The main places to buy fabric are fabric stores, big-box retailers, online shops, and secondhand sources

You have four reliable routes to find cloth for sewing: dedicated fabric stores (both local and chain), general retailers like Walmart and Target, online merchants, and thrift or secondhand options. Each has different prices, selection, and return policies. Local fabric stores often have staff who can help you pick the right weight and fiber for your project, while online shops offer wider selection and sometimes lower prices. Big-box stores are convenient if you need fabric fast, and secondhand sources can save money if you are willing to hunt.

The best choice depends on what you are making, how much you want to spend, and whether you need help choosing. A beginner making a straightforward cotton project might start at a chain store or online. Someone sewing a tailored garment might benefit from a local shop where staff can answer questions about fabric behavior.

Key Takeaways

  • Local independent fabric stores and chains like Joann offer in-person help choosing the right weight and fiber, plus when ready access to your cloth.
  • Online retailers like Fabric.com, Etsy, and Amazon have larger selections and often lower prices, but shipping takes time and returns can be complicated.
  • Big-box stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco carry basic cotton and blends at low prices, though selection is limited and staff usually cannot advise on sewing specifics.
  • Thrift stores, estate sales, and fabric swaps offer used cloth and vintage pieces at steep discounts if you have time to search and do not mind imperfect yardage.
  • Prices vary widely by fiber type and quality — cotton quilting fabric costs less than linen or silk, and designer prints cost more than solid basics.

Local fabric stores and chains

Joann Fabrics is the largest fabric chain in the United States, with stores in most towns and cities. Staff can help you pick fabric weight, fiber content, and pattern scale for your project. Joann runs frequent sales and coupons (often 40 to 50 percent off a single item), and you can return fabric within 30 days if it is unused and in original condition. The downside is that prices before discount are often higher than online, and selection varies by location.

Independent local fabric shops are smaller but often have more specialized stock — higher-end linens, silk, wool, and unusual prints. Staff usually have strong sewing knowledge and can answer questions about how a fabric will behave. Prices are often higher than chains, but many offer personal service and community classes. Search "fabric store near me" or check your city's small-business directory to find them.

Both types of stores let you feel the cloth in your hands, see the true color in daylight, and buy exactly the yardage you need without paying shipping. If you are new to sewing or unsure about fiber content, this hands-on help is worth the trip.

Online fabric retailers

Fabric.com (owned by Welspun) carries thousands of bolts — quilting cotton, apparel fabrics, knits, home decor cloth, and specialty materials. Prices are competitive, and you can filter by fiber, weight, and price. Shipping is usually $5 to $10, and returns are accepted within 30 days if fabric is unused. The catch is that color on screen does not always match the cloth you receive, and you cannot feel the hand or weight before buying.

Etsy hosts hundreds of independent fabric sellers, many specializing in vintage, designer, or hard-to-find cloth. Prices vary widely, and shipping costs depend on the seller. Return policies differ by shop, so read them before you buy. Etsy is best if you are hunting for a specific print or vintage piece, or if you want to support small makers.

Amazon carries basic fabric from multiple sellers — mostly quilting cotton, fleece, and canvas. Prices are low, but quality varies by seller, and returns can be slow. Read reviews carefully, because some sellers list yardage incorrectly or send cloth that does not match the photo.

Mood Fabrics (online and in New York City) specializes in apparel and home decor cloth, with a focus on higher-end materials. Prices are steep, but selection is excellent if you are sewing garments. Shipping is $8 to $15, and returns are accepted within 30 days.

Online shopping works well if you know exactly what you want — a specific fiber, weight, or print — and you have time to wait for shipping. It is harder if you are unsure about color or hand, or if you need fabric when ready.

Big-box and general retailers

Walmart and Target both carry basic fabric in the craft section: cotton prints, solid cotton, fleece, and canvas. Prices are low (often $3 to $8 per yard), and you can buy small amounts. Selection is limited and rotates seasonally. Staff usually cannot advise on sewing, and return policies vary by location — check before you buy.

