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Where to buy quality fabric? Does cost equal quality?
bampitt   Intermediate AZ USA Member since 5/12/10 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/15/12 2:30 PM Hello, everyone! My issue is quality fabric and where I can find it. I shop at the usual places - JoAnns, Fabric.com, Mood.com, etc. I know that JoAnn's doesn't have the highest quality fabric but it's good enough in a pinch. But, it seems that all the fabric I buy ends up not being very good. It fades, shrinks, looks poorly (even though I have prewashed and dried the fabric) , stretches out, etc., and I'm wondering if I should be paying more for better fabric (because I buy a lot of stuff on clearance on Fabric.com). Should I be sticking to designer fabrics? Are there brands I should stay away from? I know the better quality brands for quilting but I'm stumped as far as apparel sewing. Where is the quality??? What should I be looking for? Heheh, should I be buying a fabric book and study up on fabric so I know what to look for? ------ http://thesanguineseamstress.blogspot.com/
mrsbewley   Intermediate OH USA Member since 8/14/08 Posts: 446	Login to reply to this post In reply to bampitt << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/15/12 2:42 PM Check out the Fabric Sources thread in this forum. The "Limited Quantities" section lists places where you can get high-quality fabrics, and yes, you will pay more for them. Though many online stores have good sales from time to time. Of course, you can find good quality at the stores where you already shop, it's just a lot more hit-or-miss. Be warned that high-quality fabric is addicting . Liz
Sewliz   CO USA Member since 6/22/04 Posts: 4115	Login to reply to this post In reply to bampitt << 2 members like this. Date: 8/15/12 2:43 PM Fabric Mart is a good source for quality fabrics at good prices. Their descriptions may seem sparse but they are correct and clear, especially if you are familiar with lots of fabrics. It's a catch 22, isn't it? One way to get a feel for quality fabrics is to snoop shop in better ready to wear stores. There you can see what types of garments various fabrics are used for, feel the fabric, and look at the fiber content on the tag. ------ Liz thefittinglife.blogspot.com
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2200	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/15/12 2:48 PM People here have raved about Marcy Tilton and she has some great stuff for sale on her web site. Marcy Tilton Sale Fabric Some of hers are selling cheaper than matt jersey at JoAnn's. I'm on a tight budget so I'm really eyeing her site right now. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
Coconuts   Intermediate MI USA Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 1100	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/15/12 2:50 PM You don't necessarily have to pay more, you just need to shop at better stores. I keep getting sucked back in to Fabric.com, and every time I get three clunkers to one good fabric. I would also avoid Fashion Fabrics Club/Denver Fabrics, because it might be good or it might be crap, and you really can't tell from the description.
CLDebra Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 4/30/12 Posts: 29	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/15/12 3:42 PM This is such a great thread! I've been wanting to buy lace fabric to make a fasionable lace top. The prices and quality vary so much!! I hope that more people continue to post to this thread! ------ Debra
CLDebra Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 4/30/12 Posts: 29	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/15/12 4:00 PM MaryMary86 - THANK YOU for your post with Marcie Tilton's fabric site. I'm in heaven!! Beautiful and affordable. Wow. ------ Debra
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2200	Login to reply to this post In reply to CLDebra << Like this post Date: 8/15/12 4:08 PM Ah thank you Debra! It really is amazing isn't it? I'm thanking marec for linking to it. Mare's sewing is so beautiful and I realized she was linking to some really good stuff! ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
beauturbo Advanced CA USA Member since 5/2/09 Posts: 1446	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Date: 8/15/12 4:17 PM I think it helps to go to the stores and touch and feel and actually try on clothes of all the nicest fabrics, the more expensive the better. Then when you see it and feel it as just loose yardage or even lesser fabric, then you got something to compare it to. As the actual price you pay can just vary, and the price is not always the best indicator even. Some of my most expensive fabrics, that I actually do not buy, by the yard, like cashmere and ultra suede, and maybe even Liberty cotton prints, actually do come for me, even from the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores often. Just because really nice and good fabric stays good and lasts a long time, and if I see something there of that kind of fabric, (even in pre-made up clothes) that has a lot of actual yardage in huge pieces of it, and the color and price is right, I will just get it, bring it home and re-purpose it, and cut up and make something different of it even.
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6114	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/15/12 4:33 PM I believe you can shop at fabric.com and Fashion Fabrics Club -- as long as you always, and I repeat, always order swatches or samples first. Fashion Fabrics Club, in particular, has an extensive selection of excellent 100% wool fabrics at reasonable prices, but again you must always order samples beforehand. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins

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