Why Shop Online Fabric Stores?
The pandemic has changed the course of many businesses forever. This includes fabric stores. Shopping online fabric stores became a necessity. The demand for fabric increased because of the need for masks and gowns. Now that in store shopping has resumed, does the appeal of online shopping seems to remain?
The Fabric Store Directory was born out of the need to find fabric online. Most of the stores in the directory offer some type of online shopping. The ability to shop fabric stores online frees the you to explore more fabric choices than may be available to you locally.
Who Sells Fabric Online?
Nationally known chain stores
Fabric stores near you
Stores that serve their local community in other states and countries
Large regionally known fabric stores
Fabric stores that only sell fabric online
Large well known stores dominate internet searches for fabric. With the help of the Fabric Store Directory you can discover smaller fabric stores, regional fabric stores and fabric stores in other countries.
Which is Better? Online or In Store Shopping?
I will never forget browsing the fabric store as a child. I would spend hours looking at the pattern books and then looking at the fabric dreaming of the garments I wanted to make. Now, I can spend hours online comparing fabric on different sites and adding it to my fabric stash.
I don’t think there is a better. Having the opportunity to visit a fabric store is always a treat. But it is thrilling to shop online fabric stores and discover fabric in different colors and textures from all over the world.
How do I know if a Fabric Store Site is Good?
The first thing I do, before I look at any of the stores fabric is try to figure out if the site is a real online fabric store. I look around the homepage of the site to find the location to the store and contact information. I am looking for a physical location even if the store is only an online store. The next thing I do is find the about page. After that, I look for the shipping and refund policies.
Why Should I Try to Find Location and Contact information?
Although, it does not guarantee a site is reputable, knowing there is a place that you can call and their location is a start.
Why Is the About Page Important?
I like to know the type of store the site represents. Is it a neighborhood store? Are they a chain? What do they specialize in? This is part of establishing if the store is trustworthy. Some about pages are more elaborate than others, so it is only part of the story.
What is the Importance of Shipping and Refund Policies?
I am particularly interested in if the company will ship to my location. How they ship and can purchases be returned. Shipping policies may let you know how long it may take to get your purchase. Most stores do not refund cut fabric, check though, because some do. Many stores that do not provide a refund will send you swatches for a small fee. It is important to know what the stores policies are so you will know what to expect once you place an order. If you are not comfortable with the policies, then look for another store.
What Do I do if the website does not have a location, an about page or information about shipping and refund policies?
I am very strict about these four criteria. The about page being the most flexible, and the location/contact information being the most important. Shipping and refund policies are important to me. If they are not provided I generally will look elsewhere.
What if the store is on Social Media or has reviews online?
Reviews and recommendations can be very helpful in determining if you want to buy from a fabric store. I use them as a secondary resource, although if there are many complaints about service or quality of the fabric, I will look somewhere else. I would never let a review replace the lack of contact information for a store. You should be very comfortable with a site if you are going to spend money, especially, if you don’t know the company beforehand. Please use caution when making decisions about spending money on any site.
Once I have looked at these aspects of the store, and I am satisfied by the amount of information I have been able to find I will then start to look at the organization of the site.
How is an ONline Fabric Store Organized?
This is, of course, up to the store itself. Most stores have some of the featured products on the homepage and a menu that allows you to link to fabric by type. You can click on a fabric type and link to the listings of the fabric the store sells.
How Can I Find the FAbric I want in an Online Store?
I like to browse and see what fabrics catch my eye, but it can be very helpful to know what you are looking for when searching online. You will be able to focus on what you want an not on fabrics that will not work for your project.
The most helpful sites will provide detailed information about the fabric and images that will allow you to see the texture and finish of the fabric. This is where swatches can be helpful. Some sites will allow you to search by color, price of the type of garment you are looking for.
I have spoken with many fabric store employees and they have all told me that they are willing to help customers that call with questions, so if you are looking for something and don’t see it, it may be worth the time to call the store and see if they can help you.
How Do Fabric Stores Sell Fabric Online?
If you choose to order fabric online find out if the fabric is cut in yards or meters. In the United States most fabric is cut by the yard or the half yard, some online stores may cut in smaller increments.
How Do I buy Fabric by the Half Yard?
For most stores if you need a yard of fabric and they cut by the half yard you order 2 instead of one. The store should also indicate that by ordering 2 you will get 1 full yard that is not cut. So if you need 2 continuous yards you order 4.
How Do I buy Fabric Sold in Meters?
It is important to be aware of the unit of measurement the fabric store is using when you calculate what you will need. Most fabric stores not located in the United States sell fabric in meter or half meter lengths. For a US shopper not accustomed to this it has some advantages. A meter is equal to 39.37 inches. That is about 3 and 1/4 inches more than a yard. There are conversion charts for meters on the back of pattern envelopes if you are working from a commercial pattern.
How Do I order Fabric by the Half Meter?
This is the same as ordering by the half yard. One meter will equal 2 half yards.
Summary of tips for shopping online Fabric Stores.
- Check for the location and phone number of the store. Check for shipping and return policies. Find out about the store by looking at the about page.
- How is the store organized? By fabric type?
- What are you looking for? Know ahead of time the type of fabric you want so you can search more efficiently on the site.
- Find your fabric, know your yardage, fill your cart.
- Double check your cart for accuracy. Do you have the right fabric, color, and amount?
- When you are ready make your payment and wait for happiness to arrive!
I hope this guide provides you with some insight to make shopping for fabric online more fun and cost efficient. Fabric store websites are some of the most user friendly and dynamic sites on the internet. The Fabric Store Directory is an independent directory that contains links to over 400 fabric stores all over the world. I hope you will click the link below and embark on an online journey discovering fabric stores around the world.