Where Do You Buy Your Fabric?

16 years ago

Hello Fellow Quilters ~

Just curious as to where everyone purchases their fabric, quilt store, Joann's, Wal Mart one dollar table, online...etc.

I tend to buy from any place that sales fabric especially when they have an in store sale. I love the fabrics at the quilt stores but it is pricier than I like to pay as I give so many away and usually make larger quilts and charity quilts.

Marty

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Comments (35)

sue7972
16 years ago
It depends one who the quilt is for, but usually I buy at the LQS. I know it costs more, but if I'm going to spend the time I want it to last. If I were doing charity quilts I would probably buy at Joann's. I won't shop at Walmart.
Sue
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teresa_nc7
16 years ago
Most of my quilting fabric is bought during my once a year buying trip to Lancaster PA. But....I AM an EOB - Equal Opportunity Buyer! I also buy fabric online, at Joann's, at Hancock's (when I can get waited on!), at my not-so-Local Quilt Shops thirty minutes away, at two local discount shops, and yes....at Wal-mart for backing and scrap quilts. But the W-mart is discontinuing their fabric, I think.

Teresa
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Don't know where you live, but see if there is a JCPenney Outlet store near you. The JCPenney Outlet store at Franklin Mills Mall (Philadelphia) has a large drapery department. In one section, my favorite section, are all the custom orders that have for one reason or another, been sent back to JCPenney. I have bought incredibly beautiful custom made drapes for a fraction of what they originally cost. They are fully lined, weighted, and made of lovely materials. The catch is: you have to check frequently to see what's in stock, you may have to slightly modify the drapes to fit your windows, you have to find what you like from a limited selection. BUT if you find what you're looking for, it's a steal. Another store that has a similar set up are the Waverly outlet stores. There's one in Morgantown, PA at a Furniture Outlet Mall and another one in Newark, DE. They sell custom quality bedding, shower curtains, drapes and other soft furnishings from the Waverly/Schumacher fabric lines. I do not know if these are rejects from customers or excess from their off-the-rack production, but the quality is phenomenal and the prices are insane. Of course, there's the caveat again of 1) you have to hit it at the right time and 2) you have a limited selection. Personally, because I've been home with kids I have more time than money. But, if I was in the reverse situation and very busy with a job, I'd probably opt to pay retail and get what I want when I want. By the way, I also have had custom work done at Calico Corner. I paid $1400 for valances and drapes for three windows. And while that sounds (and is!) costly, I have had (and loved!) those window treatments for nearly 10 years. I don't expect to change them anytime soon. I think the Calico Corners workrooms turn out a quality product. I have had things made by other independent workrooms but nothing has approached the quality construction I enjoy in my CC drapes. And no, I am not paid to shill for them! As for Country Curtains -- I just can't bring myself to pay their prices for their quality. I have visited the store in Stockbridge, MA at the Red Lion Inn and tried to find something I liked but I just couldn't quite get my mind around the quality/cost ratio. For a not-too-huge amount more I could get a simple custom pinch pleat, in some cases. I appreciate some of their fabrics and their traditional New England aesthetic, they are very generous with sample swatches and I think they're a well run outfit but for me, it's just not going to happen. Particularly since I have my own special 'haunts' for real custom at a discount.
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bkfdwife
16 years ago
My LQS is very expensive and I have not been impressed with the service the two times I have been in. If I am going to have to pay almost $10 a yard for fabric, I would like to have it cut straight without having to ask for it to be recut. So, I shop either Joann's or Walmart. I've been told by our manager that they will reevaluate our store in 2 years to determine if they will discontinue. In the meantime the girls do the absolute best in accomodating whatever your needs are. The selection is great, the quality is good, and the price is great! Our $1 a yard stuff tends to be alot of poly blends, but the selection on the $2 a yard table is really great...everything is always well stocked. I have never had to ask to have anything recut. Our Joann's is poorly stocked and the line at the cutting table is always long and slow. And don't get me started about the coupon scam they have going!LOL
Anyway, would love to buy higher priced fabric, but if I had to, I just couldn't afford to sew anymore!
Lisa
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lyndawn
16 years ago
Walmart and Joanns (when I can get there). Our walmarts fabric is not always bad. Sometimes a little thin, but I just watch what I buy. I never get fabric at my LQS. They are not a little more expensive, they are way out there. They have a 33% off store wide sale once a yr and I can still get fabric cheaper online than at 33% off there. Not to mention, they aren't very nice.

