Why Everyone Is Searching for a New Fabric Store
When Joann closed its doors, millions of sewists, quilters, and crafters lost the neighborhood store where they touched fabrics, compared colors in person, and grabbed supplies for weekend projects. If you are wondering where to buy fabric online after Joann, you are not alone — and the good news is that the online fabric world has never been bigger or better.
Buying fabric online has real advantages: a wider selection than any single store could stock, fabric sold by the yard (or half yard) with no waste, detailed descriptions, and doorstep delivery. Below are the 7 best Joann alternatives, ranked by selection, price, and overall sewing experience.
1. Buy Fabric Direct — Our Top Pick for Everyday Sewing
Buy Fabric Direct is our number-one recommendation for sewists who want quality fabric by the yard without the markup. The Solids & Textures collection covers everyday essentials — cotton jersey, rib knits, French terry, waffle, and hacci — starting at $7.99 per yard. For smaller projects, designer prints come in 1/2-yard cuts from $4.00.
Looking for something with more personality? The Designer Fabric collection features exclusive prints like Blue French Toile ($14.99/yard) and Pink English Garden Toile ($14.99/yard) — classic looks that work for curtains, quilting, and home decor.
Why it wins: free U.S. shipping on orders over $125 (applied automatically at checkout), a library of 11 free PDF sewing patterns to start your next project today, and 15% off your first order when you sign up for the newsletter. It is the closest thing to having a well-stocked fabric store open 24/7.
2. Mood Fabrics
A New York institution with a huge online catalog. Best for: designer-quality fashion fabrics and hard-to-find textiles. Prices run higher, but the selection is unmatched for couture sewing.
3. Spoonflower
Best for: custom and independent-artist prints you cannot find anywhere else. You upload or choose a design, and it is printed on demand. Great for one-of-a-kind quilts and nursery projects, though per-yard prices are premium.
4. Etsy Fabric Sellers
Best for: small-batch, vintage, and hard-to-find prints from independent sellers. Quality varies by shop, so check reviews and always read the fabric content and width before ordering.
5. OnlineFabricStore
Best for: sheer variety — thousands of fabrics across apparel, home decor, and outdoor categories. A solid all-rounder when you know exactly what fiber and weight you need.
6. Fabric Mart
Best for: bargain hunters. Frequent sales on designer deadstock and closeout fabrics. Inventory changes fast, so buy when you see something you love.
7. Your Local Independent Quilt Shop
Best for: quilting cottons, classes, and community. Many local shops now sell online too. You will pay a bit more, but you support local businesses and get expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy fabric online or in-store?
Online is usually cheaper per yard because online stores carry less overhead than big-box retail. You also avoid the temptation of impulse buys — you order exactly the yardage your project needs. Watch for free-shipping thresholds: consolidating your order to hit a threshold like $125 often beats paying per-order shipping.
How do I know the color will match my project?
Order a swatch or a half-yard cut first. Screen calibration varies, and fabric always looks slightly different in your room's light. A small test cut is the cheapest insurance against a big disappointment.
What is the best online fabric store for beginners?
Start with a store that sells by the yard and half yard, lists fabric content and width clearly, and offers free patterns or tutorials. Buy Fabric Direct checks all three boxes, with 11 free PDF patterns that walk beginners through their first projects.
How to Choose the Right Online Fabric Store
- Check the price per yard — and whether the store sells by the yard, half yard, or fat quarter.
- Read the fabric content and width — 44/45" vs 58/60" makes a big difference in yardage math.
- Look at the shipping policy — free-shipping thresholds can make or break the deal on small orders.
- Start with a swatch or small cut — colors look different on screen.
Ready to restock your stash? Browse solids from $7.99/yard, shop designer prints at $14.99/yard, or grab 11 free sewing patterns and start sewing tonight.
