Earlier this year, it was announced that Joann (or Joann Fabrics as I will forever call it), was going out of business and closing its hundreds of stores nationwide. Crafters, sewers and anyone who ever DIYed a Halloween costume two nights before the big day all shed tears. But for real, I’m very sad about this. I grew up being dragged (begrudgling) to Joann with my lifelong sewer of a mother what felt like every week. I can still remember what our local store smelled like, sounded like—the snipping of the Gingher shears down the metal yard marker—how the lights were never quiet bright enough for my taste. I recall how it felt to run my hands down an aisle of fabric, the gentle thud thud thud of each new bolt.
When I eventually discovered the home decor fabric aisle, with the wide horizontal bolts, I’d dream up projects to do with everything I saw. Of course back then, I didn’t know how I’d grow up to be a top tier level lover of textiles. I would have skipped through the parking lot into the store with my mom if I had. And now, the stores will be no more.
Yes, a lot of larger cities and towns have their own local fabric shops, but those are so few and far between now. I’m glad to say I recently found a Calico near(ish) where I love now, but for most people, Joann was it. The go-to spot for some thread, zippers, fabric glue…all the things. It’s a sad existence we have now where nearly everything is a big box homogenous store and nothing is a small boutique specialty shop.
So, the big question now is…where on earth are we all buying fabric without Joann? While I can admit that Joann didn’t carry a huge heap of designer-worthy home textiles, it did do the trick most times. And going in person to touch, feel, and see will never be beat. I’m about to share 15+ online destinations for buying fabric, but nothing will ever compare to holding a fabric in your hands. Samples can be ordered, sure, but the process takes so much more time. Sorry, I’m moping. Let’s get to the point here.
Below, I rounded up 17 sources for where to buy fabric for home projects as consumers (not trade professionals), from budget options like Etsy all the way to super luxe fabrics that are typically only available to the trade.
$ ($0-$50/yard)
Spoonflower
We love Spoonflower around here. If you want what feels like endless options when it comes to prints and plenty to choose from in terms of fabric type and weight, Spoonflower is great. Their stuff is digitally printed on top of fabric which works for most applications, but keep that in mind in the case that you’re looking for something with a woven design (this is much more expensive, FYI).
Dandelion in Yellow Light Blue By Apostrofo Design | Fraser Hunting Tartan Plaid Outlander by Laura Wright Studio | Small Linocut Block Print Floral French Provincial Country Plaid in Dark Red By Pemjo Studio
Etsy
There’s nothing I can say about Etsy here that most of us don’t already know. It’s an absolute treasure trove for fabrics of all kinds, from all over the world. I’ve gotten some amazing block prints here, some gorgeous quality linen, and always for way less money than I’m expecting to pay. It can be overwhelming, for sure, but the more specific your search terms, the better. Also, if you have a specific fabric in mind from a designer or even trade-only brand, make sure to look here in case someone is selling some yardage. You just may find what you’re looking for.
Pure Linen 58″ Wide Natural Fabric With Floral Hand Block Print by Fabritual | Natural Linen Fabric with a Check Pattern by Lino Takas | Blue & White Striped Drapery Fabric by Home Style Fabrics
Tonic Living
I knew Tonic Living from years ago, as they used to make custom window coverings, but now they’re a great source for fabric by the yard and other soft home goods like pillows. I got the beautiful Siena Stripe linen that’s below for the window treatments in my kitchen and it’s amazing quality (I believe mine was about $36 a yard). Tonic Living has some great neutrals and stripes, but also some bold prints like that Elora fabric in Forest Green.
Elora Fabric, Forest Green | Brunswick Stripe Fabric, Moss | Siena Stripe Linen, Buff
Loom Decor
Loom Decor has SO MUCH amazing stuff. Fantastic linens, stripes, checks, plaids, florals, and abstract prints. They also offer custom drapery, custom bench cushions, and other home decor that’s significantly more affordable than other spots online. I even found a quote from Emily on their website talking about how much she loved Loom, so we know she gives it her sign-off of approval, too.
