Arts & Crafts

Discover the Best Arts & Crafts Stores in the UK: Fabrics, Jewellery Tops, and Creative Supplies

Why choosing the right arts & crafts store matters

Looking for the perfect fabric for a cushion cover or a sparkling gem top to finish a ring? The difference between a frustrating trip and a joyful creative session often comes down to where you buy your supplies. The right store gives you quality, inspiration, and value — whether you’re sewing, painting, or making jewellery. In the UK there’s a great spread of specialist shops and big retailers that cater to different skills, budgets, and project sizes, so knowing which store fits your needs can save time and keep your creativity flowing.

Nordic Nest: stylish textiles and oilcloth for modern makers

Nordic Nest has earned a reputation for clean Scandinavian designs and quality textiles, making it a go-to for makers who want statement fabrics. If you’re working on a homeware project, their oilcloths like the Fine Little Day Gran in black-and-white or the Almedahls Pomona multi are perfect for table runners, picnic blankets, and waterproof craft projects. Think of oilcloth as your best friend for messy hobbies — it wipes clean and stands up to spillages while still feeling modern.

How Nordic Nest fabrics fit into crafting projects

The Arvidssons Textil range is especially handy for makers who love pattern and colour. Fabrics such as Cirrus in blue-yellow or Ängen in green add a bold touch to cushions and curtains, while Almedahls Linne in natural gives a timeless base for more detailed embroidery or hand-stitching. If you’re planning upholstery or a bag, consider the weave and weight — heavier linens from Nordic Nest are sturdy for structured work, while lighter cotton blends will drape nicely for clothing or lightweight accessories.

Practical tips for working with oilcloth and linen

Oilcloth is brilliant because it’s waterproof and low-maintenance, but it behaves a bit differently from regular fabric. Use a teflon or walking foot on your sewing machine to avoid sticking, and stitch with a slightly longer stitch length. For linen, pre-wash to avoid shrinkage and press with a hot iron to settle the fibres. Want crisp edges? Use clips instead of pins on oilcloth to avoid permanent holes.

Grace & Co Jewellery: gem-topped rings and interchangeable elegance

If your creative pursuits lean towards jewellery, Grace & Co Jewellery offers a neat twist on personalisation with Qudo gem tops. These tops — like the Bocconi style with violet tanzanite or the Tondo Deluxe in pink rose — pop onto ring bases to create a swap-and-match system that’s perfect for makers and gift-givers alike. Instead of crafting an entire ring from scratch, you can focus on combining colours and metal finishes to match outfits or moods.

Understanding gem-top sizes and fit

Many of the popular Qudo tops come in small circular sizes; for example, tops listed around 11 millimetres are just under 1/2 inch in diameter, while 13 millimetre sizes are roughly 1/2 inch across. Those decimal inches matter when you’re pairing them with pre-made ring bases or bezels — ensure compatibility by checking the inner diameters and how the top attaches. A snug fit prevents wobble but still lets you swap tops quickly.

Using gem tops in DIY jewellery projects

Gem tops can be used to create modular jewellery beyond rings. Try attaching a couple to charm trays, pendant bases, or hair slides for an instant colour pop. For crafters who like to personalise gifts, a set of gem tops in varying sizes gives you more ways to customise bracelets and necklaces without needing a full metalsmith setup.

Hobbycraft and The Works: high-street variety for every budget

For broad, affordable ranges, Hobbycraft and The Works are staples. Hobbycraft stocks everything from paints, brushes, and canvas to sewing kits and modelling tools, and is ideal if you want a one-stop shop. The Works is great when you need pocket-friendly basics or seasonal craft kits for kids. Both stores balance choice and price, making them reliable stops whether you’re restocking glue sticks or hunting for speciality paper.

When to choose a specialist versus a general retailer

If you need artist-grade paints or archival papers, head to a specialist like Cass Art or Jackson’s Art Supplies. But if you’re starting a hobby, teaching a workshop, or stocking up for a school project, high-street stores give excellent value. Think of it like tools for a kit: specialists supply the high-performance tools and materials, while mainstream retailers offer reliable, everyday versions.

Cass Art, Jackson’s Art Supplies and online marketplaces

For fine art supplies, Cass Art and Jackson’s Art Supplies are favourites among UK painters and illustrators. They focus on quality pigments, canvases, brushes, and professional papers — the kind of supplies that make a real difference if you want lightfast colours and archival results. Online marketplaces like Amazon UK and Etsy also offer vast ranges and independent sellers; use them when you need rare components or handmade embellishments that aren’t available on the high street.

