WHERE DO YOU BUY FABRIC WHEN THERE ARE NO FABRIC STORES NEARBY?
I live in the country. The nearest town has one stoplight and no retail shops. So, when I need to find the perfect fabric for a project—or just color-match something I'm working on—I've always had to drive almost an hour to the nearest large city.
Years ago, I had several options: Hancock Fabrics, JoAnn Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby. Then Hancock closed. And now JOANN is gone, too.
That leaves Hobby Lobby as my only remaining option in that city. And while I can sometimes find what I need there, the selection is pretty limited compared to what I used to have available.
It's getting harder and harder to find good-quality fabrics at reasonable prices, especially when you're sewing for a living!
Thankfully, I've been ordering fabric online for years, and I've found some wonderful suppliers along the way.
I thought I'd share some of my favorites in case you're wondering where to buy fabric now that JOANN has closed its doors.
These aren't random recommendations from an internet search. These are shops I've actually purchased fabric from for my business or personal sewing projects. Some I've been using for YEARS!
My Favorite Online Fabric Stores
I LOVE this shop!
I've been ordering from Hawthorne for about 10 years, and their customer service is second to none. Their fabrics are excellent, their shipping has always been lightning fast, and they're very responsive when you need help.
But my FAVORITE thing about Hawthorne is their color-matching tool!
If you've ever tried to find a solid fabric that coordinates perfectly with a print while shopping online, you know how difficult that can be. Their color-matching feature is incredibly helpful when I'm trying to choose coordinating fabrics without being able to see them together in person.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate that feature!
This was a newer discovery for me when I originally wrote this article.
Beautiful fabric, fast shipping, and everything arrived just as expected. I was completely happy with my first purchase!
Another lovely shop for quality quilting cottons.
I've ordered from Stash Fabrics many times over the years and have always been pleased with the fabrics and speedy delivery.
They also have a rewards program called Stash Cash, which lets you earn credit toward future purchases. That's always a nice bonus when you're buying as much fabric as I do!
HUGE selection of quilting fabrics and notions!
This is one of the websites I recommend to customers who want to choose their own fabrics for a customized apron.
They carry so many different fabric collections, colors, and prints that it's a great place to browse when you're looking for something specific.
I've purchased a LOT of fabric from Fat Quarter Shop over the years.
They carry a wonderful selection of quality quilting fabrics, and I've always had excellent customer service.
Definitely one of my tried-and-true suppliers!
I've purchased fabrics here for both business and personal sewing projects.
Sometimes shipping has taken a little longer than I would prefer, but I've been very happy with the quality of the fabrics I've received.
They also have a rewards program, which can be helpful if you order regularly.
They offer a referral program, too. If you're interested, here's my referral link. You may qualify for a discount on your first purchase, and I can earn rewards when you use my link.
I originally discovered this shop on Etsy and eventually started ordering directly from their website.
They regularly offer sales, coupons, and discounts, and their shipping has always been reasonably priced and fast.
I've never been disappointed with an order from them!
One Fabric Store I No Longer Recommend
Missouri Star Quilt Co.
I used to order from Missouri Star Quilt Co. and had originally included them on my recommended list.
Unfortunately, after running into problems with too many orders, I can no longer recommend them based on my personal experiences.
One of my biggest frustrations was finding a fabric I'd been searching HIGH and LOW for, placing an order, and then discovering it wasn't actually available.
When you're trying to complete an order for a customer, that's a real problem!
I'm sure other people have had perfectly good experiences shopping there, but after my own repeated frustrations, I've chosen to buy elsewhere.
When I REALLY Need to Shop for Fabric in Person...
Sometimes there's just no substitute for SEEING and FEELING the fabric yourself!
Fortunately, I can make a trip into Amish country here in northern Indiana when I need an honest-to-goodness fabric shopping day.
I head up Highway 5 toward Shipshewana and visit some wonderful shops:
These shops have tremendous selections, and it's wonderful to be able to actually compare colors and textures in person.
Yes, it's a long drive from home. But when I need to find just the right fabric, it's worth the trip!
(And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy an occasional fabric-shopping adventure?) ?
UPDATE: Michaels Is Selling Fabric, Too!
Here's a little bit of good news!
After JOANN closed, Michaels purchased the JOANN intellectual property and private-label brands and began expanding its selection of fabrics and sewing supplies.
When I first heard about this, I checked the Michaels website and was delighted to find several fabrics I had previously purchased from JOANN!
I immediately stocked up on a few that I thought I'd never be able to find again.
Michaels has continued expanding its fabric selection, so it may be worth checking both their website and your local store if you're missing the convenience of shopping at JOANN.
Browse fabric and sewing supplies at Michaels
Of course, their selection isn't necessarily going to replace everything JOANN used to carry, but at least it's another option!
A Few Thoughts About Buying Fabric Online
After more than 30 years of professional sewing, I've learned that finding beautiful fabric is only part of the equation.
I need fabrics that are good quality, dependable suppliers, and stores that actually have the fabric in stock when I order it!
Since most of my aprons and purses are made after customers place their orders, I can't always afford to wait weeks for missing or delayed materials.
And when I'm combining several different prints in one apron, being able to match colors accurately is especially important. (For example, when customers are choosing fabrics for their own customized apron from my shop!)
That's why I appreciate the shops I've recommended here. They've earned my repeat business through the quality of their fabrics and the service I've received.
I still miss being able to walk into a well-stocked fabric store and browse for an afternoon. There's just something about seeing all those beautiful bolts of fabric lined up on the shelves!
But I'm thankful that there are still some wonderful independent fabric shops out there, even if I have to do most of my shopping online.
What about you?
Do you have a favorite online fabric store that I haven't mentioned? Or a wonderful local fabric shop worth visiting?
I'd love to hear your recommendations! I'm always on the lookout for another great fabric supplier. (Not that I NEED any more fabric...but that's another story!) ?