Hancock Fabrics closed all stores in 2014
Hancock Fabrics, the fabric retailer that operated for nearly 60 years, shut down its remaining locations in 2014 after filing for bankruptcy. The chain had been a destination for sewers, quilters, and crafters since 1957, but declining foot traffic and changing shopping habits led to its closure. If you shopped there regularly, you'll need to know where fabric retailers moved or what alternatives exist now.
The company operated hundreds of stores across the United States at its peak, but the shift toward online shopping and big-box retailers like Walmart and Joann Fabrics reduced its market share. By the time Hancock Fabrics announced its final closure, most locations had already shut down over the previous decade.
Key Takeaways
- Hancock Fabrics closed all remaining stores in 2014 and is no longer in operation as a retail chain.
- Joann Fabrics and Walmart are the largest remaining brick-and-mortar options for buying fabric in most U.S. communities.
- Online retailers like Etsy, Spoonflower, and fabric-specific websites now serve customers who previously shopped at Hancock Fabrics.
- Local independent fabric shops still exist in many areas and often carry specialty materials that chain stores do not stock.
Where Hancock Fabrics customers shop now
People who bought fabric at Hancock Fabrics typically moved to Joann Fabrics, which operates the largest chain of fabric stores in the United States. Joann stores carry quilting cotton, apparel fabrics, home décor materials, and notions. Many former Hancock locations are now Joann stores, or Joann opened nearby to fill the gap.
Walmart carries a smaller selection of basic fabrics—mostly cotton prints and fleece—at lower prices than specialty retailers. This works for straightforward projects but offers less variety than Hancock Fabrics did.
Independent fabric shops remain open in many towns and cities. These stores often specialize in particular types of fabric—quilting cotton, upholstery, knits, or linen—and staff who know their inventory deeply. Finding a local shop requires a web search or asking in sewing groups, but many sewers prefer the personal service and curated selection.
Online fabric retailers that replaced Hancock's reach
Etsy hosts thousands of fabric sellers, from small operations to larger resellers. You can search by fiber content, color, pattern, and price. Shipping times vary by seller, and you're buying from individuals rather than a single company.
Spoonflower specializes in custom-printed fabric and also sells pre-designed fabric by independent artists. You can upload your own design or choose from thousands of existing patterns. Prices are higher than mass-market fabric, but the selection is unique.
Dedicated online fabric retailers like Fabric.com, Mood Fabrics, and Craftsy operate websites where you browse and order by mail. These sites often have larger inventories than physical stores and ship within days. Some offer swatches so you can see color and texture before buying yardage.
How online shopping differs from Hancock Fabrics stores
At Hancock Fabrics, you could touch fabric, see how it draped, and ask staff questions before buying. Online, you rely on photos, descriptions, and sometimes customer reviews. Many online retailers offer swatch services—you request small samples of fabrics you're considering, examine them at home, and then order yardage if you like what you see.
Shipping costs and time are trade-offs. A local Joann or independent shop means you walk out with fabric the same day. Online orders typically arrive in three to seven business days, and shipping fees can add 10 to 20 percent to your total cost. Some retailers offer free shipping above a certain order amount.
Return policies vary widely. Joann accepts returns of unused fabric with a receipt. Online retailers have different rules—some take returns, others do not, and some charge restocking fees. Read the policy before ordering, especially if you're buying specialty fabric or a large quantity.
Finding fabric by type if you know what you need
If you sewed with Hancock Fabrics regularly, you probably know whether you buy quilting cotton, apparel fabric, home décor material, or specialty textiles. Joann Fabrics organizes its stores and website by these categories, making it straightforward to find what you used to buy. Independent shops often specialize—a quilting shop stocks hundreds of cotton prints but little apparel fabric, while a knit specialist carries jersey and interlock but not woven fabrics.
Online retailers let you filter by fiber content, weight, and use. If you're looking for linen for a summer dress, you can search "linen apparel fabric" on Etsy or Fabric.com and see hundreds of options from different sellers. This is actually broader than what any single Hancock Fabrics location carried.
Comparing price and selection between options
Joann Fabrics typically prices basic quilting cotton and apparel fabric between $6 and $12 per yard, with frequent sales and coupons that reduce the price further. Specialty fabrics cost more. Walmart's fabric is cheaper—often $3 to $8 per yard—but the selection is limited to common prints and solids.
Independent shops vary widely. A high-end quilting shop might charge $10 to $14 per yard for premium cotton, while a discount fabric outlet charges $4 to $8. Online retailers on Etsy range from $5 to $20 per yard depending on the seller and fabric type. Spoonflower's custom-printed fabric costs $15 to $25 per yard because each piece is made to order.
Selection is the biggest difference. Hancock Fabrics carried a broad middle ground—more than Walmart, less than a specialty shop. If you want common fabrics quickly and cheaply, Walmart or Joann work. If you want rare or custom options, online retailers and independent shops have no competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still order from Hancock Fabrics online?
No. Hancock Fabrics ceased operations entirely in 2014 and does not have an online store. The company's website is no longer active. You'll need to shop at one of the retailers listed above.
Did Hancock Fabrics sell fabric remnants or closeout stock?
Hancock Fabrics is gone, so there is no remaining inventory to purchase. However, many Joann Fabrics locations have clearance sections with discounted fabric, and online retailers sometimes list overstock or discontinued patterns at reduced prices.
What if I'm looking for a specific fabric I bought at Hancock Fabrics years ago?
If you remember the manufacturer or pattern name, search for it on Etsy or Google. If you only remember what it looked like, post a photo in sewing forums or Facebook groups—other sewers often recognize fabrics and can tell you where to find similar ones.
Are there any stores similar to how Hancock Fabrics operated?
Joann Fabrics is the closest equivalent in terms of store layout, product range, and national presence. Independent fabric shops vary by region but often provide the personalized service and curated selection that Hancock Fabrics customers valued.