JOANN Is Closing: Here’s Where You Can Still Buy High-Quality Fabric

Crafters across the country are mourning the loss of their favorite fabric store, JOANN. The company announced this past week that it will be closing all of its stores, with going-out-of-business sales commencing immediately. For the time being, you can still shop at JOANN or on their site, Joann.com, for special deals as the fabric retailer clears its inventory. But soon, crafters everywhere will have to find a new spot for high-quality fabric.

While there are plenty of big-box stores and online retailers that sell fabric, there’s nothing quite like shopping somewhere that specializes in high-quality fabric like JOANN. We asked our textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute for their advice on what to look out for when searching for the best fabric.

“It’s good to go to a store that specializes in what you’re shopping for (especially important for quilting fabrics!),” says Emma Seymour, the associate director at the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. “I also like to make sure the fabrics are clean, they have a range of materials and the material isn’t damaged at all. Also, if you’re sewing with a pattern, make sure you choose compatible fabrics.”

We searched high and low for the best places to buy fabric, from trusted brick-and-mortar stores to top online retailers. With insights from some of the experienced DIYers and crafting experts on the Good Housekeeping staff, we’ve rounded up the best spots for crafters to shop for fabrics now that JOANN is going out of business.

With locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami, Mood Fabrics is a great store to check out if you love to look at and feel fabrics in person before you buy. If you don’t live in one of these three cities, they also have a wide selection of high-quality fabrics online.

“I was looking for fabric once, and they were kind enough to show me a range of quality options in various colors within my budget. I never felt rushed and was able to take my time to make the best decision,” says Home Design Director Monique Valeris.

SHOP MOOD FABRICS

Located in New York City, Gray Lines Linen offers a variety of fabrics, including 100% linen, 100% silk, 100% cotton embroidery and other blends for all sorts of projects. And if you don’t live close by, don’t worry. The retailer sends sample swatches of the type of fabric and color you’re looking for so you can see it before making a purchase.

SHOP GRAY LINES LINEN

Stone Mountain Fabric is located in Berkeley, California, although their online inventory is pretty impressive. “Our extensive selection includes top-quality fabrics in every category: knits, wovens, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool and many fiber blends sourced from around the world,” the company states on its site.

SHOP STONE MOUNTAIN FABRIC

With a storefront in Manhattan’s Garment District, B&J Fabrics is a go-to for Good Housekeeping Visual Styling Director Elisabeth Engelhart.

“B&J Fabrics is a staple in New York City’s Garment District, known for its carefully curated selection of textiles from around the world,” says Engelhart. “The store is well-loved by fashion students, designers and stylists, and it’s not uncommon to bump into high-fashion couturiers while browsing their wide range of fabrics, including velvets, cotton lawn, embellished tulle and linens. Their collection is neatly organized by material, making it easy for shoppers to find what they need. B&J also offers a well-organized online inventory, providing convenient access to their fabrics for those who can’t visit in person.”

SHOP B&J FABRICS

Looking for a fabric retailer that’s trying to also do some good for the planet? Look no further than FABSCRAP.

“FABSCRAP is a nonprofit organization that has pioneered a system to recycle and reuse fabric waste from brands, creating an accessible materials resource for creative communities while reducing the fashion industry’s impact on the planet,” the company explains on its site. With a warehouse location in Brooklyn, New York, and an online shop, you can source recycled materials for your next project at an affordable price.

SHOP FABSCRAP

A Thrifty Notion sells secondhand fabric from their warehouse store located in Ogden, Kansas. Its site offers a wide variety of fabrics with plenty of filter options so you can find just what you need online.

SHOP A THRIFTY NOTION

Brooklyn General Store is a Good Housekeeping staff favorite for its vintage atmosphere and beautiful selection. If you’re located in the area, it even offers classes in knitting, sewing, quilting, felting, spinning, rug hooking and embroidery.

“Brooklyn General Store is a hidden gem with a vast array of high-quality fabrics and yarns in a small, cozy setting,” says Good Housekeeping Editorial Stylist Alex Mata. “Shopping there is a delightful experience, sparking creativity the moment you walk in the door. As a regular customer, I’m constantly impressed by the fresh selection of unique fabrics it offers. For those seeking exceptional and one-of-a-kind fabrics, Brooklyn General Store is an outstanding choice. They also offer the convenience of online ordering, making the unique selection accessible wherever you are.”

SHOP BROOKLYN GENERAL STORE

Fabric Mart’s retail store is located in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t stop crafters around the country from calling it home. As a small, family-owned business, customers appreciate the high-quality service and materials offered.

SHOP FABRIC MART

Britex Fabrics moved from New York City’s Garment District to San Francisco in 1952. “Generations of fabric lovers describe Britex as a delight to the senses, a visual candy store,” says the retailer on its site.

SHOP BRITEX FABRICS

Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com