Quilt Shop Fabric vs. JoAnn Fabrics ... Can I Feel the Difference?

OK, so I talk a big game about how there is a big difference between the quality of fabric you can buy at a quilt shop like Quilt Addicts Anonymous and chain stores. So we figured it was time to put it to the test.
I sent my team to JoAnn Fabrics to pick 10 quilting fabrics. Then they blindfolded me and tested whether I could tell by feel alone if I was holding chain store fabric or quilt shop quality fabric.
Check out the video to see how I did. Then go shop our buy four, get the fifth FREE remnant sale through Labor Day! We currently have a record 259 in stock to choose from including brand new Tula & Kaffe ... so go boost that stash with our fabric that is almost sold out!
Shop the latest remnants: shop.quiltaddi...
Learn more about the differences between quilt shop quality and chain fabric in our in-depth video with QT Fabrics President Ken Gamache: www.quiltaddic...

[@donnaheflin6312]

Wow a lot of negativity surrounding this subject! When I first started quilting 13 years ago I used big box store fabric as I was unaware of the difference but now I only buy quilt shop quality fabric as I can feel and definitely tell the difference! My first 3 quilt fabrics were from Joann’s and those quilts are fading and looking not so nice anymore and the 4th one made from quilt shop fabric still looks brand new so I PERSONALLY will ALWAYS use the better fabric! Quilting is an expensive hobby and I love creating quilts for my family and friends and with all the time and energy I put into each and every one I want it to last and stay beautiful so I choose quilt shop quality fabric! If that makes me a “fabric snob” so be it! Good information to have as a NEW sewer so thanks Stephanie for another great video! If your a new quilter than rock on and do what you do and as time goes on and you become more experienced I think you will understand EXACTLY what Stephanie is saying! Even if she wasn’t a quilt shop owner she would still feel the same just saying

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

When I was first a quilter I couldn't understand why someone would spend $12 a yard when JoAnne's was so less expensive. Then I went to a quilt show with all of these vendors. My first quilt fabric was a Nancy Crow line. And for me at the time expensive. But immediately after working with "quilters cotton" I understood the difference. And from that point forward only bought from quilt stores. My time is valuable so everything has to be of the highest quality. From the sewing machine needles, threads, batting and backing it all has to be top notch. There is a difference. The only time I use lesser quality is when I make small quilts for my pets and for babies. They are abused from wear and tear and the washing machine. I've made both with quality and lesser quality. Parents just put those baby quilts through hell and then toss them when they outgrow them. But all.of my personal quilts are from quilting cottons and highly recommend that other quilters invest in them. ☺

[@kristenhills]

Maybe once or twice a year I’ll splurge and get brand name/quilt store fabric. I usually go to Joann since it’s budget friendly and 7 minutes away from me

[@patriciakalisak4300]

I loved this video. It was so fun to watch and seeing your coworker having fun with you was great. Prices have gone up with everything. I would rather support a mom and pop business before a big box store. Thanks for an entertaining show.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We very much appreciate your support and thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@suecone2198]

This was very interesting! It depends on what I am making and for who I am making the quilt for. I have taken classes that I really didn’t expect it to last for ever but I learned the technique before I spend the money on quality fabric. Thanks 😊

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You're very welcome!

[@lizziedae91]

Well I enjoyed this video. All fabric has its time and place. Just like art supplies, baking supplies, etc. i was not at all offended by this or any other of your videos. Loved the face mask, your daughter is great!

[@Thirteenwitch7485]

Actually the comparison was made with the box store fat quarters that are from there cheaper quilting line. The box store does sell premium cotton so I’d like to see you do the one with the premium cottons that are $11-$15 a yard against the quilting store fabric see if you can tell the difference. Just out of curiosity.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We tried to get a variety from the big box store, including a couple that were of the higher price point. It was one of those that stumped Stephanie! That's why she emphasized shopping by feel, because we think that's the best way to gauge quality.

[@angiesewtherapy6628]

One of my friends made 2 quilts in the same year and had them cared for the same- away from the natural light. 10 years later, the cheaper fabric had faded allot more than the QSF. That said I usually feel the quality if I'm in a BB Store to see what I think about it and if I can see through it easily. Shrink factor is a big deal too. Thinner fabrics will shrink more and again and again and then iron wonky once in the block.

[@andreadotson7853]

Thanks for taking care of us Stephanie and providing good quality fabric. Have liked everything I've gotten in stashin' with stephanie.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you so much! We are glad you are enjoying your membership!

