I've read the reviews, and i cannot disagree with the more thoughtful appraisals of all aspects of a fabric store. But this place IS a Textile Outlet ... for my first ever place of my own and a concrete loft i hired a decorator -Lisa Wolfe Design - who recommended it. i found a lot of very beautiful drapery and upholstery fabric. i covered two walls of my mistress - no master lives within my walls - bdrm with gold sheers top to bottom - 64 yards - and it could only be found here. true, i would never think to shop here for clothing faabric ... but in 2006 i bought an entire bag of ribbon remnants for $2.00!!!!! and still haven't used it all. it is truly a world of textural delights. read more

Oh Textile Discount Outlet, if you don't have it, it must not exist. Yes, as mentioned it's dusty (the main floors aren't too bad, others - scary). On my last trip I heard two employess discussing how they wanted the owner to toss some old musty fabrics and he wouldn't... Ok,maybe that's a little disturbing. Yes, you'll be driving around looking for it wondering where the hell you are. If they swankify the place, it wouldn't be so cheap! Lots of great fabrics and great prices. Just suck it up and go. read more

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!!!! I understand maybe there are magical places like this in other cities...but this is by far the best thing I've come across in Chicago. Yes, it's dusty. Yes, it's kinda dirty but for what it is, I think it's just amazing. I'm a belly dancer and quite frequently need to make my own costumes...trying to find the right stuff to do that at most other chain fabric stores is such a pain, and you never know if you're going to be able to find the exact color you need, or the trim to match... Worry no more! This place has every color ANYTHING you could want. Tulle, fringe, sequin trim in every color you could want, any kind of lace imaginable. They have an entire ROOM of trim. The best part is this stuff is so cheap too! I was able to get some really awesome WIDE lace trim for 79 and 99 cents a yard! How can you beat that? Granted, it is a little disorganized in parts but really I think it just adds to the magic. The staff is very diverse and I happened to get a really nice young girl who helped me figure out prices and cut my yardage. I even asked her how they deal with those big rolls of fabric (FYI - you pull the rods out and put the rods back if you can, if you need help you just ask them to get it down when you get your yardage cut). This is my new favorite place! read more

The next time you have to paint or redecorate, your parents are coming over and the place looks...well like a mess, need artwork, a new look to your bedroom or couch. or need material for a cheap bridal dress.... check this place out and let your imagination RUN!!!! HUGE, DUSTY, FULL of bolts and bolts of great material to cover almost anything and everything. Having stolen ideas from places like Ikea, my favorite night clubs to even shows on HGTV and trading places, the magic of multiple textures and colors now lives and breathes in my sanctuary where it was done for a fraction of the cost of shopping at a place like joannes fabrics. Most bolts or the stands that hold them do carry prices of the material, staff is fairly helpful though they do work in a huge, dusty old factory so their demeanor does reflect this sometimes. Perfect place for the college student, apartment dweller, first time home buyer and do it your selfer with a little imagination, a few tools(staplegun, maybe sewing machine, and more imagination) and clothes that can get a little dirty or dusty;) read more

A bunch of friends just calls this place "2121" bc of the address it's also known as LZ Fabrics, but either way it is 3 floors of fabrics/notions/trims and more. I found some great red glitter vinyl I'd love to use in my kitchen, but upholstery is about where my sewing skills end (staples are easy!). Fortunately, I was only there for trims mostly, trying to create my first burlesque costume. I found silver and black sequin strands for only 39 CENTS a yard! I ended up with 4 types of trims, 16 yrds total for $20. Yes, it is a little dusty/dirty and you have to dig....but it's a WAREHOUSE, and I didn't find that when I left my hands desperately needed a wash or anything (though I didn't go to the basement). It is *easy* to spend several hours wandering around. Sure, I'd love a nice, spotless place with a huge selection and great prices-but that doesn't exist, so I go here because they will have something like what I want for CHEAP and that is what my budget is. Plus, my last visit sparked my creativity a bit, you never know what you'll walk out of there with! Important to note: There is a 10% student discount, and the hours can be wonky so check the website/call before you go. read more

