FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful information about ordering fabric, samples, measurements, payments, VAT, delivery, returns, fire-retardant certificates and visiting our Birmingham fabric warehouse.
Fabrics and Product Information
Choosing, measuring and ordering the right material.
What types of fabric does FabricUK sell?
FabricUK stocks thousands of fabrics for domestic, creative, commercial and industrial applications. Our range includes dressmaking fabrics, upholstery materials, fire-retardant fabrics, waterproof and outdoor fabrics, canvas, cotton, hessian, vinyl, leatherette, quilted fabrics, blackout materials, display fabrics, vehicle upholstery and many specialist textiles.
Browse our complete fabric collection or contact us if you need help finding a material for a particular project.
Are your fabrics sold by the metre?
Most fabrics are sold by the metre unless the product page states another sale unit, such as a roll, piece, pack or sheet. Enter the required quantity on the product page before adding the fabric to your basket.
For example, where the sale unit is one metre, selecting a quantity of 3 normally means you are ordering three metres. Always check the product title, description, width and sale unit before ordering.
Will multiple metres be supplied in one continuous length?
We normally aim to supply the quantity ordered as one continuous length wherever stock allows. Occasionally, stock levels, roll lengths or manufacturing joins may mean this is not possible.
Add a note to your order or contact our team before ordering if a continuous length is essential for your project.
How wide is the fabric?
Fabric width varies between products. The width is normally shown in centimetres or inches within the product description or specification table.
The quantity selected usually controls the length, while the width remains the full stated width of the fabric. For example, ordering one metre of a 150 cm-wide fabric normally provides a piece approximately 100 cm long by 150 cm wide.
How do I calculate how much fabric I need?
Measure the length and width of every area that needs to be covered, then consider the fabric width, pattern direction, joins, hems, seam allowances and possible shrinkage. Pattern repeats and matching may require additional material.
We recommend checking your measurements with your upholsterer, curtain maker, machinist or project installer before placing the order. FabricUK cannot confirm exact project quantities without complete measurements and construction details.
Can colours look different on my screen?
Yes. Colours may appear different depending on screen brightness, monitor calibration, lighting and photography. Texture, sheen and pile direction can also change how a colour appears.
We strongly recommend ordering a sample before purchasing fabric, particularly when colour matching is important.
Can fabric shades vary between rolls or dye lots?
Yes. Small shade variations can occur between production batches, dye lots and separate fabric rolls. Natural fibres and textured or coated materials may also show normal variations.
Order enough material for the complete project at the same time whenever colour consistency is important. A later order may come from a different dye lot.
Do you guarantee that every fabric is suitable for my project?
Product descriptions provide general guidance, but suitability depends on the exact application, environment, installation method and relevant regulations. Customers are responsible for confirming that the material is appropriate before cutting, sewing, treating, fitting or using it.
For specialist, safety-critical, marine, healthcare, contract or commercial applications, request the latest technical information and obtain professional advice where necessary.
Fabric Samples
Check colour, texture and suitability before ordering.
Can I order a fabric sample?
Yes. Samples are available for many of our fabrics and are recommended before placing a larger order. A sample helps you check the colour, texture, weight, stretch, finish and general suitability of the material.
Use the sample option shown on the relevant product page, complete the available sample request form, or contact our sample team on 0121 359 2349.
Will the sample exactly match a future fabric order?
A sample represents the fabric available when it is cut, but minor shade, texture or finish variations can occur between dye lots and production batches. We recommend placing your main order soon after approving the sample.
Placing and Managing an order
Online orders, telephone assistance and order changes.
How do I place an order online?
- Choose the fabric, colour and any available options.
- Enter the required quantity.
- Add the product to your basket.
- Review the product, quantity and delivery details.
- Proceed through the secure checkout and make payment.
Check all measurements, options and delivery information carefully before completing your purchase.
Can I place an order by telephone?
Yes. Call our team on 0121 359 2349 for help with product availability, ordering or payment. Please have the product name, colour, quantity and delivery postcode ready.
Never send full payment-card details by ordinary email or through an unsecured message.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
FabricUK welcomes both small retail purchases and larger trade orders. Many fabrics have no general minimum order, although an individual product may have its own minimum quantity, pack size, roll requirement or quantity increment.
Any product-specific restriction should be shown on the relevant product page.
How do I know whether an item is in stock?
Product availability is displayed online where possible, but stock can change quickly and some orders may require a manual stock check. Contact us before ordering if you need a large quantity, complete roll or urgent delivery.
We will contact you if an ordered item is unavailable or if there is an unexpected delay.
Can I change or cancel an order after placing it?
Contact us immediately on 0121 359 2349. We will try to help, but an order cannot normally be changed or cancelled once the fabric has been cut, customised, processed or dispatched.
Cut lengths and bespoke products are prepared specifically for the customer, so contact us as quickly as possible if you notice an error.
Where can I find my order number?
