Come Stitch With Me

This post examines brick & mortar alternatives to Joann’s in the Atlanta area for sourcing fabric and sewing supplies.

Garment/Bridal/Cosplay
Gail K. Fabrics (Decatur) and Fine Fabrics (Norcross). Gail K’s Cheshire Bridge location is my personal favorite.

Home Dec Fabric/Trims
Fabric & Fringe Warehouse (Marietta) plus any of the showrooms in the Chattahoochee Industrial area (Lewis & Sheron Textiles, Forsyth Fabrics, etc.). Some of the home dec showrooms at ADAC in Buckhead (wholesale vendors) have warehouse sales. Get on their mailing lists.

Quilting Cottons
Any of the quilt shops in greater ATL/north Georgia can source your cotton fabric needs. Tiny Stitches in Marietta is one of the largest shops in the area. Like to treasure hunt? Check out Thread Bear Fabrics in Cumming. Sew Senoia does monthly pop-up shops at the SQTM in Carrollton.

Atlanta Sewing Centers in Marietta and Duluth have an assortment of quilting cottons, canvas and the occasional dressmaker fabric. They are also a Bernina/Baby Lock dealer.

Sew Sew Studio (f/n/a Discover Sewing) in Bogart and Duluth have an assortment of quilting cottons and bag making supplies. They are also a Janome, Brother, Pfaff and Viking dealer.

Tip #1: There are a number of recently closed quilt and fabric shops that still appear in search results as open for business. Always verify the company is still in business before you head that way.

Tip #2: Attend the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo at the Gas South Convention Center (Duluth). This show comes to ATL every March. If you are a garment sewer, there’s usually a vendor or two selling quality knits, wools and other apparel fabrics at good prices.

ATL is also home to several Hobby Lobby and Michael’s stores. Sewing supplies and fabric selections are available and vary by location.

Most Wal-Marts still have a sewing/craft section – some even have cutting counters. If you need a zipper, thread, scissors, batting, stuffing or interfacing late at night – here’s a source of supply.

Last, but not least – as of now, we’ll still have Joann stores in Kennesaw and Decatur once the bankruptcy dust settles.

Geographically speaking: Other than Gail K. Fabrics and the home dec warehouses on the Westside, the majority of independent fabric and sewing machine shops are located OTP (outside I-285) in the north ATL suburbs. Chain stores such as Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Joann have at least one location ITP (inside I-285).