French Laundry Stripe – Champagne | Country Toile – Sapphire | Checking In – Honey
$$ ($50-$100/yard)
Calico
I used to spend my lunch hour at Calico back when I worked at a design magazine. Being constantly surrounded by images of beautiful homes makes you hungry for design progress, let me tell you. Calico is like an upscale Joann, with more designer-named fabrics. That makes it pricier, of course, but I always found that they had some great sales. I should mention that Calico focuses on home fabric, which is always wider and more durable than say, fashion fabric. Like Loom, they also offer a ton of design services including reupholstery, custom drapery, cushions, custom pillows, and more both online and in-store.
Littlefield Check – Spring | Tylan Plum | Kuba (Kc) – 3 Green
Mood Fabrics
Anyone who ever watched Project Runway is going to be familiar with Mood. They offer both fashion and home fabrics, plus tons of specialty things like trim, super long zippers you can’t find elsewhere, beading, buttons, etc. It’s kind of a fabric Mecca in person (particularly in Manhattan), but their online component isn’t half bad, either. Prices are all over the price as they have really affordable things, and really luxe things, depending on what you’re looking for.
Rose Diamond and Stripe Checks | Pear Rectangle Checks | Kingfisher Ikat Checks
Luna Textiles
This one was new to me, as I found it during my search for this article. But I really loved all the contemporary and geometric prints Luna sells. Prices range from around $40 to upwards of $80+ a yard, and much of their fabrics are made from natural, recycled, or rapidly renewable fibers.
Angled Ombre in Unaka | Aperto in Rustic | Broome in Andy
Serena & Lily
Did you know Serena & Lily sells fabric by the yard? (Hot tip: So do places like Pottery Barn and even Lulu & Georgia.) It’s all in the style of what you’ll find there and prices range from $98 to $188 a yard.
Lily of the Valley Linen | Classic Gingham Linen | Seahaven Linen – Terracotta
Folio Fabrics
Again another new-to-me destination. Here, you’ll find a good mix of modern prints, classic florals, global patterns, and plenty of nubby neutrals and solids. Their website says they are “designer-curated” so at the very least, it’s not an unending marketplace of fabrics that feel like they go from bad to worst, with just a sprinkling of decent thrown into the mix. It definitely feels culled and organized but with hundreds of pages of options.
Adrian Oxford | Bella Dessert | Faye Heather
Sunbrella
You can grab Sunbrella fabrics from lots of different retailers, but don’t forget you can go straight to the source, too! Sunbrella is a fantastic choice for all your outdoor upholstery needs, as well as indoor upholstery that you want to withstand a house that goes hard on its things (think: teenage boys, clumsy husbands, rowdy dogs).
Exquisite Aloe | Cabana Classic | Lure Denim
$$$ ($100+/yard)
Chairish
Guys, Chairish has fabric!!! I had no clue, to be honest, but found it when I was doing a Google search for “Zak + Fox fabric to consumers.” Most of the sellers here offer a set number of yardage (from a single yard to multiple yards), though some will do by the yard. You can even find vintage fabrics here, which is always an exciting treasure hunt of sorts.
1 Yard Linen Fabric Harley in Saddle by Heather Chadduck | Sweet Pea Rose Print on Cotton/Linen Blend Fabric by Stevie Howell Studio | 1 ⅝ Yards Tulu Linen Fabric in Blue by Zak + Fox
Cathy Nordström
Once upon a time, I found an image that I fell head over heels for (shouldn’t it be heels over head???) and after hunting down the fabric that was featured in it, I found Cathy Nordström. Her fabrics are designed, produced, and hand-printed in the designer’s native Sweden. They’re all homey and playful in a way that feels grounded and ever-lasting. I promise that one day, when I own a home and have some permanence, I will be using that Anita print in Plum on a dining banquette just like in the photo I linked above.
Anita – Plum | Gingham – Lemon | Faye – Rust & Lilac
Perigold
Perigold is Wayfair’s bougie interior designer sister. They sell all kinds of home goods just like Wayfair, but on top of that, they also have designer fabrics from trade brands like Schumacher, Scalamandre, Eastern Accents, Sanderson, and Kravet (plus more). A heads up that this is not where to go if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly fabric, but it is worth a bookmark if you’re on the hunt for something super special you’re willing to invest in (without having to find your way into your city’s design center).
