A few simple tips to make shopping for quilting fabric online a little easier.

There's something wonderfully convenient about shopping for quilting fabric online.

You can browse from your sewing room, compare colors while you're looking at your stash, and find fabrics from designers and shops all over the country without ever having to leave the house.

But there's one downside:

You can't touch the fabric.

You can't hold a fat quarter up to another fabric. You can't see the color in your own sewing room. And you can't turn a bolt over to read the information on the selvage.

After years of selling quilting fabric online, I've learned there are a few things that can make the experience much easier.

Here are five things I wish every quilter knew before clicking "Add to Cart."

1. Colors Can Look Different on Your Screen

This is probably the hardest part of buying fabric online.

Every monitor, phone, and tablet displays color a little differently. The lighting used when a fabric is photographed can also affect how the color appears.

That's why I always recommend looking at several photos of a fabric before purchasing, especially if you're trying to coordinate it with something you already have.

And if you're trying to match a very specific color, don't be afraid to ask questions.

A photo on a screen can get you close, but it can't completely replace seeing the actual fabric in person.

2. Pay Attention to What Kind of Fabric You're Buying

Not every quilting fabric behaves the same way.

You may come across quilting cotton, yarn-dyed wovens, linen blends, and other specialty fabrics while you're shopping.

They can have very different weights, textures, and characteristics.

If you're not sure what you're looking at, check the product description. A good fabric listing should tell you what type of fabric you're buying and give you enough information to decide whether it's right for your project.

And if you're still unsure?

Ask!

That's one of the reasons I write the Fabric 101 series—to help make all those fabric terms a little less intimidating.

You can start with:

What's the Difference Between Quilting Cotton, Wovens, and Linen Blends?

3. Make Sure You Understand the Cut You're Buying

This one is especially important when shopping online.

A "quarter yard" and a "fat quarter" are not the same cut of fabric.

A quarter yard is typically cut 9" × 44" from the bolt, while a fat quarter is typically 18" × 22".

And depending on the shop, there can be other cuts and bundles available, too.

Always check the product description before ordering so you know exactly what you're getting.

At North Star Quilt Shop, I try to make the cut information as clear as possible in every listing. But if you're ever unsure, please reach out before ordering. I'm happy to help!

4. Think About Print Scale

Here's something that's easy to overlook when you're looking at fabric online:

How big is the design?

A beautiful large-scale floral might look perfect on your screen, but if you're planning to cut it into 2" quilt pieces, most of that gorgeous design may disappear.

On the other hand, a tiny print can be wonderfully versatile in small quilt blocks.

This doesn't mean you should avoid large prints!

It just means it's helpful to think about how you're going to use the fabric before you buy it.

If you're interested in learning more about mixing different print scales, I recently wrote about that in:

Fabric 101: How to Mix Prints, Solids, and Wovens in a Quilt

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

This might be my favorite one.

You don't have to figure everything out by yourself.

If you're wondering:

• Is this fabric more blue or green?

• Is this woven fabric suitable for quilting?

• How large is the print?

• Will these two fabrics coordinate?

• Is this quarter yard cut continuous?

• How much fabric do I need for my project?

Ask!

One of the things I love most about running a small quilt shop is helping quilters find fabrics they're excited to work with.

I'd much rather answer a question before you place your order than have you receive your fabric and realize it isn't what you expected.

A Little Extra Advice

When you're shopping online, take your time.

Look at all the photos. Read the description. Check the fabric type and cut. Think about how you'll use the fabric.

And then, when you find something that makes you excited to start a new quilt?

That's probably the fabric you should buy. 😉

After all, the whole point is to find fabrics that make you want to sew.

Happy Shopping (and Happy Quilting!)

I hope these tips make buying quilting fabric online feel a little easier and a lot less intimidating.

And remember, you don't have to know everything before you start.

That's what quilting—and quilting communities—are for.