave reviews but thought I should on this occasion. The fabric I ordered was beautiful; exactly as described, and even the colour was spot on, same as it looked on my screen. The fabric arrived quickly and was nicely packaged in tissue paper and brown paper bag (no plastic) I look forward to ordering again from Ray Stitch in the future!


Call +44 20 7704 1060 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store pick-up
    • ✓️ In-store shopping
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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