Have you heard that JoAnn's fabric is poorer quality?
 

I was taught by a few quilting friends to never buy fabric from JoAnn's or WalMart for quilting. They say that JoAnn's and WalMart buy "second and third runs" from the manufacturers, therefore the cotton is of poorer quality...lower thread count and less printing quality.

So I've never purchased fabric from anywhere but quilt shops. But I see that a lot of you purchase fabric at the discount stores.

Have you ever noticed a difference between quilt store fabric and discount store fabric? Thanks.

Occasionally on their cheapest priced fabric I can tell that it is too thin; however I don't think it is intended to be for quilting but for very light weight clothing. They sell more fabric than just quilting fabric. I buy according to the usage I have for it. I haven't had any regrets with my purchases. You need to know your fabrics and not be a "quilt snob."

You can tell alot by feeling the fabric. If I like the fabric and I like how how it feels I buy it. Some Joann's fabric is lousy just follow your instincts. From time to time you can find high quality fabric at Joann's.

I do see a noticable difference in what is sold at JoAnns and the Local Quilt shop, in both the fabric and the quality ( clarity/presion/definition) of the prints. I can tell you that there is far less cotton in most Jo'Anns fabrics , as I have put one yard of each on a scale. In addition many of the top manufactures use more colors to get the great definition and suble shading .... look at the color registrations on the fabric ... I have seen some at the quilt shops that have over 15( I have a few with 24 or more) , rarely are there more than 6-8 on a Jo'anns, these may not all be true color change, but shade changes , thus giving more depth to a print. A red flower can have 5 shades to give it more depth. Some of the less expensive fabrics the print will appear "flat" next to a higher quality print. Often I cannot mix the two as the print of the JoAnns fabric really looks cheap next to a higher quality print.
AS for walmart ... mine stopped selling any fabric a few years ago.

Very big difference in texture and quality between LQS and Joann's, Hobby Lobby or Hancocks. I mostly stick to LQS because of all the work involved.

Most of their designer named fabrics are really nice - nicer that some LQS that I have been to. But you just have to make that decision yourself. Unless it is something that I have bought before, I never order fabric on line from Joanns. I have purchased a sample piece and then ordered it on line with the SKU number when I have needed more than the store carries.

But then again before Walmart took their fabric out 4-5 years ago, they used to carry some really nice stuff. I don't know so much about now. The store that I go to doesn't have fabric and are not getting it back. You would be amazed at what you kind find at places. I just keep an open mind and spend my money judicially. I let my money speak for me. JMHO

I'll use their fabrics for pillow cases but not for gifts or things such as quilts, table runners, placemats, wall hangings etc. For one thing, their fabric is way too thin and for another, especially at JoAnn's now, their material is so expensive, if you're willing to pay $9.99 a yard for an inferior product, why not spend a few cents more and get a really good quality product? I was always told that if you can see your hand through it, stay away.

The quilter's fabric that Joann's has is nice, but it is not top quality. It won't last as long as the quilt shop stuff. It shrinks a lot more as well. That said, I do use it for young kid quilts, tied quilts, pillowcases and other stuff. I know people who won't use a quilt because they know they are expensive and are afraid to wreck it. Making them one out of scraps or Joann's fabric frees me to say, I didn't spend a lot of money. Then they will use it.

I agree there is a difference (as a general rule) between JoAnns and LQS fabric. I am not going to say you can never find good fabric at Joanns or Walmart, but if you look at their fabric side by side with LQS fabric, the difference is pretty evident and the LQS fabric will be better quality the majority of the time. That being said, I have purchased fabric at Joanns and it served its purpose adequately (I made trivets). But whenever possible, I shop at the LQS both for quality and to support my local stores.

I too let my money speak for me. I have a wonderful store near me called "$1.99 Fabric Store". They have varying
qualities of fabric. I feel the fabric. If it is then and stiff I don't buy it. If I were making a special quilt I would spend the
extra and go to my LQS. If I had unlimited funds I would stick with the LQS cause their fabrics are wonderful.

