We look for distinctive prints, unique colorways, and fabrics that are always 100 percent natural, except in rare cases where less than 6 percent recycled spandex is included for additional stretch.
Work out how much to buy
1. Start from the pattern's chart, in your size.
Take the number from the column that matches the width you are actually buying.
2. Add for prewashing.
Cotton loses 3 to 5 percent and linen 5 to 10 percent in the first wash. On a 3-yard cut that is up to 10 inches gone before you cut a piece.
3. Add for directional prints and naps.
A one-way floral, a matched stripe, or a napped fabric means every piece is laid the same direction. Budget 10 to 25 percent extra depending on the print repeat.
4. Add a quarter yard for fitting insurance.
A re-cut sleeve or a lengthened bodice is cheaper than a missing dye lot.
5. Round up to the shop's cutting unit.
Most shops cut to the quarter or half yard. Some fabric is sold by the meter, panel, or precut bundle.
The width column is the one people miss. A pattern that requires 2 yards at 60 inches can require 3 or more at 45 inches. Beginner sewing patterns
Read the listing before the photo
A good listing shows fiber percentages, width, and weight or GSM when known; how the cut is measured; care and expected shrinkage; plain-language notes on hand, drape, and opacity; and whether stretch exists, how much, and in which direction.
If a listing does not name a weight, we do not invent one.
Screen color versus fabric in hand
Monitors show color differently. Natural fibers take dye unevenly enough that lots can vary slightly. If color accuracy matters, order a swatch first.
Look at the fabric photographed flat as well as styled. Read the written color description. If you need several yards from one dye lot, ask before ordering.
Continuous cuts, precuts, and remnants
When inventory permits, multiple units of the same fabric are cut as one continuous length. Continuous matters for long bias strips, a quilt back without a seam, or a print that has to run down a skirt panel. If it is essential, say so before you order.
Fat quarters, fat eighths, and charm packs give you a coordinated palette in small pieces. That suits patchwork. It is the wrong shape for a dress back.
Remnants are useful for small makes, muslins, and lining. They are final sale. Check the stated length against your pattern. Browse the sale and remnants basket.
What we look for
We look for distinctive prints, unique colorways, and fabrics that are always 100 percent natural, except in rare cases where less than 6 percent recycled spandex is included for additional stretch.
A few percent of stretch can make trousers wearable. Name the fiber before you buy. Shop Fabric.
Ordering, shipping, and what is final sale
Order everything for a project in one go. Fabric is cut to order, so thread, interfacing, elastic, and closures added at the same time ship together. Standard U.S. shipping is complimentary on qualifying orders over $75. Orders are generally packed within one to two business days.
Cut-to-order fabric and made-to-order items are final sale. Unused stock items in original condition can be returned within 30 days. Full detail lives on shipping & returns.
When fewer, brighter bolts win
We win when you want fewer, brighter, better-described bolts: colorful fabric by the yard, honest specs, and kits that already pair pattern, fabric, and notions. The saving is not always on the price per yard. It is on the three yards you did not buy twice.
When the brief is still fuzzy, send it over rather than guessing. Sourcing research is the part of this job we enjoy.
Questions people ask
- How do I buy fabric online without seeing it in person?
- Buy on specs rather than photos. Confirm fiber percentages, width, weight in GSM, hand, drape, opacity, and expected shrinkage. If color or hand matters, order a swatch first.
- How much fabric should I order?
- Take the pattern yardage for your size at the width you are buying, then add about 10 percent for shrinkage, more if the print is directional, plus a quarter yard of fitting insurance. Round up to the cutting unit.
- Will multiple yards arrive as one continuous cut?
- When inventory permits, yes. If a continuous cut is essential, contact us before ordering and we will check the bolt.
- Why does the fabric look different from the photo?
- Screens display color differently, and lots vary slightly. When you are matching a garment already in your closet, order a swatch.
- Can I return cut fabric?
- Cut-to-order fabric and made-to-order items are final sale. Unused stock items in original condition can be returned within 30 days.
Keep reading
Our full checklist lives in the Quality & Sourcing Promise. These guides pick up where this one stops.
Reading fabric specs Dress fabric by drape Beginner patterns