If you ask anyone who’s done any sewing or craft projects, Hobby Lobby is a familiar name. With nearly a thousand stores across the United States, the chain has earned a reputation as a go-to place for art, craft, and hobby supplies. But does Hobby Lobby sell fabric, and if so, what can you expect to find on those big bolts and shelves?
What Kind of Fabric Does Hobby Lobby Carry?
Walk into any Hobby Lobby location and you’ll probably spot bolts of colorful cotton and other materials stacked by the yard. Hobby Lobby does indeed sell fabric, and not just a little bit. For people who like to sew, quilt, or try their hand at DIY décor, the selection is pretty broad.
The first thing you’ll notice is a strong focus on cotton calico and quilting fabrics. These are the bright, patterned cottons that crafters often use for quilts, tote bags, pillowcases, or just about any home project you can name. You’ll see lots of small prints, florals, and novelty themes—some designs come and go every season.
But Hobby Lobby doesn’t just stop at basic cottons. They expand into specialty fabrics and themes throughout the year. If you visit before major holidays like Christmas or Halloween, the seasonal section is full of festive patterns—think snowflakes, turkeys, pumpkins, or even metallic accents. There’s usually a good mix of home décor fabrics too, so if you’re thinking of sewing curtains, pillows, or reupholstering a chair, you can usually find canvas, duck cloth, or heavy cotton blends in solid colors and simple prints.
Knits and stretch blends also make up a solid part of the inventory. These fabrics work for people looking to make apparel, athletic wear, or loungewear. You’ll often come across stretchy jersey cotton, nylon-spandex blends, ribbed knits, and sometimes fancier fabrics like rayon and linen. The choices shift with the seasons and current trends, so the racks might look a little different from one month to another.
There’s also a reliable lineup of flannel and fleece. Think soft pajamas, warm scarves, or cute printed baby blankets. People who sew for kids or cozy weather love these sections. They offer both plain colors and plenty of whimsical patterns—cartoon animals, sports, and holiday themes are common.
Hobby Lobby even carries an assortment of utility fabrics like muslin (good for draft sewing and crafts), batting (used as the “filling” in quilts), interfacing (for structure in bags and garments), and felt sheets.
How Does the Fabric Quality Stack Up?
Here’s where things get personal. The quality of Hobby Lobby’s fabrics is generally described as solid, but it can vary. Some seasoned quilters and sewists will tell you certain fabrics—especially the basics—are right up there with what you’ll find at local quilt shops. The weave is tight, colors stay true after washing, and everything cuts nicely.
But, just like any big-box craft store, there are budget lines and higher-end options. The lower-cost prints or basic utility fabrics may feel a bit thinner or less soft than what you’d buy at specialty stores. Heavy upholstery or canvas from Hobby Lobby usually does the job for most projects, but people looking for professional-grade materials or top-tier designer lines might have to head elsewhere.
There’s a kind of trade-off between price and quality, but for most crafters, the level is more than adequate—especially at the price, which is often noticeably lower than boutique quilting stores. The biggest thing to remember is to actually feel the fabric and look closely. Since their selection rotates, if you see something you like and it feels right, it’s probably worth it.
How Often Does the Selection Change?
One thing that regular shoppers notice: the fabric selection at Hobby Lobby tends to rotate with the seasons and with trends. For instance, early summer brings lighter cottons and breezy prints for dresses and crafts. When school starts and the weather cools, heavier fabrics come in—think plaid flannels, chunky fleece, and classic autumn colors.
This frequent rotation keeps the shopping experience fresh, but it also means a particular design or color might be gone on your next visit. People who sew for specific holidays or special occasions often check back every few weeks to see what’s new.
Hobby Lobby also isn’t shy about putting its fabric on sale—often up to 30% off, and sometimes even more during clearance. Since major lines might only last a season, discounts can be a great way to stock up.
Buying by the Yard: What to Expect
Unlike grabbing a pre-cut package off the rack, Hobby Lobby sells fabric “by the yard.” This means you can buy exactly how much you need—whether it’s a quarter-yard for a small project or multiple yards for bigger plans. The staff at the cutting counter will measure and trim for you.
