The main places to buy fabric are fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops
You have four reliable routes: a local fabric store, a chain like Joann or Hobby Lobby, online retailers like Etsy or Amazon, or specialty suppliers for particular fabrics. Each has different prices, selection, and return policies. A fabric store lets you touch the material and see the weave before you buy. Online shopping gives you access to fabrics you cannot find locally but requires you to judge quality from photos and descriptions. Big-box stores offer convenience and frequent sales but may have limited variety.
The best choice depends on what you are making, how much fabric you need, and whether you want to see the material in person. Most sewers use a combination — local stores for urgent needs and touch-and-feel decisions, online for specialty fabrics and bulk orders.
Key Takeaways
- Local independent fabric stores let you handle the material and ask staff questions, but selection varies by location and prices are often higher than online.
- Chain stores like Joann and Hobby Lobby offer frequent sales, coupons, and a wide range of basic fabrics, making them a good starting point for beginners.
- Online retailers like Etsy, Fabric.com, and Spoonflower give you access to specialty and designer fabrics but require you to estimate yardage and account for shipping time.
- Specialty suppliers exist for particular fabrics — quilting cotton, knits, linen, silk — and often have deeper stock and better prices than general stores.
- Return policies vary widely; check before ordering online, especially for expensive or specialty fabrics.
Local fabric stores and what to expect
An independent fabric store is your best option if you want to see and touch the material before committing. Staff can answer questions about fiber content, weight, and whether a fabric will work for your project. They can also help you estimate yardage if you bring a pattern or sketch. Prices are typically higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and return hassles.
The downside is selection. A small local store may stock only basic cotton prints, quilting cotton, and a few knits. If you are looking for a specific designer print or an unusual fiber, you may leave empty-handed. Many independent stores have closed in the past decade, so availability depends on where you live. Use Google Maps or a search for "fabric store near me" to find what is in your area, then call ahead to ask if they carry what you need.
Chain stores: Joann, Hobby Lobby, and similar retailers
Joann and Hobby Lobby are the largest fabric chains in the United States. Both carry a broad range of fabrics — quilting cotton, apparel fabrics, fleece, knits, and home décor materials — at moderate prices. Both run frequent sales and offer coupons, sometimes 40 to 50 percent off a single item. If you are new to sewing and do not know where to start, these stores are a safe bet.
The trade-off is that selection is standardized and often limited to mainstream fabrics. You will find basic cotton prints and solids, but not specialty weaves or designer collaborations. Staff knowledge varies by location. Some stores have experienced sewers on staff; others do not. Both Joann and Hobby Lobby allow returns within a set window (usually 30 to 60 days) if the fabric is unused and in original condition. Check their websites for current return policies and to see what is in stock at your nearest location before you go.
Online fabric retailers and specialty shops
Online shopping opens up thousands of fabrics you cannot find in stores. Etsy connects you to independent dyers and small manufacturers. Spoonflower lets you design and print custom fabric. Fabric.com, Mood Fabrics, and Craftsy carry designer and specialty fabrics. Prices range from budget to premium depending on the source. Shipping usually takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
The main challenge is judging quality and color from a screen. Read reviews and look at customer photos. Ask the seller questions about fiber content, weight, and shrinkage before you order. Many online sellers offer samples for a small fee — a good investment if you are unsure about a fabric. Return policies vary; some sellers accept returns, others do not. Check the policy before you buy, especially for expensive or specialty fabrics.
Specialty suppliers focus on one type of fabric. Quilting cotton shops stock dozens of lines and weights. Knit-specific retailers carry jersey, rib, and stretch fabrics that big-box stores do not. Linen suppliers offer multiple weights and weaves. These shops usually have deeper knowledge and better prices on their specialty than general retailers. Search for "[fabric type] fabric online" to find specialists in what you need.
How to estimate yardage before you order
Ordering the wrong amount is a common mistake when buying online. Before you place an order, know how much fabric you need. If you have a pattern, the yardage is printed on the envelope or in the instructions. If you are designing your own project, measure the finished piece and add 10 to 15 percent for shrinkage and cutting waste. For a straightforward pillowcase, that might be 1.5 yards. For a dress, it could be 2 to 3 yards depending on size and pattern complexity.
Write down the yardage you need and the width of the fabric (usually 44 to 60 inches for quilting cotton, 54 to 60 inches for apparel fabrics). Some online sellers let you buy partial yards; others have a minimum. Check before you add to your cart. If you are unsure, order a little extra — leftover fabric is useful for future projects, and running short mid-project is frustrating.
Comparing prices and taking advantage of sales
Fabric prices vary widely depending on fiber, brand, and where you buy. A basic quilting cotton might cost $6 to $10 per yard at a chain store or online. A designer print or specialty weave can be $15 to $30 per yard. Silk and linen are usually more expensive than cotton. Buying in bulk — 5 or 10 yards at once — sometimes brings the per-yard price down.
Chain stores run frequent sales. Joann and Hobby Lobby send coupons by email and mail, and their websites list current promotions. Online retailers like Etsy and Fabric.com do not always discount, but prices are often lower than brick-and-mortar stores to begin with. If you are budget-conscious, sign up for email lists from stores you like and watch for sales before you buy. Buying during a sale can cut your fabric cost in half.
Checking fabric quality and fiber content
Before you buy, look at the fiber content and weight. A label should list the percentage of cotton, polyester, linen, or other fibers. Pure cotton is common and straightforward to work with. Cotton-polyester blends are durable and wrinkle-resistant. Linen is strong but wrinkles easily. Silk is delicate and requires careful handling. Choose based on what you are making and how much care you want to put into the finished piece.
Weight matters too. Lightweight fabrics are good for shirts and dresses. Medium weight works for most projects. Heavy fabrics are better for bags, upholstery, and structured garments. At a local store, you can feel the weight in your hands. Online, read the description and customer reviews. A review that says "this fabric is flimsy" or "very sturdy" tells you what to expect. Shrinkage is also important — some fabrics shrink significantly when washed. Check the description or ask the seller before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return fabric if I change my mind?
Most chain stores like Joann and Hobby Lobby accept returns of unused fabric in original condition within 30 to 60 days. Online sellers vary — some accept returns, others do not. Always check the return policy before you order. If you are buying an expensive or specialty fabric, ask the seller about returns before you commit.
What is the difference between quilting cotton and apparel fabric?
Quilting cotton is tightly woven, usually 44 inches wide, and designed to hold its shape through piecing and quilting. Apparel fabrics are often lighter, more drape-y, and come in wider widths (54 to 60 inches). Quilting cotton is stiffer and works well for bags and structured projects. Apparel fabrics are better for clothing that needs to move with your body.
How much fabric should I buy if I am not sure?
Add 10 to 15 percent to your pattern's yardage requirement to account for shrinkage and cutting mistakes. If a pattern calls for 2 yards, buy 2.25 to 2.5 yards. Leftover fabric is never wasted — you can use it for binding, pockets, or a future project. Running short mid-project is much more frustrating than having a little extra.
Is it worth buying fabric samples before ordering online?
Yes, if you are unsure about color, weight, or texture. Many online sellers offer 4-by-6-inch samples for $1 to $3. For expensive fabrics or colors you have never worked with, a sample is worth the cost and shipping time. It takes a few extra days but saves you from ordering the wrong thing.
Where can I find fabric for specific projects like quilting or knitting?
Search for "quilting fabric online" or "knit fabric supplier" to find specialty shops. Quilting retailers stock hundreds of cotton lines and weights. Knit-specific shops carry jersey, rib, and stretch fabrics. These specialists usually have better selection and lower prices on their specialty than general stores.