Copley Square Fabric by Roth & Tompkins | Poppy Hand Block Print Fabric by Schumacher x Molly Mahon | Lyla Embroidery Fabric by Schumacher
Fabric World
Fabric World sounds like Walmart’s equivalent to textiles, but no my friends, it’s SO much better than that. This is to-the-trade designer fabric made available to consumers. Lee Jofa, Thibaut, Cole & Son, Brunschwig & Fils, Anna French (one of my favorites)…all the names I used to write about in my luxury interior design magazine.
Poppy Paisley Ochre Fabric by G P & J Baker | Lily Flower Coral Fabric by Thibaut | Maya Teja Fabric by Gaston y Daniela
The Expert
The Expert launched a few years ago as a marketplace of sources for highly selective interior designer advice. You could book an hour consultation with say, Hendricks Churchill, to help with any given task, instead of hiring them for tens of thousands (or more) of dollars. Now, they also have a shopping component, and their fabric curation is TOP NOTCH.
TOP.
NOTCH.
I mean, that Blips and Ifs fabric by Jennifer Shorto I included below is so wildly good. I want it on a sofa. And who doesn’t love a sweet Lulie Wallace print?!? Anyway, if you have a good chunk of change to spend, absolutely come here to peruse. You’re going to find something really special.
Blips and Ifs Fabric by Jennifer Shorto | Sallie Fabric by Lulie Wallace | Elko Plaid Fabric by Schumacher
Rebecca Atwood
Not only do we all collectively love Rebecca Atwood’s designs, but she’s also just such a lovely person. Of course, you’ve seen plenty of her prints across multiple of Emily’s projects, so I couldn’t not include RA here in this roundup. Her fabrics range from about $80/yard to $180/yard, depending on the base fabric, whether it’s digitally printed or woven, and a handful of other variables. I have the Scribble fabric in Eucalyptus on the curtains in my dining room and it’s so beautiful (though I may actually change those out in place of something else and use this fabric on pillows elsewhere…a story for another day).
Blocks Fabric in Sage/Marine | Crescent Plaid Fabric in Shell Pink | Scribble Fabric in Eucalyptus
L.A. Design Concepts
Don’t be mistaken: L.A. Design Concepts is not just for people in Los Angeles. Their website offers all of the big trade names I’ve already mentioned, but what makes them pretty special is that you can bring them the name of a trade-only fabric you want that they don’t sell, and they can help you source it.
Citrus Garden by Schumacher | Sameera by Oscar De La Denta for Lee Jofa | Kelmscott Tree by Morris And Co
And there you go! Of course, as I was finishing this list, I stumbled upon a few other spots (like the absolutely adorable Pepper Home and The Inside), so there are plenty of other stores out there that sell great home fabrics to consumers. In fact, I’m sure you all know tons of other places, too, so please be sure to share the wealth of knowledge in the comments as you always do.
Until next time…
Opening Image Credits: Design by Emily Henderson and Max Humphrey | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My Brother’s Beautiful Guest Bedroom – A Warm and Modern Retreat
Ballard Design has a great selection of home fabrics. I’ve used them for several projects and they also have Sunbrella and other performance fabrics available.
Ah yes thank you for adding this one!
Anyone have tricks for searching on Spoonflower so you don’t end up with ten billion options? I get overwhelmed on Spoonflower and jump ship pretty quickly.
I’m also a fan of Hawthorne Supply Co. for online fabric
exactly how I feel about Etsy. I think maybe using a more curated site to narrow down on what you want to see than trying to just focus on comparables when you are on those sites? Can’t say its worked super well for me on Etsy but its worse better than ignoring the site altogether.
Honestly no real tricks besides going in with SOME semblance of what you’re looking for. Typically what I do is search for something like Block Print, for instance, then scroll through a bit to find a designer that seems to have things in my visual wheelhouse, then go digging through their storefront rather than the whole offering.
I’ve found that brick and mortar “quilting” stores can be easier to find than “fabric” stores. As a starting point, you can google whether there is a “shop hop” in your state/region, and if so that will make it easy to find a list of shops. (shop hops are typically a month-long event, but since many stores participate it makes it easy to find a list of them in one place.)
Thanks! Very helpful post. Some gorgeous fabrics.
I love these alternatives!
And also…good riddance, JoAnn. I worked there for a year or so in my twenties and it was a pretty terrible place to work. My managers were nice people but I was paid just over minimum wage and kept at 29 hours, so they didn’t have to give me benefits (and I had to work two jobs.) They’d have group meetings where they’d tell us how terrible unions are and that we should just resolve things between us, like a family. (BARF!)
