If you sew clothing, craft home decor, or tackle upholstery projects, knowing where to buy fabric saves time and money. Retail chains, specialty craft shops, and online marketplaces all carry bolts and pre-cut yardage in hundreds of prints, solids, and textures. Below you will find the best physical stores and websites for purchasing material for your next project.
Best Physical Stores for Buying Fabric
JoAnn Stores
JoAnn is the go-to destination for sewers across the United States. They stock cotton, flannel, fleece, felt, burlap, tulle, and dozens of specialty textiles. Frequent coupons (40% to 60% off a single cut) make this retailer one of the most affordable options. If you cannot find what you need in store, their website ships yardage straight to your door. JoAnn also carries measuring tape, thread, and other sewing essentials on the same trip.
Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby rotates a weekly 50%-off sale on home decor or apparel textiles, so timing your visit pays off. Their selection leans toward quilting cotton, seasonal prints, and upholstery-weight material. It is a solid choice when you want mid-range quality at a discount price.
Walmart
Many Walmart locations still maintain a craft aisle with bolts of cotton and fleece. Selection varies by store, but the website fills in the gaps with thousands of listings. Pricing sits at the budget end, which works well for practice pieces or kids’ craft projects.
Michael’s
Michael’s keeps a smaller textile section compared to JoAnn, yet they carry popular quilting and apparel prints alongside sewing notions. Use their app coupons to knock 20% to 25% off your purchase.
Local Quilt Shops and Garment Districts
Independent shops often stock designer prints, organic cotton, linen, and imported silk you will not find at chain retailers. Prices run higher, but the quality and uniqueness justify the cost for special projects. Cities like New York (the Garment District), Los Angeles, and Chicago have clusters of independent textile dealers worth visiting.
Where to Buy Material Online
Amazon
Amazon #ad lists thousands of bolts and pre-cut bundles from third-party sellers. Sorting by reviews helps you dodge low-quality listings. Prime shipping gets material to your door in one or two days, which is handy for last-minute prom dress alterations or urgent costume builds.
eBay
eBay connects you with individual sellers who will cut yardage to your exact specifications. It is also one of the best places to hunt for discontinued prints, vintage textiles, and remnant lots at below-retail prices.
Fabric.com (by Amazon)
Owned by Amazon, Fabric.com focuses exclusively on textiles and sewing supplies. You can filter by type, color, brand, and price. The site carries apparel, quilting, home decor, and specialty material from brands like Robert Kaufman and Riley Blake.
Fabric Depot
Fabric Depot offers quilting, apparel, and home decor textiles through a dedicated online storefront. Their curated collection makes browsing easier than wading through a general marketplace.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
- Stack store coupons with sale prices at JoAnn and Hobby Lobby for the steepest discounts.
- Buy remnants or end-of-bolt pieces for small projects like pillow covers or scrubs.
- Check clearance racks after major holidays when seasonal prints get marked down.
- Order swatches online before committing to large yardage purchases.
- Visit thrift stores and estate sales for vintage textiles at rock-bottom prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to buy material for sewing?
Walmart and JoAnn (with coupons) tend to offer the lowest per-yard prices on basic cotton and fleece. Online, eBay remnant lots and Amazon bundle deals can beat retail pricing on larger orders.
Can I buy upholstery-weight textiles at a regular craft store?
Yes. JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, and Michael’s all carry upholstery and home decor options, though selection varies by location. For a wider range, check dedicated online retailers like specialty textile shops or independent stores.
How much yardage do I need for a typical project?
A simple throw pillow takes about half a yard. A pair of pants requires two to three yards, and a dress can need three to five yards depending on the pattern. Always buy an extra quarter yard as a buffer for cutting mistakes.
Whether you shop in person at JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart, or browse online through Amazon and eBay, there is no shortage of places to pick up quality material for sewing, quilting, and home decor projects. Start with the store that matches your budget and timeline, grab your yardage, and get creating.