I have just started buying online recently. But, I don't enjoy it as much because I love to pic out fabrics for a whole quilt at once which is easier if you have it there in front of you.

Lynette
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nassongrad_nh
16 years ago
I only buy from my local quilt shops (local being anything within a two hour drive!). There are so many quilt shops in this area, it's just amazing. There are three small shops in my town alone and less than 2,000 people live here. Keepsake Quilting is less than an hour from me and I can easily kill several hours there. I have found that my LQS all cut extra (especially Keepsake) so that you still have a full yard after washing and squaring up the fabric (more than I can say for JoAnn's). The staff at all the shops I buy from are just terrific (again more than I can say for JoAnn's). I buy batting at JoAnn's, usually in bulk with the coupon, and would not buy online unless it was a fabric I had seen (and felt) locally. I buy nothing whatsoever at WalMart.

I love the feel (the hand) of the better fabrics and tend to fall in love with entire lines by some designers. I have not yet given in to the $11 Japanese fabrics, but would not rule it out for the right quilt design. I don't have any other (expensive) vices, and there's just me to worry about, so I figure it's worth it.

jd
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ironkit
16 years ago
I'm what my knitting buddies call a 'fiber snob'. I pretty much only buy high quality, thicker quilting materials. I haven't been disappointed when I've ordered online (mostly Hancock's of Paducha). All except one of my LQS are really nice. One is just... too helpful. The ladies at my favorite one are always excited to see young people walk in and always point out the 'younger' fabric.

I'm really irritated with Joanns. Every time I walk in there, I have problems. I try not to shop at Wal-Mart, but some of their fabric is really good.

~ Kit
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lots2do
16 years ago
I buy at my favorite local quilt shops as well. Only have bought fabric through the mail once...nancy's notions for a shadowplay by maywood studio fat quarter packet. I really need to touch the stuff as well as see it in person. Sometimes when we are in Maine, I check out the Marden's discount stores. I have seen fabric there that I've bought at Keepsake for much, much more. This winter I did find a flannel that I bought about 8 years ago in Virginia at Marden's for pennies (almost). That was a real find since I needed more for a WISP.
:)Kelly - NH
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User
16 years ago
Anywhere I like fabric. I buy a lot at my LQS & only there if it's a special quilt. If it's a baby quilt for someone I don't really know, it can be Walmart. Jo-Anns drives me nuts & I seldom go there. I have bought from Hancock online.
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miss_chanterelle
16 years ago
I like scrap quilts and buy a lot of my fabric at the local thrift shop..I can get pieces from 1/4 yard to a couple yards for 50 cents each..recently found a bolt of a nice green cotton print for $3! I've found all kinds of high quality new cottons as well as feed sack and vintage cottons..I love being able to use something that might otherwise be thrown away and its always fun to see what treasure I can find! I also shop Joanns although the staff at our local shop leaves much to be desired...our local Walmart has eliminated its sewing department so thats no longer an option.The LQS is a bit pricey for me and it is not always opened at hours that are conveniant...10 to 5 is ok if you don't happen to work 9 to 5:30! I will buy from Hancocks of Paducahs catalog if I want something special , they have high quality fabric and fast shipping.
marilyn
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laurainsdca
16 years ago
I have bought at WalMart and Joanns but now that I have a big stash I'm getting more on line. I have found the quality at Walmart to be as good, if not better, than JoAnns.

I will buy at a LQS but only a little or with a coupon because it is just so expensive and I like to make big quilts.

I've found many on line stores that have GREAT quality and I only buy the sale fabric unless I need a yard or less of something very specific.

My favorites online are QuiltInADay sale fabric, thousandsofbolts, quiltersquarter, honey fork fabrics, fabric shack, and fabric.com.
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nana24
16 years ago
I buy wherever I find something I like.

Nassongrad, how wonderful it must be to live where there are lots of stores available. I must say I'm jealous. However, It is probably a good thing because I manage to have more fabric than I can keep up with and only WM near by. Of course, when we go anywhere I look up all fabric shops! Ha :)

Sally
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biwako_of_abi
16 years ago
Mostly I buy at Rosie's Calico Cupboard, which is in a nearby town. Their stuff is about $1 cheaper than the LQS in the city where I live and they always have big tables outside with end-of-bolt and other things on sale for $3~$4. If stuck and in a hurry, I use the shop in town. Sometimes I go to JoAnn's in the next town north. Their fabrics are pretty good, too, and cheaper of course. I don't get to WalMart (3 of them within reasonable driving distance) too often and have been meaning to find out whether they still have fabric departments. I have nothing against buying there, if I like what I see.

