A Local’s Guide to Hidden Hobbyist Shops in Textile Centre


A Local’s Guide to Hidden Hobbyist Shops in Textile Centre

Singapore’s Textile Centre at Jalan Sultan is a curious architectural time capsule that houses more than just rolls of fabric. While its name suggests a singular focus on haberdashery, most of the textile shops here are gone, resulting in the building to evolve into a vertical playground for hobbyists of all stripes. From 24-hour hangouts to boutique stores, here is a guide to the must-visit shops that make Textile Centre a premier destination for local enthusiasts.

1. HackerspaceSG

If you’ve ever wanted a “clubhouse for geeks,” HackerspaceSG is exactly that. As Singapore’s first co-working space, it has stayed true to its roots by functioning as a community-run laboratory. It’s not your typical corporate office; it’s a living room for inventors and entrepreneurs.

For a modest day pass fee ($16), visitors get access to a community of like-minded “hackers” (in the creative sense!) and high-tech tools.

  • Unique Tech: They house specialized equipment like the Anycubic i3 Mega 3D printer and a RIPE Atlas Probe.
  • Community Spirit: While it’s open 24/7 for members, the space truly comes alive in the evenings with workshops, movie nights, and presentations.

Location:  200 Jln Sultan, #08-10 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Publicly unavailable 

Best For: Techies, engineers, and digital artists.

2. Sin Hin Chuan Kee

Founded in 1965, Sin Hin Chuan Kee is a legendary name in the Singaporean textile scene. Stepping inside is often compared to being a “kid in a candy store,” but instead of sweets, you are greeted by a rainbow of ribbons, buttons, and zippers.

  • Customisation Kings: They are the go-to experts for professional ribbon printing and customised sewing supplies.
  • The Inventory: Whether you need a specific YKK zipper or a particular shade of lace for a garment, their stock is nearly unparalleled. It is the bridge between old-school reliability and modern fashion needs.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-08 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM | Closed on Sundays 

Best For: Fashion designers, DIY crafters, and businesses.

3. Another New Haute

Hidden inside the Textile Centre, Another New Haute is a boutique emporium curated by cycling fans, for cycling fans. This isn’t just a place to buy a bike but rather a space designed to celebrate the culture of the ride.

  • Premium Brands: They carry high-end names like Albion, Zipp, Silca, and Corima.
  • The Experience: It serves as a community hub where cyclists can share experiences and find professional-grade maintenance tools and attire that you won’t find in your average neighbourhood bike shop.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-09a Inside Waldgang Barber Shop, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours:  Monday-Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM

Best For: Road cyclists and “Peloton” enthusiasts.

4. Artify Studio: A Sanctuary for the Soul

Perched on the 12th floor, Artify Studio offers a literal and metaphorical escape from the bustle of the city. Their philosophy is simple: art should be fun, relaxed, and accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

  • Guided vs. Unguided: Beginners can opt for Guided Art Jamming, where instructors lead you through a canvas painting, while more experienced artists can choose unguided sessions to explore their own pace.
  • Versatile Mediums: They don’t just stick to acrylics; you can experiment with palette knife painting, oils, gouache, and watercolours. All materials (even the aprons!) are provided.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #12-07 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours:  Wednesday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday-Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM, 7 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM | Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays

Best For: Aspiring painters and “Art Jammers.”

5. EFive Dance Pilates Yoga Studio

Established in 2016, EFive is a multi-disciplinary studio that proves fitness doesn’t have to be repetitive. Their approach combines the core-strengthening of Pilates with the mindfulness of Yoga and the rhythmic expression of Dance.

  • Professional Training: They aren’t just a gym; they co-founded the S International Training Academy (SITA), having trained nearly 1,000 professionals in the industry.
  • Specialised Equipment: They offer Pilates Reformer classes, which use a carriage-and-spring system to provide resistance, helping with everything from fat burning to prenatal care.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #01-30 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 9 AM – 9 PM 

Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and those seeking posture correction.

6. Afterjourney

Tucked away behind the escalators on the second floor, Afterjourney is a hidden taproom and “man-cave” done right. The aesthetic is a vintage 70s fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese styles—minimalist, classy, and unpretentious.

  • The Drinks: They feature 16 craft beers on tap, ranging from local Singaporean brews to international imports from China and New Zealand.
  • The Vibe: High-quality vinyl music plays in the background, creating a sensory experience that makes it the perfect spot to wind down after a long day. If you aren’t sure what to order, the staff are famously passionate about walking you through flavour profiles.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #02-19 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 4 PM – 11 PM | Closed on Tuesdays 

Best For: Craft beer lovers and vinyl music collectors.

7. Klassic Club Pool Hall

For those who find their flow on the green felt, Klassic Club is a rare find in the Kampong Glam area. It is a straightforward, no-frills hall that caters to both serious shooters and casual players.

  • Quality Gear: The tables are well-maintained, and more importantly for enthusiasts, the cues are straight and the tips are in good condition.
  • Night Owls: Open until 4 AM daily, it is the ultimate destination for those looking for a late-night game in a quiet, focused environment.

Location: 200 Jln Sultan, #08-11 Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM – 4 AM 

Best For: Billiards and snooker players.

Why Textile Centre is a Vertical Haven for Hobbies

You might wonder why such a disparate group of businesses has converged in an old textile building. This is mainly due to the character of the space. Unlike the polished, sterile shopping malls of Orchard Road, Textile Centre offers affordable large-format units and a sense of hidden discovery. 

This allows hobbyist businesses to flourish without the pressure of massive retail overheads. It has become a vertical community where the slow art of sewing lives alongside the fast tech of 3D printing. For an enthusiast, this building offers a concentrated dose of expertise and passion that you simply cannot find in a standard commercial hub.

Final Thoughts

Textile Centre is a testament to Singapore’s hidden gem culture. It is a place where you can spend your morning perfecting your yoga pose, your afternoon 3D-printing a prototype, and your evening sipping a craft IPA while listening to vinyl.

If you are a hobbyist looking for your next obsession or just a community that speaks your language take the lift up and start exploring. You might just find your new second home tucked away in a corner you’ve walked past a dozen times.

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