I get frustrated, aggravated, exasperated and intimidated by this kind of thread. MY problem is I just don't have the money to buy the "best" fabrics.......I enjoy quilting and am thrilled when I make someout out of a JA's fabric that looks half way decent ! When I think back to our ancestors making quilts they didn't have LQS, JA's, Wm"s, etc...they had to use what they had. If I could I'd buy the finest quality fabric i could fine,but I can't. I'm retired, live on a very limited income, am somewhat disabled, can't work even if I could find a job...no one wants to hire a 65 year old these days anyway ! My heart and my gut tell me to do the best that I can with what I have; I really don't care if these quilts last 50 years or not, I make them for the moment, the joy and the joy of sharing them with my loved ones.

I still have some clothes of my 30 year old daughter that I smocked for her when she was younger; most of the fabric came from the local Hancocks and still looks GOOD ! Too, I have several framed cross stitch and needle work items that I did in the early 80's and the supplies came from Leewards (remember them?), Joann's, etc......I have one needlework pillow that I bought the supplies from a local needlework shop and it looks like crap.....colors have faded terribly.

Again, work with what you have available and enjoy it !

Years back I somehow met this this very old woman that loved to crochet....she had the thin cotton thread and a bent safety pin.......my then husband took it upon himself to take this woman to a local craft store for her to buy her selection of crocheting thread and a selection of crochet hooks......she was thrilled...but you know what ? Her work wasn't any more beautiful than when she was using what she had !

I had heard that JoAnns bought second run (somewhat lesser quality) fabric than what is in a LQS; this includes some the "branded" fabric like Kaufmans that I have seen there. However, I noticed that they have started carrying a higher priced (feels better as well) batiks and other cottons under the "Premium and Artist Brands." JoAnn's carries a lot of their "own" named fabric.

I have bought the Legacy line batiks and have been happy with them.

I think you have to feel the fabric and see if you like it. It depends on the printing process used by the manufacturer. Check the country of origin on the label on the bolt and see if there is a consistent feel to fabrics from the same country.

I bought some nice velvet and home decor fabrics there.

Hancock's carries a little better fabric than JoAnns. Same with Beverly's.

Honeynga, I agree with you. If a quilt is made with love for the recipient, you will receive love in return. We all can't afford the more expensive fabric all the time. I make my quilts with love for the giftee, because the quilt pattern/fabric is "right" for them and because I love to quilt. I don't expect my quilts to become heirlooms (except my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler, I hope) but make them to be comforting, useful and loved. I expect the kids' quilts I've made to be "drag arounds" to be used and loved. So what if they fall apart after they've outlived their comfort factor for the kids.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that has been taught that LQS fabric is higher quality. Good to know. :)

DITTO !!! You just have to be able to carefully search thru all the fabrics. JAF is getting more of a better line in their stores but the price has gone up to $9.99 a yard. Even Wal-mart has VIP and some Fabric Traditions. These stores buy in bulk so I doubt if they are buying 2nd or 3rd. Fabrics companies normally sell their seconds and unsold fabrics to dealers who primarily then resell the fabrics to smaller chain stores that can be either flatfolds or on a bolt with a different manufacturer name on the bolt. It is NOT difficult to spot the lower quality of fabrics. Those small chain stores ALL closed in Southern California such as Ben Franklin. You ALSO have to remember that most of the fabrics are being produced cheaply in China.

Well, the reason that I buy at Joann's, Hancock etc is simply that there aren't any quilt shops near me. I'd have to drive at least an hour in any direction to get to one. I do agree that the fabric from quilt shops tends to be of higher quality. However, I'm a beginner in quilting so I would want to practice with the less expensive stuff. Maybe if I ever get to the level of expert or have people commission me to make them a quilt I will go with the higher end stuff. Until then JoAnn's, Here I come!

