Tips For Shopping In A Fabric Store NJ Consumers Will Find Helpful

By Tammie Caldwell


Buying material for a sewing project can be confusing to those who have little experience navigating a fabric store. The vast selection of textiles and supplies may seem overwhelming, but the staff should be of assistance in this respect. Keeping these points in mind at the fabric store NJ shoppers in the Fairfield area can locate just the right materials.

Fabrics are shipped to stores on "bolts" which are either flat cardboard strips or tubular rolls the material is wound around. The type used depends on the manufacturer and on the particular type of textile. Quilting and craft fabrics usually come on a folded, flat bolt, whereas those used for making apparel or home decor projects may be on ether a rolled or folded bolt.

Larger, franchised shops are generally laid out in sections, with fabrics of a certain type and purpose grouped together and clearly indicated by a sign, making it easier to locate what one is searching for. Smaller, independent shops may not have such an organized layout, but sales staff can guide customers in the right direction. Other stores specialize in selling one particular type of fabric alone.

Before deciding to buy a specific material, it's a good idea to find out what its care and washing instructions are, and to ensure that its weight is suitable for its intended purpose, an employee should be able to answer these questions since they are familiar with all types of textiles. Details about the material will also likely be printed on the bolt's flat end or on a tag or inside sheet if it's a roll.

Fabrics come in a vast assortment of textures and styles for any project, be it a comforter, drapes, slipcovers, or a new outfit. Most apparel is made from "fashion fabrics" which can be either knit or woven and include denim, velvet, silk, wool, flannel, and polyester. Other materials can be classified as either quilting, home decor, craft, or fleece fabrics and they are used or a variety of personal and decorative items.

Fabrics are sold in various widths. Most bolts will measure between 36 and 108 inches wide. Sewing patterns will indicate exactly how much material will be needed, otherwise it is necessary to estimate. It's best to buy slightly more than the required amount just to be on the safe side. Bolts contain anywhere from 8 to 30 yards of fabric, and there will likely be a minimum size, usually between 1/8 and 1/4 yard. If an entire bolt is needed, this can usually be ordered for an extra fee.

A salesperson takes the bolts which the customer has selected and rolls them out on a cutting table where they will be measured then cut. Sometimes they also sell "remnants" which are left over pieces from bolts, they are usually sold as is but are cheaper and can be a great find if the size is right. Some stores will also provide shoppers with sample swatches of material to take home for matching purposes.

In order to maintain consistency, it's also important to select fabrics which are from the same dye lot, otherwise they may not be exactly the same in color intensity and tone. If two separate bolts are used, the customer should verify that they have the same dye lot number.




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