Dashew Supply Co in Baltimore: Industrial-Grade Fabric for Sewers and Makers
Dashew Supply Co is a fabric wholesaler and retailer on East Pratt Street that stocks bulk yardage, mill-end rolls, and specialty textiles at prices significantly lower than retail fabric shops, drawing both professional seamstresses and hobbyists willing to hunt for specific inventory in an unpolished warehouse setting.
What Dashew Supply Co Actually Is
Dashew operates as a no-frills fabric distributor with retail counter access. The stock leans toward practical textiles: canvas, denim, fleece, lining, batting, and upholstery weight goods. Inventory shifts based on mill overstock and closeouts, which means selection is unpredictable but frequently includes premium fibers at clearance margins. The space itself is utilitarian, organized more by fiber type and weight than by color or pattern matching, and staff are accustomed to customers who know what thread count or weight they need rather than shopping for aesthetic inspiration.
Pricing and Bulk Access
Yardage typically runs 40 to 60 percent below specialty retail shops like Fabric Depot or The Fabric Place. A yard of 11-ounce canvas costs roughly $4 to $6 per yard here versus $10 to $14 at retail competitors. Mill-end rolls, often 20 to 50 yards, sell at per-yard rates that drop further with volume. Minimum purchases do not apply to counter sales, but bulk buys (50 yards or more) sometimes unlock additional discounts. Verify current pricing directly, as overstock-driven inventory means prices shift with new supplier lots.
How It Compares to Other Baltimore Fabric Sources
The Fabric Place in Canton carries curated prints, novelty knits, and designer collaborations at standard retail markup, and staff assist with pattern matching and project consultation. Dashew assumes the buyer knows what they need and offers no design input. For a wedding dress lining or a specific designer print, The Fabric Place is the right choice. For volume upholstery fabric, canvas for bags or awnings, or batting for quilts, Dashew's pricing advantage justifies the hunt. Craft stores like Joann (multiple Maryland locations including near Baltimore) stock beginner-friendly selections and regular sales but maintain higher baseline prices and narrower weight/fiber options than Dashew.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Dashew suits experienced sewers, quilters restocking basics, upholstery professionals, and makers doing high-yardage projects where cost per yard matters. It serves people who can identify their fiber content and weight requirement without color swatches. It does not suit first-time sewers looking for guidance, anyone needing immediate small quantities (under 2 yards), or shoppers browsing for inspiration. Returns and exchanges follow a strict policy; confirm details before purchase.
First Visit and Navigation
Arrive with a specific fiber type or weight in mind if possible. The counter staff will direct you to sections but expect minimal handholding. Bring a ruler if comparing weights or weaves. Fitting rooms are not available, so touch and examine on-site. Payment is cash or card at the counter. Allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the space; stock is deep but not clearly mapped for newcomers.
Hours and Logistics
Dashew Supply Co is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sundays. Street parking is available on East Pratt, though competition for spots increases mid-morning. The location is roughly 15 minutes by car from downtown Baltimore and served by MTA bus route 10. Verify hours before visiting, as holiday schedules sometimes shift.
Dashew Supply Co fills a specific role for sewers and makers who prioritize cost and bulk access over retail amenities. Its inventory turnover and pricing structure reward shoppers with clear fiber knowledge and medium-to-large project scopes.
