How to Buy Fabric

If you are planning to redecorate your house, or you enjoy making clothing (or would like to try!), you may find it necessary to purchase fabric in the near future. Fabric can be used to make any kind of clothing, to make curtains, or to make decorations of different kinds (such as stuffed animals).

There are many different kinds of fabrics. There is plain cotton, silk, taffeta, satin, fur, flannel, and much more. Most of what you see in stores is going to be plain cotton, especially if you are in a store that has a fabric section, but is not primarily a craft store (like most large retail shops). The type you use will depend on the project you're doing, and it's not always possible to substitute one type for another. Always check the back of the pattern you're using or an experienced seamstress/craft person if you are unsure of a particular substitution.

If you are sewing clothing or curtains, or something for which you will need a specific amount of fabric, select the pattern you'll use first. The back of the pattern will tell you what kind of fabric to use and how much to buy.

Something else you should be conscious of is if the fabric has a 'nap' or not. A 'nap' is a one-way design, like stripes. The pattern will require you to buy more fabric if there's a nap, so the pattern can be laid out perfectly. If you're not sure if there's a nap or not, buy the extra fabric and lay it out exactly according to directions.

A few notes on fabric: very 'furry' fabrics will tend to shed, and are often ripped instead of cut. You may need a little extra of these so that you can sew the seams far enough in (so they don't unravel). All fabric to be used for clothing should be washed before you sew with it, to shrink it. Satin and other dress materials are very delicate, so you should get appropriate needles to use with it. Denims are very heavy, and you should get appropriate needles to use with that. Stretchy fabrics (for bathing suits or even soft pullovers) will tend to stretch out a lot, so don't get too much of them, and measure them carefully. Most stores will have a 'notions' section which will have needles, pins, thread, and more. Visit this section to get the appropriate tools. Ask if you're not sure.

You can buy fabric at a number of places. The internet is not typically a good place to start, unless you know exactly what you want. It's best to go to retail outlets first to see the different fabrics you can select. Many large stores (like Wal-Mart) will have a small fabric section. Look at these, but realize that the choices are limited. Specialty stores, like Jo-Ann Fabrics, are usually a better bet. They have a large selection and are typically staffed by experienced crafts people.

When in a store buying fabric, select your fabric and place it in a shopping cart. If you're buying multiple fabrics, keep a list of what you have and how much you will need of it. Once you have selected all of your fabric, head for the cutting counter. The salesperson will cut all of your fabric for you and will hand you a charge slip.

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