What We Do

Haberdashery, Sewing Notions and Tools

the-stitchery packs a very wide range of haberdashery into a very small space upstairs in the Riverside building right in the heart of the vibrant Cliffe shopping district of Lewes … pins, needles and threads of course, plus thousands of buttons and ribbons galore!

Then there’s everything else in between; scissors, piping cord, bias binding, snap-fasteners, tape-measures, pincushions, knitting registers, stitch-holders… we could go on and on-the list does!

Fabrics

Our balcony shelves are overflowing with a stunning collection of Rowan fabrics including the best Amy Butler designs.

Inside the shop is an exciting and eclectic selection of fabrics predominantly for dressmaking including basics such as calicos, muslins, poplins and ginghams, through to wool blends, linen mixes and cotton lawns often in one-off prints or colours- blink and you’ll miss something special! (When they’re gone they’re gone.)

We carry linings, interfacings, dress nets, jerseys, chiffons and laces… and more. All carefully selected and regularly updated.

Knitting

We are a Rowan stockist; we keep a limited supply of their most popular yarns in store, and will happily order exactly what you need if it’s not on our shelves. Our current ranges include Cocoon, Revive, Pure wool DK and 4ply, Amy Butler Organic DK and British Sheep Chunky.

The rest of our knitting wall is stocked with Peter Pan baby yarns, Robin Double Knitting and Aran and Wendy fashion yarns such as Skye, Serenity Chunky and Cotton Supreme DK
Knitting needles, crochet hooks, knitting notions and accessories are also stocked.

Sewing Work Boxes and Knitting Bags

We have a superb range of boxes, baskets and bags all year round. We only buy a few of each design – sometimes even stocking just one-offs.

There’s something for everyone-from sophisticated black or purple brocades and damask designs , retro 50’s inspired ‘conversation’ prints, pretty vintage tea-roses or funky op-art styles.

We also carry the matching pincushion and needle cases in most of the designs-so lovely for a small but gorgeous sewing gift.

Knitting bags and zip up knitting needle cases make the perfect present for the knitting nuts amongst your friends.

Ever practical, we also stock bobbin cases, thread boxes and padded hangers from the same useful supplier.

Patterns, Books and Gift Vouchers

Simplicity and New Look dress – making patterns are held in stock, whilst Vogue and Butterick can be ordered, usually taking less than 5 days to arrive. We have a broad range of single style knitting patterns as well as Rowan pattern books.

Craft books on everything from batik to button making, make great gifts and fantastic sources of reference. And if you can’t decide what to buy for yourself – spread the love and buy one of our unique stitched gift vouchers (a little work of art) and make someone else’s day!!

Sewing Machines Servicing

We outsource this incredibly useful service to a reliable and reputable local company. Machines can be booked in at any time and are collected for service and repair on a weekly basis.