The hot, but unfortunate topic of conversation among my creative friends and me is the closure of all JoAnns stores. We all had different reasons for going to JoAnns, but one thing is the same – the store will be missed.
For me, JoAnns was a local retreat. I lived about a mile from our neighborhood store and could walk there. When my daughter was young, I’d often go to the store to enjoy some me time. My favorite things to buy from JoAnns were yarn, notions, plush fabric for quilt backs, and their fun seasonal décor.
When I started quilting, I discovered indie quilt stores and learned how to find good deals for quilt fabric at those stores, but I also continued to get my favorite notions from JoAnns. This came in handy when we moved 2 ½ hours away from the nearest JoAnns store and I couldn’t just pop in.
Over time, I’ve created a list of go-to online shops. I’ll share those here, so you can enjoy them, too. Please note – I am not affiliated with any of these stores. These are personal favorites that have helped me build my stash and complete my quilts with quality, affordable supplies.
Hancocks of Paducah - The store typically offers $4.99-$7.99/yard sales on quality quilt fabrics. They have a huge inventory! Their store in Paducah, Kentucky, is fun to visit in person, too, and they will ship your purchases home. I once found coordinating fabric at $4.99/yard for a quilt panel I bought locally a month earlier.
Tip: If you visit their store during the annual Quilt Week in April in Paducah, go early before the AQS Quilt Show to get the best selection of sale fabrics and a smaller crowd.
Connecting Threads - Their exclusive Connecting Threads fabric and thread are great quality and value. My favorite thread is their Essential Thread, a 50 weight cotton thread that comes in large 1,200 yard spools in a wide range of colors. Great sales on quality quilt store fabrics and kits!
Tip: Look for their booth at the International Quilt Show in Houston, where they have a great selection of their exclusive CT fabric at a great price. Shop early as the booth starts to empty toward the end of the show!
Fat Quarter Shop - This shop offers several ways to save – 24 Hour Flash sale, precuts of the week sales, monthly fabric sales, as well as special boxes and promotions. This shop generously supports community and nonprofit causes, which makes me feel even better when I shop there. They were a great partner during my time at QOVF, donating sales proceeds and notions for giveaways.
Tip – Check out their different themed boxes for a fun and affordable way to build your stash.
The Quilted Cow - They offer themed kits at a great value and frequent sales on both their website and Facebook lives. I visited their flagship store in 2023 in West Branson and the store has since expanded into several states, including Colorado. I’m excited there a new store opening in Colorado Springs soon, but sad I now live farther away, which is probably not a bad thing for my budget!
Tip: Catch their Facebook Lives for great deals and a fun broadcast!
Scrappy Patches Quilt Shop - Based in Brownstown, Indiana, this shop went above and beyond for my order last year. They had a particular backing fabric on clearance I needed and shipped an extra yard at no cost when they discovered a small flaw in the yardage. I recommend them for their sales and customer service!
Tip: Do an online search for specific fabrics you are looking for and see what pops up. I’ve found great deals from small indie quilt shops this way.
Marshall Dry Goods - This store offers fabric that’s on par with JoAnns quality as well as quilt shop quality fabrics. They manufacture their own fabric line and offer great personal service when you call. Another company that supports community and nonprofit causes. They were great to work with during my time at QOVF!
Tip: Visit their store in Batesville, Arkansas. I haven’t personally been but have quilting friends who rave about their shopping experience there.
Missouri Quilt Company - Check out their Quilter’s Daily Deal and weekly sales. Find great deals on Shannon Cuddle fabrics for quilt backs. You can bundle shipping for purchases made over 7 days to reach their free shipping threshold of orders over $59. Even their shipping for orders less than $58 is very reasonable at $5.99. Save more by signing up for their Quilters Cash rewards program that offers discounts and products. This is another company that supports community and nonprofit causes, donating generously.
Tip: Look for a designer that is an affiliate for a discount. Last fall affiliates were offering a 20% discount if you ordered through their links. Also, while it's fun to visit their Quilt Town shops in Hamilton in person, you'll find better deals online.
I hope you enjoy checking my favorite online stores out. This list is always growing, so I’ll check back from time to time as I discover more great stores. Also, let me know about your favorite shop and I'll it to my list. As the list grows, I'll update it and share.
Happy shopping!