Joann’s is Gone - Now What?
photo by TPR 2025
Joann Fabrics - the mecca of all things crafting, the only place you could spend hours in the checkout line alone, is dead. (Queue sounds of thunder and organ music) Crafters of all kinds come together to mourn the loss of the most easily accessible fabric store in modern history - and ask themselves, ‘Where will we go now?’ In the age of online shopping and big businesses mass-producing fabric to fill the void Joann’s has left, it feels like that is the only answer…
To that, our Abby’s Attic staff has compiled a list of several small local businesses and smart shopping alternatives that will save the day when new fabric is needed. We do recognize that shopping will look a little different, as currently, there is not one single place that offers the same variety of both fabric and notions that Joann’s once did. It is essential to remember that sewing is a dying art, and shopping small is crucial to keeping this community alive and thriving. We suggest you grab your sewing bestie, a coffee and take a day to discover all of our staffs’ favorite shops! Don’t forget to tell them Abby’s Attic sent you!
Abby’s Attic Staff Picks - San Antonio, Texas
Memories By The Yard - Family owned and located on the northwest side of SATX - this store offers a variety of cottons and wool - great for quilting, clothing, as well as upholstery fabrics for home renovation projects. They also carry a wide selection of notions, thread, embroidery floss, pattern books, and trims of all kinds!
Mesquite Bean Fabrics - A friendly woman-owned quilt shop, located off of Harry Wurzbach and a short track from the airport - this shop offers a wide variety of quilting cottons, wool, as well as many varieties of threads. Mesquite Bean Fabrics also offers block of the month classes, as well as longarm services for quilt finishing. They also carry a selection of Elna brand sewing machines, with a trained technician in-store.
Las Colchas - Darling, and very intimate - this quilt shop is located in a sweet yellow house in downtown San Antonio. Las Colchas has been around since 1981 and features a team of friendly, knowledgeable employees who are ready to help you complete your projects! They have a wide range of fabrics, from historic to rare, as well as cute bits and bobs.
Blue Armadillo Sewing Co. - Located in the historic Dignowity Hill neighbourhood - this adorable shop offers a wide range of sustainable, natural textiles that are perfect for your next project. They also offer garment construction classes and a range of notions - though they are currently growing in terms of retail! The owner, Michael, and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and are eager to help you create!
Under The Sea Fabrics - Around since 2011 and located in Northwest San Antonio, this shop offers a wide selection of hand-dyed textiles and embroidery supplies, such as floss, beads, and new patterns that arrive daily!
Road Trip! Our Outside-SA-Faves
Especially for You Quilts - New Braunfels
Sew It Fabulous - Boerne
Stitched in Schertz - Schertz
The Quilt Haus - New Braunfels
Gone Quiltin’ LLC - Bandera
Little Cottage Quilt Shop - Medina
Uptown Blanco Textile Studio - Blanco
Wimberly Stitch Studio - Wimberly
Thrifting - Who Knew?
Not in the mood for much of an adventure or need a quick fix for a project mishap? Check out your local thrift or second-hand shop and peruse the linens section! Curtains, tablecloths, old sheets - all typically priced under $6. We are big fans of shopping small, on a budget, or for more eco-friendly shopping choices! Some of our favorites include Thrift Town, Texas Thrift, Salvation Army - but most of all - Spare Parts! A true hidden gem of SATX, Spare Parts is at the helm of all things secondhand sewing goodies! We wish you all kinds of success with your new knowledge of what the San Antonio crafting scene has to offer!