Online, I have bought from Fabric Shack (several times), Hancock's of Paducah, and Batiks Plus, and was satisfied every time.
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User
16 years ago
chanterelle, when you buy at the thrift store, how do you know if you are getting 100% cotton?
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glassquilt
16 years ago
I have bought anyplace - I like to feel the fabric. Mostly I like to buy at quilt shops. I like to support local merchants. I have on occasion bought at JoAnn's, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby, Walmart but mostly I prefer the smaller shops.

I am looking forward to going to Hancocks of Paducah in Paducah, KY. DH has agreed to go the the quilt museum there on our way the Oklahoma retreat next month. That is one big fabric shop. Ranks right up near the top of the list.
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coalaska
16 years ago
I find it interesting that several posts say the LQS staff isn't very nice--I find the same thing here.

I go to JoAnn's mostly, because it's convenient (but the long lines!); they finally have some friendly, helpful people working there.

I'm lucky to have a discount fabric store not too far away that carries EVERYTHING, good quality, and very reasonable. For those of you also in SoCal, it's in Anaheim. They get overstock and "last year's" fabrics from many shops, and they cut very generously.
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redpenny
16 years ago
I buy online equilter, fabric.com The Cotton Vault and ebay
I very seldom go to Joann's or walmart for fabric but I have bought some great fabric from Walmart!I guess I really buy a lot of fabric online.................batting, backing, thread, rotary blades LOL..............
I also go to the thrift store to look for wools & chenniles
Don't go to any LQS don't want to drive to long to get their............
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laurainsdca
16 years ago
Red -- I've gotten some wool batting at a good price from equilter.

Biwako -- I will have to check out Rosies -- I get their email flier and in it they list "sales" that still sound very expensive to me -- like "Buy 25 fat quarters and get one free." (I could be remembering wrong but whatever the deal was it didn't sound very exciting to me) so I had the impression they would be very pricey, but seems I hear people talk about going there a lot. I'm in East County/Chula Vista so I think they are not too far. There is a quilt store downtown Chula Vista and they are VERY NICE but I was SHOCKED by the prices. (Ouch) seems they've been in business forever though.
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User
16 years ago
As a true addict, I collect fabric at every opportunity. This could be purchasing from a store like Walmart, Joann's, the now defunct Rag Shop, Goodwill, Salvation Army. I've gotten lots of great fabric from Freecycle--scraps, yardage and clothing. Friends and coworkers have given me fabric. Online swaps are terrific for collecting, too.

Ebay is useful for I Spy squares or if I need a particular color. I recently bought some brightly hand-dyed cotton online for a falling leaf discharge quilt I saw demonstrated in Alex Andersons vidcast.

I guess the only place I've not gotton any fabric is from my not-so-local quilt shop (20+ miles aways) due to distance and cost.
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vicky4x4
16 years ago
I buy at Walmart and Joann's but both places you have to REALLY watch while they roll out the fabric, both places have a lot of flaws in the material. My daughter bought 108 wide muslin to back a quilt and wouldn't you now it had a hole right in the middle of it! I said she should take it back but because she wanted to get it done we just sewed right up the back and put a seam in it. I go to the LQS and look sometimes but I can not afford the materials there. Even there back room on sale stuff is out of range for me. I like to buy something little every time I'm I there to support them. I have just placed my first bid on e-bay for some 6 inch squares. But it's not someplace I would shop for material a lot.

Vic
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sue7972
16 years ago
Coalaska, what's the name of the store in Anaheim? I go into "The OC" frequently, so I'd like to check it out.
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angep
16 years ago
I buy 99% of it online. I just hate going to Joann's anymore. It's all messy and junky, and I don't shop at walmart at all anymore, now that I have a choice. The LQS is ok. I can find sales so it's not too expensive, plus I have gotten pickier, so I spend less on bad fabric, and have more for the good.
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fran1523
16 years ago
I usually only buy fabric for specific projects so I buy from my LQS. They are really helpful in coordinating fabric selections with samples I bring in from my stash. For backing and batting, I will go to Joann's.
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coalaska
16 years ago
sue7972: the store is M&L Fabrics, on Ball at Knott. It's actually a little overwhelming the first time you go. But in a good way .