All other fabric stores have nothing on the Textile Discount Outlet. The store is SOOOO BIG and will take some time to get use to, but once you see the amazing price tags, your heart will stop. Lace in almost every color of the rainbow for only $3.95 a yard? You betcha! Did I mention they have a parking lot for customers and a 10% student discount with your ID!?!?!?! Their hours are a bit odd but their friendly and helpful staff who also understand the magnitude of the store in combination with the crazy prices and selection makes up for everything! I would love to spend hours in the warehouse and lose myself in all the beautiful fabrics! Definitely making the trip back soon! *Shout out to the floor manager Michelle. THANK YOU!* read more

If you ever need fabric, come to this place. Anything you'd ever wanted to make-- drapes, clothes, costumes, etc -- this is THE place. I needed about 150 yards of fabric to drape an event and most places either didn't have enough or was too expensive. Well, after Yelping a bit -- I found this gem of a place and decided to check it out. Yes, things are all over the place. Yes, people are running around. And yes, it could be cleaner. However, this is a warehouse people! I swear -- if I could sew -- I'd be hanging out here all the time. I found what I needed and the people are super helpful. I even got a hefty discount for getting it in bulk. I don't think I will look at regular fabric stores the same now. read more

Go for the fabric. Stay for the selection and the prices. Then go to Cafe Aorta down the street for an oatmeal banana chocolate smoothie. (Mmmm...so good) I also suggest bringing an inhaler or face mask if you're allergic to dust...especially for the basement. read more

I am In love with this place! I enjoy hunting and searching, in a uniquely organized setting, for fabrics that speak to me. If, however, you are easily overwhelmed by a plethora of choices this is not the place for you. I must say the staff and owner are all super helpful and friendly. They all went out of their way to help a first time textile discount outlet shopper like myself. And I thought the young lady at the service desk was so sweet; on a number of occasions she was able to direct me exactly to what I was looking for or get another staff member to take me right to it. Yelp prepared me for the basement so I was ready to be adventurous and enjoyed digging through the treasures. I will for sure be back. read more

This place is amazing!! It is a hidden gem in Chicago. They have massive amounts of beautiful brocades, lace, and upholstery fabric. Everything on the first floor is arranged by type of fabric. Once you start moving to the other floors it's more of chaotic. They also have tons of leather pieces in all different sizes - large enough to re-upholster couches and small enough to make handbags. The leather pieces for upholstery are about $5/sq ft and smaller pieces (about 20 sq ft) are only $2.50/sq ft. That's the best price I've seen on leather - even in the NY garment district. They had some cute trims at very reasonable prices ($2/yrd) and also some buttons for very cheap. I got a lot of about 20 buttons for $5. It's an old warehouse that's not air conditioned, so don't go on a hot day! You may want to use one of the shopping carts because the bolts are heavy and the store is HUGE. If you don't see a price just take it with you and the salespeople will let you know how much it is. Let them know you're a student and you'll get 10% off. They also offer wholesale discounts if you end up doing a lot of shopping there. read more

Big, dirty, spacious, jumbled ... It's a gamble, but I always find something I love. They seriously have EVERYTHING. And don't forget to bring a snack, you'll be there a while. read more

I HEART LZ FABRIC!!! I am scenic and properties designer for several and varied theatre companies in the Chicagoland area. I undoubtedly always am reupholstering something, making draperies or other soft goods, and I ALWAYS find something which works perfectly for what I need it to while staying in budget. I just finished making 9 and a half foot long french pleated lined draperies with a 7 and a half foot swag valance, all for under $100! I did have to do the valance over because I had got a bad pattern from a friend, and when I went in distraught, Ray was there to help me figure out how to make it so that my swag worked for my the previews of show I have been working on. She even wrote out instructions for me so that when I got home I would be able to remember how to do it properly. Can't get better than this place. Amazing customer service and a great selection. LZ is the place to go for all your sewing needs. read more

