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Since JOANN Fabric announced its plan to shutter all 800 locations in late February, the fiber arts community has mourned its loss and shared concerns about where the fabric industry will go moving forward. While other retailers like Mood Fabrics offer high-quality fabric at a much higher price point, some sewists and quilters voiced their disdain at having to shop at retailers such as Walmart or Amazon, whose budget-friendly options often lack in quality. Ordering fabric online can sometimes be hit or miss, and the hunt for where to best shop for fabric is on.
In a time when retailers like Amazon have so much power, why not start shopping at your local fabric store? In the past, our editors have shared tips for sourcing vintage and upcycled fabric, as well as ideas for shopping for fabric on a budget, and now we’re here to share our favorite ways to support your local fabric shop. In a time when Small Business Saturday exists as an alternative to Black Friday, the shop local (or shop small) movement encourages consumers to spend their money on local businesses as opposed to shopping at large retailers. Below is our list of ways to support your local fabric store. Want to keep this article handy? Be sure to hit the Favorites button!
Shop Local
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The best way to support your local fabric store is by shopping there! At both fabric and quilting shops, you’ll find a variety of high-quality fabrics, as well as owners and store associates who can answer questions and provide their expertise. While the prices at local stores will vary depending on their stock and specialty, shopping local puts your money back into your community and out of the hands of big businesses. Gift cards (if available) are also an excellent way to support these stores and make wonderful gifts for your sewing and quilting friends.
For those in more rural areas, you may be surprised to find that a local fabric store is closer to you than you think and is just a quick Google search away. One of the biggest disappointments expressed by sewists at the closing of JOANN are the limitations of those in rural communities who were serviced by the fabric giant, so we recommend doing research and making a day trip to your local store with your sewing pals. In the very rural area that I’m from, we have at least one local quilt shop within an hour’s driving distance.
Attend Classes
If you do have a local fabric store close by, be sure to see if they have any upcoming sales or events, as well as if your shop hosts any sewing or quilting classes. Often, you’ll find that shops host fun classes for beginners or children and sometimes serve as a meeting place for sewing circles or quilting guilds. Check out your local stores during National Quilting Month (March) or National Sewing Month (September) to see what special sales may be running or check out their Facebook pages to see if they host events such as private Sip and Sew lessons. You may also reach out to see if local shops have space to rent out on occasion for any events your guild would like to host.
Tag Them on Social Media
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One major way to support your local fabric store is to follow them on social media (such as Facebook or Instagram), so that you can see their latest products and fabrics, as well as any upcoming events. If you’ve had a great interaction at your local shop or shop there often, you can leave them a five-star review on Google or Yelp so that it will boost the visibility of the shop online. Tagging your shop on Instagram in your stories or posts is also a great way to boost visibility and allows others online to see what beautiful fabric options are available in-store. Following your favorite fabric store online is also a wonderful way to see if they have any current giveaways or promotions, so that you don’t miss out on great deals.
While we know the void left by JOANN Fabric is difficult to fill, there are often local stores that not only have beautiful fabric options available, but offer specialty textiles and notions, as well as classes and assistance from experienced sewists and quilters. How do you feel about the closure of JOANN Fabric? Where do you usually shop for fabric? What are your tips for your fellow readers about shopping local? Leave a comment below!