Cheryl
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suellen_delawares
16 years ago
I buy my fabric at Ace hardware if I am making something nice. They cost more but the quality and selection is worth it.
One time I needed to make something for one of my animals, Wal-Mart fabric worked just fine, cheap$. Most animals donÂt care about color. Chickens do they peck at red so thatÂs not the color for them.

I also shop online at equilter.com, I have been very happy with them. There is one problem that I have with all online stores and that is waiting for the fabric.

All the others stores are over an hour away and with gas prices ($3.32) it makes the fabric cost more.

Suellen
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paegan_wisc
16 years ago
I buy my fabric at two places - on line or at Ben Franklin Craft Center. The Ben Franklin is about 5 minutes from my house(deadly at times) and carries all the national fabric lines at good prices. I will stop at Joann's for notions when they have a sale on. Don't get me started on my boycott of Wal-Mart - Grrrr.
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nana24
16 years ago
Suellen,
The only fabric I have ever seen at Ace is hardware
cloth. This is a joke, right?
Sally
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bkfdwife
16 years ago
we used to have a department store here that was an ace hardware affiliate, beautiful fabric!LOL
Lisa
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caroline1947
16 years ago
I get my fabric at Walmart as its the only place in reasonable distance that I can afford.We live in a rural area,with lots of quilters and Amish, and they cater to us. A lot of Walmart fabric is the same as LQS stuff,only it might be "seconds".Once in awhile we encounter a flaw,,and they will either re cut the whole piece, add more or reduce the price,,,they give you the choice. We have 4 cutters,also quilters,who are helpful and informed.One lady hides pieces back for me before they hit the remnant bin as she knows my tastes.(Shhhh!!!!) All, Walmart stores do not carry the same selection and quality,,,we are lucky here!!!!
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sue7972
16 years ago
Thanks Cheryl. I kind of thought that was it. They've been there forever! I bought fabric there to make my now 31 yo DD a clown costume for halloween when she was a little 5 yo in kindergarten. I still have the costume--just found it in a cupboard. LOL
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anjea
16 years ago
I buy from LQSs generally, as I feel the significant higher quality is worth the $8-$10/yard price tag. I will occasionally buy cottons at Hancock (as they carry Moda and some Michael Miller prints), and things like batting at JoAnn. For online, I LOVE eQuilter - they have great service and carry very high quality products.
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cheryl_down_under
16 years ago
We have 2 quilt shops in town - both very expensive - around $25 a metre is the average. There is a good fabric store in the town closest to us, but that is 1-1/2hrs drive away, so very rarely get there. But on this forum I found an online store - thousands of bolts - and their prices average around US$4 a yard, so even paying postage I can get fabric at around half the cost of my LQS, so that's been where I have been getting my fabric lately.
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miss_chanterelle
16 years ago
marti8a..I try to find pieces that still have the company names on the selvage..just got almost a yard of a nice Alexander Henry Indian moccasin print for 50 cents , you just have to look and feel...our local Goodwill has had a lot of odds and ends of fleece ..been thinking about trying them in something!
Dian 57..glad to see theres another thrift store shopper here..thought maybe I was the only one!
marilyn
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new2quilting
16 years ago
I started off buying at JoAnns, but soon realized I could get as good of a deal (or better) at the LQS sales and nicer fabric. My LQS have nice staffs (JoAnns doesn't and they cut crooked or measure incorrectly). I got 80 FQs (20 batiks that are normally $10+/yard) for $1 each at a LQS sale, another shop had $2/yard fabric for their New Year's special. I always head to the 40% off section first for novelties, swaps, backings, etc. --Amy
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quiltdiva
16 years ago
I buy 95% of my fabric at my LQS but I do enjoy shopping online at various quilt shops especially if I need a certain fabric and for the great sales. I recently ordered from a new-to-me online store and you can't beat their everyday prices and the service was excellent. And this is quilt shop quality fabric from the name brand manufacturers. I highly recommend them.

Kay

Here is a link that might be useful: Thousands of Bolts
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marty_mo
Original Author
16 years ago
Paegan_wisc

What part of Wisc are you in? I didn't realize Ben Franklin Stores were still open I remember them from when I was a kid.
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