I know JoAnn closing means lots of people will buy fabric at Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby, which are even worse, but I have a hard time feeling any sadness for the closing of this store. Let’s all push ourselves to shop small!
Yeah I hear you. Why does it feel like we’re living in a time where one place is just worse than the next to shop, and we have to pick between bad and bad? UGH!
I grew up sewing now for over 60 years. I don’t know the difference by types of fabric. I know by what I want to do with it. So to search for a type on line , will not help people like me. And what one site calls fabric is called a different name on another site.😭
In my first career as a textile designer I worked in design teams/factories in India that created these amazing fabrics for some of the big name brands on this list. Brings back so many memories!! India is full of fabric stores and when I first moved to the US that is what I missed! Thank you for highlighting the world of textiles.. from a textile and craft lover who now works in healthcare innovation!
I love Indian fabrics and imagine that etsy has many shops selling them, but do you have favorite sources you don’t mind sharing?
Rjohn, This is a super idea! I’ll need to dig around now that this option is in my brain.
I love Organic Cotton Plus, which is a company out of Texas. They have both organic cotton (grown in the US!) and low-impact dyes. Plus their patterns are fun and happy.
I love Organic Cotton Plus, which is a company out of Texas. They have both organic cotton (grown in the US!) and low-impact dyes. Plus their patterns are fun and happy.
If you are in Ohio, the Norwalk Fabric Outlet is such a find: https://www.facebook.com/norwalkfabricoutletllc/
Fabric is $10 a yard, and I’ve found some incredible fabrics. There are also seconds of leather that I’ve used for recovering stools and gorgeous trims.
This is an awesome roundup…but I’m still just heartbroken about not being able to choose fabric in person. I legitimately don’t know how I’m going to pull off Halloween costumes for my kids every year now.
I totally agree. There is nothing like seeing fabric in person. It’s a totally different experience. Half the time I end up picking a fabric that just feels good, rather than only looks good, because of the tactile IRL experience. 🙁
Did anyone else use Fabric.com until they were fully absorbed by Amazon? If so, have you found a similar replacement?? I miss them SO much! 5-6 years ago when I was making so many curtains for our newly renovated house that was where I bought the fabric. Lots of P Kaufmann and other fabrics of that level, mostly those being remaindered after their season, so with sales (and cost going down as yardage amount went up) I was able to buy fabric for floor length curtains (just prior to Covid) for $13-17 a yard (56 inches wide), meaning I could do 16 yards of patterned fabric (thus having enough to match the pattern, do 2.5 – 3 x width for fullness, and large headers and footers so they could later be adjusted to taller windows as needed) for under $250. And then Amazon started interferring, an
I wept bitter tears at the loss of fabric.com. I have had luck finding good fabric at decorativefabricsdirect.com and fabricwarehouse.com. Fabricwarehouse always sends a 20% off coupon with any samples you purchase, and seem to be approachable for making a deal with you as well.
Great suggestions in this post and know that I will be checking them all out. Thanks!!!
Same boat here! I recently ordered from fabricguru.com and was really pleased with their prices and service. The first bolt of fabric I received had a seam in it so I contacted them and they sent a replacement right away! Most samples are $3 and they have a good selection of designer fabrics. RIP fabric.com!!!
Fabric guru, onlinefabricstore.net and housefsbric are excellent sites for home decor fabrics. Wide variety of prices, sales and closeout. Denims and canvas are still pretty reasonable at bigduckcanvas.com and Nickoftimetextiles.com. If your project is a sofa slip cover,say, there’s discount on over 10 yards.
As an upholsterer for 30 years, I’m really surprised how much even basic white 12oz denims have gone up in price. I try to hunt down the best prices for my customers.
This is such a fabulous roundup thank you!
Sorry! My comment got cut off – Amazon shut down Fabric.com and doesn’t understand the fabric business at all (it became impossible to get longer lengths that you need for curtains in one length – they kept trying to cut stuff into 1 yard increments). SO – does anyone have a Fabric.com replacement? The closest I’ve come to finding one is 1502Fabrics.com. Their customer service is excellent and the prices are great, but it’s much more limited in terms of fabric choice. I’ve attached a picture of our kitchen curtains in case it helps to see they type of fabric I’m referring to.
