How to Buy Fabric Online? A Shopper's Guide
Shopping for fabric online has become incredibly convenient, providing you with a vast selection at your fingertips. Whether you're new to online fabric shopping or looking to improve your approach, these tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Know Your Project: Before you start browsing, it's crucial to know exactly what you need for your sewing or crafting project. Understand the fabric type, color, pattern, and the quantity required. Having a clear vision of your project will help you narrow down your choices.
Check Fabric Descriptions. Pay close attention to fabric width and pattern scale, usually one of the images will have ruler. The description is your key to understanding whether the fabric is a good fit for your project.
Sample Swatches: To ensure that the fabric meets your expectations, consider ordering fabric swatches or samples. Swatches allow you to touch, feel, and assess the fabric's quality, texture, and color accuracy before committing to a bulk purchase. Many reputable online fabric stores offer this option.
Read Reviews: Online reviews can provide valuable insights into the fabric's quality, durability, and color accuracy. By reading what other customers have experienced, you can make an informed decision about your fabric purchase.
Check Return Policies: Before making a purchase, review the online store's return policies. While online fabric shopping can be convenient, it's essential to have a backup plan in case the fabric doesn't meet your expectations.
Shop Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupon codes. Scoring a deal can save you money on your fabric purchases. Subscribe to newsletters or follow your favorite fabric stores on social media to stay informed about promotions.
Measure Twice: Double-check your measurements to avoid ordering too much or too little fabric. Accurate measurements will save you from frustrating surprises during your project.
Be Mindful of Color Accuracy: Keep in mind that fabric colors may look slightly different on your screen. If precise color matching is essential, order swatches or samples to ensure the color is a perfect fit for your project.
Customer Support: Contact customer support with any questions or concerns before making a purchase. Their responsiveness and helpfulness can be a good indicator of the store's commitment to customer satisfaction.
Shipping Time: Consider the shipping time and factor it into your project timeline. If you have a tight deadline, choose expedited shipping options, but be mindful of the additional costs.
On Spoonflower - many sellers offer free customization for their designs. For example, you like the flowers on the fabric, but want it to be pink instead of white and two inches tall instead of one inch. In this case you can connect to the seller and in most cases she would be glad to help!
Happy fabric shopping!