This kind of thread comes up all the time and usually ends with hurt feelings. IMO, I'd rather make fewer quilts with the best quality fabric I can find than use lesser, JoAnnes and Walmart type fabric. It's my preference and I'm no snob, just a realist that knows all the hours of my work should last as long as possible. I don't judge others who do buy there, but I don't and that's just my view on the subject. I do buy notions and batting at Joannes, but I'd rather buy the best quality from my LQS or online where I can get the best, LQS fabric for the same price that Joannes sells lesser quality fabric. It's kind of a no brainer for me.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news for all of you LQS ladies....BUT....you can buy good fabrics at Walmart and JoAnn's! And I have seen very poor fabrics at your LQS. It is very easy to determine quality of fabrics simply by feeling them. The very worst and thinnest are the ones you can see through. The best ones have a heavier hand and you won't be able to see your hand through them (which is why it is very hard for me to buy online). I purchased great fabrics at WalMart just a few days ago for $2/yd. I am not a fabric snob and need to get the most bang for my buck, so I buy the best I can afford without throwing money away. I have been know to run to the LQS when I can't find exactly what I need somewhere else and am grateful for their helpful ideas.

This past year I have seen the quality go down in the fabric at JoAnn's and even had one of the clerks tell me that the new "stuff" coming in is horrible compared to the past. I have found fabric in Wal Mart that is equal to or better than JoAnn's, but like the others have said, you just have to look and feel for yourself. I will say that when I hear quilters talk about fabric quality I wonder about our ancestors who quilted with what ever they could find and some of those quilts are still here today! ?????? Who knows what's best? :)

"You need to know your fabrics and not be a "quilt snob." Those last 5 words were totally uncalled for. You should really watch that, you know. Let's be nice, that is all I am asking.

Honeynga and gramajo - I'm with you. I also don't expect my quilts to be heirlooms, but utility quilts. If I find remnants or something inexpensive and it will work, then I get the pleasure of the creation. I do quilt mostly for my own pleasure, and the pleasure for me is in the making, not necessarily for the extended lifetime of the product. But, to each his own, and may we all enjoy what we do.

I have noticed Joann's fabric seems to be getting worse and the price is getting higher.

That is my opinion

almost all places that sell fabric have good fabric and some not so good you just feel them and decide for yourself. I have bought fabric from walmart and joanns that was just as good as a fabric store

I get some very nice fabrics from WalMart and while they're not cheap in price (around $6 yd) I'd say that I like some of them better than JoAnns. I shop everywhere and buy what I like and if it feels good I buy it.

A "quilt snob" thinks of nothing but quilts. Thin cotton material not suitable for quilts makes wonderful summer clothes and probably was never, ever intended for quilts. Too complain and reject fabric for a use that it is not intended nor suitable for is indeed snobbish.

I guess it is really true - you get what you pay for.

The JoAnn's I shop at has Kona solids and I have found Alexander Henry and other "brand" fabric names. I also use a lot of non=traditional fabrics like denim, upholstery fabrics, and other things as backing and sometimes in the design of the quilt. I'm not a quilt snob and with fabric at my LQS up to $12-14/yd., I can't afford to be. I find it really ironic that when our mothers, grandmothers, etc., made quilts out of their old clothes, not out of top-quality premium all cotton weaves, and we worry so much about if our fabric is good enough. Their quilts are still around, so what does that tell us?

I have found some very nice fabric's at the new Jo-Ann's close to my place I have no problem spending $8-9 a yard there versus paying my LQS $16 a yard. I agree that like anything else you need to take the time to feel the fabric and check it out, if it feels good then I will buy it. I can't afford to spend $140 and up to buy top of the line boutique fabrics to make quilts. I'm not making these to make a living out of it, I'd just like to have nice things to give to my family members.

Hmmmmmm, touchy subject. It's everyone to what they can afford and preference. I too am on a fixed income and have health problems, so I buy according to what I can afford. I always look for sales and almost always only buy when a good sale comes along. I have been to some LQS and drool over some of the fabrics, but unfortunatley, not in my price range. We all quilt for the love of seeing something beautiful come alive. We are all sisters in that respect. IMHO, do with what you afford.

yes - but I have to increase my reply to the required 10 digits...
Look at a typical Joanne fat quarter and compare to LQS fabric.
1. Hold both fabrics up to light.
2. Close eyes and feel both fabrics.
3. Cut both compare for fraying.
4. Machine sew three strips of each as if doing a 1/4" test and see which fabric after ironing gives solid 1/4".

I don't know what those differences mean in the quality and longevity of a quilt, as I am a beginner, but there are obvious visible differences in fabric, wherever it comes from.

