Purchasing beautiful fabrics to create stunning outfits used to require trips to crowded fabric stores and sifting through limited selections. However, shopping for fabric online opens up a world of convenient possibilities. With just a few clicks, you can find the perfect textile for your next project.
There are many compelling reasons to shop for fabric online rather than in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Ordering fabric from fabric shop online saves time, provides more choices, and offers great prices. Read on for the seven key benefits of ordering fabric online for your next sewing or design project.
Convenience and time savings
The number-one reason to order fabric online is convenience. Shopping online means skipping the drive to the fabric store and avoiding crowds on the weekend. Online fabric shopping allows you to quickly browse many more options than you would find locally. No more wasting time digging through shelves and bins trying to find the right print or color.
Wider selection and availability
Limited inventory space means local fabric stores can only offer a subset of all available fabrics. When you shop online, you gain access to a huge selection of fabrics beyond what is available near you.
Online fabric shops allow you to view and purchase textiles from manufacturers and designers around the world. You can find exotic prints and weaves that would be impossible to locate in a physical store.
In addition, purchasing fabric online means you are no longer limited to what is currently in stock at your local retailer. If the fabric you want is out of stock locally, you can almost always find it available online. The global nature of online fabric shopping gives you far more selection.
Order Samples and Swatches
One of the major benefits of fabric websites is that you can order samples and swatches of fabrics you like. Many online retailers offer small cuttings of fabrics, usually about 8 by 10 inches, so you can see and feel a fabric before purchasing yardage.
Ordering swatches allows you to get a realistic impression of colors, prints, and textures. Comparing swatches side by side helps ensure you choose the perfect fabric for your project. Being able to order samples makes shopping for fabric online much easier.
Online fabric stores may even offer free swatch samples of their most popular fabrics. Reviewing free swatches helps you discover new fabrics to inspire your next project.
Read reviews and fabric details.
When shopping online, you can get more information about a fabric before you buy. Detailed product descriptions provide fiber content, fabric weight, width, and other specifics. Customer reviews let you learn from other buyers’ experiences with that fabric.
This wealth of information online helps you determine if a fabric will work well for your particular sewing project or garment design. You can avoid mistakes and disappointments by researching fabrics thoroughly before you order.
Brick-and-mortar fabric shops rarely offer much information about their fabrics. Shopping online allows you to make informed purchasing decisions by reading fabric details and customer feedback.
Compare prices for the best value.
Shopping online makes it simple to find the best prices on premium fabrics. You can comparison shop with many online retailers to find the lowest prices on the fabrics you want.
Websites also regularly offer coupon codes, discounts, and sales that you can take advantage of. Signing up for email newsletters gives you access to special promotional offers.
With online shopping, bargains on fabric are just a few clicks away. You can find luxury fabrics at everyday prices by taking the time to search for deals and discounts online.
Enjoy international fabrics delivered
Another online fabric shopping perk is gaining access to textiles from around the world. You are no longer restricted to fabrics produced regionally. With global online shipping, any fabric you desire can be delivered right to you.
For example, you can order delicate French lace, colorful Indian silks, or luxurious Italian wools from their places of origin. Having international fabric choices enables you to add exotic, high-quality materials to your projects.
Ordering fabric online allows you to work with materials that reflect tastes and trends from across the globe. Your local fabric shop simply cannot offer the worldwide selection available online.
No Sales Tax
One of the major financial benefits of purchasing fabric online is avoiding sales tax. Brick-and-mortar retailers are required to charge the sales tax rate for their location. However, when you order fabric online from out-of-state retailers, you pay no sales tax.
The sales tax savings really add up, especially on large fabric orders. You can sew incredible garments at a lower cost by ordering fabric online without paying extra sales tax. Just be aware that you may need to pay attention to any local laws regarding tax and online purchases.
Shop anytime, day or night.
Maybe the best thing about ordering fabric online is that you can shop whenever it is convenient for you. You are not limited to store opening hours or having to shop on weekends.
You can browse for fabrics in the evening after work or early in the morning before your day starts. Shopping at non-peak times means websites are less crowded, and you can take your time reviewing all available options.
The 24/7 nature of online fabric shopping lets you fit your fabric purchases into your own schedule. Saving time is invaluable for busy designers and seamstresses. You gain flexibility to shop for materials at whatever time is best for you.
Conclusion
Shopping online for beautiful fabrics offers many compelling advantages over the traditional in-store experience. From unmatched selection to great prices and samples to time savings, ordering fabric online has never been easier.
The next time inspiration strikes for your sewing or fashion design project, do not waste time driving to the fabric store. Simply open your laptop or browse on your phone to gain access to the world of fabrics that the internet provides. Order those creative materials now so you can start your next masterpiece sooner.