Where to Buy Fabric: Online and In-Person Options for Every Crafter
Where to Buy Fabric: Online and In-Person Options for Every Crafter
It has been challenging to determine the best places to get fabric now that Joann’s has gone bankrupt but not to worry here is a list of ideas for getting the fabrics you need for your next project. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress, a DIY enthusiast, or a beginner looking to dive into the world of fabric crafts, finding the right fabric is key to bringing your projects to life. From vibrant cottons to luxurious silks, the options are endless—but where should you shop? This article explores the best places to buy fabric both online and in person, offering a range of choices for every budget, style, and project need.
Buying Fabric Online
Shopping for fabric online offers convenience, variety, and often competitive pricing. Here are some of the top online retailers for fabrics, each with unique strengths:
1. Fabric.com
Why Shop Here? Fabric.com is a go-to for a massive selection of fabrics, including apparel, quilting, and home decor materials. They offer everything from budget-friendly basics to designer prints.
Highlights: Free shipping on orders over $49 (U.S.), frequent sales, and a user-friendly interface with detailed fabric descriptions.
Best For: Quilters, garment makers, and anyone looking for a wide variety at reasonable prices.
Tip: Check their clearance section for steep discounts on high-quality remnants.
2. Mood Fabrics
Why Shop Here? Known from Project Runway, Mood Fabrics is a favorite for fashion-forward sewers. They carry high-end fabrics like silk, wool, and designer exclusives.
Highlights: Excellent customer service, swatch sampling, and a blog with sewing tips and inspiration.
Best For: Fashion designers and those seeking premium or unique fabrics.
Tip: Order swatches before committing to expensive fabrics to ensure the color and texture match your vision.
3. Spoonflower
Why Shop Here? Spoonflower specializes in custom-printed fabrics, allowing you to choose from thousands of artist-designed patterns or upload your own.
Highlights: Eco-friendly printing, unique designs, and options for small or large quantities.
Best For: Crafters wanting one-of-a-kind prints for quilts, home decor, or apparel.
Tip: Order a sample pack to test different fabric types (e.g., cotton, linen, or performance fabrics).
4. Blackbird Fabrics
Why Shop Here? A Canadian-based retailer with a curated selection of sustainable, high-quality fabrics, focusing on natural fibers like linen, cotton, and Tencel.
Highlights: Transparent sourcing, excellent for eco-conscious shoppers, and detailed fabric guides.
Best For: Sustainable fashion enthusiasts and those seeking minimalist, high-quality options.
Tip: Check their “Deadstock” section for unique, limited-run fabrics at a discount.
5. Etsy
Why Shop Here? Etsy is a treasure trove for unique, handmade, and vintage fabrics from small sellers worldwide.
Highlights: Rare finds like vintage silk saris, hand-dyed linens, or imported textiles.
Best For: Crafters looking for one-of-a-kind or specialty fabrics not found in larger stores.
Tip: Use filters to narrow down by fabric type, seller location, or price to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Buying Fabric In Person
While online shopping is convenient, nothing beats the tactile experience of browsing fabrics in person. Here are some of the best places to shop for fabric in-store, depending on your location and needs:
1. Hobby Lobby
Why Shop Here? Hobby Lobby offers a solid selection of fabrics, particularly for quilting, apparel, and home decor, with a focus on budget-friendly options.
Highlights: Weekly sales (often 30–50% off), unique seasonal prints, and a wide range of crafting supplies.
Best For: Budget-conscious crafters and those looking for trendy, seasonal fabrics.
Tip: Check their app or website for weekly coupons to maximize savings.
2. Local Quilt Shops
Why Shop Here? Independent quilt shops often carry high-quality, unique fabrics not found in chain stores, along with expert advice from passionate staff.
Highlights: Curated selections, classes, and community events for quilters and sewers.
Best For: Quilters and those seeking premium cottons or specialty fabrics.
Tip: Search for “quilt shops near me” or check the Quilt Shop Navigator (quiltshopnavigator.com) to find local gems.
3. Fabric District Stores (Major Cities)
Why Shop Here? Fabric districts, like those in Los Angeles, New York City, or Chicago, are havens for sewers, offering wholesale prices and an unmatched variety of fabrics.
Highlights: Access to designer fabrics, bulk discounts, and specialty stores (e.g., trims, leather, or bridal fabrics).
Best For: Professional designers, costume makers, or anyone needing large quantities.
Tip: Bring cash for smaller shops, and plan to spend a full day exploring to get the best deals.
4. Thrift Stores/Estate Sales/Facebook Marketplace
Why Shop Here? Thrift stores and estate sales can yield incredible fabric finds, like vintage linens, unused yardage, or unique textiles at a fraction of the cost. You can also look at the Facebook marketplace to see if someone has listed fabric for sale there as well.