I bought the Groupon for this place a while ago and just visited today. Holy cow. The selection is great for pretty much any fabric you could want. The only thing I noticed that was missing was the typical quilting cotton print section (they had some holiday stuff, but nothing like the quilting explosion you see at most other stores) and also some of the more "hip" home dec fabrics (understandable since this is an outlet). I thought the apparel selection was great though. It was pretty difficult to find everything in the store - there was no signage, no maps, etc. Also, there's just SO MUCH stuff and it's crazily organized. So basically if you need to find a specific type of fabric that's not in the main room then you need to get the staff to help you. That being said, they were all relatively available, and very helpful/friendly. Also, the prices were great - much cheaper than at Joann Fabrics, Hancock or Hobby Lobby. If you're comparing between stores, I think that this place has a better selection than Vogue Fabrics in Evanston (again, minus the quilting cotton section) and also much more helpful/friendly staff. Prices between these two stores are also similar, with Textile Discount Outlet being a little on the cheaper side. read more

I really didn't know what to expect based on reviews and the pictures, but OMG..if you can't find *something* here to suit your needs, your needs are messed up. And yes, it's a disaster, it's dusty, impossible to determine who is an employee and maybe a fire hazard - but this is a WAREHOUSE, princess. Stop complaining. You're gonna wash your fabric before you use it, right? RIGHT? If you're serious about making garments or accessories and JoAnn really isn't your style (it's no one's style), then just go here, stupid. Pro Tip: if you're looking to buy accessories (buckles, zippers, ribbons, etc) then bring a little bucket or something to carry them in. They have carts, but if you're an asshole pushing a cart around this place, you might get punched. I still have more to learn about how this place works, but I will be back...oh yes, I will be back. read more

This is a good place to get some good deals on nice fabric. Do be prepared to spend some time there because it's huge (and I do mean HUGE) and some areas are a little on the messy side. If you're looking mainly for apparel fabric there's a couple of rooms on the main floor where you're most likely to find what you want. Upstairs there is some more stuff, not all of it marked. It gets hot up there in the summer and you want to check things for stains before you buy. The prices are excellent. I got some great cotton prints for $3/yd. They gave me a nice deal on some leftover pieces of satin charmeuse. Even the fancier stuff is mostly very nicely priced. As others have said, the trims here are stellar. Lace, beaded trim, ribbon, in many colors and very inexpensive. Again you may have to poke around or even venture to the basement which is, let's just say, untended. The stuff you will find will often be old, and may have been sitting on that spool for the past 30 or so years, but most everything is in useable condition. I got some grosgrain ribbon for something like $.12 a yard. Sweet! This store appeals to my "hunting and gathering" side. After poking around for about 4 hours, I emerged with enough raw materials to make at least 5 garments, some odds and ends, and the total was around $80. I was very pleased with the quality of the things I did find. I will no doubt be back before long. read more

I love this place. It has a million affordable fabrics. The hours are kind of funky, so check ahead. They also have lots of zippers and other findings in the main (1st) room and the basement. Staff is kind and friendly. The grandma character who works the front is slightly offensive, but in a charming way--the verdict's still out on her. read more

Oh man, Textile Discount Outlet, when did you get so fancy? I don't mean this in any bad terms, I just remember when I had to shop there all the time as a freshman and it would be maybe 3 on floor workers and a sternly, bulky old Russian woman at the register. I went back last Sunday and there were all these young hipper people working there and things seemed so businessy! Though it's still well organized and they still have the basement. And y'know, still kind of like a dusty attic with the tiara display case in the front (which I love). My friend had to get vinyl for an assignment which he got for maybe 6 bucks a yard, not including discount, we went to JoAnn's and it was 29.99. I kid you not. He scored for sure. I didn't really find what I wanted, the basement still has all the trinkets and fabric but much less of a button selection, so I didn't buy too much. However, it's affordable fabric and the staff is nice and helpful. It's not a place to go for good trims really or the small sewing supplies on that end, but they do have good tools for sale. read more

