The main places to buy fabric are fabric stores, big-box retailers, online shops, and secondhand sources—each with different prices, selection, and return policies.
Your choice depends on what you need right now. If you want to touch the fabric before buying, a local fabric store or big-box retailer gets you there today. If you're hunting for a specific pattern or weight that's hard to find locally, online shops have deeper inventory but add shipping time and cost. Secondhand fabric from thrift stores and online resellers costs less but requires patience and inspection.
The fabric you buy affects how your finished project looks and wears. Buying from a place where you can see the weave, test the drape, and check the color match under your own lighting saves mistakes. But online shops often have lower prices and rare fabrics that don't exist in your area. Most sewers use a mix of all three.
Key Takeaways
- Local fabric stores let you feel the fabric, match colors to thread and patterns, and get information from staff who sew—but usually charge more than online retailers.
- Big-box retailers like Joann Fabrics and Walmart carry basic cottons and polyesters at lower prices, with frequent sales and coupons that can cut costs by 40 to 50 percent.
- Online fabric shops offer the widest selection and often lower base prices, but you pay for shipping and cannot return fabric if the color or weight is wrong once it arrives.
- Thrift stores, estate sales, and online resellers sell fabric by the yard or bolt for a fraction of retail, though selection changes constantly and some fabric may be aged or stained.
- Specialty online shops focus on specific types—quilting cotton, linen, knits, or vintage patterns—and usually have better information about fiber content and care than general retailers.
Local fabric stores and what they offer
A local independent fabric store is the best place to learn. Staff usually sew themselves and can tell you whether a fabric will work for your project, how it behaves, and what thread matches. You can hold the fabric against your skin, drape it over your arm to see how it falls, and check the color under the lights in your home before you buy. Many stores have a small selection of patterns, notions, and thread so you can buy everything for one project in one trip.
The trade-off is price. Independent fabric stores charge more per yard than big-box or online retailers because their overhead is higher and their volume is lower. A yard of quilting cotton might cost $10 to $14 at an independent store versus $6 to $8 at Joann or $5 to $7 online. Some independent stores offer a loyalty program or email list with sales, so ask when you visit. Many also host classes or sewing circles, which can be worth the higher prices if you want community and instruction.
To find a local fabric store, search "fabric store near me" or check your city's business directory. Call before you go—some have reduced hours or focus on specific types of fabric like quilting or upholstery.
Big-box retailers with regular sales and coupons
Joann Fabrics is the largest fabric chain in the United States and carries a wide range of fabric types: quilting cotton, knits, fleece, canvas, linen blends, and polyester. Prices are lower than independent stores, and the store runs constant sales—often 40 to 50 percent off specific categories. Joann also sends email coupons (usually 20 to 40 percent off a single item) to anyone who signs up for their mailing list. You can browse online and pick up in-store the same day at many locations, which saves shipping.
The downside is that staff are often not sewers and may not know whether a fabric suits your project. The selection of colors and patterns is smaller than at specialty online shops. Return policies vary by location, so ask before you buy—most allow returns within 30 days with a receipt.
Walmart carries basic fabric in the craft section: solid-color cotton, fleece, and some printed cotton. Prices are very low, but selection is limited and quality varies. Walmart fabric works well for straightforward projects like pillows, bags, or children's clothes, but is less reliable for garments where fit and drape matter. You cannot order online and pick up fabric in-store at most Walmart locations, so you have to visit in person.
Hobby Lobby stocks quilting cotton, fleece, canvas, and some specialty fabrics. Prices are similar to Joann, and the store runs frequent coupons (40 to 50 percent off a single item) in their weekly ads and app. Hobby Lobby's return window is 60 days, longer than most retailers. The fabric selection is smaller than Joann, and staff knowledge varies.
Online fabric retailers with wider selection
Online shops have the largest selection of fabrics, colors, and patterns. You can find specific weights, weaves, and prints that do not exist in stores near you. Prices are often lower than brick-and-mortar retailers because online shops have lower overhead. Many online shops specialize in one type of fabric—quilting cotton, linen, knits, or vintage prints—and provide detailed information about fiber content, weight, care instructions, and how the fabric behaves.
Fabric.com (owned by Joann) carries thousands of fabrics from many brands. Prices are competitive, and you can filter by fiber content, weight, and color. Shipping is usually $5 to $10 for standard delivery, and returns are allowed within 30 days if the fabric is unused and in original condition.
Mood Fabrics specializes in fashion fabrics—silks, wools, linens, and specialty weaves. Prices are higher than basic cotton retailers, but the quality is excellent and the selection is unmatched for garment sewing. Mood also has a YouTube channel with sewing tutorials and fabric reviews. Shipping costs vary by weight and distance; returns are allowed within 14 days.