[@debraholmes6290]

Enjoyed your video Stephanie! It contained good information especially for new quilters! When I purchase from big box stores, my choice is based on how the fabric surface feels plus weight too. It may be gorgeous, however, if does not feel right, I have no problem walking away! I can often find very nice fabric at Joanns but the cost has gone up there too so purchasing from and supporting my local quilt shops is what I prefer these days. Also, your monthly "stashin" projects keep me pretty busy! Thank you!,

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Fascinating test! I knew there was a difference but not that it would be so overwhelmingly clear.

[@debra5104]

Let’s keep in mind Joann’s has coupons. You never have to pay full price!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Northcott is always my favorite fabric. I wash all my fabric and it never gets wimpy or skewed.

[@aspenvortex9010]

I have seen, and sometimes purchased, exactly the same fabric at a chain store and a quilt shop. Pays to look carefully.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We only carry fabric that is exclusively sold to quilt shops. And so don’t buy anything I can’t feel first.

[@karenraabis5296]

I may be wrong but after you did the first one you put the chain in the same hand every time

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Courtney switched it up.

[@marybethpowell4876]

Wait, printed on shirting?!? Tell me more! I'm a garment sewist looking for more interesting prints for shirts and shirtdresses. Which lines print on shirting? Have you done a video on this? Please, this will solve everything!!!

[@ritabrennan2100]

I'm fairly new with quilting. I made a tablerunner runner last year for a Christmas gift. I needed black for part of the runner. I had bought quilt shop fat quarters for the rest of it, but not black. Went to a big box store, bought black. Tried and tried, it didn't come out well. Ripped it all apart. Went to quilt store bought fabric an it worked so much better. The quality was so different. Big box store so stiff. Only buy big box fabric for my dog's bandana now.

[@S.Kay.Steffy]

You two were great! Fun and educational video 💕

[@kellyann3585]

What about ordering fabric online from a retailer like Hawthorne Supply?

[@yx6889]

I use the chain fabrics on pot holders and bowl cozies at home. If I'm giving them away I use my quilting cotton.

[@patriciaferrito9245]

Thanks! I only shop at our chain store for emergencies like- no needle or thread. I won't buy fabric there since the pandemic. If you make bags like I do, the better fabric is worth it. Who wants a bag that fades?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thanks for sharing!

[@vinmama]

What about Kona or Robert Kaufman? I will have to check this idea out

[@namaking3993]

Okay... there is a huge difference between premium quilter cotton at the box stores and their cheaper fabrics. Using Joann's as the example it is truly in the name for their Keepsake Calico... Calico is a type of cotton fabric, it is not "quilter's cotton". And many of their fat quarters are out of calico fabric. The same goes for hobby lobby and michaels . This however does not make it inappropriate for quilting, but yes there is a huge difference, it would be similar to blindfolding someone and asking if they can tell jeans from shirts. There are many people who mistake calico as a print on fabric often used to name the tiny budding flowers print, instead of it being an actual type of cotton fabric. This is because when calico fabric was a popular choice for clothing over the more delicate lawn fabric, it was often printed with the little budding flowers print. So this does seem to be a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. That being said, yes there are a few issues in working with the calico fabric, number 1 it only really gets along okay with itself or muslin. Just the same as if you were doing a quilt with off the bolt denim and off the bolt shirting mixed together. Vastly different shrink rates will leading to tearing and stretching and weird rauching, sewing on the bias will suffer most of all. This doesn't mean however that quality of the fabric from one type of cotton to another is superior, it all depends on application. I find that quilters cotton lives to be "quilted" where as calico takes more of a less is more attitude to being quilted. Quilters cotton doesn't really care for you to push or drag your iron it likes to stretch out a bit more and steam/spritzing is much appreciated, whereas calico doesn't really care how you choose to iron it so long as it's dry. Calico frays terribly and quilters cotton "fluffs" at the cut edges (and in your bobbin casing) which does make calico nice for those of us who are a bit lazy in our cleaning bobbins. But keep in mind too that many of those beloved grandmother and great-grandmothers quilts are out of calico fabric. So it really is a long lasting material. But again it has its rules. Like with like, cotton batting is included in this, cotton thread not a blend. A little deeper seam allowance 1/4+ a breath, and a cotton thread not a blend, and don't heavily quilt it, give it the room to shrink it wants, because it will shrink over the course of several washings far more than you might expect if not used to working with it. So I mean yeah they are both cotton fabrics, they are both sold for quilting, but quality isn't really different between the two, both will make beautiful long lasting quilts, both have their pros and cons and their preferred applications. But they are apples and oranges. Both are fruits, both are found in the produce section, both make a sweet tasty juice, but you don't extract the juices in the same manner.