This is my favorite fabric store. Unfortunately, I live out in the way west burbs so getting out to this place is hard. Parking isn't great, but there's almost always parking on the street if the lot is full. My problem with Joannes is that they NEVER have what I'm looking for. Here, I can't say that i've ever been here without finding either exactly what I need or damn close. Yeah its dusty, but that is so part of it's charm! My mom tells me my Great Grandfather used to own a dry goods store and this place is exactly how I imagined my great grandfather's store to look. They carry leather and price it by the square foot. My advice? plan 2 trips. One for gawking because you'll be so dang overstimulated and won't be able to process the sheer amount of fabulous fabric and a second for serious buying. Since they ARE a discount warehouse though, if you see something you MUST HAVE, buy it then!!! read more

Cool place to find cheaper fabrics! Disclaimer: I am not a fabric connoisseur, merely a student artist, so I can't speak to the quality of the goods offered. However, I can say that there are so many rooms in this place you could get lost! The space is like a warehouse, with tons and tons of fabrics for varying prices (as low as $2/yd). You go around picking up rolls in your cart (be careful, they can be heavy) and bring them to the line, where one of the employees will cut the lengths that you want. If you need help carrying or reaching the rolls of fabric, definitely ask! The employees are more than happy to help. Some of the fabrics I spied while I was there- tulle, chiffon, upholstery fabrics, animal print, stretchy velvet, curtain fabric, satin, etc. in addition to lots of embroidery appliques and other knickknacks! read more

I love this place!!!!!!!! My Grandmother has been a seamstress for over 40 yrs. and she has been going to this place forever! I can go in there and spend hours looking at fabric and walking through all o the rooms. Any creative person reading this already knows about this place, if you don't what the hell are you doing?!?!!? Head over there now ! (well not right now because they're not open but as soon as they do go !!!) read more

This place is fantastic. I bought a great Chenille for recovering my couches for $3/yard. Not everything is that cheap, but it's way better than any corporate stores and most on-line places I've looked. I found the staff incredibly helpful. It was busy when I was there, and they were rushed, but I had several people help me out and in the end was incredibly pleased with my purchases and service. Thank you Textile Discount Outlet! read more

Really happy with the selection and prices here. Hobby Lobby and JoAnne Fabrics has NOTHING on this place and even if you combined both their inventory of fabrics it wouldn't even fill the 1st room of this place. Was very pleased with the selection of fabrics, notions, etc. Was happy with what I paid for my purchases as well. Make sure you double check what is written down on the slip because I was charged for 1 1/2 yards of material and it should have only been 1 yard. There is a minimum cut on any fabric under $9.95 of 1 yard. Over $9.95 you can get less than a yard. If you are looking to redo couches and things this is the place along with any type of costumes. Well worth my hour and a half drive was there for over 2 hours. Very happy. read more

Okay, so I was shopping for fabric to give my bridesmaids for their dresses (so they can make any dress they want and all match). And the fabric I wanted I found at Fishmans for $11/yard. While I was at Fishmans gasping at some of the lace prices another patron leaned over and asked if I had checked out Textile Warehouse on Pilsen. She said she was just browsing for the fabric at Fishmans, but that she'd then go buy it at Textile Warehouse for half price. Half price, really? So I ran over to Textile Warehouse and got the exact same fabric for $5.50/yard. Yes, half price. And I saved $250, WOO HOO! I agree with the majority, I'm happy to deal with a little dust if it saves me money, and THAT IT DID! Thanks Textile Warehouse!!! read more

I am not sure how to rate this place. I loved the staff there they are very friendly. I do not mind the dust and a bit of a mess. But: The place is cheap for a simple reason: they only carry cheap stuff. Most of the fabrics, if not all of them are made of synthetic materials, polyester. I was hoping to find some linen, wool, or at least nice heavy cotton for curtains, but nothing.... Most of the fabric has that synthetic shine to them, and unpleasant noise when touched. I was disappointed. read more

Okay, finally hit this place last night. There is a small parking lot right next to the building with enough parking for maybe a dozen cars - I'm sure on Sunday it is packed but when I got there after work (about 4:45 pm) it was empty. Second - I will agree with another reviewer -- you really don't need to check out the basement. All the stuff down there is the same stuff as on the huge main floor, maybe a few different colors, but basically the same. I know. I thought I found a deal with this retro-velvety looking upholstery material and thinking that they would give me a good deal was surprised to find the same exact material, on a large roll, on the main floor (for $9.95 a yard, same price I was quoted for 'my find'). They WILL give you somewhat of a break if you buy all the rest of what's left on the bolt, but that's at the staff's discretion. WITH THAT SAID -- this place is awesome. Every color and texture imaginable. Beautiful tafettas, organzas, leather (!!) you name it. Nice curtain tie backs for super cheap! Very friendly and helpful staff. I will be back! read more