Your order number should appear on your order-confirmation page, confirmation email, invoice or payment correspondence. Keep it safe and quote it whenever you contact us about an order, delivery, payment or return.
Can FabricUK provide bespoke cutting, stitching or fabrication?
Bespoke services may be available for selected fabrics and projects, including specialist cutting, stitching, eyelets, quilting or made-to-measure work. Availability depends on the material, measurements and required finish.
Call 0121 359 2349 with your requirements to discuss feasibility, pricing and lead time.
Payments, Prices and VAT
Accepted payments, VAT-inclusive prices and invoices.
Which payment methods do you accept?
The payment methods currently available to you will be shown during checkout. FabricUK may accept major debit and credit cards, PayPal, bank transfer and other agreed payment methods.
Contact us before using an offline payment method so that we can provide the correct instructions and identify your payment.
Can I pay using PayPal?
Yes, PayPal may be used for eligible orders. Follow the PayPal option presented during checkout or review our PayPal payment information.
Always include the correct order number and total payable amount when making a separately arranged payment.
Are the prices shown on FabricUK inclusive of VAT?
Yes. Prices displayed on the FabricUK website are inclusive of the current standard UK VAT rate unless clearly stated otherwise.
Delivery charges and any other applicable costs are shown separately during checkout.
Can I request a VAT invoice?
Yes. A VAT invoice or VAT breakdown can be provided on request. Contact us with your order number, company name and billing details.
FabricUK is operated by KBT Ltd and is registered for UK VAT. Read our VAT information for further details.
Can I pay by bank transfer or BACS?
Bank transfer or BACS payments may be arranged. Contact us before sending payment and always quote the relevant order or invoice number. An order may not be processed or dispatched until cleared funds have been received and correctly matched.
Is online payment secure?
Online payments are processed through secure payment systems. FabricUK’s privacy information states that payment transaction details are encrypted and handled through remote secure payment servers rather than being stored as ordinary website information.
Never provide your complete card details through an unsecured email or public message.
Dispatch and Delivery
UK delivery, tracking, urgent orders and overseas shipping.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery charges are calculated according to the order, delivery location, parcel weight, size and available service. Add the products to your basket and enter the required delivery details to view the available charges at checkout.
Remote areas, offshore destinations, heavy rolls and unusually large consignments may have additional charges.
How long does UK delivery take?
In-stock orders are normally prepared as promptly as possible. FabricUK generally aims to deliver UK orders within approximately three working days, although this is an aim rather than a guaranteed delivery date.
Stock availability, cutting requirements, order volume, courier delays, severe weather, bank holidays and other circumstances can affect delivery.
Will I receive tracking information?
Courier consignments normally include tracking where the selected service supports it. Standard Royal Mail services and free sample post may not be trackable.
Check your dispatch email and spam or junk folder before contacting us for tracking information.
Can I request urgent, timed or Saturday delivery?
Timed, urgent or Saturday delivery may be available for an additional charge, depending on stock, cutting time, destination and courier availability.
Call 0121 359 2349 before placing an urgent order. We will confirm whether the required service is possible.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes. FabricUK supplies customers in the UK and internationally. Available services and charges depend on the destination, parcel dimensions, weight and customs requirements.
International delivery times are estimates and can be affected by customs clearance. Import VAT, customs duties, handling charges or local taxes may be payable by the recipient.
What should I do if my parcel is delayed or missing?
First check the tracking information, delivery address, safe place, reception area and nearby neighbours. If the parcel still cannot be located, contact us promptly with your order number and delivery postcode.
Claims for missing or lost parcels should be reported within 21 days so that we can investigate with the carrier.
What happens if I miss the delivery?
The carrier may leave a card, send an electronic notification, attempt redelivery, deliver to an approved safe place or take the parcel to a local collection point. Follow the carrier’s tracking instructions as soon as possible.
Additional charges may apply where a parcel is returned and must be sent again because delivery could not be completed.
Returns, Damage and Refunds
What to check before using fabric and how to report a problem.
Can I return fabric that has been cut to my requested length?
Fabric cut from a roll to a customer’s requested length is a customised product. Returns may therefore be restricted unless the fabric is faulty, damaged, incorrectly supplied or your statutory rights otherwise apply.
Contact us before returning anything. Do not send a return without discussing it with our team and receiving the relevant instructions.
What should I check when my fabric arrives?
Before cutting, sewing, washing, treating or fitting the fabric:
- Check the product, colour and quantity.
- Inspect both sides for visible faults or transit damage.
- Confirm the width and general measurements.
- Test suitability, shrinkage and colourfastness where relevant.
- Confirm that any technical requirements are satisfied.
Stop using the fabric and contact us immediately if you believe there is a problem. Claims may be affected once fabric has been cut, sewn, washed, treated, installed or otherwise used.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?
Contact us promptly with your order number, a clear description of the issue and photographs of the fabric, packaging, parcel label and any visible damage. Keep the product and packaging while we investigate.
Do not cut, sew, wash, treat or use the fabric before receiving further instructions.