Comparing professional and consumer-grade art materials

Professional paints tend to have higher pigment loads and better permanence. For example, student acrylics work well for practise and craft projects, but if you want richer hues and longevity, choose artist-grade acrylics or oils. Brushes labelled as “synthetic” are excellent for acrylics and water-based media, while natural-hair brushes often excel with oils and watercolour. Match tools to media to save frustration and get the finish you want.

Paperchase, Dunelm and The Range: stationery, fabrics and home-craft supplies

Paperchase is a joy if you love stationery and paper crafts; its patterned papers, stickers, and embellishments are ideal for card-making and journalling. Dunelm offers a wide selection of home fabrics and sewing supplies for upholstery and curtains, and The Range provides a mix of crafting gear and homewares that are handy for creative upcycling and seasonal projects. Together these stores cover much of what hobby crafters need for textiles, paper crafts, and small DIY jobs.

Best uses for each store’s strengths

Use Paperchase for cards, planners, and decorative paper projects. Choose Dunelm when you’re sewing curtains, cushions, or using heavier fabrics for furniture. Turn to The Range for craft storage, display materials, and larger home-craft items. Each store fills a niche: match your project need to the retailer’s strengths for the smoothest shopping trip.

Budgeting and getting the most value from your craft purchases

Crafting can get expensive fast, so plan purchases and prioritise what truly makes a difference. Spend more on tools and professional-grade materials that won’t need replacing soon — a sturdy pair of scissors, a quality sewing machine foot, or archival paints are investments. Save on consumables like basic glue, chopstick stirrers, and low-cost brushes from high-street stores. Buying in bulk also reduces cost per item for frequently used supplies like thread or canvas panels.

Seasonal sales, loyalty programmes and student discounts

Many UK retailers run seasonal discounts and have loyalty offers. Join email lists or loyalty schemes for coupons and early-bird deals, especially before big craft seasons like Christmas or back-to-school. Students and educators can often access discounts on art supplies and software, so always check for proof-of-status offers. And don’t forget to compare prices across shops — even small per-item savings add up when you’re buying multiple supplies.

Creative project ideas using these stores’ supplies

Want practical project inspiration? Try making a wipe-clean picnic blanket from Nordic Nest oilcloth teamed with a contrasting linen backing, or design a modular ring set using gem tops from Grace & Co for mix-and-match looks. Use Cass Art pigments for a bold abstract canvas, or upcycle home textiles from Dunelm into stylish cushion covers. Kids’ craft boxes from The Works and Paperchase make great rainy-day activities that feel grown-up without the mess of professional media.

Combining supplies creatively to personalise gifts

Think of layering: combine patterned fabric with an embroidered motif, or pair a gem-topped pendant with a simple leather cord. Little touches — a hand-lettered tag, a custom-printed patch, or a hand-painted ceramic plate — make gifts feel thoughtful. Using supplies from both specialist and high-street stores gives you both quality focal pieces and cost-effective supporting materials.

How to shop smart for materials online and in-store

When shopping online, read product descriptions and customer reviews closely. Look for fabric weight, care instructions, and any shrinkage warnings for textiles. For jewellery findings and gem tops, check compatibility details and return options if sizes aren’t clear. In-store, don’t be shy — handle fabrics to test drape and texture, and hold paints and brushes to judge balance and feel. A quick patch test with paints or dyes can prevent surprises later.

Storing supplies to extend their life

Good storage is part of smart shopping. Keep paints sealed and upright to avoid spills, store fabrics in breathable containers to prevent mildew, and use divider drawers for beads and small jewellery components to stop tangles. Proper storage means the supplies you invested in will stay usable for longer, stretching your budget further.

Conclusion

The UK’s arts and crafts scene offers something for everyone, from Nordic Nest’s stylish textiles and waterproof oilcloths to Grace & Co Jewellery’s clever gem-topped rings. Combine specialist retailers like Cass Art and Jackson’s for professional materials with high-street favourites such as Hobbycraft, The Works, Paperchase, Dunelm, and The Range for budget-friendly supplies and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner exploring new hobbies or an experienced maker chasing quality, choosing the right store — and understanding what to prioritise — will keep your projects joyful, efficient, and beautifully finished. Ready to start your next project? Pick a material, grab your tools, and make something you’ll be proud of.