With the closing of Joann fabrics, you might be wondering what the best cosplay fabric stores are. There’s actually a really good abundance of online and in person options. Although, the physical stores may be more limited to major cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angles or the different fashion districts.
Online Cosplay Fabric Stores
If you’re comfortable ordering online, these stores are some of the best cosplay fabric stores you can find on the internet.
- Fabric Wholesale Direct – This is a really affordable option that’s great for your basic staple fabrics. They also have the option to order swatches so you can ensure you’re getting what you need.
- Mood Fabric – A little more pricey, this is a really great site though for more niche apparel fabrics. You can also order swatches from Mood Fabric and they also have free cosplay sewing patterns available for download to go with them.
- Top Fabric – This one can get very pricey, but it often has been a great place to find screen accurate fabrics as well. They have great apparel fabrics and swatches available. You do have to consider VAT though as well with your ordering on Top Fabric.
- Blue Moon Fabrics – This is another great choice for more niche apparel fabrics. They have a great selection of sequin, beaded and rhinestone fabrics as well. They have swatches available on select fabrics.
- Spoonflower – This is a unique fabric store option with a huge variety and plenty of niche options. You can of course order swatches and the prices highly vary. You can also upload your own designs to create custom fabrics too.
- Zelouff – This one is similar to Mood Fabric where it’s slightly more pricey and has great select of apparel fabrics. However the shipping for Zelouff can be very expensive depending on what and how much you order.
- Etsy – There is individual Etsy sellers out there that sell fabrics too. This is great for getting niche, apparel fabrics or things that are a little more custom. Keep in mind, not all of them will offer swatches and the pricing greatly varies. Here are some of my favorite sellers:
- SoundofBlooming – Carries Frozen and Game of Thrones specific fabrics.
- SpringdesignCrafts – Carries a great variety of cottons, linens, satins, brocades, jacquards, organza and sequin fabrics. Including options meant to look like scales for dragons and mermaids.
- SewTheTrend – They carry a great abundance of spandex, sequin fabrics, lace, organza, satins and more.
- newcreationsfabric – This shop has almost 10k fabrics to choose from. With an abundance of embroidered or beaded laces, sequin fabrics, satins, spandex and more, you’re sure to find what you need. They even carry a large line of faux furs.
- 8Store – This shop carries some of the most niche fabrics I’ve seen. They carry mirror or reflective fabrics but also thermochromic color changing threads too.
- VincyStore – This is another shop that carries some incredible niche fabrics. With an assortment of jacquards that can fit a House of the Dragon or Game of Thrones cosplayer’s needs.
In Person Cosplay Fabric Stores
If you prefer to shop fabrics in person, consider some of these stores:
- Mood Fabric – While mentioned already in the online options, they do also have a physical store. They’re located in New York and are definitely a great shop to visit whether you’re local or taking a trip to the big city.
- Blue Moon Fabrics – Similar to Mood Fabrics, Blue Moon also has a physical shop. However, this one is located in Los Angles.
- Vogue Fabrics – I myself am a Chicago suburbs local and have managed to visit Vogue in person. It has a large selection with great prices. Their trim selection alone is vast and worth checking out.
- Textile Discount Outlet – This is another favorite of the Chicago cosplay community. This one is more within the city though than Vogue, which is closer to the suburbs.
- Michaels – In terms of big box retail stores, Michaels is an option. Although some find their selection to be very limited and lacking in terms of apparel fabric.
Is it Cheaper to Buy Fabric Online or in a Store
People often find online fabric stores to be cheaper than in person ones. However this is going to heavily vary between different shops and the types of fabric you’re purchasing. The reason though it tends to lean towards online being cheaper is the lower overhead costs of an online store and there’s less of a risk for impulse purchases. They also often have a wider selection to choose from.
Depending on the online store you order from though, the shipping fees can definitely make it more expensive than shopping in person. But these days, physical fabric stores are becoming less and less accessible unless you’re in a big city.