The beaded laces hang on a wall sorted by color, like a rainbow built for brides. That one detail tells you a lot about this Dallas-area fabric shop. Someone here clearly cares.
The store is family-owned and minority-woman owned. The woman whose name is on the sign still works the counter. I like how that keeps things personal in a world of giant chain stores.
Satin, brocade, chiffon, silk, trims, and zippers fill the shelves. Formal sewing is the big strength here. Prom gowns, quinceañera dresses, and wedding looks all start somewhere in this Texas shop.
I believe a good fabric store should feel like a treasure hunt. This one seems to deliver that feeling without draining your wallet.
1. Yes, Petra Is a Real Person and She Might Ring You Up
DFW Fabric Mart, Inc, also known as Petra’s Fabrics, carries a name that belongs to an actual woman. Petra is the owner, and she still helps customers in the store. Some shoppers have been surprised to learn the name on the sign is more than a brand.
That matters more than you might think. A family-owned shop runs on relationships, not corporate scripts. When the owner is close by, small problems tend to get solved fast.
The business describes itself as a local family-run retailer. Petra’s team has also clarified that it is a minority-woman owned business. Supporting it means your money stays close to home in Texas.
The shop also offers discounts for veterans. That’s a thoughtful touch worth asking about at checkout. Bring proof of service and see what applies.
Big chain stores can feel like a maze with nobody steering. Here, the person who built the place might be the one measuring your satin. That kind of care is hard to fake.
So say hello when you shop. You might be chatting with the founder herself. Not a bad way to start a sewing project.
2. Formal Fabric Lovers, Your Search Might End Right Here
Satin comes in what feels like every shade imaginable. Polyesters, brocade, chiffon, and even 100% silk all appear on these shelves. If a fancy dress is in your future, this is your playground.
Formal sewing is where Petra’s Fabrics really shines. Bridal, prom, and special occasion fabrics are some of the store’s biggest strengths. Quinceañera projects fit right in too.
Brocade is worth a special look. The store’s brocade selection has been described as extensive. That’s great news for jackets, gowns, and costumes with serious drama.
Cosplay makers can benefit too. Bold satins work well for character outfits that need shine and color. One violet satin can carry a whole costume.
Now, a fair heads-up. If you mostly sew everyday shirts or basic cotton clothes, choices may feel limited. This shop leans glamorous, and it doesn’t apologize for it.
Knowing that helps you plan smarter. Come here for the showstopper fabric, then shop elsewhere for plain basics if needed. Your sparkly project will thank you.
Bring a sketch or a photo of your design. Matching fabric to an idea is much easier when you can point to it.
3. A Rainbow Wall of Beaded Lace Makes Matching a Breeze
Color-coded lace sounds like a small thing. Then you remember the last time you dug through a messy bin for the right ivory. Suddenly it sounds like a gift.
The beaded laces at DFW Fabric Mart hang on a wall, sorted by color. A local designer has praised this setup for making shopping easier. You can scan shades quickly instead of guessing.
Lace is one of the store’s most talked-about items. That makes sense for a shop known for bridal and formal fabric. Wedding veils, bodices, and sleeves often start with lace like this.
Here’s a tip for brides and dressmakers. Bring a swatch of your main fabric along. Holding it up against the wall helps you spot the closest match in seconds.
Prices on lace vary widely. A wide price range means you can often find something that fits your budget. Ask staff which options give the most sparkle for your money.
Beaded lace can be tricky to cut and sew. Plan extra time for hand-stitching around beads. The result usually looks far richer than the effort suggests, which is a pretty good deal.
4. Trims, Zippers, and Little Extras That Finish the Job
Every sewer knows the panic of finishing a dress and lacking the right zipper. Petra’s Fabrics helps you skip that moment. The store carries a huge variety of trim and notions.
Trims can turn a simple design into something special. Think decorative edges, ribbon details, and sparkly borders. They’re an easy upgrade for hems, necklines, and sleeves.
Zippers deserve their own cheer. The shop has a clearance section with lots of them. Grabbing a few extras is a smart move for future projects.
Nice accessories also sit near checkout. That spot is perfect for last-minute grabs you forgot to list. It’s also a little dangerous for anyone with weak willpower.
Buying notions where you buy fabric has a real benefit. You can match colors on the spot, side by side. No more guessing whether that blue thread will look right later.
Make a short checklist before you shop. Include thread, zippers, closures, and any trim ideas. A quick plan keeps your trip focused, and your budget stays happy too.
Of course, a little wandering is allowed. Some of the best project ideas start in the trim aisle.
5. Bring Your Project and Let the Staff Do Some Heavy Lifting
Fabric on rolls looks gorgeous, but it can feel intimidating. At DFW Fabric Mart, staff members pull the rolls for you. Just ask, and someone will help.