[@finishorforget9059]

I would be interested if you could tell a difference after washing.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

There is a difference, the better quality fabrics hold up much better and keep their color much better too.

[@happiestgirl7217]

I quilt with what fits MY BUDGET! I just can't with this video.

[@lizziedae91]

I get quilt shop fabric for less than big box store fabric, so maybe try shopping around

[@charmer6813]

@@lizziedae91 Ya, right!

[@lizziedae91]

@@charmer6813 i really do. My local quilt shop has clearance fabrics and different sales every week. Online stores have daily and weekly deals. I just bought some moda fabric for $5 a yard locally. Kona solids are more expensive at joanns

[@meacadwell]

@@charmer6813 My local quilt store is moving and has some yardage on sale for $3.50 so, yes, they can be cheaper than chain stores. Otherwise there are online individually owned quilt stores that have great sales.

[@charmer6813]

@@meacadwell That’s a whole different story! No one was talking sales.

[@alicekelly4975]

I don’t like to be a crafting snob and yarn, I can go craft store, but fabric? No. I bought a jellyroll to sew strips together to use as weft in my loom for a rug and it was so awful , I couldn’t imagine making a quilt with it. It made a good rug though. 🤷‍♀️

[@cmbgrimes]

Yes, yes - everyone already understands that quilt store fabric will be better quality. I'm getting rather annoyed at all of the quilt store owners making videos putting down big box store fabric. Is that REALLY necessary to do? I realize you are trying to sell YOUR fabrics and the big box stores are your competition, but not everyone is an expert/professional quilter. Frankly, expert quilters aren't likely going to need to be watching these little intro quilting videos on KZbin anyway and if they are they may wish to reevaluate their ego at thinking they are an expert. Anyway, sometimes it IS better for someone to use cheaper fabric because they are learning and the cheaper lower quality fabric is a better choice for them so they can learn technique without breaking the bank. Wouldn't anyone much rather make a mistake on a $5 fabric than $20 fabric? I mean, most people would agree that a Mercedes is a much better car than a Hyundai, or a Chanel dress is better quality than a Walmart dress, but not everyone can afford higher end nor is the higher quality necessarily the practical choice for the intended use. Making videos about how a cheaper item can't compare to the quality of the expensive version is just really not necessary. Isn't it more important to teach people the art and technique without having the "quilt police" make them feel bad? I've heard so many people say they quit trying to learn quilting because they were made to feel so terrible by "fabric snobs" telling them how they are "wasting their time" if they use cheaper fabrics, so they stopped. I mean, people make cherished quilts out of ratty, threadbare t-shirts, and old grandmas always made their quilts out of scraps of worn out shirts/dresses which lasted for decades, so I'm sure a quilt made from chain store fabric isn't going to be any less loved than one made from designer fabric. Most quilts aren't going to any sort of competition or quilt show; they are given as gifts and the receiver usually doesn't give two flips about the quality of the fabric or where it came from. It's only the sentiment and heart involved that matters to them. If someone wants to only use the best of the best of everything, that's perfectly fine. Hang that sucker on the wall and be proud of the art you created. Just realize that some people make quilts to be used too, and it's going to end up with food stains, dirt, etc. on it so it doesn't always need to be top of the line to get barfed on.

[@lizziedae91]

This seemed directed at a lot of people and not particularly at this video, since they mentioned they also use box store fabric and you can find good fabrics there. I use cheaper fabric for various projects, but after seeing my husbands quilt his mom made him from cheap fabric fall apart after only a few years, I only use quality fabric for actual quilts or bags that i want to last a long time. I save up for it and I buy it on sale. I buy what i want and happy with that. I don’t need to vent frustrations on KZbin videos. So just do what u want and let others do what they want

[@charmer6813]

I totally agree, the horrible state our country is in, not everyone can afford to be a fabric snob. I buy what I can afford to keep my hobby going.

[@nancy9478]

I made a full size rag quilt for my daughters dorm room, using sale fabric from Hobby Lobby. Even on sale, I spent nearly $100. If I used quilting store fabric it would be upwards of 400. Thats more than I budget for a weeks worth of food. Not going to happen.