Spoonflower prints custom fabric on demand—you upload a design or choose from thousands of existing patterns, and they print it on cotton, linen, or other bases. Prices are higher than buying pre-printed fabric, but you get exactly what you want. Minimum order is usually one yard. Shipping takes one to two weeks because the fabric is printed after you order.
Etsy has thousands of fabric sellers, many specializing in vintage, rare, or handmade fabrics. Prices vary widely. Shipping is often slow (two to four weeks) because many sellers ship from overseas. Read reviews carefully and check the return policy before you buy—some sellers do not accept returns on fabric.
The main risk with online shopping is that color and texture look different on a screen than in person. Some online shops offer sample swatches for a small fee (usually $1 to $3 per swatch), which is worth the cost if you are unsure about a color or weight. Always check the return policy before you buy—many online retailers do not accept returns on cut or used fabric.
Secondhand fabric from thrift stores and resellers
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online resellers like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay sell fabric by the yard or bolt at a fraction of retail price. You might find vintage prints, high-quality linen or wool, or large quantities of fabric for very little money. This is the cheapest way to buy fabric if you are patient and flexible about what you find.
The drawbacks are that selection changes constantly, fabric may be aged or stained, and you cannot return it. Inspect fabric carefully before you buy—check for discoloration, stains, tears, and brittleness, especially on older fabric. Wash or dry-clean secondhand fabric before you use it, as it may have been stored in dusty or damp conditions. Some vintage fabric is too delicate to wash; test a small corner first.
Online resellers often charge shipping, which can be expensive for heavy fabric. Local thrift stores and estate sales let you inspect fabric in person and avoid shipping costs. Many thrift stores price fabric by the pound rather than the yard, so you get more fabric for less money if you buy in bulk.
Specialty shops for specific fabric types
If you sew a particular type of project, a specialty shop saves time and gives you better information. Quilting shops focus on 100 percent cotton quilting fabric, batting, and patterns. Staff are usually experienced quilters and can advise on color combinations and fabric weight. Knit shops carry stretch fabrics like jersey, rib, and interlock, and staff understand how to work with elastic fabrics. Upholstery shops stock heavy-duty fabrics and can advise on durability and cleaning. Bridal shops carry silks, satins, and specialty fabrics for wedding garments.
Specialty shops usually charge more than general retailers, but the informed and selection justify the cost if you are making a complex or expensive project. Many specialty shops are online only, so you cannot see the fabric in person—always check return policies and consider ordering a swatch first.
How to compare prices and avoid common mistakes
Fabric prices vary by retailer, so compare before you buy. Write down the fiber content, weight, and brand, then search for the same fabric at two or three retailers. Remember to add shipping costs to online prices—a cheap fabric becomes expensive if shipping costs $15. Big-box retailers often have sales on specific categories, so check their weekly ads or email list before you buy full-price.
A common mistake is buying fabric without checking the width. Most fabric is 44 to 60 inches wide, but some specialty fabrics are narrower. A pattern that calls for 2 yards of 60-inch fabric needs more yardage if your fabric is only 44 inches wide. Check the pattern requirements and the fabric width before you calculate how much to buy.
Another mistake is not accounting for shrinkage. Most natural fibers—cotton, linen, wool—shrink when washed. Buy 10 to 15 percent extra yardage if you plan to wash the finished project, and always wash fabric before you cut if the pattern requires it. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shrink less, but check the care label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return fabric if the color is wrong when it arrives?
Most online retailers do not accept returns on fabric once it has been cut or used. Some allow returns on unused, uncut fabric within 30 days if you have a receipt. Always read the return policy before you buy. If color is critical, order a swatch first or buy from a retailer with a generous return window.
What is the difference between quilting cotton and regular cotton?
Quilting cotton is tightly woven, 100 percent cotton that holds its shape and does not fray as easily as regular cotton. It is ideal for quilts, bags, and home goods. Regular cotton (like broadcloth or muslin) is looser and softer, better for garments. Quilting cotton costs slightly more but lasts longer in projects that get heavy use.
Should I wash fabric before I sew with it?
Wash fabric before you cut if the pattern says to, or if the finished project will be washed (like a shirt or quilt). Washing prevents shrinkage after you sew. Do not wash if the pattern does not require it—some fabrics bleed dye or fray excessively when washed. Check the care label or ask the retailer.
Is it cheaper to buy fabric online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper per yard, but shipping costs add up. Big-box stores like Joann run frequent sales and coupons that can match or beat online prices. Thrift stores and resellers are cheapest overall, but selection is limited. Calculate the total cost including shipping before you decide.
Where can I find fabric for a specific project or pattern?
Check the pattern instructions—most list recommended fabric types and weights. Search for that fabric type on Fabric.com, Mood, or specialty shops. If you cannot find the exact fabric, choose one with the same fiber content and weight. Ask staff at a local fabric store for substitutions if you are unsure.