I feel like Calico has a lot of prints like that!
Yes! Fabricguru is where I’ve bought my curtain fabrics for the last few years. I can’t say enough good things about them! I’ve also used House Fabric but can’t resist the fabricguru discount prices most of the time. And even remnants!
Try shopping Calico… maybe there’s a store in your area. They have lovely fabrics!
This is so helpful! I love textiles and I love using natural fibres. I just ordered fabric to reupholster a sofa I found at Habitat of Humanity. Inspired by the seating in the Swan Lounge at Nine Orchard in NYC, I ordered a rust coloured mohair velvet from Decorative Fabrics Direct (https://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/) and some gorgeous pink linen from BDDW Fabrics (https://bddwfabrics.com/collections/bddw-fabric). They were both expensive but since the sofa was inexpensive (but very well made) and I am doing the upholstery job myself, I am getting a beautiful mohair/linen sofa for less than I would spend on a sofa from one of the big home stores.
That inspiration photo is GORGEOUS!
Yes to all of this! Would love to see a finished photo when your project is complete.
Thank you for this list!! I also love Haines Collection. They sell leftover & dead stock home fabric from designers & fabric manufacturers at a discount to keep it from going to a landfill! They’re based in UK so shipping can be pricey to the US but I think they’re working on opening a branch here and I love their mission! They have some incredible stuff.
Readers should know about Modern-Fabrics.com a wonderful family owned and run company that sells designer fabrics at deep (deep) discounts as source direct from the design houses and keep tons out of landfill. They send free swatches and provide detailed information about every item so you know what you are getting. Their stock includes Knoll, Maharam, Lee Joffa, Kaufman etc.
My problem with Calico is that they have very little of anything in stock. At least that is the way the store in Austin, TX is. They have lots of fabric on display but it has to be ordered. They don’t sell notions and interfacing and such. Those are the things I would go to Joanne’s for. But hey, if they treated their employees poorly and were actively trying to keep their employees from joining a union then I’m glad they are no longer an option for me!
Yes, Sona–Calico’s fabric inventory is primarily in our warehouse in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; we also ship directly to customers or workrooms from some of our vendors. By not having a large inventory investment in 55 different store locations, we can update our selection more frequently and be more fashion forward. :>)
Calico allows customers to borrow our large hanging samples and mini-bolts to try at home (at no charge) in order to make a design decision with confidence. We also send out swatches of fabrics found in our stores to help visualize a project.
Most of our customers have Calico take care of the fabrication and installation, so our workrooms supply the linings, hardware and so forth. However, we are delighted to be a fabric source to the talented D-I-Y community as well!
Jan – I live 2 hrs from my closest Calico and when you transitioned to samples only in the stores, I stopped buying there. Too much hassle just for a couple decorator pillows which I like to change out on a regular basis.
Tonic Living is wonderful too – we got our drapes from there and they’re perfect! And I second the comment about Hawthorne Supply Co. – lots of beautiful choices!
I hadn’t realized fabric.com got absorbed by amazon – that’s a bummer!
I’ve also gotten lovely fabric from Fabric Mart and Vogue Fabrics
Yes! I came on here to mention Tonic Living. Beautiful fabrics at a great price!
Thanks for sharing! We appreciate the support 🧡
We’re thrilled to hear you’ve had a great experience! Thanks for the love.
My go to vendor for fabric, Equilter!! The best
Many thanks, Arlyn & Emily, for the kind words and love of the decorative fabrics at the 55 Calico stores across the country. This is a great time to shop for fabric and custom labor, as Calico’s big Spring Sale is on now through March 29. Enjoy 25% SAVINGS STOREWIDE, including fabric, trim, window treatments, furniture, reupholstery, slipcovers, cushions, bedding, pillows and more! Calico’s assortment is also available online, plus 200+ Clearance Fabrics at 75% OFF. Calico also has a superb selection of Performance Fabrics for indoor/outdoor use and their designers are available for in-home appointments at no charge.
This is a great round up. Thank you, Arlyn!
