Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Haberdashery for a sewing atelier is the core stock of elastics, ribbons, threads, lace, hook and loop, fastenings and interfacing materials without which no order or alteration can be finished. A good list covers the atelier’s most frequent garments – skirts, trousers, dresses, shirts, jackets – in neutral colours and standard widths. Special materials are ordered per project once the client approves the design.
Why a haberdashery list matters for a sewing atelier
In an atelier, most time is lost waiting for small materials. The dress is sewn, but there is no invisible zip in the right colour; the trousers are ready, but there is no trouser hook. A well-organised stock of basic haberdashery shortens order lead times and reduces emergency retail purchases, which cost more and often do not match in colour. At the same time, the stock must not turn into an archive of unused rolls – so it helps to divide materials into permanent and seasonal.
Core list: what to always have
Threads
- polyester sewing threads in 15–20 basic colours (black, white, ecru, navy, grey, beige, brown, burgundy, olive);
- heavier threads for decorative and visible topstitching on jeans and coats;
- overlock threads in neutral tones.
You will find details on thread numbering and selection in the threads section.
Elastics
- knitted elastic 6–10 mm for lingerie, sleeves and childrenswear;
- knitted or woven elastic 20–40 mm for skirt and trouser waistbands;
- round elastic for button loops and casings;
- black and white as a minimum, nude for lingerie.
Ribbons and binding
- herringbone tape for reinforcing seams and hanging loops;
- satin ribbon in several narrow widths for ties and decorative details;
- grosgrain ribbon for inner waistbands and facings;
- ready-made bias binding for finishing necklines and curved edges.
Fastenings
- wire hooks and eyes in black and silver, in 2–3 sizes;
- trouser hooks and bars for trousers and skirts;
- sew-on snap fasteners for coats and dresses;
- hook and loop tape in black and white;
- a basic range of buttons for shirts and trousers.
Zips
- invisible zips 18–22 cm and 50–60 cm for skirts and dresses;
- nylon coil zips for trousers;
- a few open-ended (separating) zips for jackets in neutral colours.
Lace and decorative materials
Narrow lace in white, ecru and black for hems, lingerie and repairs. Wide and special laces are better ordered per project, because the motif and colour depend on the specific dress.
Seasonal and project-based haberdashery
Some materials make no sense to stock in large quantities. Order them per project:
- lace and ribbons in the season’s fashion colour;
- cords and cord stoppers for sportswear collections;
- elastics with a logo or a specific pattern;
- materials for bridal and formal gowns, chosen together with the client.
Stock planning table
| Group | Minimum range | When to restock |
|---|---|---|
| Threads | basic colours + overlock | when one spool of a colour is left |
| Elastics | 3–4 widths in black and white | when below one roll per width |
| Ribbons | herringbone, satin, grosgrain | by season |
| Fastenings | hooks and eyes, trouser hooks, snaps | when below a set minimum |
| Zips | invisible and nylon coil in the most common lengths | monthly check |
| Lace | narrow edgings in 3 colours | per project |
How to buy more cost-effectively
Ateliers often buy at retail from local shops because it is quick. With regular work, however, it is more cost-effective to stock the core materials wholesale from a manufacturer. The price is determined by the material, width, colour, quantity and whether the item is standard or custom – so group your needs and send one combined request for a quote instead of many small ones. A few practical rules:
- Combine orders for several weeks ahead.
- Standardise widths – for example, one elastic for all skirt waistbands.
- Choose a basic palette and maintain it instead of buying every shade.
- Record article numbers so you can order the same item at the next restock.
- Test a new material on a sample before adding it to the permanent range.
Organisation and record-keeping
Store rolls by group and width, in closed boxes or on shelves away from direct sunlight. Each box should have a label with the article, colour, width and restocking date. A simple spreadsheet – what came in and what was used for each order – shows which materials move fast and which sit idle. After a few months you will know exactly how much of each item you need and will not tie up money in surplus stock.
Interfacing and auxiliary materials
Besides visible haberdashery, an atelier also needs materials the client does not see but feels in the quality of the garment:
- fusible interfacing in several weights for collars, cuffs, plackets and waistbands;
- fusible stay tape for reinforcing pocket edges and necklines;
- padded tapes and shoulder pads for jackets and coats;
- narrow elastic or clear silicone tape for stabilising shoulders on knitwear.
These materials are used up steadily and are best kept in permanent stock, because without them the finished garment loses its shape after the first wear.
Haberdashery for ateliers from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer headquartered in Sofia that has been supplying materials to sewing ateliers, factories and brands for over 30 years. The haberdashery category includes elastics, ribbons, cords, lace and hook and loop, and the full catalogue runs to more than 10,000 articles. You can combine haberdashery, zips, buttons and labels in one order. Send your list via the inquiry form, and you will receive a proposal and samples.
