What JOANN Fabrics is and where to shop

JOANN Fabrics is a fabric and craft supply retailer with physical stores across the United States and an online shop at joann.com. You can walk into a store to browse and buy fabric by the yard, or order online and pick up in-store or have items shipped to your home. The company sells fabric for sewing projects, yarn for knitting and crochet, patterns, thread, buttons, zippers, and tools like scissors and measuring tape.

JOANN stores are typically located in shopping centers and strip malls in most states. You can find your nearest location by entering your zip code on their website. Store hours vary by location, but most are open six or seven days a week during standard retail hours. The online store operates 24 hours a day.

JOANN also runs a rewards program called the JOANN Rewards membership, which is free to join. Members receive personalized coupons, early access to sales, and points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts. You can sign up in-store, online, or through their mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • JOANN Fabrics sells fabric by the yard along with sewing notions, yarn, patterns, and craft tools at physical locations and online.
  • You can purchase fabric in-store, order online for home delivery, or order online and pick up at your local store.
  • The free JOANN Rewards membership gives you personalized coupons and lets you earn points toward future discounts.
  • Fabric prices and selection vary by store location, and some specialty items may need to be ordered.
  • JOANN regularly runs sales and promotions, and members receive advance notice of these events.

How to buy fabric by the yard in-store

When you enter a JOANN store, fabric is organized by type: quilting cotton, knits, fleece, specialty fabrics, and others. Each bolt of fabric displays the fiber content, width (usually 45 or 60 inches), and price per yard. You select the bolt, bring it to the cutting counter, and tell the associate how many yards you need. They measure and cut the fabric on a large cutting table, then fold it and ring it up at checkout.

Most JOANN stores cut fabric in half-yard increments, meaning you can buy 0.5 yards, 1 yard, 1.5 yards, and so on. Some stores may have a minimum purchase, though this varies. If you are unsure about yardage, the staff at the cutting counter can help you estimate based on your project. Bring a photo of what you want to make, or describe it, and they can advise you.

Prices per yard range widely depending on the fabric type and quality. Basic quilting cotton typically costs less than specialty or designer fabrics. JOANN frequently runs promotions where certain fabric categories are discounted, and these are advertised in-store and online.

Ordering fabric online and pickup or delivery options

On joann.com, you can browse the full fabric catalog, filter by type or color, and add items to your cart. When you check out, you choose either home delivery or in-store pickup. Home delivery typically takes five to ten business days depending on your location and the item's availability. In-store pickup is usually ready within one to three business days and is free.

Online prices are sometimes different from in-store prices, and online-only promotions exist alongside in-store sales. You can use the same JOANN Rewards membership online as you do in-store, and points earned online count toward your account. If you have a coupon code, you can enter it at checkout to explore the discount.

When you order online, you see the item's availability before you buy. If something is out of stock at your preferred pickup location, you can choose a different store or opt for home delivery. JOANN also allows you to check local store inventory on the product page, so you know whether a specific fabric is in stock near you before you drive there.

Understanding fabric types and choosing what you need

JOANN carries several broad categories of fabric. Quilting cotton is a standard weight cotton used for patchwork quilts and general sewing; it is usually 45 inches wide. Knits include jersey, interlock, and rib fabrics that stretch and are used for t-shirts and casual garments. Fleece is a warm, soft synthetic fabric often used for blankets and winter clothing. Specialty fabrics include linen, wool blends, minky, and designer prints.

Each fabric type has different care instructions and sewing requirements. The bolt label tells you the fiber content (cotton, polyester, rayon, or a blend), the width, and sometimes care notes. If you are new to sewing, staff at the store can point you toward beginner-friendly fabrics like quilting cotton or fleece, which are forgiving to work with.

JOANN also sells pre-cut fabric bundles and fat quarters (quarter-yard cuts of fabric bundled together), which are useful if you want variety without buying full yards. These are priced per bundle rather than per yard.

Patterns, notions, and tools available at JOANN

Beyond fabric, JOANN stocks sewing patterns from major publishers like Simplicity, McCall's, and Butterick. Patterns come as printed paper envelopes with instructions and pattern pieces, or as digital downloads you can print at home. Prices for printed patterns are typically between five and fifteen dollars, though they go on sale regularly.

Notions are the small items that finish a garment: thread in hundreds of colors, zippers, buttons, snaps, elastic, bias tape, and seam binding. JOANN carries thread for hand sewing and machine sewing, in cotton and polyester. Buttons range from basic plastic to decorative wood and metal styles. Zippers come in various lengths and colors.

Sewing tools include scissors, rotary cutters, cutting mats, measuring tapes, pins, needles, seam rippers, and pressing tools. JOANN carries both budget-friendly options and higher-end brands. If you are starting out, the store staff can recommend a basic toolkit that covers the essentials without overspending.

How JOANN Rewards membership works

JOANN Rewards is a free membership program that you can join at any register, on the website, or through the JOANN mobile app. Once you are enrolled, you receive a membership number or link your account to your phone number. Every purchase earns points: typically one point per dollar spent, though promotional events sometimes offer bonus points.

Members receive personalized coupons via email and in the app based on their purchase history. You might see a coupon for a discount on yarn if you have bought yarn before, or a discount on fabric if that is your main purchase category. JOANN also sends advance notice of sales and clearance events to members before they are advertised to the general public.

Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts. The redemption threshold varies, but typically you can redeem points once you have accumulated a certain amount. You can check your points balance and available rewards in the app or by asking a cashier.

Sales, coupons, and ways to save at JOANN

JOANN runs ongoing sales on different product categories. Fabric sales often rotate by type: one week quilting cotton might be on sale, the next week knits or fleece. These are advertised on the website, in-store, and in the app. Clearance sections in stores offer discounted items from previous seasons.

Coupons are available in several ways. JOANN Rewards members receive personalized coupons in their email and app. The company also publishes coupons in local newspapers and mailers. You can often find coupons on the website under a "Coupons" or "Deals" section. Coupons typically offer a percentage discount on a category or a dollar amount off a purchase over a certain threshold.

Stacking coupons is sometimes possible: you may be able to use a manufacturer's coupon on a specific item along with a store coupon, though policies vary. Ask at checkout if you are unsure whether your coupons can be combined. Rewards members also earn points on discounted purchases, so the savings add up over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return fabric I have already cut?

JOANN's return policy typically allows returns of unused, uncut fabric within a certain timeframe with a receipt. Once fabric is cut, it cannot be returned. If you are unsure about yardage or color before cutting, ask the associate to hold the bolt while you think it over, or buy a small amount first to test the fabric.

Do I need to bring my own scissors to cut fabric, or does JOANN provide them?

JOANN staff cut fabric for you at the cutting counter using store equipment. You do not need to bring scissors. straightforward bring the bolt to the counter, tell them how much you need, and they will measure and cut it.

What is the difference between fat quarters and yardage?

A fat quarter is a pre-cut piece of fabric measuring approximately 18 by 22 inches, sold as part of a bundle. Yardage is fabric sold by the yard (36 inches long) at the cutting counter. Fat quarters are convenient for small projects or sampling different prints, while yardage gives you more length for larger projects.

Can I order fabric online and return it in-store?

Return policies for online orders vary by item and location. Check the return details on the product page when you order, or contact JOANN customer service. Generally, unused items can be returned, but policies differ for online versus in-store purchases.

Does JOANN sell yarn and knitting supplies?

Yes, JOANN carries yarn for knitting and crochet in various weights and fiber types, along with needles, hooks, patterns, and notions for fiber crafts. Yarn is organized by weight and fiber content, and staff can help you choose yarn for your project.