Question:
Where should I buy my fabric?
Specialty Shops
Specialty shops, such as quilting or tailoring shops, will have fabrics and notions specific for the type of sewing that they cater to. These types of retailers are generally more expensive, but often have fabrics that are hard to find. The employees of specialty shops are usually more knowledgeable about their fabrics and sewing techniques.
Internet
There are many great fabric suppliers and great bargains available through the internet. It is important to find an internet retailer that you feel comfortable with before you spend a lot of money with them. Many have programs where you can get fabric swatches and samples to look at before making a purchase.
Chain and Discount Fabric Stores
Large chain and discount fabric stores will provide more selection and economical choices of fabric. These stores often have sales and special discounts. However, there is generally less knowledgeable service available from larger fabric stores and it is more important to know what you are buying.
Garment Districts
Many larger cities across the country have garment districts. These districts have numerous stores all in one area that offer tremendous bargains. You will need to have knowledge of fabrics and a general idea of prices to get the best deals. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Fabric Clubs
There are several fabric clubs available for fabric purchasing. Usually, there is an annual membership fee to join. Fabric swatches are sent to members on regular basis. This is a good way to get unique fabrics and coordinates. These clubs will usually provide additional information about care and recommended usage of their fabrics.
Sewing Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a good sewing room?
How do I select the right pattern?
What kind of cutting equipment should I use?
What kind of sewing machine should I buy?
How do I choose the right fabric?
What makes a good cutting table?
What measuring tools should I have?
How do I choose the right size pattern?
What is the best lighting for my sewing room?
How can I get custom fitting patterns?
How do I hold the fabric in place?
Where can I store things in my sewing room?
What can I use to store sewing gadgets?
What is the best way for me to store sewing supplies?
Do I need to preshrink interfacing?
What are some useful tools to have for sewing?
What kind of light should I use for sewing?
What kind of seam ripper should I get?
What kind of tape measure do I need?
How do I remove gum stuck to my clothes?
How often do I need to clean up my sewing room?
How do I deal with difficult customers?
How should I store my scissors?
How do I get rid of scorch marks?
Is it safe to use magnets around my sewing machine?
What kind of seating should I use when sewing?
How do I press seams without getting imprints?
What kind of thimble should I use?
How do I preshrink interfacing?
What kind of interfacing should I use?
How can I protect my back when sewing?
How do I hem thick fabrics like denim?
How do I cut open buttonholes?
What kind of needles should I use for hand sewing?
How do I hold the pattern in place?
How do I build a business reputation?
What pressing tools should I have?
What color thread should I use?
How high should my sewing table be?
What is full spectrum lighting?
How do I stabilize knit fabric?
How do I get curves seams to lay flat?
How do I sew over thick seams?
What kind of patches should I use?
How do I do a gathering stitch?
How do I make an invisible hem?
How do I learn new techniques?
How much time will it take me to do a project?
How do I layout the pattern pieces?
How can I focus my advertising?
How do I work with fabric cut on the bias?
How do I learn about my sewing machine?
What kind of pin cushion should I get?
How do I preshrink my material?
What kind of floors should I have in my sewing room?
How do I remove lint from my machine?
How do I make a top-stitched hem?
What kind of documentation should I keep for work taken in?
Do I need to follow the steps on the pattern in order?
can I use a magnetic seam guide?
What kind of sewing business should I start?
How can I keep my button organized?
How do I remove creases in fabric?
What kind of ironing board should I use?
Where can I get support for my business development?
When should I cut on a single layer of fabric?
How do I keep my thread from getting tangled up?
How do I sew an invisible hem?
How determine the proper care for my fabric?
Do I need to keep my sewing machine covered?
How do I get a smooth finished seam?
Can I use generic parts and accessories for my sewing machine?
What kind of pins should I use?
How often do I need to oil my sewing machine?
How do I clean out the tension discs in my machine?
How do I change the light bulb in my sewing machine?
Do I need to preshrink my zippers?
How do I keep the seam straight?
How do I prepare my pattern before using it?
Should I use a surge protector with my machine?
What color should my walls be in my sewing room?
How can I save time cutting fabric?
How often do I need to change my machine needle?
How often should I have my sewing machine serviced?
What kind of thread should I use in my sewing machine?
How can I store sewing machine needles?
What kind of thread should I use?
How do I straighten my fabric?
What is done during routine servicing of my sewing machine?
Where should I buy my sewing machine?
How much should I spend for a sewing machine?
How can I sharpen my machine's needle?