That service goes further than you might expect. The team has helped customers calculate how much fabric they need. For one large event order, fabric was cut into five-yard pieces, bagged, and labeled.
Beginners get support too. One staff member guided a mother and daughter through a first dress project. Help like that can turn a nervous newbie into a lifelong sewer.
The staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. That’s a real plus in Dallas, where many shoppers switch between both languages. Nobody has to struggle to explain a design.
Inventory moves around when new shipments arrive. The staff keeps track of where everything lands. So don’t wander lost for twenty minutes, just ask.
Come prepared to make their job easier. Know your pattern size, rough yardage, and color goals. Good questions get you better answers.
And yes, a thank-you goes a long way. The people here clearly take pride in helping. Showing appreciation keeps that friendly energy going strong.
6. Budget Shoppers, Here’s How to Stretch Every Dollar
Saving money on fabric is part skill and part strategy. Petra’s Fabrics gives you plenty to work with. The store offers a wide range of prices and keeps select fabric on sale.
Start with the one-yard minimum on cut fabric. Plan your measurements before you arrive. That way you buy what you need and skip expensive guesswork.
Next, check the clearance area. Zippers and other bargains often show up there. Small savings add up when a project needs lots of pieces.
Price matters, but so does quality. Fabric quality is one of the most mentioned topics about this store. Better fabric often sews more easily and lasts longer.
Not every bolt is cheap, though. Fancy lace and specialty fabrics can cost more than basic material. Comparing a few options helps you balance looks and budget.
Here’s a clever trick for formal wear. Use pricier fabric where people look first, like the bodice. Then choose a budget-friendly fabric for linings or hidden layers.
Finally, ask staff for options in your price range. They help designers find fabric that fits client budgets every day. Your wallet deserves that same smart attention.
7. Perth Street Is Basically Dallas Fabric Row
Some shopping trips need a whole street, not just one store. Perth Street in Dallas is known for several fabric shops close together. That makes it a fun stop for serious sewers.
You’ll find DFW Fabric Mart at 2657 Perth St, Dallas, TX 75220. The area sits in northwest Dallas, close to major highways. Plenty of shoppers drive in from across the region.
Some people even make an hour-long drive just for this store. That says a lot about its pull in North Texas. A trip here can feel like a mini fabric adventure.
Parking can be tight in the area, so plan for it. Arriving earlier in the day may make finding a spot easier. Carpooling with a sewing buddy helps too.
Since other fabric shops sit nearby, you can compare as you go. Treat Perth Street like a fabric scavenger hunt. Just keep a list so you don’t buy three of the same thing.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a big tote. Fabric bolts and bags get heavy fast. Your arms will be grateful by the end of the day.
8. Can’t Make the Drive? Shop Online at the Same Price
Not everyone lives near Dallas. Luckily, DFW Fabric Mart also sells fabric through its website. That opens the shop to sewers across Texas and beyond.
Here’s the best part. DFW Fabric Mart offers online shopping alongside its Dallas showroom, making it convenient to browse and order fabrics from home. You don’t pay extra just because you’re shopping from your couch.
Online shopping works well for repeat buys. If you already know a fabric you love, ordering again is easy. Designers with steady projects can save a lot of time this way.
Still, color can look different on screens. A bright red online may arrive a little deeper in person. For exact matches, an in-store visit is often the safer bet.
Planning a big event order? Measure everything first and write down totals. Clear numbers make online ordering much smoother.
Many fans enjoy mixing both options. They visit in person for big formal projects, then order basics online later. It’s a handy system for busy schedules.
Either way, you get the same family-run shop behind the order. That personal touch doesn’t vanish just because you clicked a button. Pretty nice, right?
9. Plan Around the Hours and Watch for New Shipments
Timing matters when you shop for fabric. DFW Fabric Mart opens Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The store is closed on Sundays.
A morning visit gives you plenty of time to browse. Big formal projects deserve patience, not a rushed five-minute dash. Your future gown should not be chosen in a panic.
New shipments arrive regularly, which keeps the shelves interesting. Some shoppers get excited every time fresh inventory comes in. Current styles and new colors keep the browsing fun.
The store today feels larger, bright, and neatly arranged. That organized setup makes it easier to find what you want. It’s also really clean, which every fabric lover appreciates.
Planning a prom or quinceañera dress? Start shopping weeks ahead if you can. Extra time lets you compare fabrics and fix mistakes calmly.
Petra’s Fabrics has earned strong love from the Dallas sewing crowd. Its 4.7-star rating shows how many shoppers leave happy. That’s quite a track record for a small family business in Texas.
So grab your tape measure and sketchbook. The next amazing outfit might start on Perth Street. Happy sewing!
Share this story
