Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique

Category:	Fabric Store
Address:	2136 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA
Phone:	+1 503-287-2658
Site:	boltfabricboutique.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 11AM–4PM

Location

Photos 34

Reviews 13

Krissa Larsson

Have heard about BOLT for a long time, but beings as it is not my neck of the woods, I just never went there. I finally took the time to stop in. I expected overpriced fabrics that you could find in other stores, snobby employees and lots of eye candy. I did not expect to buy anything. Wrong. The fabrics are reasonably priced in comparison to other stores in the area (we are talking about the same fabric, same designer store to store) and even compared to online. Yes, you can get cheaper at Joanns but, it is not as awesome and definitely the same quality. That is like comparing Walmart to Macys. The employees were not uber-hyper-friendly, but so what? That would only be annoying. They were nice and pleasant, making small talk with me when cutting my fabric. I found the ULTIMATE color. The elusive color that I have been searching and searching for in stretch knit. I have tried to order it 3 times online, only to be told that it was sold out. Lo and behold, here it was in a local fabric store at a very decent price! I was (still am!) stokked to say the least. Everything this store stocks, from the trims to the fabric to the patterns is the trediest, coolest, most latest and greatest thing. Everything they have is desirable and makes you want to go home and start a mad sewing frenzy. I walked out with a lot. And I will be back. Simply put, this store is a modern sewers happy place.

A Private User

I like Bolt. It has an excellent selection of fabrics for such a teensy store, and a good selection of patterns and notions too. Its not my favorite fabric shop in Portland -- thats Cool Cottons, on Hawthorne -- but its a good one. Since there are some complaints in other reviews about the customer service, Ill chime in on that subject. Ive never found the staff to be outright rude, but on one of the two times I was in there, I would say the person who served me was unfriendly. (The second time, I got a different person and she was lovely.) But who can say -- maybe that first person was having a bad day. I would say Bolt is well worth checking out if you are in the area. Theres also a nice little yarn shop next door. :-) But be forewarned: its a tiny, cramped shop, and the employees may not be especially warm.

Kim Harrington

This store was a must see! Too bad that the woman behind the counter was so rude. I was planning to buy some expensive silks for flower making, but after being there for a while browsing, she didnt even acknowledge our presence. When I asked her where to find some leaves that were displayed, she directed me to look into a large chest of drawers and didnt bother to help me. She and the man who Im guessing was her spouse had some sharp words right there in the middle of the store. I felt like an unwanted guest instead of a welcome customer. These merchants could take some lessons from my dear friend Martha Campbell Pullen! Always thank your customers for coming and treat them like a treasured guest.

A Private User

I used to live a couple blocks from Bolt. Ive sewn since I was a kid, so at that time I had at least 13 years of experience with a sewing machine. So when I asked a girl working there whether or not something would work with a project Id started, and she gave me attitude, I was pretty put off. Theres no excuse for acting like that, I dont care what kind of day youre having. Pretty positive thats the general consensus of this shop, which is a total shame. They do carry pretty designer fabric, but Id rather pay a lousy shipping fee to get it than ride my bike 6 miles uphill to deal with holier than thou retail associates who cant be helpful to other creative people.

A Private User

They have a great array of fabrics to choose from. Great designers and manufacturers. The selection is always changing and new fabric is almost always coming in the door. I love that they carry the Kokka lines as well. I always know when I want a fun, funky print that I will find it here. While the customer service has always been good, they do not go out of their way to be friendly. The fat quarter selection is a little lacking as well. The shop is a little tight to move around in, but still charming. I think its worth your time to check it out if you havent already.

Amber Clark

Friendly, knowledgeable staff and fabulous selection of fabrics. Not the biggest place, but they have a well-curated selection, and a good selection of hard to find things like wool felt and interesting flannel thats not pink and blue baby prints. The staff dont necessarily want to be your bffs, but theyre always polite and ready with a smile and cordial chit chat. Not sure what everyone is looking for from shop workers. Customer service can be exhausting, but Ive been coming to this shop for years and have always found them helpful.

Carolyn Wieden

Actually, the customer service is fantastic. Everyone who works there has good advice and unbelievable patience with fabric-lovers addicted to dreaming, exploring, and planning--as well as buying. They know their stock well and give great suggestions for combinations you might not have considered. The fabrics are top-notch, all organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you need. Many thanks to Gina and her crew for their help with design problems and their inspiring ideas.

A Private User

I make sure to stop in to Bolt every time Im visiting from San Francisco! Its probably best that I dont live in Portland because I could go broke buying fabrics from Bolt. Not because they are expensive (everything is incredibly reasonably priced!) but because I love just about every single fabric they cary. The store staff is always so friendly and helpful with any sewing questions that I may have. These ladies sure have an eye for great fabrics and spiffy notions!

A Private User

You can find the exact same fabric at JoAnns for much less and youll be treated better. The only thing that makes this a "boutique" is that they have an eye for prints and dont have the wide variety of fabric that other stores may have. Its all cotton, its all print and its easy to find at other stores. The workers are unfriendly and seem unappreciative of your business. Believe me, I would support the local store if they acted like they wanted me to shop there.

A Private User

The fabric selection is the creme de ala creme. Tasteful fabrics, hip patterns, quite the selection considering how small the shop is!The prices are expensive compared to JoAnns of Fabric Depot, but this an independent business and we should support them. Additionally, its also on Alberta, way closer than the other two.

Caryn Linn

The staff at this fabric boutique is wonderful. I was buying 1/8 yd of 15 different fabrics, to use for applique. The lady was very understanding and pleasant. Yes its a small boutique but love to shop there cause they have different prints. Thank you

A Private User

Whomever buys the fabric for this store has her finger on the pulse of fashion. Its all hip stuff! Cute store--tiny, but nicely arranged. Seeing the appeal this store has to younger sewers gives me hope for the future of "domestic arts."

Mary Shiffer

Visited Bolt for the first time today and it was definitely worth the drive from Tualatin. I love the selection of contemporary fabrics and the. End of the year sale was filled with unique fabics at great prices. Ill be back!