Fabric Shops in Atlanta: Where to Find the Best Material for Every Project

Atlanta has a surprisingly rich fabric scene, whether you’re sewing clothing, upholstering furniture, quilting, or crafting. From big-box chains with large selections to small specialty boutiques with curated collections, you can find almost any kind of fabric, trim, or sewing notion without leaving the metro area.

This guide walks through where to shop for fabric in Atlanta, what each type of store is best for, and how to plan your visit if you live here or are in town for a short time.

How the Atlanta Fabric Scene Is Laid Out

Most of Atlanta’s fabric resources fall into a few broad groups:

• Discount and wholesale-style fabric warehouses
• Fashion and apparel fabric shops
• Home décor and upholstery fabric stores
• Quilting and cotton-focused shops
• Big-box craft and sewing chains

Understanding which type you need will save you time and help you choose the right part of town to visit.

Discount & Warehouse-Style Fabric Stores

If you’re looking for low prices, large quantities, or mixed lots, warehouse-style fabric shops around Atlanta can be helpful. These are often in more industrial corridors or commercial strips rather than walkable retail districts.

Typical offerings:

• Closeout bolts and remnants
• Apparel knits and wovens
• Upholstery and drapery rolls
• Trims, elastic, zippers, and other notions

These shops can be excellent if you:

• Sew frequently and go through fabric quickly
• Need yardage for events (costumes, decor, backdrops)
• Don’t mind digging through shelves and bins to find deals

Many warehouse-style stores are clustered in areas such as Doraville, Chamblee, and southwest Atlanta, where light industrial and wholesale businesses are common. If you are traveling from intown neighborhoods like Midtown or Decatur, plan for extra driving time and check hours in advance, as some keep shorter or weekday-heavy schedules.

Fashion & Apparel Fabric Shops in Atlanta

If you’re sewing clothing, costumes, or fashion-forward pieces, you’ll want stores that focus on apparel fabrics rather than just quilting cottons or heavy upholstery.

Common fabrics you’ll see:

• Knits (jersey, rib knit, ponte, athletic fabrics)
• Wovens (linen, cotton lawn, poplin, rayon challis, shirting)
• Formalwear (chiffon, tulle, satin, lace)
• Interfacings, linings, and closures (buttons, zips)

Many Atlanta-area fashion fabric shops are car-accessible but not far from residential neighborhoods. They tend to serve:

• Home garment sewists
• Cosplayers and costumers
• Students from design programs around the metro area

If you’re new to sewing apparel, going in person to feel the weight, stretch, and drape of the fabric is especially helpful, and staff at these smaller shops are often familiar with pattern suggestions and fabric substitutions.

Home Décor & Upholstery Fabric Stores

If you’re updating a sofa, dining chairs, cushions, or drapes, you’ll want shops that specialize in home décor textiles:

• Upholstery-weight fabrics
• Outdoor and performance fabrics
• Drapery, sheers, and blackout linings
• Foam, batting, and pillow forms
• Gimp, nailhead trim, and decorative tape

Atlanta has a steady demand for interior design and renovation supplies, so you’ll find home décor fabric sources:

• Along major commercial corridors like Peachtree Industrial, Cobb Parkway, and Northside Drive
• In suburbs with active home renovation markets like Marietta, Roswell, and Alpharetta

These shops are useful whether you are:

• Working with an upholsterer and choosing fabric
• DIY-ing small projects like bench cushions or throw pillows
• Matching existing drapery or furniture tones in your home

Some locations also carry wallcoverings, hardware for curtain rods, and custom workrooms where you can order made-to-measure drapes or cushions.

Quilting & Cotton-Focused Fabric Shops

Quilters in the Atlanta area have access to shops that emphasize:

• High-quality quilting cottons in solids and prints
• Pre-cuts (fat quarters, charm packs, jelly rolls)
• Quilt patterns and books
• Longarm quilting services or referrals
• Classes and quilting groups

These shops generally serve:

• Traditional quilters
• Modern quilters
• Crafters who prefer cotton for bags, kids’ clothes, and home projects

They are often located in suburban commercial centers with easy parking and may host regular clubs, sew-ins, and classes, which can be helpful if you are looking for community or to build your skills after moving to Atlanta.