I am still shocked and saddened by the decision to close JoAnn’s. Like you, I grew up with a mother who sewed clothing for myself and my sister and brothers as well as for herself and my dad. Of course I learned to sew at a young age and enrolled in every sewing class offered in our junior and senior high. I made all of my prom gowns and most of my clothing including swimwear.When I saw a wedding gown in a bridal magazine that I loved but was out of my budget, I contacted a bridal supplier in New York and purchased the specialty trim used in my favorite dress and then proceeded to sew my own as well. Having something “homemade” was never considered “less-than”, but rather something that allowed me to used the colors and fabric that suited me rather than choose from the often limited selections in ready-to-wear. As a new bride I made bedspreads and draperies that again allowed me endless options for design and color as well as major economic savings. I still make most pillows today with designer fabrics and love the thrill of the hunt for new fabrics and ideas for home… Read more »
Pendleton Mills sells their fabric by the yard. Not ALL of their fabrics, but if you want high quality wool, they are an option.
I’m so bummed that Joann’s is going out of business but to be fair their home decor fabric has gone so far down hill in the past few years that I never shop there for that. My issue is where to go just for thread and other basic notions. Quilt shops don’t carry heavy duty or upholstery thread. Walmart , Hobby Lobby etc are extremely limited in their colors. And matching colors on line is impossible. If I need a pellon for a project I need to feel it so I know the weight of it. And I’m tired of ordering samples from fabric companies online and paying $5 for a sample. I have to drive into Boston to get any kind of selection for home decor fabric in stock and its whole days adventure. So limited in my area.
Hobby Lobby has a small but good upholstery selection.
When fabric.com first went out of business I was bereft. Searching for other discount fabrics brought me to some website with others bemoaning the loss as well, and sharing their fabric finds. I will paste the convo here, these are not my selects, they are other women sharing theirs: “November 2, 2022 at 5:05 pm I will miss fabric.com too. Other fabric stores like onlinefabricstore.com, fashionfabricsclub.com, & stonemountain&daughter are very good online fabric stores. I’ve also had great experiences buying fabric on etsy.com. Try Mood Fabrics or B & J Fabrics in NYC. I’ve shopped both of them on line and in person and would use them again. Both also send samples for a small charge. The online store Fabric Mart is great and they constantly have deep-discount sales on various categories. Stonemountain and Daughter fabrics is a good site, not discount but a lovely selection. I also recommend the online store Wawak Sewing Supplies for every kind of notion. I buy all my thread there. http://hawthornesupplyco.com/ Is one of my favorites. Stylemakerfabrics.com. I’m going to miss the great prices on Sunbrella! There are lots of online fabric stores. Knitfabrics.com, mood fabrics, raspberry creek fabrics, so sew english fabrics, sincerely… Read more »
In the Portland area, the two Mill End stores are good. And the Pendleton outlet can have some great options too. I found this great 100% wool blue tartan there several years ago, enough for 10 chairs, at a great price!
Absolutely, 100% Mill Ends! They have a great home dec section, plus expansive apparel and outdoor fabrics. It’s my happy place.
My favorite fabric shop is across the country in Maine, I have had such great luck ordering from them. https://alewivesfabrics.com/
I want to thank everyone here for their suggestions! I can’t wait to check them out and I’ve bookmarked this post for future reference!
Relatedly, there’s been quite a few posts about selecting fabric for curtains but no mention of where the curtains are being made (that I’ve noticed – apologies if I’ve missed it). I want to get custom curtains made for our large living room windows and wonder if the team has a recommendation. Local Portland metro area a plus. Thanks!
For people in the Boston area, there is Zimman’s out at Lynn— I still make it a priority to visit there when I’m in Massachusetts. https://www.zimmans.com/
Thanks for including us in this amazing round up, Arlyn! It’s our joy to help our customers bring their design visions to life and offer accessible home fabrics for all. Here’s to a beautiful 2025.
It took me months to choose a new sofa, but I finally decided on one from Ballard. While they have over 240 fabrics (all available by the yard), none of them was quite right. I ended up buying the fabric from Room & Board and taking it to Ballard when I ordered the sofa. Ballard is happy to do C.O.M. with any of their upholstery. And yes, if there’s no physical store in your town you have to order samples, but it’s worth the wait when you’re investing a few (or several!) thousand dollars in an upholstered piece. Thanks for this list, Arlyn,—so many sources that are new to me.