This place is amazing!! Five huge warehouse style rooms, each with three levels. Every type of fabric you can imagine, at all price points. Your first time here, prepare to spend at least two hours looking around. If you can't find what you're looking for here, it's probably not in Chicago at all! read more

I'm not a textile expert by any means, but accompanied my good friend here while she hunted down new fabric for her clothing designs. This place feels like I've been transported to a giant street bazaar across the world- it is floor to ceiling fabric, a giant warehouse, filled to the brim, with many twists and turns. The fabric here is inexpensive and comes in different rooms- furniture, curtains, clothing, formal, furs and animal skins, accessories like zippers and elastic, rhinestones and beading, etc! You could easily get lost and spend an entire day here rummaging around. Employees are very nice-- don't come if you're easily claustrophobic-- this place is packed and full of narrow aisles. I walked away with four curtain ties for $10. read more

Keep looking...you will find what you need. Huge!!! My mom called it an Ocean of fabric! Love it! Parking is bad... read more

It's a huge warehouse full of so many deals. So what if it looks like a rummage sale? Because for the awesome deals and money you save, plus a lot of rare hard to find gems, it's worth digging in. I was able to get high quality curtains made for my apartment with the fabrics. People spend thousands and I only spent a couple hundred on probably 30 yards of higher quality fabrics. I was able to talk down the price of a fabric that I know normally goes for about $100 a yard from Robert Allen to $3 for the remaining yard and a half left on the bolt. It never hurts to ask. They are so willing to help-even though the owner is always swamped. I wish it was closer to where I live and I wish the parking was easier, also I wish I knew when the best times to shop because every time I'm there I wait in a mega-line, but I'll learn the more I go. Speaking of, I need to go soon. I need buttons. I recommend for home decor, fashion and general sewing or crafts. I think it's a must see for these people. read more

As much as I love this place I bought a bolt that was full of bug larva. Double check and wash what you buy -- this place isn't the most sanitary or clean. read more

Two floors of all types of fabric from dupioni silk to ancient prints from the early 80s. Lots of junk but some hidden gems if you are willing to dig. Very reasonable prices. Service is chaotic but friendly. African prints, suiting, drapery fabric, trims, neon fur, leather. Worth the trip if you're in the Chicago area. read more

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Pros: * Giant warehouse * Huge selection, I mean HUGE * VERY cheap prices * Negotiable prices if damaged or dirty * Floors upon floors to search in Cons: * Service while your searching is limited, most are on the 1st floor * Need a Car and parking in VERY LIMITED * Most things are dirty and dusty * Alot of rooms have stuff thrown into a pile on the floor All in all this place is great, I had a great experience the check out was very efficient and there was tons of people purchasing fabric. I'm a digger and if its going to be cheap I'll sift through dust to get at it. I purchased 12 yards of nice fabric and my total was $45. So I think it was a steal. read more

What a find! Thank you, fellow Yelpers, for allowing me to discover this amazing place. My first trip: yesterday, January 21. I walked in the door to find a busy, bustling scene in complete disarray. The clientele ranged from interior designer types to little old ladies in babushkas to bewildered men trailing behind their women. I felt like I was walking into another time. In short, I was totally psyched! Yes - the parking lot is, as another Yelper indicated, about the size of a living room. Remarkably, I did find a spot. Once inside, I felt like I needed a GPS to navigate the place. The workers were a little hard to find at times, but were very helpful. I agree with the rest of you - the basement is not so great. Most of the really good stuff is on the first floor. The second floor seemed to have a lot of older, but not really cool vintage, fabrics. Found some beautiful upholstery fabrics at amazing prices. Now all I need is a good upholsterer. The company I used to use is no longer in business. Any ideas, Yelpers? read more