Big-Box Craft & Sewing Retailers in Metro Atlanta

Metro Atlanta has multiple locations for large craft and sewing chains. These stores usually offer:

• A broad mix of apparel fabric, quilting cottons, fleece, flannel, and home décor
• Sewing machines and basic repair services
• Patterns from major pattern companies
• Thread, interfacing, elastic, and notions
• Seasonal and holiday fabrics

You’ll find these retailers spread across the metro area, often in the same shopping centers as grocery chains or home improvement stores. Examples of areas where big-box fabric retailers are commonly found include:

• Buckhead / Lindbergh
• Midtown / West Midtown corridors
• Perimeter / Dunwoody
• Cumberland / Cobb Parkway
• Gwinnett (Duluth, Lawrenceville)
• Southlake / Morrow

Big-box stores can be a reliable choice if:

• You need fabric late in the evening or on weekends
• You want everything in one stop (fabric, notions, craft supplies)
• You’re shopping with kids and need a familiar, easy-to-navigate place

Where to Look for Fabric Shops by Area

Here is a simple overview of common fabric-shopping zones around Atlanta. This is not exhaustive, but it can help you plan your route:

Because individual businesses can move or change focus over time, it’s smart to call ahead or check current hours before you drive across town.

Tips for Choosing the Right Atlanta Fabric Shop for Your Project

When you’re deciding which store to visit, start with what you’re making:

1. Apparel (Dresses, Pants, Tops, Kids’ Clothes)

Look for:

• Shops that specifically mention fashion or apparel fabrics
• Sections labeled “knits,” “rayons,” “linens,” “denim,” or “suiting”
• Staff who can help you pair fabric with commercial patterns

If you are new to Atlanta, it may help to check shops near Midtown, Decatur, or Buckhead, where there tend to be more options within a short drive.

2. Home Décor (Curtains, Pillows, Upholstery)

Focus on:

• Stores that emphasize upholstery and drapery
• Heavier-weight fabrics on large rolls, often standing upright
• Availability of samples if you need to compare at home

Many Atlanta homeowners source fabric in Cobb, North Fulton, and Buckhead corridors and then work with local upholsterers or drapery workrooms.

3. Quilts, Bags, and Craft Projects

Prioritize:

• Shops that highlight quilting cottons and pre-cuts
• Stores offering classes or clubs, if you want guidance
• Locations with notions walls (zippers, bag hardware, interfacings)

Suburban areas such as Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, and Decatur often have strong quilting communities and shops that cater to them.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Fabric Shopping

Because Atlanta is spread out and traffic can be heavy, especially on I-285 and major arterial roads, planning ahead helps:

• Cluster your stops: If you want to visit more than one store, choose one side of town for the day (for example, Doraville + Chamblee, or Marietta + Smyrna).
• Avoid peak traffic: Late mornings and early afternoons on weekdays are often easier than rush hour. Saturdays can be busy near big retail centers.
• Check parking: Most fabric shops in the metro have free parking, but intown locations may share lots with other businesses and can be tighter at peak times.
• Bring swatches: If you are matching a specific color or texture (like a sofa, bridesmaid dress, or wall paint), carry a small swatch or photo in natural light.
• Know your measurements: For upholstery or drapery, measure your furniture or windows before you go. Staff can help you estimate yardage if you have basic dimensions.

Finding Classes, Repairs, and Sewing Support in Atlanta

Beyond fabric itself, many Atlanta-area shops and community spaces offer:

• Sewing classes for beginners and intermediate sewists
• Kids’ sewing camps during school breaks
• Quilt guilds and sewing groups that meet monthly
• Machine maintenance and repair or referrals to local technicians

If you’re new to the city and want to connect with other sewists:

• Check bulletin boards inside quilting and fabric shops for local guilds and meetups.
• Look at community centers and parks & recreation departments in places like Atlanta, Decatur, and surrounding suburbs, which sometimes host craft and sewing classes.
• Ask at the cutting counter; staff often know about nearby classes, instructors, or repair services.

How Visitors Can Make the Most of a Short Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta and have limited time:

1. Pick one zone that fits your interests—intown (Midtown/Buckhead/Decatur) for convenience, or Doraville/Chamblee if you want warehouse-style browsing.
2. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially for smaller independent shops that may close one weekday.
3. Pack light or bring an extra bag if you plan to fly home with fabric; knits and wool can be bulky, while cotton yardage can get heavy quickly.
4. Consider mailing heavier yardage home from a local post office or shipping center if you find something special for upholstery or larger projects.

Key Takeaways for Fabric Shopping in Atlanta

• Atlanta offers a wide mix of fabric options, from discount warehouses to curated boutiques.
• Intown neighborhoods are convenient for general crafting and apparel fabric, while suburban corridors often have more upholstery and quilting choices.
• Plan around traffic and distance; it’s common to choose one part of the metro and visit several stores there in a single outing.
• For specific projects—garments, quilts, or home décor—choose a shop type that focuses on the kind of fabric you need.
• Many Atlanta-area stores and community organizations provide classes, sewing groups, and repair contacts, making it easier to keep learning and creating.

With a bit of planning, you can find almost any fabric you need somewhere in the Atlanta area, whether you’re a longtime local sewist or just passing through.