How do I request a return?
Use our contact form or call 0121 359 2349 before returning the item. Include your order number, contact details, product information and reason for the return.
Approved returns should be sent according to the instructions provided by our team. Unless otherwise agreed, the published return address is:
KBT Ltd
Carlton Business Centre
132 Saltley Road
Birmingham
B7 4TH
United Kingdom
How long does a refund take?
Once an approved return or refund has been processed, the time taken for the money to appear depends on the payment provider, card issuer or bank. Refunds are normally made to the original payment method where possible.
Does the returns policy affect my statutory rights?
No. FabricUK’s terms and returns guidance do not remove the statutory rights available to consumers under applicable UK law. The position may differ for customised cut lengths, bespoke goods and business-to-business purchases.
Read the complete Return and Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Birmingham Warehouse and Collection
Visit, browse, collect samples or speak with our fabric team.
Can I visit the FabricUK warehouse?
Yes. Our Birmingham fabric warehouse is open to the public. You can browse fabrics, discuss your project, purchase material and collect available samples during opening hours. An appointment is not normally required.
Where is FabricUK located?
FabricUK / KBT Ltd
Carlton Business Centre
132 Saltley Road
Birmingham
B7 4TH
United Kingdom
Call 0121 359 2349 if you need help finding us.
What are the warehouse opening hours?
Our normal published opening hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Opening hours may change on bank holidays or during seasonal periods. Call before making a special journey.
Can I collect an online order from the warehouse?
Collection may be available where offered during checkout or arranged with our team. Wait until you receive confirmation that the order has been prepared before travelling to collect it.
Bring your order number and suitable identification or collection authorisation.
Trade, Wholesale and Institutions
Support for businesses, schools and public organisations.
Do you supply trade and wholesale customers?
Yes. FabricUK supplies retailers, upholsterers, designers, manufacturers, contractors, theatres, event companies and other businesses. Larger quantities, full rolls and repeat supply may be available.
Contact our sales team with the fabric name, colour, required quantity and expected purchasing frequency to discuss current stock and trade pricing.
Do you accept purchase orders from schools and public authorities?
FabricUK supplies schools, colleges, universities, councils, NHS organisations, government departments, museums, theatres and other approved institutions.
Official purchase orders may be accepted subject to account approval and agreed terms. Contact us before submitting the order so that we can confirm the required information and process.
Can I obtain a quotation before ordering?
Yes. Send the exact product name or link, colour, quantity, delivery postcode, organisation details and any deadline. Quotations are subject to stock availability, delivery cost and the period of validity shown on the quotation.
Can you supply complete rolls or bulk quantities?
Complete rolls and bulk quantities may be available for many products. Roll lengths vary, so contact us for current stock, approximate roll size, lead time, carriage cost and applicable pricing.
Care, Testing and Technical Information
Fabric specifications, certificates and safe use.
What does GSM mean?
GSM means grams per square metre. It describes the approximate weight of one square metre of fabric. A higher GSM often indicates a heavier or denser material, but it does not by itself determine strength, thickness or suitability.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant fabric?
Water-resistant or water-repellent fabric is designed to resist light moisture for a period of time. Waterproof fabric is designed to provide a stronger barrier to water, but its actual performance depends on the coating, construction, seams, pressure and conditions of use.
Stitching creates holes, so seams may need sealing where a waterproof finished item is required.
Do you supply fire-retardant fabrics?
Yes. FabricUK stocks fire-retardant fabrics for a variety of display, upholstery, contract, curtain, event, vehicle and specialist applications.
Fire performance differs between products. Always check the exact standard stated for the specific fabric rather than assuming that every fire-retardant material meets the same requirement.
Can I obtain a fire-retardant certificate?
Certificates or test information may be available for selected fabrics. Request the latest applicable document before ordering if certification is essential.
Online certificates may be provided as general guidance. Additional or up-to-date testing may be required for a particular project, batch, authority or application.
Can washing or treatment affect a fire-retardant fabric?
Yes. Washing, dry cleaning, coating, printing, dyeing, stitching, adding another backing or applying a chemical treatment may affect the original fire performance.
A modified or treated fabric may need to be professionally reassessed or retested before use in a regulated application.
Can fabric shrink or lose colour?
Some fabrics can shrink, distort or lose colour during washing, dry cleaning, ironing, steaming or exposure to sunlight. Performance varies according to fibre, construction, dye, coating and treatment.
Test a sample first and follow any product-specific care information. Do not assume a fabric is washable unless this is confirmed.
Where can I learn more about fabrics and their uses?
Explore our Fabric Information section and Fabric Blog for guides about fabric construction, weight, treatments, applications, projects and specialist materials.
How does FabricUK use and protect my personal information?
FabricUK uses customer information to operate the website, process purchases, provide requested services and communicate about orders. Information is handled in accordance with the published privacy policy and applicable data-protection requirements.
Read the full FabricUK Privacy Policy for information about collected data, cookies, storage, communication and your rights.
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