Huge selection and good prices. Not too far from the Damen stop on the Pink Line 'L' train. They are closed on Saturdays and super busy on Sundays. The parking lot seems only slightly larger than my living room. Try to find street parking if you can. read more

A treasure hunt! Found great upholstery fabric in the basement to make my grandmother's old couch new again - she would have loved this store. read more

This place is indescribable, you will NEVER believe it until you see it. Great deals (usually ) amazing selection OF upholstery and fabrics of all kinds. Prepare for hours of hunting and where casual comfortable clothes that can get dirty when you are digging through bins of fabric and trim and siding for buried treasure. This 100+ year old Pilsen warehouse is 3 stories of bolts and bins and back rooms, very messy but that is what makes it fun, after all. If you're worried about fire hazards, this place is not for you. Steve, the owner, is a great no-nonsense business man and runs the place like an NYC Garment District pro. If you want help, ask for Angel- he is beyond helpful, professional and knowledgeable and will help you throughout the store. If you're looking for trimmings, be sure to ask for the pad locked room of amazing selection and quantity. Be warned, they are closed on Saturday for Jewish Sabbath. Sundays are crazy. ONE OF A KIND MUST SEE. read more

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There's lots of cheap and crazy stuff here. And that may be your thing. I don't care for the abrasive attitude of the help, more specifically upper management. read more

I love going here because of the selection. If they don't have it the chances that they can order it is very high, with fast results. There are a few of us that make this a day trip with lunch included because after walking, touching and seeing everything you are very hungry after-wards. Everyone should go here for any kind of fabric, trim and other items! read more

Well, it's huge and as overwhelming as walking into a hoarder house thinking you will be able to find a diamond ring lost in there. It's also three floors and each floor is set up in a very particular way. I will attempt to break it down for you so you can have the most efficient shopping experience. TOP FLOOR: this is apparently where all patterns that might be considered a bit on the questionable side of currency (in this case 20+ years) are displayed. If I am ever picked to be on HGTV's Design Star and one of the challenges is to do a room in a 1984 South Beach theme, I am TOTALLY going to rock that shit. Also most of the area is in a perpetual state of being organized so you will have to pick your way around giant boxes of randomness as well as entire aisles being blocked by other racks of fabric. GROUND FLOOR: are you planning a Quinceañera? or have a strip club and require many yards of stretchable sequined fabric? This is the largest of the floors and it is just room after room of every conceivable tacky, crazy patterned, brightly coloured fabric imaginable. There is one section of upholstery weight fabric, laces, and trims, but you will need to spend a considerable time searching and most of what is displayed is not priced. BASEMENT: well holy hoppin jesus what in the hell is going on down here? I *GUESS* if once you can get past the smell, and adjust your eyes to the dim lighting, and are OK with possibly contracting asthma and/or COPD while you are here you might have an adequate shopping experience on this level. This has got to be the most filthy, ridiculous area of merchandise for sale I have ever experienced in my life. How has this not been closed down by the city yet? I was terrified to pull out any bolt of fabric for fear of a) a massive cloud of asbestos being stirred up b) finding some extra "gift" such as a large penetrating stain of questionable origin, potent smell, or worse, a giant web or c) a family of rats being disturbed and exploding from underneath the rack. On the plus side though, I did see a dust covered bolt of a very popular pattern from Waverly in the 1980's, so if you are in need of a green ivy chintz PM me and I can point you toward it. I don't really see the appeal here and would not make the trip back since it is far for me and the lack of current, clean and good quality merchandise is sorely lacking. Well, unless my next client is the owner of a strip club - then HEY-OH! read more

It's a textile paradise. The place is huge, if you ever thought about losing your kid on purpose, then this might be the place ha. On the serious note, they have everything of any kind. It's so much that at one point it was overwhelming. Outstanding selection. If it wasn't to an awesome guy named Marius than I would have been there all day. Very informative, very helpful. Not many places have great employees like he is. It's really a great add on to a business. I have been there already twice and coming back this week. P.S. Check their shcedule on the website or call ahead, sometimes they are closed for inventory. read more