This is the last pre-lesson in my Learn to Sew series. The series itself starts Monday, but before it does, let’s talk fabric. Or more specifically how to buy fabric.
I’m a sucker for fabric. Totally and completely. You can never have too much fabric. And I love to buy fabric. But I understand that it could be overwhelming to walk into a fabric store if you don’t have a lot of experience there, so let me walk you through it.
How to Buy Fabric In Stores and Online:
OK, you walk into your fabric store and you will see rows and rows of fabric. What are they all and what do they mean? Let’s take a little tour of the store shall we?
Typically the most prevalent fabric is going to be your basic cotton. Also sometimes called Calico in the fabric world. Along one wall of the store you are likely to see fabrics arranged by color something like this:
Kind of pretty looking isn’t it? Those are arranged like that for the quilter’s sake-so that they can easily find for example a purple to go into the quilt they are making. Often these calico fabrics will have small all over prints like dainty little flowers, but you can see that some of them have more bold prints like large polkadots. At the close end you can also see solid prints.
Throughout the store on shelves you will probably find many more cottons in a variety of styles. You may find a baby section, a designer fabric section, seasonal prints, etc. Just browse for what you are looking for.
On another wall of the store you are likely to find fleece and other plush fabrics typically used for blankets and pajamas and other cozy things. These fabrics will also be more expensive, so make sure to bring a coupon. (All the major chains have printable coupons if you just google it.)
An overlook of the rest of the store might show you something like this:
You’ll see shelves and shelves of fabric and at the top a sign indicating what type of fabric you are seeing.
A few other, possible more hidden parts of the store include home decor fabrics-typically on large rolls that are very wide:
In still another section you will find trims like ribbon and lace that you can buy by the yard. Just take them up to the cutting counter just like any fabric and have them cut it for you:
And there will be a corner with interfacing:
And then the rest of the store will be filled with things like thread and notions and any other sewing supplies that you might need:
OK, so you browse and find something you want. Now what?
First of all, take notice of the end of the bolt. You are going to find information there like the width of the fabric (this one is typical at about 44″ wide-some fabrics will be wider like 60″), the type of fabric, washing instructions and pricing:
Take your fabric or trim or interfacing up to the cutting counter and tell them how much you need. Typically the smallest cut they will make is 1/8th of a yard and then you can do any increments beyond that. Try to figure out ahead of time about how much you are going to need.
They’ll cut it for you and then you will take it, along with a ticket they will give you, up to the register to pay. (Remember your coupons!)
Now, if you are shopping online it’s similar, but a little different since you are browsing online. Let’s use one of our sponsors, The Ribbon Retreat as an example.
Say I want to buy some nice cotton fabric there to make a baby dress. Well, I like this fabric. (Seriously-that’s cute! Might need to make something with that!) So I am going to click on that fabric, read the description at the top and then decide how much I need and select that from the drop down menu and then add it to my cart.
They also offer accessories like ribbons and trims and some notions online as well. Pretty easy right?
Type of Fabrics:
Let’s have a quick overview of types of fabric you will find at the store.
Cottons or Calicos: 100% cotton fabrics (that will probably shrink and should be pre-washed) and are going to be very plentiful at most stores. Available in many different styles including designer fabrics with bold, trendy prints, baby fabrics, quilting fabrics, seasonal fabrics and lots more.
Heavyweight fabrics like duck, canvas and denim: These will be heavier than your calicos and can be great for things like throw pillows, outdoorsy type things, tote bags, or anything else you want a heavier weight for.
Plush like fleece and minky: Soft and cozy and perfect for things like blankets and pajamas or all things baby. They will be a little more expensive. They may pill a little after washing.
Flannel: Usually you will find a flannel section with lots of baby prints as well as other prints. Soft and snuggly but will most definitely shrink and pill after it’s washed a few times.
Special Occasion Fabrics: You will find a section with things like satin (soft and silky), tulle (like netting) and silks. These are usually used for dresses and other fancy things. One warning-they are quite a bit harder to sew on than regular cotton and will take some practice.
Jersey Knits: Soft and stretchy like a t-shirt. Also can be a little harder to sew on because they stretch, but not too difficult. they often come in wider sizes than a typical bolt of fabric so pay attention to that. You may need less fabric because of this.
Home Decor: On large rolls (see above), wider and more expensive than other fabrics but also much higher quality. For things like curtains.
OK, what do you think? You ready to go fabric shopping now?
Hi! So I sew and purchase fabric all the time… I’m not sure of why I read this! But I just wanted to say that it was fantastic and very helpful! A great overview of the overwhelming fabric store. I’d like to add that if you are holding a pattern and it gives you a fabric measurement, it might be helpful to add an extra 1/4 yard for mistakes (and for making cute bows/flowers/embellishments). And don’t forget liners! Anyway, I love your blog and check in all the time! Kudos!!
Good tip!!!
Great post, Amber. Very informative and to the point. I am always too wordy. You are really good at making things simple and clear!
Well, I was trying to get it done in about a 45 minute window and that included uploading and editing the pics. So, it was kept short by that. :)
This is a great article. I have been sewing for a couple of years, but I can’t wait to join your “Learn to Sew” series. I mostly taught myself, so I fear I have lots to learn.
I found this great store near my house called the ” The Calico House” now I know why they have such a cute name!
This post is so good and to the point! I am so excited to start your classes on monday!
Way to represent Hobby Lobby! I love the wide selection of fabrics they have and they are always on sale! I’d love to know more of your online fabric shops!