Does it really matter where you buy your fabric? If you like LQS fabric, then buy it. If you like the quality of fabrics offered at Walmart, Joann's, Hancock's etc. buy it there. I don't think there is any reason to pass judgement on anyone just because they don't have a LQS near or can't afford LQS fabric. Likewise, there is no reason to judge anyone who only purchases LQS fabric. Every quilter makes the choice of where they buy their fabrics, whatever the reason. There are pros and cons to both locations. This topic has been run into the ground. It is time to give it a rest.

I have made many quilts with fabric from walmart, joanns and even fabric that I have purchased at goodwill. Many of my baby quilts have been washed over 50 times, my grandkids drag them everywhere, none of them have ever fallen apart. That said I really beleive in supporting lqs if at all possible. Each of us have to make our own decision on where to purchase fabric and the amount we are willing to spend.

I have some "cutter" quilts and other old quilts that were made from various fabrics .... hard to tell where fabric came from except the flour sack quilts. Many have been used and well-loved, others have been folded and left to sit on a shelf but all are frayed in at least one place. Each is precious to me because somebody took the time to make it. Each will live on as something else - a teddy bear, a mug rug, a table runner, or something so it can be loved one more time. Where the fabric was purchased doesn't seem to count now.

You do have to be careful with JoAnn fabrics. Their quilters line, which is priced as high or higher than quilt shops, is good quality. The rest stay away from. However, sometimes I was lucky to find Kaufman fabrics in the clearance section. So it is a treasure hunt. Walmart is crap for quilting fabrics. But I have also been lucky finding goodies in the special priced fabrics. I found linen fabric for a $1 a yard. The best place to buy fabric is Hobby Lobby. The 100% cotton fabrics are first quality fabrics. They offer two types - traditional calicos and also contemporary designed fabrics. The prices are fantastic and the quality is just as good, and sometimes better (depending on the quilt shop) as found in local quilt shops. The downside is they only offer new and different fabrics a little at a time so I stop in once a month and have a little spree.

so many thoughts flew thru my head when I read the initial post.........LQS always being better than box store fabric is not true. I have purchased fabric from a LQS that was "not the best" and the price was high........As so many have said - you have to shop around, feel the fabric, look at the weave and make decisions. I have purchased fab from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn and Hancock, as well as local LQS, which by the way, just closed its doors this last week-"economy".
I myself do not make quilts to last 100 yrs. I make them as my therapy and enjoyment, give them to whomever in family wants/needs one and on with another project. I personally think not too many of our "today" bed quilts will last as long as the antique ones we see and love, mainly because we wash things more often nowadays and our soaps, softeners, and water are so chemical infused it destroys the fiber much faster than years ago.. now that is just my personal observation...nothing that I can prove.
So having said this, I think I will go shopping today and see what I can find............have any of you bought wool clothes at local Goodwill type stores and made penny rugs from it. I saw one at a recent craft show that I would like to try.....something different to try.

I also go to the $1.99 Fabric Store and have found lots of beautiful high quality fabric. You need to feel the texture and see how smooth it is. We always buy more that we intend but you can't beat the price and the helpful staff there. Everyone has a different budget so spend accordingly. Joanne

Yes, there is a difference.

Joann's has different levels of quality in their fabrics and the prices reflect that. I do buy fabric there and only got skunked a couple of times. One on a red that bleeds and bleeds (This is why I always prewash) and another the fabric felt great before I washed it but it had so much sizing in it that after washing it was too thin to use.
As always.....consider the project and its uses.

Sad news, Jo-Ann's will not be carrying the Debbie Mumm brand.

I don't know about all of this, but I can say that when I first started "quilting" (whole cloth on both sides, batting -- put together by the birthing method, and tied with 4-ply acrylic yarn) I used fabrics mostly from WalMart or the sale rack at Hancock. Some of those quilts are as old as 20 years old. And ALL of them are still going strong --some are faded, but still holding on. I see them when I visit our kids, grandkids, and great grands. Maybe things have changed. One thing I do is pick up the fabric and check out the "quality" -- can I see through it, etc. If it's flimsy or wrinkles too much when I grab a handful and squeeze it, I don't buy it.