If you relied on Joann’s for your sewing, quilting, or craft supplies, their closure left a real gap. However, the fabric world is far from barren. Whether you’re making clothes, quilts, home decor, or small crafts, there are plenty of alternatives. This guide walks through where to shop (online and in-person). It explains how to choose between apparel and quilting cottons. It also details what to expect from big-box stores like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Michael’s.
Online Fabric Sources
Pros: widest selection, specialty materials, easy price comparisons, patterns and tools bundled.
Cons: can’t feel the fabric in person, shipping costs/time, returns may be a hassle.
Top online options
- Fabric.com (Amazon-owned): Huge inventory across weights and uses; good basics and designer cottons. Fast shipping options.
- Mood Fabrics: Apparel-focused, high-end and fashion fabrics (silks, wools, knits, specialty prints). Great for couture and garment-making.
- Britex Fabrics: Premium fabrics and trims; excellent for designer and vintage-inspired projects.
- Etsy: Independent sellers and small-batch designers — great for unique quilting cottons, custom cuts, and indie prints.
- Specialty knit shops: Cali Fabrics, Girl Charlie, New York Elegant Fabrics — good for knit jerseys, ribbing, and performance fabrics.
- Discount/Remnant sites: Fabric Wholesale Direct, Joann alternatives like online marketplaces for surplus and end-of-line fabrics.
If you relied on Joann’s for your sewing, quilting, or craft supplies, their closure left a real gap. However, the fabric world is far from barren. Whether you’re making clothes, quilts, home decor, or small crafts, there are plenty of alternatives. This guide walks through where to shop (online and in-person). It explains how to choose between apparel and quilting cottons. It also details what to expect from big-box stores like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Michael’s.
Online Fabric Sources
Pros: widest selection, specialty materials, easy price comparisons, patterns and tools bundled.
Cons: can’t feel the fabric in person, shipping costs/time, returns may be a hassle.
Top online options
- Fabric.com (Amazon-owned): Huge inventory across weights and uses; good basics and designer cottons. Fast shipping options.
- Mood Fabrics: Apparel-focused, high-end and fashion fabrics (silks, wools, knits, specialty prints). Great for couture and garment-making.
- Britex Fabrics: Premium fabrics and trims; excellent for designer and vintage-inspired projects.
- Etsy: Independent sellers and small-batch designers — great for unique quilting cottons, custom cuts, and indie prints.
- Specialty knit shops: Cali Fabrics, Girl Charlie, New York Elegant Fabrics — good for knit jerseys, ribbing, and performance fabrics.
- Discount/Remnant sites: Fabric Wholesale Direct, Joann alternatives like online marketplaces for surplus and end-of-line fabrics.
Finding local shops: search “fabric store near me,” join local Facebook sewing groups, or use community noticeboards. Independent shops often stock unique indie prints and higher-quality solids that you won’t find at big-box retailers.
Big-Box Stores: Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Michael’s
Big-box retailers are now the go-to for many casual sewists and crafters. Here’s what to expect.
Hobby Lobby
- Selection: A good range of craft cottons, apparel basics (rayon blends, cotton blends), and home-decor weight fabrics. They carry seasonal prints and upholstery-type fabrics.
- Pros: frequent sales (30% off every other week), good for home decor, crafts, and basic garments; accessible storefronts.
- Cons: limited specialty fabrics and premium apparel choices; inventory varies by store.
Walmart
- Selection: Budget-friendly quilting cottons, flannels, fleece, and sometimes basic knits (jerseys) or linen blends. Often found in the craft aisle or fabric bolt section in larger supercenters.
- Pros: low prices, convenient hours, easy returns.
- Cons: limited colorways, few high-quality apparel fabrics, inconsistent stock.
Michael’s
- Selection: Focused on craft fabrics — cottons, felt, and some seasonal home-decor fabrics. They stock interfacing, batting, and basic sewing notions.
- Pros: craft-friendly, frequent coupons and sales, local availability.
- Cons: not specialized for garment sewing; fewer yards and narrower bolts in many locations.
Tips for shopping big-box stores: use them for basics, seasonal projects, backing for quilts, craft fleece, and budget-friendly fabric. For garments, buy a small test piece first to check drape and wash performance.
Apparel Fabrics vs. Quilting Cottons: How to Choose
Understanding the difference helps you pick the right fabric for your project.
Quilting Cotton
- Weight and feel: Medium-weight, crisp hand, stable (low stretch).
- Best for: quilts, tote bags, structured home decor (pillows), craft projects, and shirts with simple construction.
- Pros: easy to sew for beginners, holds shape well, wide variety of prints.
- Cons: not great for flowing garments or anything needing stretch or drape.
Apparel Fabrics
- Variety: Includes rayon, linen, silk, wool, cotton lawn, lawn and voile, knits (jersey, interlock), and stretch blends.
- Best for: garments requiring drape, stretch, or specific hand (drapey blouses, tailored jackets, fitted dresses).
- Pros: designed for body movement and comfort; many finished looks available.
- Cons: often requires more sewing skill (seam finishes, stabilizing, lining).
Quick rules of thumb
- Want structure and crisp prints? Choose quilting cotton.
- Want flow, softness, or stretch? Choose an apparel fabric with the appropriate weight and fiber content.
- Always prewash and test: fabrics can shrink, bleed, or change hand—test on a small piece before cutting your project.
Where to Buy Specific Needs
- Quilting cottons and precuts: Fat Quarter Shop, Shabby Fabrics, local quilt shops, Hobby Lobby, Walmart basics.
- Dressmaking and tailored garments: Mood, Britex, independent local fabric stores.
- Knits and performance fabrics: Cali Fabrics, specialty online retailers, some larger fabric stores.
- Home-decor and upholstery: Local upholstery shops, Mood’s home fabrics section, larger Hobby Lobby stores.
- Notions and batting: Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, quilting shops, and online specialists.
Final Tips
- Mix sources: buy specialty apparel fabrics online or local shops; get basics and backing from big-box retailers.
- Join local sewing groups and social media communities for swap suggestions and local residencies.
- Keep a fabric swatch library with notes on fiber, weight, and care to save time choosing future projects.
BONUS TIP
Check out your local thrift shop like Goodwill to find fabrics. I know my local Goodwill carries donated fabrics. They are clipped to a hanger and displayed on a round rack. This is a GREAT place to buy your fabrics that’s super cheap to begin your Sew Chill journey.
Joann’s is gone. You can still find the right fabric for every project. Explore a mix of online retailers, independent shops, and big-box alternatives like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Michael’s. Explore a few sources, request swatches for apparel fabrics, and rely on local shops for hands-on advice and community. Happy sewing!
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