I was lurking around several quilting sites which had some really nice fabric, but I'm afraid to order because the color might not be as it appears. I'm sure it's not returnable if it's the wrong color.

What are your experiences with buying fabric on-line.

I have not had any problems with fabric order on line. I would say they are pretty true to the colors you see.

Most are close, but don't expect a perfect match. It depends on you monitor.

I know a lot of online shop owners have said it is your monitor that changes the color, but I disagree. I have found that the same fabric looks different when it is viewed from different stores. To see what I mean, do a search for a specific color or line of fabrics at quiltshops.com and look at how the same fabric may appear different when you are looking at all the different thumb prints at the same time. For example, I just looked up Moda Bella solid 30s pink and there must be nine different shades on the screen.

It depends entirely upon your monitor and most sites say just that.

I have been pretty lucky with the colors. Be sure you look at the ruler at the bottom if they have one as sometimes the print that I thought was small is very large. Its hard to tell how large it is as you don't know how big the sample is. This is mainly with Fabric.com. I love that place and you can find real bargains. Free shipping over $35. I just sit home and wait for it to arrive.

I have been cautions sometimes about a fabric, but have always been happy when it arrives.
and yes it is your monitor and your color settings

yes, I have more problems with scale than color.

From my experience, I'd say not always. If you're trying to match colors
from one store to the next you could be in for some surprise. Even within
the same store, you don't know under what light they took the photos.
One of the disadvantages of arm-chair shopping. :-(
That's one of the reasons I prefer to buy (pre-cuts) such as jelly rolls,
charm packs, etc from the same collection. At least I know they will match. :D

Just like in the store, there is also issues with lighting when the picture is taken . Different monitors show different colors and tones , also :wink:

Depends on your monitor settings. I've found most fabrics I've bought online were pretty true to the color.

If you need an exact match, your better off going to your favorite fabric place to match it. If you are just ordering generally, the ones on line are usually pretty close. If anything, I found the colors to be sharper when I received them. Only one time did I get one that was way off, but it was pretty and I ended up using it anyway.

I've never had a problem but my mom has- especially ordering solids. I do have a more expensive high def laptop screen and hers is just a normal HP monitor, so maybe that makes a difference. We have put them next to each other and colors on her screen look darker than on mine.

I also agree with checking the ruler thing- I just ordered a bunch from Fabric.com and made sure to check them all. I like the huge scale fabrics myself.