Saying Goodbye to JoAnn Fabrics: A Shift in the Sewing Landscape

The recent news of JoAnn Fabrics closing is a tragic moment for the crafting and sewing community. For decades, JoAnn has been a beloved, one-stop destination where creators—from beginner sewists to seasoned designers—could find fabrics, notions, and inspiration all in one place. It’s a loss for many of us who relied on their vast selection for everything from basic supplies to specialty materials.

While it’s certainly a sad turn of events, it’s also a unique opportunity for us to reflect on how we support smaller, independent fabric shops and online suppliers. The closing of JoAnn’s locations reminds us of the importance of fostering a diverse and sustainable marketplace for fabrics, trims, and sewing notions. By seeking out smaller, local fabric businesses or independent online stores, we can continue to ensure the availability of quality materials and keep the spirit of creativity alive in our industry.

Supporting Online Business: A New Era of Fabric Shopping

As makers, we know how essential it is to find quality fabrics and notions to bring our visions to life. While JoAnn may no longer be available to many, there is no shortage of fantastic alternatives for sourcing the materials we need. Here are some trusted online fabric stores that offer everything from basics to specialty fabrics:

• Bias Bespoke – Perfect for lingerie making, elastic, and high-quality notions such as buttons, trims, and hardware.

• Big Z Fabrics – A well-rounded selection of fabrics at great prices, catering to everything from essentials to unique textiles.

• CheapTrim – Ideal for trims, embellishments, and decorative materials to add that extra detail to your projects.

• Dharma Trading – Known for top-quality silks, dyeable fabrics, roving, and a variety of specialty textiles perfect for creative projects.

• Fabric and Fabrics NYC – A prime destination for high-end designer fabrics and specialty textiles.

• Fabric Wholesale Direct – A great source for poly fabrics, including faux dupioni and other budget-friendly options.

• FabricGuru – Discounted upholstery and home décor fabrics that provide excellent quality at lower prices.

• Mood Fabrics – A top-tier fabric supplier known for their luxury fabrics and a vast selection of designer textiles.

• Pacific Trimming – If you’re in need of trims, buttons, zippers, or hardware, Pacific Trimming is the place to go. Their NYC storefront is a must-visit for any designer.

• Silk Baron – A go-to for premium 100% silk fabrics, offering a wide range of colors and finishes.

• Spandex World – The best choice for stretchy fabrics, including those used for lingerie, activewear, and performance garments.

• Wawak – A reliable supplier for all your sewing tools and essential supplies, including threads, zippers, and pressing tools. Established in 1907, Wawak is here for any and all sewing needs.

• Zelouf – Known for offering high-quality fashion and home décor fabrics, Zelouf is a fantastic resource for both professionals and hobbyists.

For those interested in yarns, fibers, and knitting/crochet supplies, there are also a variety of online shops such as Wee Woolly Wren and Knit Picks that specialize in offering beautiful yarns and fiber arts supplies.

Local Resources

Don’t forget to check out your local businesses as well! For those local to the Portland/Freeport ME area here are some well-loved crafting resources to visit:

• Caravan Beads
  915 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103
  Specializes in a vast selection of beads, jewelry-making supplies, and unique findings for both beginners and experienced artisans. Stop into their museum of beadwork while you’re there!

• Artists & Craftsman Supply
  540 Deering Ave, Portland, ME 04103
  A comprehensive art supply store offering a wide range of materials for artists and crafters, including paints, canvases, and drawing supplies.

• Grace Robinson and Company
  208 Route 1 South, Freeport, ME 04032
  An art supply store providing a curated selection of yarns and needlepoint supplies.

• Mother of Purl Yarn Shop
  74 High Street, Portland, ME
  A cozy yarn shop offering a wide selection of fibers for knitting, crocheting, and weaving, plus accessories for fiber arts.

• Port Fiber
  50 Cove St, Portland, ME 04101
  Specializing in hand-dyed yarns, spinning fibers, and fiber art tools for makers of all levels.

• Past + Future Craft Exchange
  90 Bridge St Ste #252, Westbrooke, ME 04092
  A curated store featuring vintage and upcycled materials, art supplies, and unique craft materials with a focus on sustainability and creativity.

• Mardens
  Various Locations Across Maine
  A discount store offering a wide selection of fabrics, textiles, trims, and notions at affordable prices. Great for finding bargain fabric and notions.

Discover Hidden Gems: Independent Designers & Small Businesses on Etsy and eBay

In addition to the stores above, there are countless independent designers and small businesses offering unique fabrics and notions, through first or second-hand on platforms like Etsy and eBay. Etsy hosts a wealth of sellers providing handmade fabrics, patterns, and specialty textiles that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for vintage fabrics, one-of-a-kind prints, or eco-friendly options, Etsy is a goldmine for finding special materials. EBay can be a valuable resource for vintage patterns and fabric lots, offering a wide range of options for designers seeking vintage materials.

A Word of Caution: Watch Out for Fake Patterns on Etsy
While Etsy is an incredible resource for unique fabrics and patterns, it’s important to be cautious when purchasing digital patterns. Some AI-generated shops may sell designs that aren’t authentic or are of low quality. Always check the reviews and shop details before making a purchase. Look for patterns from established designers with positive feedback to ensure you're getting high-quality, original work.

Keeping the Creative Spirit Alive

While it’s undoubtedly a sad time for many, this is also an opportunity for the community to rally around the smaller, independent fabric businesses and online resources that continue to supply us with the materials and inspiration we need. By diversifying where we shop, we ensure that these businesses can thrive and continue to serve the creative community.

Let’s show our support for these independent suppliers by shopping with them or sharing their businesses with others. The closing of JoAnn is a shift, but it also marks a new chapter of collective support, creativity, and resource sharing that will only strengthen the fabric of our maker community.

Have a resource to suggest? Feel free to let us know!