[@teresatierney4817]

The video says you can find good stuff at chain stores and to use touch when deciding. There are many reasons to buy at different price points. This was meant to be entertaining education. I didn’t hear her running anyone down.

[@yvonneparish6007]

I have experienced quilting people commenting on how they loved a quilt I made until they learned that I used chain store fabric in it as well as designer ...... The person I gifted it to loves it... So I will keep doing 'me quilting' and not buy into the 'us and them' narrative.

[@Quilteraz]

Chain is always in right hand??

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Courtney switched it up

[@debbiejasiczek6800]

I hand quilt and you can feel the difference in cheaper fabrics. Harder to move the needle through

[@annalaoretti5240]

Lol the mask is killing me. I love it when you’re head on to the camera giving us all the serious fabric knowledge with it on. Lmao. Very cute.

[@Traci_Websinger]

What people don't think about is that most fabric is printed overseas. That means a lot of fuel to get it here to the U.S. And the fabric itself probably originated in China (unless things have changed since I last learned about this.) There is (or was) a fabric manufacturer, Cranston, in Cranston, RI. I don't know if they are still in business, and I'm sure there are several others in the U.S., but not many. That's just one of the many things affecting price. The base fabric is more expensive, the inks used, even the designers are hopefully being paid appropriately. I do have a question. Fast fashion has become a concern. That much clothing these days is made to not last, but made cheaply just to reflect the current trend. Do you see that concept hitting fabric stores? I know some companies have tried to make a go of it with organic cotton and earth friendly dyes, but there doesn't seem to be the market for it just yet. The price is much greater and the dyes, the ones I've seen, have been relatively limited. Your thoughts?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Cranston was the last one to outsource printing overseas. And while I’m not sure where chain stores are printing their fabric, most quilt shop quality cotton is products in Japan, South Korea, Pakistan and India. And much of what we carry are oeko tex certified, which means it has been confirmed to not carry harmful chemicals. I have not seen a dip in quality of quilt shop quality cottons in the 10+ years I’ve been using them and in the 6+ I’ve been selling them.

[@Traci_Websinger]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous I remember JoAnn's carrying fabric made in South Korea and India. And a number of the batiks were from Bali. I can't say that for sure about all of them. It's been a few years and longer than that since I actually worked with the fabric.

[@MsNomitu]

I agree with the feel of the fabric. The quilt store feels better. By any chance do you sell patterns just for making an end table topper? I need to make several for some tables that are 27x23 inch.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you! And we don't have a pattern for that size, specifically, but there are these two that can easily be adjusted: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com/product/charm-pack-table-runner-pdf-pattern/ shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com/product/quilt-as-you-go-placemats-free-pattern/

[@MsNomitu]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous Ty, appreciate the link. OMW to check it out.

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

This was a fun challenge

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lynnperschke3966]

Hi and welcome

[@angiesewtherapy6628]

They have continual sales to offset their increasing retail pricing.

[@DH-qz2so]

Yes, there is a difference in quality in fabrics... but buy what you can afford, or wait for sales for quilt shop fabrics....

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

We agree, everyone should buy what they can afford, and the best quality they think the project calls for!

[@bonniemcgrew7508]

Great video-

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nancyheneghan4760]

That was really good. For me big box is last resort

[@mariarogers3760]

👏

[@v.hammel2145]

If I’m quilting a charity donation quilt, I purchase fabric (on sale only) at Joann. If I’m quilting for myself or a family member, I purchase top quality fabrics from my local quilt shop (or online). However, with many Joann fabrics now priced at $15 per yard, I don’t consider them a bargain (even with a coupon), especially considering their lesser quality. If Joann is charging $15 a yard, I’m for sure heading to a quilt shop where I’ll spend $13 a yard, for far superior quality. Joann has its place in the quilting world, especially when making charity quilts.

[@janmeuret6435]

This would have more appropriate if shown during a better economy...

[@cjstory8418]

You obviously don’t sell Moda.

[@jennyharris2993]

You need to know you don’t actually pay those prices at Joanne’s because they are always having sales and they always have good coupons

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Yes, they frequently have sales, but their prices are still going up like everyone else's. :)

[@robinwhiddon5728]

Absolutely,,, only buy fabric from quilt shops. Walmarts are good for crafts. And I love hobby lobby fabric.