Online Fabric Shopping: 5 Secrets for Success
With major fabric retailers closing in this year, you might be wondering—where will you buy fabric now? Whether you’ve always loved shopping in person or you’re new to buying fabric online, it’s normal to feel a little intimidated. Screens can’t always capture color, texture, or drape the way a store does. But online shopping also opens up a whole world of options, and with a few insider tips, it doesn’t have to be scary. I’ve been buying fabric online for years and have learned plenty along the way, so today I’m sharing my five essential tips to help you confidently shop and buy fabric online and find the right materials for your projects—and actually enjoy the process! Read on or watch here:
🧵Build Your Trusted Vendor List to Buy Fabric Online
Just like finding your favorite local shop, it’s worth taking the time to build your own list of trusted online fabric stores. Start by ordering small amounts from a few retailers and see which ones consistently deliver quality fabric and good service. Once you find shops that align with your standards, you’ll save yourself guesswork on future projects and know exactly where to buy fabric online safely.
💡 Tip: Check sewing community groups—like the Love Notions or Pattern Emporium Facebook groups—for honest reviews and recommendations. You can also browse the TomKat Stitchery Online Fabric and Notion Sources, where makers from around the world have shared their favorite shops (all neatly organized by country!).
➡️Remember—cheap fabric isn’t always a bargain. If it’s too good to be true, it might end up in your muslin pile instead of your wardrobe. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for reliable quality.
🧵Learn to Decode Fabric Descriptions
The product description is your best friend when you buy fabric online. The more detail a store provides, the more confident you can be in your purchase. Here’s what to look for:
- Weave or knit type: Know the difference between terms like voile, lawn, twill, and crepe. For example, a cotton voile is sheer and airy, while a cotton lawn is opaque and crisp.
- Stretch percentage: If you’re sewing knits, make sure the stretch matches your pattern’s requirements.
- Weight (oz or GSM): This tells you how heavy or thick the fabric is. A 6 oz denim is great for shirts, but jeans need something closer to 11 oz.
- Fiber content: Understand what you like to wear! If polyester makes you overheat, stick with cottons, rayons, and blends you know are breathable.
The more familiar you become with fabric terminology, the easier it gets to visualize what’s arriving in that package—and to confidently buy fabric online without surprises.
🧵Navigating Color Differences
Color is one of the trickiest parts of shopping online. These tips make it easier to shop fabric online with confidence and avoid surprises when your fabrics arrive:
- Read the descriptive words: “Tomato red” suggests a warm tone, while “cherry red” leans cool. Words like heathered or marled usually indicate a softer, muted shade.
- Calibrate your screen: This helps ensure your monitor is showing colors as accurately as possible.
- Look at multiple photos: Many stores show the fabric draped, folded, or in different lighting, which gives a better sense of its true hue.
- Check for color codes: Some stores list Pantone or HEX references—super handy if you want to compare exact shades.
Still, expect a few misses—it happens to everyone!
🧵Collect Fabric Swatches
Swatches are a game changer, especially when you’re learning about new fibers or planning a capsule wardrobe. If your favorite shops offer swatches, order a few and start a mini fabric reference library. Label them with fiber type, store, and weight—it’s an easy way to remind yourself how fabrics feel and drape.
Even small cuttings from in-person trips can help you build this resource. Having swatches on hand helps you confidently buy fabric online for future projects.
🧵Know the Store Policies
Before checking out, take a minute to read the store’s return and exchange policy. Especially when trying a new shop, this can save you from frustration later.
If you’re ordering a large cut (say, 8 yards for a formal dress), confirm it will be continuous yardage—not two smaller cuts joined together. You’ll also want to ensure all your fabric comes from the same dye lot for color consistency.
🧵Final Thoughts
You will occasionally get a fabric that’s not quite what you expected—maybe the color’s off or the drape isn’t right. That’s okay! Keep those pieces for muslins, smaller projects, or gifts. Every purchase helps you learn more about fabric, and over time, your confidence (and your stash) will grow beautifully. With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to shop and buy fabric online with confidence every time.
