Mood Fabric Stores Review: The Ultimate Coast-to-Coast Guide
NYC • LA • Miami • Atlanta • Houston • New Jersey
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If you’ve been in the sewing world for more than a minute, you’ve heard the famous phrase from Tim Gunn on Project Runway: “Thank you, Mood.” For sewists, Mood Fabrics isn’t just a store; it’s a legendary destination. Welcome to my official Mood fabric stores review, where I take you inside the creative pilgrimage so many of us dream of taking.
I’ve been lucky enough to personally visit most of the U.S. locations (with a few still pending on my bucket list!), and let me tell you, each one has its own distinct personality and charm. Today, I’m taking you on a coast-to-coast tour. If you’re a creative who loves to travel, consider this your executive guide to the physical locations.
A Little Mood History
Before we dive in, a little history. Mood Fabrics was originally founded by the Sauma family, who had roots in Lebanon and Australia before landing in New Zealand. They eventually brought their passion for textiles to New York City in the 90s, and with the explosion of Project Runway, their store became an international icon. They’ve adapted and moved spaces over the years, but their commitment to quality has remained the same.
The Coast-to-Coast Mood Fabric Stores Review
Mood NYC: The Flagship
The mothership on West 37th Street is huge—three stories and over 40,000 square feet of pure fabric heaven. My first visit was years ago when I was in town for a sewing workshop hosted by Workroom Social. Project Runway was at its peak, and the energy was electric.
Be warned: you will become exhausted shopping here. This is not a casual “pop-in” visit. You really need to know what you are looking for and come with a list. Literally anything in the fashion world you could desire is here, including an extensive selection of denim, knits, cottons, lace, and some of the most beautiful wools you will ever touch. Block off at least two hours for a proper visit, and definitely think about how you plan on transporting your fabric home!
Note: Yes, that is Swatch in the photo! The beloved Boston Terrier mascot and frequent star of Project Runway passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 8, 2022, at the age of 15. That first experience, I was so excited to meet him—it was a great day for me and for fabric. The store just isn’t the same without him.
Mood LA: The Hip Boutique
If NYC is the sprawling department store, LA is its hip younger sibling’s boutique. Located on West Pico, it’s not nearly as large as the NYC store, but it is jam-packed with the quality you would always expect from Mood. Remember my crazy Emmy’s Lilly Pulitzer-blitz-weekend jammed with fabric and fun? This is where that magic happened.
It’s only one story, about half the size of the flagship, but it still has a fantastic, curated selection. For those who remember it, it reminds me of a refined, more organized version of Michael Levine in its heyday. The outside of the building is quintessentially L.A., and the staff are just as helpful as in New York but in a much more relaxed environment.
Mood Miami: The Sleek Newcomer
Mood Miami is like the hipster baby sister of the family. It’s the newest of the stores, and I get the feeling that many people in the sewing world probably still don’t know it’s even there. It’s a slender, sleek building that sits right on the corner of a busy street in the vibrant Wynwood district. Cosmetically and aesthetically, it is the most beautiful of the locations, but also the smallest.
The type of fabrics you’ll find in each location varies widely based on the city, and Miami is a perfect example. The selection here is definitely bright, lightweight, and perfectly suited to the tropical, high-fashion location.
Mood Atlanta: The Showroom
As part of this Mood fabric stores review, I have to highlight that Atlanta operates on a completely different model. Located in Ponce City Market, it is a “showroom” concept. You touch and feel the swatches on-site and place an order for delivery so you don’t have to carry heavy textiles through the city.
(For a full deep-dive on navigating the city’s textile scene, check out my comprehensive Atlanta Fabric Shopping Guide, and be sure to read my dedicated review on the exclusive Mood Fabrics Atlanta Showroom experience.)
Mood Houston: The Bucket List
While I haven’t made it down to the Lone Star state location just yet, the word in the sewing community is that everything really is bigger in Texas. Fellow creatives tell me the Houston spot expands the footprint with a massive selection of high-quality textiles.
Mood NJ: The Retreat
This is the other location sitting firmly on my must-visit list! Let’s clear the air: Google Maps might send you to a closed wholesale warehouse in Union City, but the true public destination is the Mood Fashion School in historic Closter. It is heavily focused on education, featuring incredible sewing masterclasses and a curated “Fabric Wall.”
Fabric shopping is a fantastic addition to any creative’s travel experience.
What to Expect at ANY Mood Store
While each store has its own personality, there are a few things you can always count on:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpful Staff | In every location, the staff are highly knowledgeable and willing to help you find exactly what you need. |
| Freedom to Browse | They will let you wander around the store without being disturbed, allowing you to take your time and really get inspired. |
| Smart Shopping | A huge time-saver is that they will cut your fabric while you continue to shop. You get a ticket for your cut fabric and bring it to the register. This means you don’t have to haul heavy bolts around and wait in a long cutting line at the end. (Note: Atlanta uses a showroom delivery model!) |
| The Layout | In the multi-level stores (like NYC and Miami), the more expensive and pricey fabrics are typically on the bottom floor, so be sure to travel upward for more great finds! |
Final Verdict
If you find yourself near one of these six locations, a trip to Mood Fabrics is an absolute must.
- Go to Mood NYC for the iconic, overwhelming, “I’m in the heart of the fashion district” experience.
- Go to Mood LA for a more focused, less intimidating hunt for trendy, high-quality fabrics.
- Go to Mood Miami for a beautiful, boutique-like experience filled with resort-ready inspiration.
- Go to Mood Atlanta for a modern showroom experience.
- Add Houston & NJ to your creative travel bucket list!
I hope this Mood fabric stores review helps you plan your next creative trip. Have you been to one of their locations? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!