This flexibility appeals to folks who like to avoid waste or custom-fit their materials. You don’t have to round up or buy a huge bundle if you only need a bit for a hem job or accent. The pricing is clear per yard, and with regular sales, many people find the costs approachable compared to competitors.
If you aren’t sure how fabric works in real projects, there’s usually someone around who can tell you if that floral cotton will wrinkle, or if flannel shrinks much after washing. This low-key guidance makes the process less intimidating for beginners.
Sewing Supplies, Notions, and Extras
Hobby Lobby is also big on carrying sewing notions and extras. You’ll find basic sewing supplies like threads (in a whole rainbow of shades), pins, measuring tapes, rotary cutters, and scissors. There’s a solid lineup of zippers, snaps, buttons, and trims like ribbon, lace, or bias tape.
People working on quilts will see batting and interfacing, which are the hidden layers that add structure and warmth to finished projects. If you’re planning crafts for a group—Girl Scout sashes, spirit week decorations, theater costumes—it’s convenient to get everything in one stop.
For people into embroidery, there’s often a wall or two of floss, hoops, and needles. Some locations even carry patterns for garments, home décor, or kid costumes. It feels like a one-stop shop for nearly any basic to intermediate sewing need.
Online vs. In-Store: Any Differences?
You may be wondering about shopping online. Is the experience as good as in the aisle? Hobby Lobby’s website does offer a decent selection of fabrics. You’ll see many of the cotton prints, quilting supplies, and some home décor fabrics, plus photos of each bolt, so you can preview before you buy.
However, not every fabric from the physical stores is listed online. This is especially true for clearance options, extremely seasonal inventory, or when new designs come in. For people who need a specific texture or color in their hands, the in-store experience is tough to beat.
Buying online does have the advantage of being able to compare prices, search for coupons, and fill up your cart in your pajamas. For most folks, a combination of in-store visits for texture and color accuracy, plus online browsing for sales and restock alerts, works best.
Who Shops for Fabric at Hobby Lobby—and Why?
The store attracts a wide mix. Some customers are hobby quilters who turn spare time into cozy throws. Others are parents making Halloween costumes or pajamas. Plenty of teachers, crafters, and students visit for science fair posters or homecoming banners.
One reason people keep coming back is how easy it is to find nearly all the supplies for a project right there—no chasing from place to place for batting, thread, and ribbon. Hobby Lobby’s pricing, especially the regular sales and coupons, makes it accessible for people on a budget.
It’s also social—when you’re waiting for your fabric to be cut, someone’s always talking about what they’re making, sharing tips, or comparing patterns. Over time, you start to see the same faces in the fabric aisle.
For those interested in broader business trends among craft or retail chains, you can check sites like Top Business Feed for updates and background info.
Are There Any Limitations?
For all of its selection, Hobby Lobby is still a “chain” store. That means you probably won’t find exclusive designer fabrics, premium imported brands, or every niche color under the sun. Sometimes, sewing purists will argue the local quilt or fabric shop still wins out on unique prints and luxury materials.
On the flip side, Hobby Lobby’s variety and pricing mean you’ll almost always find something to fit a standard project or craft need. The convenience is a win for most everyday users.
On rare occasions, people run into low stock after big sales or around the holidays, so having a backup plan (or checking early) is smart. And not every location is identical—some will have bigger or smaller fabric sections, depending on how busy or urban the area is.
Final Update: Hobby Lobby as a Fabric Resource
So, does Hobby Lobby sell fabric? The answer is yes, with plenty of options for everyone from new crafters to longtime sewists. There’s a rotating stock of cotton, seasonal prints, knits, home décor fabrics, fleece, and utility supplies for quilting or garment work.
The prices are usually reasonable, there are often clearance deals, and the by-the-yard system gives you control over what you buy. While the top-end selection isn’t as deep as what you’ll find at indie or specialty shops, most people come away with what they came in for.
If you want to check the latest sales, see what’s in season, or get advice on a project, Hobby Lobby’s fabric department is worth a look. Whether you’re just getting started or finishing your hundredth quilt, there’s a little something for nearly everyone. And in the ever-changing world of crafts and sewing, that steady, reliable resource makes a difference.
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