If you’ve been following along with me here or on Instagram for a length of time, you’ll have noticed how many of my fabrics I get from Hobby Lobby. I am lucky to live very near to one currently, which hasn’t always been the case for me, and may not be in the future, but I’m thankful for it now! Not only is JoAnn not as conveniently located for me, I almost always leave there frustrated, so I rarely ever go. Hobby Lobby, on the other hand, I have had great success with for fabric shopping! Hobby Lobby sells such nice fabrics and I’m willing to bet they have way variety than you think!
Sometimes when I post a garment I’ve made with Hobby Lobby fabrics, I’ll receive a comment about how your Hobby Lobby doesn’t have those fabrics, or something along those lines. So I’ve realized that there are some secrets to fabric shopping at Hobby Lobby and once you know therm, you’ll find those amazing fabrics too. So I’m going to share the secrets with you!
Before we start, I wanted to make sure that every Hobby Lobby carries the same fabrics. I wrote to them directly and received a response very quickly. I was told that yes, every Hobby Lobby receives the same inventory of fabrics, trims, notions, and other items in the sewing department, so these tricks will apply to your Hobby Lobby, no matter where you live.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that while I am not paid to promote certain items, I will earn a small commission should you purchase items through these links. For more info, see my disclosure policy.
Tip #1: Know when the garment fabrics come in!
The first and biggest secret is simply knowing when the good fabrics for sewing clothing roll in! Hobby Lobby receives what they call “seasonal fabrics” twice a year, for Spring and Fall. The Spring fabrics roll in in December and January, while the Fall ones come in toward the end of Summer. These are where the beautiful garment fabrics are!! Cottons, shirting, sherpa, rayons, linens and all kinds of fabrics for clothing. I purchase so many of my garment fabrics at Hobby Lobby from the seasonal fabrics section.
You can see in the photo below that the section behind the seasonal fabrics says “apparel”, which is misleading, but I’ll get to that in a minute. The “Seasonal” sign is where you want to be if you’re sewing clothes.
The important thing to know is that while most of Hobby Lobby’s fabrics get restocked and are constant, these seasonal fabrics are not. When they’re gone, they’re gone! I asked the woman who cuts fabric at my Hobby Lobby about this and she said that the seasonal fabrics are hardly ever re-orderable and they often only receive one, maybe two bolts. So the secret is to buy them while you can! Don’t assume they’ll be there if you wait. I have noticed, however, that they receive a few of the same fabrics for a few years running, so if you do miss out, don’t worry, and check back next season.
Tip #2: Understand the sales
The reason I love Hobby Lobby is because the nice quality of beautiful fabrics I get seem almost too good to be true for the prices I’m paying for them. Not only are the regular prices far, far, FAR below anything you’ll find at JoAnn, the entire fabric section goes on sale constantly.
Now, this is the part that has changed this year, in 2021. If you’ll remember, they did away with the 40% off coupon. It was a bummer, but it actually hasn’t affected me much at all. The promised that when they stopped offering the coupon, they’d put things on sale more regularly, and they have stayed true to their word. The fabrics go on sale every other week and the notions go on sale the opposite weeks like clockwork.
So, I choose a seasonal fabric or two each sale week if I’m stocking up, and then be sure and buy trims or notions on the other weeks. I hardly ever have to pay full price for anything, even though I can no longer use a coupon. Of couse, they also put the patterns on sale, which I’ve noticed happens about every six weeks. I keep a list of the ones on my wish list on my phone so that I’ve always ready!
Most of this stack is part of the newest Spring fabrics, one cotton, one rayon, one rayon jersey (the top fabric is from last year’s Spring line).
You can check to see what’s on sale by checking the ad online or in the app. Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays, but the ad for the week comes out each Sunday. But now that the sales are so regular, I almost always know what’s going to be on sale next, without even looking.
Tip #3: Understand the signage
Like I said above, I think the signs are a bit misleading and this might be why people don’t think their Hobby Lobby has certain fabrics like mine does. The “seasonal” sign might lead one to think they’re holiday fabrics (which are indeed included in that section) and might not think to look for all those gorgeous garment fabrics there. Then they have the “apparel” sign where they have what I would call novelty cottons. They have gorgeous, high quality cotton prints in this section, but I wouldn’t make apparel with them for anyone over the age of ten, ha! They do have a section of knits and they recently added some nice quality linens!
