Some sewing projects start with a pattern, and others start with a single bolt of fabric that refuses to be left behind. South of the Twin Cities, in Burnsville, there is a store where that second kind of project happens all day long.
Shelves run row after row with cottons, batiks, bridal fabrics, upholstery weaves, and even leather. Quilters come in with a plan and leave with enough material for three more quilts.
Beginners show up nervous and walk out with tips and a full bag. Some people drive two hours just to shop here, and that tells you something about what waits inside.
This guide covers where the store is, what fills its aisles, how the staff helps, when to go, and why a little self-control is a good thing to pack.
A Fabric Warehouse Off Highway 13
Crafters across the south metro already know the name. SR Harris Fabric Burnsville sits at 3715 Hwy 13 W, Burnsville, MN 55337, in the southern Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
From the outside, the building looks plain. The store calls itself a large shop for fabrics and notions, and the setting is spacious and unassuming.
That modest outside is part of the fun. Nothing on the street prepares a first-timer for how much material fills the floor.
Inside, rows of bolts stretch across a wide space. The focus here is simple: fabric, and lots of it, along with the tools and trims that turn yardage into finished work.
Shoppers come from Burnsville, from the wider metro, and from small towns hours away. Many describe it as the place to go when a project needs real choice instead of a few picked-over shelves.
The store holds a 4.5-star standing from more than 640 Google ratings, which is a strong showing for any retailer. For a shop with no flashy storefront, that kind of loyalty speaks loudly enough.
Consider this the starting line for a very long browse.
Why Sewists Drive Hours to Get Here
Distance rarely stops a determined quilter. Some shoppers live two hours away and still plan return trips.
The reason comes down to scale. Many people say there is no other spot in southern Minnesota with this much fabric under one roof.
Others go further and call it the only place within a hundred miles to find good prices on large quantities. For anyone stocking up for a big project, that matters a lot.
The loss of other big chain fabric stores has made the store even more valuable for some sewists. Dress and formal wear fabrics in particular have become harder to find elsewhere.
So the trip here is less of an errand and more of a planned outing. People block out time, bring swatches, and come ready to shop with purpose.
There is also a practical bonus. When one store carries cotton, batik, bridal, upholstery, and leather, a single drive can cover several projects at once.
That saves gas, time, and a lot of searching online. For many Minnesota crafters, the mileage is simply part of the hobby, and the store makes it worth logging.
Racks and Racks of Bolts
First-time shoppers often freeze for a moment at the entrance. Racks of bolts run in every direction, covering nearly every type of material a sewist might want.
The range is the headline here. Shelves hold everyday cottons, elegant dress fabrics, bridal options, and heavy upholstery goods.
Many people say they found fabrics here they have never seen anywhere else. That alone keeps quilters and garment makers coming back.
It is easy to get lost in ideas while browsing. One bolt sparks a quilt plan, the next suggests a jacket, and suddenly the cart is full.
The store also feels clean and well organized for its size. Sections are grouped so shoppers can work through them one type at a time.
Tall shelves do mean some bolts sit high up. Staff members are around to help reach them, so nobody needs to climb.
A helpful habit is to arrive with a short list and a loose budget. Then let the aisles do their work, and accept that the list may grow by a few lines.
The Quilter’s Corner of Cotton
Quilting comes up again and again when people talk about this store. The cotton quilt fabric section is known for being well organized and easy to shop.
Colors and prints line up neatly, which helps when matching a palette. Choosing coordinating fabrics goes faster when they sit side by side.
Speed is a real perk. Some quilters have found fabric for three very different quilts in about an hour.
Batiks get special attention too. The store is a known stop for batik fans who want more choice than a small shop can offer.
Lightweight cotton lawn prints also turn up here, handy for garments and lighter projects. That gives quilters and dressmakers some shared ground.
For quilt guild members, this section can feel like a reward after a long week. Fat quarters and a few yards here and there add up quickly.
A smart move is to bring a small swatch or a photo of the current project. Then the hunt becomes focused instead of overwhelming, and the stash grows in the right direction.
Bridal, Formal, and Fancy Yardage
Not every project is a cozy quilt. Plenty of shoppers arrive with a wedding dress, prom gown, or costume in mind.
The store carries bridal fabrics and elegant dress and formal wear materials. These can be tough to find elsewhere in the state.
Bouclé is another find that has surprised shoppers. It is popular for jackets and modern garments, and it turns up on these shelves.
Trims sit close by, so finishing touches can be picked out in the same trip. A dress project can go from bare idea to full supply list in one visit.
Garment sewists appreciate having options to compare in person. Seeing how fabric drapes off the bolt helps with choosing the right weight.
The selection does shift over time, so stock in this area changes. Special pieces may not be waiting on the next visit.
For anyone sewing for a big day, this section is worth a slow lap. It is one of the main reasons the store has become a go-to for formal sewing in Minnesota.
Upholstery Rolls and Leather Finds
Home decorators get their own playground here. Upholstery fabric fills a large part of the store.
