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Online Fabric Shopping tips

11/26/2019

16 Comments

 
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Over the years my trusty mail carrier Dawn, aka "Barney" in her purple snow suit, has delivered yards of fabric and various supplies to my mailbox and directly to my doorstep. UPS and FedEx also regularly, and carefully place my packages where rain and snow won't spoil them. I appreciate their delivery service and the fact that online offerings mean I can shop in my jammies :-)

Today I thought I would share some simple tips for shopping online. Here goes:

  • First of all, buy local whenever you can. Online shopping is great but it’s important to support local businesses and be able to see and touch the fabric. However, there are many products stores simply don't carry and fabric selection can be limited, or non-existent locally.
  • Speaking of shoppping local, I'm a big fan of the buy online and pickup in store policy at my local *Joann Fabrics. Sometimes it's easier for me to find what I need on the Joann site, order, and have it waiting for me at the store. In fact, my DH usually does the pick-up for me so I lose none of my precious sewing time at home.
Joann Fabrics has a shop online, pick up in store option. You can click the *link below to learn more.
JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores
For all online fabric shopping I recommend the following:
  • Look up the return policy before you buy and make sure you can live with it.
  • The ability to buy swatches is another asset when buying online. If it's really an important project, or the fabric is pricey it's worth it to play it safe and order a swatch first.
  • Don't trust the colors on your computer. You may be pleasantly surprised or sorely disappointed.
  • The scale of a pattern is an all important factor. Some sites have a measuring tape, coin, or some other reference so you know how big or small a pattern is in real life.
  • Pay attention to fiber content. If it's 100 percent synthetic it could be beautiful, but it could also have an unnatural look that's not as pleasing as natural or blended fibers. I often buy fabric that is a blend of both synthetic and natural fibers for the best of both worlds.
  • Be aware of fiber content and care instructions. 100 percent natural fibers often mean more care, possibly needing ironing each time it's washed or perhaps needing dry cleaning. Check the description carefully. Make sure it fits your lifestyle.
  • Look for a description of the weight of the fabric and compare to pattern requirements. If you need fabric that drapes make sure it fits this category.
  • Sales are great but don't be tempted to overbuy. It's not a bargain if it sits and never gets used.
  • Before you click the buy now button check your yardage requirements carefully and be sure to buy just a bit extra, especially if the fabric is likely to shrink. There's nothing worse than not having enough and being unable to purchase more.
  • Ask for discounts if you are buying in quantity or you belong to guilds. They may have a special offer for you.
Fabricdotcom, is one of my go to sources for fabric I can't find locally. Note that the link below is an *affiliate link but I will tell you that I've been very happy with the many products I purchased from them over the years. Check  out their current sales by clicking the image below:
Black Friday sale begins at 6:00PM ET on Wednesday 11-27, ends Sunday 12-1, 11:59AM

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if this post has been helpful for you. Happy Sewing!

P.S. One more way I save online is to use shop through the *Rakuten marketplace. I've been using this for several years and have saved a lot of dollars through this site. No gimmicks, just legitimate savings. Check it out HERE if you like.
16 Comments
June O.
11/27/2019 00:23:33

Hi Joanne! I have come to love the buy online pick up in store option. I bought a cart at Michael's after the store closed and was still able to use my coupon that expired midnight that same night! It's a great convenience for me!

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/27/2019 10:55:03

Hi June! Thanks for chiming in. We all need those time savers so we can save time for sewing!

Reply
Caroline Booth
11/27/2019 01:37:59

Great tips! I’ve been able to take advantage of the buy online to pick up in store at my local Joann’s several times now. My store seems to be busy all the time so I like the convenience of a quick pick up so I can get back to my sewing projects.

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/27/2019 10:57:18

Hi Caroline! Good to hear from you :-) You just never know what the lines will be like, especially at the cutting table. Ordering online and picking up in the store is like having the best of both worlds. Happy sewing my friend!

Reply
Cristiana
11/27/2019 07:26:29

Thank you for the tips ! Always helpful and informative! I also love to shop on line from my couch and when it’s possible local or pick up on line. Just a quick question, where did you get your $5 vinyl from ?

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/27/2019 07:35:16

Hi Cristiana! Nice to hear from you! Click on the fabricdotcom link above and then search for black vinyl. The black marine vinyl is the one I purchased. It’s 20% off right now :-)

Reply
Carrie Cunningham link
11/27/2019 08:32:03

Hi Joanne!
Great tips...especially about purchasing swatches for those special projects!

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/27/2019 10:59:04

Thanks for leaving a comment Carrie. With all your garment experience I'm sure you'll agree that a swatch can save the day!

Reply
Rebecca Brent
11/27/2019 10:47:47

Super tips! May I add one more? If you’re ordering a print, stripe, plaid, etc., check the scale before you buy. Those cute little polka dots on your screen might really be 1” wide and not at all what your project needs.

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/27/2019 11:03:03

Oh my Rebecca, you are right on target with that one! Scale is a crucial factor. I love how fabric.com has a measuring reference for all their prints. I'm going to update my bullet list with your suggestion. Thanks so much for the reminder!

Reply
brenda
11/28/2019 00:35:51

i am still a bit nervous about trying online fabric purchasing but this really helpsa lot. how did you get past the feeling and checking the fabric.

Reply
Joanne Banko
11/28/2019 09:07:26

Hi Brenda! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that it can be tricky when you can’t touch and “pet” the fabric. I order swatches when I’m really unsure. Otherwise, I’m pretty familiar with most fabric types so I have a pretty good idea what it will be like when it arrives. I also rely on the detailed descriptions of the fabric and reviews if there are any. In my opinion fabricdotcom has been very accurate in their description of weight and hand of the fabric. I hope this helps you further. Happy Sewing!

Reply
Elaine Chapman
2/2/2020 00:38:59

Tonight is the first time I have used my time to read your blog. Using tools not designated as "sewing" caught my eye and was it worth it. I did non know about the liquid stabilizers Wow I have been missing out. Your info has definitey been helpful, thanks for shaing.

Reply
Joanne Banko
2/2/2020 15:21:45

Hello Elaine! Thanks for taking the time to write. I'm so glad to know you found the info worthwhile. I hope you can visit on a regular basis and explore some more. Please keep in touch!

Reply
MckinneyVia link
2/1/2022 07:05:13

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Reply
Jackie Lou link
10/11/2022 04:37:30


Great article! Thank you for sharing your ideas. Glad to bump into your blog. Keep it up, kudos!

Reply



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