How did you know it was Hobby Lobby? I LOVE that place. I go there at least once a week!
You can see a price tag in one of the pictures :D I get grounded from that store because I can spend so much money there!
that makes me feel better! I often get “grounded” from the fabric/craft stores too!:-)
Great post. You might mention that at most of your local quilt shops if you are having trouble choosing fabrics, they are always very helpful in matching color combos for projects. That is one of my favorite things about working in a fabric store. I love to mix and match fabrics for people.
Hello Amber. I’ve been reading and following your blog for some time now simply because I love the way you write and your great ability to explain things. I’ve sewn my entire life (50 years) but I have still found things on your blog that have been helpful. I’ve also referred you to friends that I have that are learning to sew. I’ve made several of your hooded animal towels and they are PRECIOUS and EASY!!! Thanks for your great blog, your great FREE ideas and tutorials! I think I’m going to follow along on your Learn To Sew series, simply because I love your style of teaching!!! :-) Thanks!
Wow! You make me feel amazing. I am still completely new to this blogging thing and to hear that people love it feels so great. Thanks so much!
Thank you SO much Amber! I am always so overwhelmed when I walk into my fabric store. I’ve wanted to learn to sew for a long time and am excited to start your learn to sew series. Question for you about the fabric I purchased for the burp cloths…do I need to do anything to the cut edge of the fabric before washing it? I don’t want to end up with a mess after it’s washed. Thanks again for your blog and free lessons! I’m excited to learn a new hobby!
Nope, just wash it. It will come out all wrinkly which is sad and the raw edge will have all kinds of strings you’ll need to cut off.
Is there anything you can do to prevent this? I have been wondering about that too… When I have washed mine to get ready there are always tons of tangled strings? Should i use pinking shears first or anything?
I have a question – you mentioned that the fabric comes in different widths… when we are reading a pattern it shows the yards needed soooo how will we know which width we should purchase?
Thanks
I think most patterns will say on them something about the width. But, you can assume they mean standard width which would be the 44/45″ unless it says otherwise.
Thanks!
I bought some fabric today to make my niece’sbirthday gifts – hopefully I have enough scraps to majestic one of your items! I’m excited for Monday!
Hi Amber! I am revisiting sewing after many years. I have sewn VERY little in the past, and I suppose because I am a fairly new grandmother, I’m busting at the seams to make her lots of pretty things!! However, I need classes!! ha I am so eager, but get frustrated trying, just from lack of knowledge. I thought of starting with some burp clothes just for practice as my grandaughter is 2 already and doesn’t use them anymore, but ran into not being able to find the gauze I saw in a tutorial online. I bought some cloth diapers to just add a strip down the middle, and they balled p and looked awful after washing. (Bird’s Eye from Walmart), so I stuck them in the back of a drawer. I am so excited to have found this lesson you have posted all about fabrics and can’t wait to go back and read all the Learning to Sew lessons I’ve missed! This was so very helpful and I’m eager to read more on your site!!! Thank you for keeping me from throwing in the towel!!! haha I’m adding you to my favorite blogs and am excited to see what all I can learn!
Allison
It’s so funny that you mentioned this when you did. Wait till you see my post tomorrow. It’s all about not getting frustrated when sewing. :) Thanks for your kind words!
Thank you Amber for the great post. Just wanted to add a hint. When you are shopping add your name to their mailing list. Many stores mail or even e-mail specials and coupons.
True! I will add that to the post.
So I read this and went to the ribbon retreat to see what they had. I found a pattern for a girly tool belt and was looking for the fabric..it said I needed 1/3 yard but they didnt have that option when you go to put how much you want….
Oh that’s true-they only sell in 1/4 or 1/2 or full yard increments so you would have to go with the 1/2 and then have scraps. Don’t forget to use the code Crazy15 for the discount!
As someone who is pretty new with fabrics, this was a great break down!
Great post!! I’m a new sewer and really excited to get started. I was wondering, when you’re buying fabric online and you want 100% cotton, how do you know if it will be appropriate for clothing? Sometimes 100% cotton feels very soft, and sometimes it’s really heavy and wouldn’t really feel good on your skin. I’m so confused!
I guess I would say just use your best judgement bases on that particular fabric. And remember that it will get a little softer once it is washed.
Hi Amber,
Great blog post. I told myself I was going to finally learn the sew. (I mean, can fix a hem and sew on a button.) But, I want to learn to sew maybe a top for myself. Can’t wait to follow your blog.
What a great article! Sadly, we have one fabric store some 50 km away! We also have a small fabric store that doesn’t have nicely labeled shelves and the people working there don’t have a clue of the names of the fabric in English. So before leaving to shop there, I have to look up the French equivalent then get stared at as if I were from Mars. LOL! oh well, my mom left me some 20 bins of fabric (leftover from her store she had) so I should get through those beforehand although some are dated back to 1967!!! Nevertheless, great practice material. Of course, I wash everything beforehand although everything was stored in tissue paper in a special closet. Thanks for the post was most interesting.
WOW! That’s crazy. At least you’ve got those bins.
Amber,
Enjoy your post, I am a self taught grandma sewer. Growing up we wore a lot of solids with a matching print or ect. Today, everything goes in the same project, how do you get the eye to adapt? I have a hard time with quilting and getting a good balance to a project. Please, keep up the little projects, as I have used manys of them.
I’m bad at picking fabrics that match. I like stores that do it for you! :)