Highlights: Sustainable shopping, one-of-a-kind pieces, and budget-friendly prices.
Best For: Upcyclers, vintage enthusiasts, and those on a tight budget.
Tip: Check for old bedding, sheets and curtains that can be repurposed into a new project.
5. Michaels
Why Shop Here? Following the closure of JOANN, Michaels has expanded its fabric offerings, incorporating some of JOANN’s exclusive private label products. They carry a range of fabrics for quilting, apparel, and crafts.
Highlights: Frequent sales, loyalty rewards, and integration of popular fabric brands previously exclusive to JOANN.
Best For: Crafters looking for accessible, affordable fabrics and a mix of crafting supplies.
Tip: Sign up for Michaels’ rewards program for additional discounts and early sale access.
Making Your Own Fabric with Print-on-Demand Stores
For those who want truly unique fabric, creating your own designs through print-on-demand (POD) stores is an exciting option. These platforms allow you to design custom patterns or artwork and have them printed on your choice of fabric, perfect for one-of-a-kind projects like quilts, clothing, or home decor. Here’s how to get started and some top platforms to consider:
Why Try Print-on-Demand?
Complete Creative Control: Design your own patterns, illustrations, or even photographs to print on fabric, ensuring your project is 100% unique.
Versatile Options: Choose from a variety of fabric types, such as cotton, linen, canvas, or performance fabrics, depending on your project needs.
Small Quantities Available: Many POD stores allow you to order as little as a fat quarter or a single yard, making it cost-effective for small projects.
Eco-Friendly Choices: Some platforms offer sustainable fabrics and water-based inks, appealing to environmentally conscious crafters.
Top Print-on-Demand Stores for Custom Fabric
Spoonflower
Why Choose It? Spoonflower is the leading POD fabric platform, offering a user-friendly design interface and a wide range of fabric types, from organic cotton to waterproof upholstery materials.
How It Works: Upload your design (or choose from thousands of artist-created patterns), select your fabric type, and order as little as a swatch or multiple yards. Designs can be scaled, repeated, or customized to fit your vision.
Best For: Beginners and professionals alike who want custom prints for quilts, apparel, or home decor.
Tip: Use their free design tools to create seamless repeats, and order a test swatch to check color accuracy.
Printful
Why Choose It? While primarily known for apparel printing, Printful offers custom fabric printing for projects like scarves, bags, or home decor items.
How It Works: Upload your design, choose from their fabric-based products, and have them printed and shipped. They also integrate with e-commerce platforms for selling your creations.
Best For: Crafters looking to create custom fabric products to sell or gift.
Tip: Check their mockup generator to preview how your design will look on the final product.
Contrado
Why Choose It? Contrado specializes in high-quality, custom-printed fabrics with a focus on luxury materials like silk, velvet, and leather, alongside standard cottons and linens.
How It Works: Upload your artwork, select from over 100 fabric types, and order by the meter or as finished products like clothing or accessories.
Best For: Designers creating high-end or bespoke items like dresses or upholstery.
Tip: Take advantage of their student discount if you’re in school, and order samples to test premium fabrics.
MyFabricDesigns
Why Choose It? MyFabricDesigns offers a straightforward platform for custom fabric printing with a focus on small-batch orders and high-quality results.
How It Works: Upload your design, choose from fabrics like cotton, polyester, or blends, and order as little as a half-yard. They also offer pre-made patterns for inspiration.
Best For: Small-scale projects or crafters testing new designs.
Tip: Use their design editor to adjust scale and layout before ordering to ensure a perfect repeat.
Tips for Designing Your Own Fabric
Start Simple: If you’re new to design, use free tools like Canva or Adobe Express to create patterns, or start with a single image to ensure you don’t overspend on something that doesn’t work well for your needs.
Purchase templates online for fabric utilizing etsy or other online digital artwork shops so you don’t need to create your own pattern.
Utilize AI technology to create images that can be utilized in fabric creation. Take some time to learn how to change file formats and follow any instructions for ensuring the image is formatted for whatever POD platform you are using.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric Retailer
Consider Your Project Needs: Match the retailer to your project. For example, Spoonflower is ideal for custom prints, while Hobby Lobby is great for affordable basics.
Compare Prices: Online stores often have sales or coupons, while in-person shops may offer clearance bins or loyalty discounts.
Check Return Policies: Especially for online purchases, ensure the retailer has a fair return policy in case the fabric isn’t what you expected.
Feel the Fabric: If possible, visit a store in person or order swatches online to assess texture, weight, and color accuracy.
Support Small Businesses: Local quilt shops and Etsy sellers often provide unique fabrics and personalized service, supporting small businesses in the process.
