The main places to buy fabric are fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand sources
Your choices depend on what you need right now: specialty fabric stores give you the widest selection and staff who know the material, big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basics at lower prices, online retailers ship to your door but you cannot touch the cloth first, and thrift stores and fabric swaps cost almost nothing if you are flexible about what you find. Most sewers use a mix of all four, depending on the project and the budget.
The trade-off is always between speed, price, and choice. A local fabric store gets you cloth today and lets you check the weave and weight in person, but costs more per yard. Online ordering takes a week but often runs cheaper and opens up specialty fabrics your town does not stock. Thrift fabric is the cheapest option but requires patience and luck.
Key Takeaways
- Local fabric stores carry the widest range of weights and weaves, and staff can answer questions about fiber content and care, but prices run higher than online or big-box options.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Joann Fabrics stock basic cotton, fleece, and quilting fabric at lower prices, though selection is smaller and staff knowledge varies.
- Online fabric retailers like Mood Fabrics, Spoonflower, and Etsy let you order specialty and designer cloth from home, but shipping takes one to two weeks and you cannot feel the fabric before it arrives.
- Thrift stores, fabric swaps, and estate sales offer cloth at a fraction of retail price, though you have to search and may not find what you need on any given day.
- Buying in person lets you check color match, weight, and weave; ordering online works best when you already know the exact fabric type and yardage you need.
Local fabric stores and what they stock
A dedicated fabric store carries cotton, linen, wool, silk, synthetics, and blends in weights from lightweight voile to heavy canvas. Staff can tell you the fiber content, shrinkage rate, and whether a cloth is suitable for the garment you are making. You can hold the fabric, check the color in natural light, and buy exactly the yardage you need without paying for a full bolt.
Prices are higher than online or big-box stores — expect to pay $8 to $15 per yard for quality cotton, and $12 to $25 for linen or specialty weaves. Many stores offer a discount if you buy multiple yards or sign up for their mailing list. Some also sell notions (thread, buttons, zippers, elastic) in the same trip, which saves time.
To find a local store, search "fabric store near me" or check the websites of chains like Joann Fabrics, which has locations in most U.S. states. Independent shops often have stronger selections in specific areas — quilting stores focus on quilting cotton, bridal shops stock formal fabrics, and upholstery shops carry heavier materials. Call ahead to confirm they have the type of cloth you need.
Big-box retailers for budget-friendly basics
Walmart, Target, and Joann Fabrics sell cotton prints, solid cotton, fleece, and quilting cotton at $3 to $8 per yard. Selection is limited — you will find standard prints and colors but not specialty weaves or unusual fibers. The cloth is usually good quality for the price, though weight and weave can vary between bolts.
Joann Fabrics is the largest chain and stocks the most variety of the three. Their website shows inventory by location, so you can check whether a specific fabric is in stock before you drive there. They run frequent sales and coupons — sign up for their email list or read their app to see current deals. Walmart and Target carry fabric in-store only, not online, and stock is smaller.
The trade-off is convenience and price for limited choice. If you need basic cotton for a straightforward project and want to buy today, a big-box store is fast and cheap. If you need a specific weight or weave, or you are working with a pattern that calls for a particular fiber, you may not find it.
Online fabric retailers and specialty cloth
Online stores let you order from home and access fabrics your local stores do not carry. Mood Fabrics stocks designer and high-end cloth; Spoonflower prints custom designs on fabric you choose; Etsy connects you to independent sellers worldwide; and general marketplaces like Amazon carry basics. Prices range from $5 to $30 per yard depending on the fiber and seller.
The main drawback is that you cannot see or feel the fabric before it arrives. Read the product description carefully — it should list fiber content, weight, and care instructions. Check the photos, but remember that color and texture look different on a screen. Many sellers include a swatch option, where you can order a small piece first to check the color and weight before buying yardage.
Shipping usually takes one to two weeks, and some sellers charge shipping fees that add to the cost. Factor that into your budget and timeline. If you need cloth in a hurry, order from a local store instead. If you have time and know exactly what you want, online ordering often costs less and gives you access to cloth you cannot find locally.
Thrift stores, fabric swaps, and secondhand sources
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army sell fabric by the pound or piece, usually for $1 to $3 per yard or less. You can also find cloth at estate sales, flea markets, and online groups dedicated to fabric swaps. The catch is that you have to hunt — you may find beautiful linen one day and nothing useful the next.
Secondhand fabric works well if you are flexible about color and pattern, or if you are taking apart old garments or linens to reuse the cloth. Check the fiber content and condition before you buy — look for stains, tears, or weak spots. Wash and inspect the fabric at home before you cut into it.
Local sewing groups and Facebook groups often organize fabric swaps where members bring cloth they no longer want and trade or sell it cheaply. Search for "[your town] sewing swap" or "[your town] fabric swap" to find groups near you. This is the cheapest way to build a stash if you have time to wait for the right piece.
How to choose between options based on your project
For a straightforward project with a tight timeline, buy from a big-box store or local fabric shop. You get cloth today and can start sewing when ready. For a garment that needs a specific fiber or weight, go to a local fabric store where staff can help you choose, or order online if you already know what you need. For a one-of-a-kind or designer fabric, search online retailers and Etsy. For a budget project or a stash-building haul, hit thrift stores and fabric swaps.
Consider also whether you need notions — thread, buttons, zippers, elastic. Local fabric stores and Joann carry a full range in one trip. Online retailers usually do not, so you may have to order from multiple places. Big-box stores carry basic notions but not specialty items.
Make a list before you shop: the yardage you need, the fiber type (cotton, linen, wool, etc.), the weight (lightweight, medium, heavy), and the color or pattern. This keeps you from buying the wrong thing or more than you need. If you are new to sewing, ask the store staff for information — they can steer you toward cloth that works for your skill level and the garment you are making.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fabric do I need to buy?
Check your sewing pattern — it will tell you the yardage required. Most patterns add a little extra for shrinkage and mistakes, so follow that number. If you are buying without a pattern, measure the finished garment you want to make and add 10 to 15 percent for seam allowances and shrinkage. When in doubt, buy a little extra — leftover fabric is useful for patches or future projects.
What is the difference between quilting cotton and regular cotton?
Quilting cotton is tightly woven, holds its shape well, and works for garments and home goods. Regular cotton can be looser or lighter, depending on the weave. For a beginner, quilting cotton is easier to work with because it does not fray as much and holds seams better. Check the product description or ask the store staff which type they are selling.
Can I return fabric if I buy the wrong amount or color?
Most fabric stores allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, but policies vary. Some stores do not accept returns on cut fabric. Check the store's return policy before you buy, especially if you are ordering online. Keep your receipt and do not wash the fabric until you are sure you want to keep it.
Is online fabric cheaper than buying in a store?
Online fabric is often cheaper per yard, but shipping costs can add up. Compare the total price, including shipping, before you order. Big-box stores are usually the cheapest option for basic cotton. Local fabric stores cost more but let you see the cloth first and avoid shipping delays.
Where can I find unusual or specialty fabrics?
Specialty online retailers like Mood Fabrics, Spoonflower, and Etsy carry designer, vintage, and hard-to-find cloth. Local upholstery shops, bridal shops, and quilting stores also stock specialty materials. If you cannot find what you need locally, search online using specific terms like "linen fabric" or "cotton sateen" to narrow your options.