Sep 09, 2025

Wholesale Cotton Fabric UK: Buy by the Roll or Metre & Save Big on Every Order

Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the UK. It’s breathable, versatile, and affordable - perfect for dressmakers, boutiques, and even home sewers. But if you’re shopping wholesale, you’ve probably asked yourself:

Should I buy cotton fabric by the roll or by the metre?

This guide will break it down simply. We’ll compare prices, answer the most common questions, and show you how to save up to 40% on your orders.

Why Buy Wholesale Cotton Fabric in the UK?

Wholesale cotton fabric is all about value for money. Instead of paying retail prices, you can:

Order full rolls (usually 25 metres long).
Or buy by the metre (great for smaller projects or testing).

At Fashion Track , a 25m roll of plain cotton costs just £74.99 — that’s £3.00 per metre. The same fabric by the metre is typically £4.50–£5.00.

👉 That means you save around 33–40% by choosing the roll.

Is It Cheaper to Buy Cotton Fabric by the Roll or by the Metre in the UK?

Yes — rolls are cheaper per metre. Here’s a quick comparison:

Option	Price Example	Cost per Metre	Best For
Full Roll (25m)	£74.99	£3.00	Businesses, boutiques, bulk sewing
By the Metre	£4.50–£5.00	£4.50–£5.00	Samples, hobby sewing, small orders

If you’re sewing regularly or running a business, the roll is the clear winner. But if you just need fabric for a one-off project, buying by the metre makes more sense.

Where to Buy Wholesale Cotton Fabric in the UK

You can shop wholesale cotton fabric in two ways:

Online suppliers like Fashion Track — nationwide delivery, clear pricing, and wide stock.
Fabric districts in London, Manchester, or Birmingham — good for trade pickups.
Local fabric shops — flexible, but often pricier.

Most buyers prefer online because it’s faster, easier, and cheaper.

How Many Metres Are in a Full Roll of Cotton Fabric?

In the UK, the standard wholesale roll contains 25 metres of fabric.

Length: 25m is most common, though some suppliers offer 20m or 30m rolls.
Width: usually 44–60 inches (110–150cm).

At Fashion Track , most plain cotton rolls are 25m long — enough for multiple projects or a small boutique collection.

Can I Order Samples Before Buying a Roll?

Yes — and you should.

If you’re unsure about a fabric, you can order Fabric by the metre to test:

Check colour accuracy.
Feel the texture.
Test wash quality.

At Fashion Track, you can buy 1 metre samples before committing to the roll. It’s the safest way to avoid mistakes.

What’s the Difference Between Buying by the Roll and by the Metre?

By the Roll (25m):
- Cheapest per metre (up to 40% savings).
- Best for boutiques, tailors, and bulk projects.
- Requires more storage.
By the Metre:
- Flexible for small orders.
- Ideal for hobby sewing or sampling.
- Higher price per metre.

👉 If you sew often or run a business, go with the roll. If you’re experimenting, start with a metre.

How to Calculate How Much Fabric You Need

Here’s a simple guide:

Small projects (cushions, kids’ clothes): 1–3m.
Medium projects (curtains, dresses): 5–10m.
Business stock (boutique dresses, uniforms): 25m+.

Example: If one dress takes 2.5m of fabric, a full 25m roll lets you make 10 dresses at £3 per metre. Buying by the metre would cost £45–£50 more for the same fabric.

Benefits of Buying Wholesale Cotton Fabric

Save up to 40% per order.
Consistent stock for repeat projects.
Better fabric variety — plain, calico, printed.
Flexible buying — order rolls or test by the metre.

FAQs

❓ Is it cheaper to buy cotton fabric by the roll or by the metre in the UK?

Yes — rolls save you 20–40% compared to metres.

❓ How many metres are in a full roll of cotton fabric?

Most UK rolls are 25m long, with widths between 44–60 inches.

❓ Where can I buy wholesale cotton fabric in the UK?

From trusted suppliers like Fashion Track - online ordering with UK delivery.

❓ Can I order samples before buying a roll?

Yes — order 1m first to test quality and colour.

❓ What’s the difference between roll vs metre?

Roll = cheaper, bulk-friendly. Metre = flexible, small orders.

Final Thoughts

Wholesale cotton fabric is available in two easy ways in the UK: by the roll or by the metre.

Full rolls (25m): cheaper per metre, great for businesses.
By the metre: flexible, best for small orders and samples.

👉 Start today:

Whether you’re sewing for fun or running a boutique, the smart choice is to compare your needs, choose the right option, and save big on every order.