That makes it a strong stop for reupholstering chairs, making cushions, or refreshing a sofa. Heavy fabrics in many styles give plenty to choose from.
Then there is the leather. Not many fabric stores carry it, but this one does.
Leather scraps are available too, which is good news for small projects. Bag makers, wallet crafters, and patch fans can find pieces without buying a whole hide.
Having upholstery and leather in the same building as quilting cotton is unusual. It means one household can send a quilter and a furniture fixer on the same trip.
Measuring at home first is a good idea for upholstery jobs. Big pieces of furniture need more yardage than most people guess.
With the right numbers in hand, this part of the store can turn a tired chair into a fresh centerpiece. It is a quieter corner of the shop, but it pulls its weight.
Remnants Worth Digging For
Bargain hunters, take note. Remnants are part of the fun here.
Shorter cuts in many colors and fabrics wait for the right project. They work well for small quilts, kids clothing, pillows, and practice pieces.
Staff members have been known to point out damaged spots on a remnant before checkout. That kind of honesty helps shoppers buy with confidence.
Leather scraps also land in this bargain-friendly category. Small pieces can become key fobs, patches, or trim.
Remnants reward patience. Digging through them takes time, but the payoff is often a fabric that would cost more off the bolt.
They also suit beginners well. A cheaper piece means less worry about mistakes on a first project.
Leave room in the schedule for this stop. It is the kind of browsing that can eat twenty minutes before anyone notices the clock.
Notions, Buttons, and Thread Galore
Fabric gets top billing, but the supporting cast is big too. The store carries plenty beyond yardage.
Shelves hold tools, buttons, thread, trims, and other notions. A full project can come together without a second stop.
Even non-sewists notice the range. Partners tagging along often end up surprised by how much is on offer.
Not every price here is a steal, though. Some shoppers find the notions on the expensive side compared with the fabric.
A practical approach is to buy specialty notions here when matching matters. Thread and buttons that fit a fabric exactly are worth a little extra.
For basic supplies, comparing prices ahead of time can help. That keeps more of the budget free for the fun part.
Still, having everything in one place saves trips. When a zipper or the right button is the last missing piece, this section finishes the job.
Staff Who Know Their Stuff
Helpful staff is the most talked-about part of the store, with around a hundred mentions. Knowledge is a big reason why.
Team members cut yardage, answer questions, and help brainstorm project ideas. Beginners often leave with useful tips.
One standout moment involved a shopper who came back short on fabric. A staff member matched it from tiny scraps in under two minutes.
Fabric cutting moves quickly, which helps on busy days. Help reaching high shelves is also easy to find.
Staff have even helped with surprises, like quietly selling a gift card while a spouse kept browsing nearby. Small moments like that stick with people.
Experiences are not perfect across the board. A few shoppers have felt some staff members came across as short or unfriendly, especially to first-timers unsure how things work.
Asking clear questions at the cutting table can help things go smoothly. Most shoppers find the team patient, efficient, and full of good advice.
Sales, Value, and the Golden Rule
Value is a big draw. Many shoppers call the fabric prices good, and some call them wonderful.
Half-off fabric sales have shown up on multiple visits. How often they run is not clear, so checking the store website before a trip is wise.
The price picture is mixed for some. A few feel prices sit close to market rates, and a small number felt even sale fabric was not worth it.
Big quantities are where the store shines. Buying many yards for a large project is often easier on the wallet here.
Now for the golden rule that regulars swear by. If a fabric catches your eye, buy it.
Stock turns over, and the chance of the same bolt sitting there next time is slim. Hesitating can mean losing a favorite print for good.
So budget a little extra for those surprise finds. The stash will thank you later.
Hours, Crowds, and Planning a Trip
Timing can shape the whole outing. The store opens Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Sunday hours are shorter, from noon to 5 PM. That window works for a relaxed afternoon browse.
Weekends get very busy. Weekday trips are the better choice for a calmer pace and shorter waits at the cutting counter.
Give the visit plenty of time. With this much fabric, an hour can vanish fast.
Bring measurements, swatches, and photos of patterns. These help staff and speed up decisions.
There is also a sister store in Brooklyn Park that is about twice as big. Some shoppers suggest starting in Burnsville first because the larger store can feel intimidating.
Check the website at srharrisfabric.com for updates before heading out. A little planning turns a big store into a smooth shopping day.
A Stash-Builder’s Verdict
So is it worth the trip? For Minnesota crafters, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
The selection is huge, covering quilting cotton, batiks, bridal fabric, upholstery, leather, and remnants. Few places in the region come close.
Knowledgeable staff, quick cutting, and frequent sales add to the appeal. A few rough service moments and pricey notions keep it from perfect.
It suits quilters, garment sewists, home decorators, and beginners who want guidance. It also fits anyone building a fabric stash or planning a one-of-a-kind piece.
Go on a weekday, bring a plan, and leave room in the budget. Buy the fabric you love before it disappears.
Most of all, expect to stay longer than planned. Those aisles have a way of turning a quick errand into an afternoon.
In the end, the best souvenir is a bag full of ideas waiting to be stitched.
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