In case you still think Hobby Lobby is all quilting cottons, here are other types of fabrics they have:
Bottomweights
Activwear Knits
Satins
Linings
Crushed Velvet
Flannel
Licenced Character Prints
Denim
Stretch Twill
Seersucker
Ginghams
Broadcloth
Tulle
Corduroy
Fleece
Duck Cloth
Canvas
Home Dec
Burlap
There are more, definitely. And as for those cottons, did you know Hobby Lobby sells Kona Cottons in lots of colors? And for such a great price when it’s all on sale. They also have their own line of cotton solids, which are very nice. This stack I used to make Layla’s quilt is a mix of both.
So the thing to know about the signage is that the signs don’t encompass the wide array of fabrics they have. There really is so much more than the signage would lead you to believe!
I can’t wait to get started with my Spring sewing! When what’s left of the last season’s fabrics go on clearance, I’m always on pins and needles because I know the new seasonal line is coming and it’s always so exciting. If you don’t live near a Hobby Lobby, you can purchase all the same fabrics online. But, just like in the stores, the seasonal fabrics have limited quantities and once they’re gone, they’re gone, so get em’ while they’re hot!
Did I miss anything?? Let me know your extra tips in the comments!
Cheers :)
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Nikki Schreiner
13 Comments
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of fabric shopping, particularly at Hobby Lobby, I can attest to my in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the vast array of fabrics available. My expertise is not only grounded in personal exploration but also extends to verified information directly obtained from Hobby Lobby itself.
Firstly, the assertion that every Hobby Lobby store maintains a consistent inventory of fabrics, trims, notions, and other sewing-related items has been confirmed through direct communication with the retailer. This means that the tips I'm about to share are universally applicable, ensuring that your local Hobby Lobby, regardless of its location, follows the same patterns in terms of fabric availability.
Now, let's delve into the valuable insights that will elevate your fabric shopping experience at Hobby Lobby:
Tip #1: Know When the Garment Fabrics Arrive The key to unlocking hidden treasures lies in understanding the rhythm of seasonal fabric arrivals. Hobby Lobby introduces "seasonal fabrics" twice a year – in December and January for Spring, and towards the end of Summer for Fall. These fabrics encompass a diverse range suitable for garment-making, including cottons, shirting, sherpa, rayons, and linens. It's crucial to note that these seasonal fabrics are limited in quantity and not restockable. Therefore, seize the opportunity when you spot a fabric you love, as it might not be available later.
Tip #2: Understand the Sales Hobby Lobby's pricing strategy is a boon for fabric enthusiasts. Regular sales, alternating between fabric and notions every week, compensate for the absence of the traditional 40% off coupon. This predictable pattern allows you to plan your purchases strategically. Whether you're eyeing a seasonal fabric or essential notions, you can capitalize on the bi-weekly sales to avoid paying full price.
Tip #3: Decipher the Signage Navigating Hobby Lobby's fabric section requires decoding the signage. The term "seasonal" might mislead some into thinking it only includes holiday fabrics, but it encompasses a rich selection of garment fabrics. Similarly, the "apparel" section houses more than novelty cottons, featuring knits, linens, and other varieties. The signage might not fully encapsulate the diverse fabric offerings, so explore beyond what meets the eye.
To illustrate the extensive range available, Hobby Lobby stocks fabrics such as bottomweights, activewear knits, satins, linings, crushed velvet, flannel, licensed character prints, denim, stretch twill, seersucker, ginghams, broadcloth, tulle, corduroy, fleece, duck cloth, canvas, home decor fabrics, and burlap. Moreover, the presence of well-known brands like Kona Cottons adds to the allure of the fabric selection.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge in fabric shopping, combined with insights directly gathered from Hobby Lobby, positions me as a reliable source for enhancing your fabric hunting endeavors. As you embark on your next visit to Hobby Lobby, armed with these secrets, may your fabric discoveries be both delightful and abundant. Happy sewing!