Costco occasionally stocks fabric, usually in bulk (10-yard bolts or larger). Prices are very low when available, but selection is unpredictable and you cannot choose yardage. Membership is required.

These stores are useful if you need basic cotton fast and do not want to pay shipping. They are not a good source if you are looking for specific fibers, weights, or patterns, or if you need informed information.

Secondhand and thrift sources

Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army sometimes stock fabric bolts, usually at $1 to $3 per yard. Selection is random and yardage is often incomplete, but prices are hard to beat. Check the fabric section regularly if you have a thrift store nearby.

Estate sales and garage sales often include sewing supplies and fabric from people who quilted or sewed. You may find vintage cloth, designer prints, or specialty materials at low prices. Search "estate sales near me" or check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for local listings.

Fabric swaps and sewing groups on Facebook and Meetup sometimes organize exchanges where sewers trade or sell fabric. This is a good way to find unusual cloth and connect with other makers. Search your city name plus "sewing group" or "fabric swap" to find local communities.

Secondhand sources require patience and flexibility — you may not find what you want, and yardage is often limited. But if you are willing to hunt, prices are very low and you may discover unique pieces.

How to choose the right source for your project

Start by asking yourself three questions: Do I know exactly what I want? Do I need it now? Do I want help choosing?

If you know the fiber, weight, and print, and you do not mind waiting a week, online is usually cheapest. If you are unsure about fiber or weight, or if you want to see and feel the cloth, go to a local store. If you need fabric today, check big-box stores or local shops. If you are on a tight budget and have time to search, try thrift stores or fabric swaps.

For your first project, a local fabric store or Joann is often the best choice because staff can help you pick cloth that will behave well and answer questions as you sew. Once you know what you like, you can branch out to online and secondhand sources.

Fabric prices and what affects them

Fabric prices depend on fiber content, quality, and where you buy. Basic quilting cotton runs $4 to $8 per yard at chains and online retailers. Linen, wool, and silk cost more — usually $10 to $20 per yard or higher. Designer prints and specialty fabrics (like performance cloth or faux fur) can cost $15 to $30 per yard.

Online prices are often lower than in-store before sales, but shipping adds $5 to $15 to your order. Thrift and secondhand sources are cheapest, usually $1 to $5 per yard. Big-box stores fall in the middle — low base prices but limited selection.

Sales and coupons matter. Joann runs constant promotions, and many online retailers offer discounts for first-time buyers or bulk orders. Sign up for email lists if you shop the same place regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I order fabric online and the color does not match the photo?

Most online retailers accept returns within 30 days if fabric is unused and in original condition. Check the return policy before you buy. If the color is significantly different from the listing photo, contact the seller with a photo — many will refund or replace without requiring you to ship the fabric back. For future orders, read reviews to see if other buyers mention color issues.

How much fabric do I need for a beginner project?

Most straightforward projects (a pillowcase, a tote bag, a straightforward skirt) need 1 to 3 yards. Check your pattern for the exact amount before you buy. If you are unsure, buy a bit extra — leftover fabric is useful for future projects. Staff at local stores can also help you estimate yardage.

Can I return fabric if I change my mind?

Most stores accept returns of unused, unwashed fabric in original condition within 30 days. Some require the receipt. Online retailers have similar policies, though shipping costs are usually not refunded. Always check the return policy before you buy, especially at small shops or Etsy sellers.

Is online fabric cheaper than buying in a store?

Online base prices are often lower, but shipping adds $5 to $15 to your order. Big-box stores are cheapest for basic cotton. Local fabric stores are most expensive before sales, but frequent coupons can bring prices down. Thrift and secondhand sources are always cheapest. Compare the total cost (including shipping) before you decide.

Where can I find fabric if I live in a small town?

Online retailers ship anywhere and have the widest selection. Walmart and Target are in most small towns. Some independent fabric shops serve rural areas and ship orders. Search "fabric store [your state]" or check Etsy for sellers near you. Thrift stores and estate sales are also good options in small communities.