Final Thoughts: Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the hands-on experience of browsing in person, there’s a fabric retailer out there to suit your needs. For budget-friendly basics, Hobby Lobby and Michaels are reliable choices in-store, while Fabric.com offers similar value online. For premium or custom fabrics, Mood Fabrics, Spoonflower, and Blackbird Fabrics shine online, while local quilt shops and fabric districts offer treasures for in-person shoppers. Wherever you choose to shop, take time to explore, compare, and enjoy the creative possibilities that a perfect piece of fabric can unlock. Happy sewing!
HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED ITEMS FROM AMAZON AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AND HIGHLY RATED:
Qililandiy 7 Pieces Floral Printed Quilting Fabric
Description: A bundle of seven 100% cotton fat quarters (18" x 22") featuring peony and lily floral prints, perfect for quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, and DIY crafts. Ideal for creating vibrant patchwork cushions or quilts.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on customer reviews for similar cotton fabric bundles).
Image Description: A collection of neatly folded fabric squares in soft pastel colors (pinks, purples, and greens) with delicate floral patterns, arranged in a stack. Search “Qililandiy Floral Quilting Fabric” on Amazon to view the product image.
Best For: Quilting and patchwork projects.
Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids Adventure Fat Quarter Bundle
Description: A set of 12 precut cotton fat quarters (18" x 22") in solid colors from the Kona Cotton Solids line, known for its high-quality, soft, and durable fabric. Perfect for quilting and apparel.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (based on reviews for Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton bundles).
Image Description: A stack of folded cotton fabrics in bold, solid colors (e.g., blues, greens, yellows) displayed against a white background, showcasing their vibrant hues. Search “Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Adventure Fat Quarter” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: Quilting, apparel, and home decor projects.
Link: Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids Adventure Fat Quarter Bundle
White Tulle Fabric Roll (6 Inch x 100 Yards)
Description: A 300-foot spool of white tulle fabric, ideal for DIY tutu skirts, wedding decorations, gift wrapping, and party crafts. Lightweight, sheer, and easy to work with for various projects.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (based on reviews for similar tulle fabric rolls).
Image Description: A close-up of a white tulle spool unrolled slightly to show its sheer, delicate texture, with a soft, flowing appearance. Search “White Tulle Fabric Roll 6 Inch 100 Yards” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: Wedding decor, tutu skirts, and festive crafts.
Jtnohx Felt for Crafts (16 Pieces, 7" x 11.3", White)
Description: A pack of 16 stiff white felt sheets (1mm thick), perfect for sewing, patchwork, and DIY decorations like ornaments or appliques. Durable and easy to cut for precise crafting.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on reviews for similar felt sheet packs).
Image Description: A stack of crisp white felt sheets arranged neatly, showing their smooth, stiff texture suitable for crafting. Search “Jtnohx Felt Fabric White” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: Small-scale sewing projects and decorations.
Homiest Purple Satin Fabric by The Yard (58 Inch Wide)
Description: A 1-yard cut of shiny, smooth charmeuse satin fabric in purple, ideal for bridal dresses, apparel, and decorative crafts. Soft and luxurious for elegant projects.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (based on reviews for similar satin fabrics).
Image Description: A folded piece of vibrant purple satin fabric with a glossy, silky finish, draped to show its smooth texture. Search “Homiest Purple Satin Fabric” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: Apparel and wedding decor.
FITTDYHE Fabric Glue Permanent (60 ML)
Description: A washable, clear fabric glue perfect for adhering rhinestones, patches, and fabrics like denim, leather, and cotton. Great for no-sew fabric crafts and repairs.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (based on customer reviews for fabric adhesives).
Image Description: A small, clear plastic bottle with a precision nozzle, filled with transparent fabric glue, displayed against a white background. Search “FITTDYHE Fabric Glue Permanent” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: No-sew fabric projects and repairs.
LIVINGO Premium Tailor Scissors (9.5 Inch)
Description: Heavy-duty titanium-coated stainless steel scissors designed for cutting fabric, leather, and other materials. Ergonomic comfort grip makes them ideal for long crafting sessions.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (based on customer reviews for professional crafting scissors).
Image Description: A pair of sharp, silver scissors with black and gold handles, shown cutting through a piece of fabric to highlight precision. Search “LIVINGO Tailor Scissors 9.5 Inch” on Amazon to view the image.
Best For: Precise fabric cutting for sewing and quilting.
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Check out these pages for more crafting ideas, images for purchase and artwork for sale .
Midjourney AI generated Wolves (56 images) pack (includes repeatable patterns as well as stand alone images, could be utilized to make your own fabric using a print on demand service shown above).
KEYWORDS:
Where to buy fabric
Online fabric retailer
Joann’s bankrupcy
POD fabric options
In person fabric sales
Budget fabric options
