Shopping for quilting fabric online in Canada can feel like a bit of a maze, but it really doesn't have to be. This guide is for Canadian quilters who've felt the frustration of high shipping costs or wondered if that beautiful fabric on the screen will actually look the same in person. We'll walk you through how to confidently find gorgeous, high-quality materials from a trusted Canadian source.

Finding Your Perfect Fabric Online in Canada

Every quilter knows that wonderful feeling—the thrill of the hunt for the perfect fabric. It’s where the magic begins, long before you even thread your needle. For many of us in Canada, that hunt has moved online, opening up a whole world of colours and patterns that our local shops might not have room for.

But let's be honest, shopping online can have its own set of headaches. You've got to think about cross-border duties, surprisingly high shipping fees, and that nagging worry: will the fabric that arrives match the vision in my head?

This guide is here to help you turn that uncertainty into a joyful part of your creative process. We'll show you how to make smart choices and find everything you need from a reliable Canadian retailer.

Why Canadian Quilters Are Heading Online

More and more, we're clicking "add to cart" for our quilting supplies, and it's easy to see why. The North American quilting world is huge—it's expected to be a $4.5 billion market by 2025—and Canadian quilters are a passionate part of it. While nothing beats the charm of a local quilt shop, about 22% of quilters now prefer to buy their fabric online. That number is steadily climbing as we all look for more variety and the sheer convenience of shopping from home. This shift really shows why we need online resources designed just for us. You can read more about these quilting industry trends to see where things are headed.

When you choose a Canadian online store, you're not just buying fabric. You're skipping the surprise customs fees and supporting a local business that gets what quilters from coast to coast really need. It's all about getting the fabric you love, without the logistical nightmares.

That's exactly where All About Sewing fits in. We combine a huge online catalogue with the friendly, trusted expertise of our brick-and-mortar store in Barrie, Ontario. We offer things like free shipping on orders over $149, so quilters in every province—from British Columbia to Newfoundland—can get their hands on premium fabrics and supplies without worrying about the cost. Our whole goal is to make buying quilting fabric online in Canada a smooth and inspiring experience for you.

Understanding the Language of Quilting Fabrics

Choosing the right quilting fabric online is a bit like picking the perfect ingredients for a treasured family recipe. Sure, you could use just about anything, but for a quilt that will be loved and last for years, the right material makes all the difference. This is where getting to know the basics comes in handy, so you can be confident your finished project has the perfect texture, durability, and feel.

At the heart of almost every modern quilt is 100% quilting cotton. Now, this isn't the same stuff your t-shirts or bedsheets are made from. It's a premium, medium-weight fabric created with a much higher thread count, meaning the threads are woven together more tightly.

Think of it like the difference between a flimsy piece of notebook paper and a sturdy piece of cardstock. That tight, crisp weave gives quilting cotton a stable structure that doesn't stretch or fray easily. This stability is a quilter's best friend—it's what helps you cut precise pieces, sew straight seams, and get your blocks to line up just right.

Why Fabric Weight and Weave Matter

When you shop for quilting fabric in Canada online, you'll often see terms like fabric weight and weave. Fabric weight is just what it sounds like: how heavy the material is. A good quality quilting cotton usually weighs in at about 4.0 to 4.4 ounces per square yard. This gives it enough body to hold its shape beautifully without feeling too stiff or bulky.

The weave, on the other hand, affects how the fabric drapes and feels. Most quilting cottons use a plain weave, which creates a strong, balanced fabric that's a dream to work with. It's this reliable combination of weight and weave that has made it the gold standard for creating quilts that stand up to time and countless cuddles.

This diagram shows the key things to think about when you're a Canadian quilter shopping online.

It highlights how a quilter's journey is a balance of finding the right fabrics, sourcing them from within Canada to skip surprise duties, and figuring out the best shipping options.

Exploring Other Fabric Textures

While quilting cotton is definitely the star of the show, other fabrics can bring their own unique character to your projects. Each one offers a different texture and opens up new creative possibilities.

To help you navigate the options, here’s a quick rundown of some popular choices for quilters.

Quick Guide to Common Quilting Fabrics

Knowing the personality of each fabric type helps you pick the perfect one for the job.

Once you get a feel for these fabric fundamentals, you can read an online description and know exactly what you're getting. You’re no longer just buying a pretty pattern; you’re making a thoughtful choice for the quality and longevity of your next masterpiece.

Choosing Colours and Prints with Confidence

Let’s be honest: one of the scariest parts of buying quilting fabric online in Canada is trusting the colours on your screen. You fall in love with what looks like a perfect emerald green, only to open the package and find a murky olive. It's a frustrating and expensive mismatch we've all experienced.

But you don’t have to be a colour theorist to pick fabrics you'll love. It's less about guesswork and more about using the built-in clues that designers and shops provide. Think of it as getting an inside scoop on what works together before you even click "add to cart."

Use Collections as Your Guide

The absolute easiest way to guarantee a perfect match is to shop within a single designer collection. Fabric designers don't just create random prints; they build entire collections where every piece is meant to go together. The colour palettes are already harmonized, and the styles are designed to complement one another.

So, when you find a fabric that makes your heart sing, look for its collection name. Sticking to that same line when choosing coordinating pieces is a nearly foolproof way to build a beautiful, cohesive stack of fabric.

Pay Attention to Print Scale

Colour is just one part of the equation—the scale of a print is just as important. A huge, dramatic floral might be stunning on the bolt, but it can completely overwhelm a quilt made of tiny two-inch squares. All those gorgeous details simply get lost in the seam allowances.

On the flip side, a tiny, ditsy print might just fade away if you use it for a large background. Always think about what the fabric’s job will be in your quilt.

• Large-scale prints are showstoppers for quilt backings, big modern blocks, or wide borders.
• Medium-scale prints are the versatile workhorses of quilting, perfect for most standard blocks and patchwork.
• Small-scale prints, often called "blenders," are brilliant for adding texture and a whisper of colour without competing with your main fabrics.

A great trick is to look for the ruler that’s often included in product photos. This gives you a real-world sense of the print's size, helping you picture how it will actually look when you start cutting it up.

Create a Cohesive Colour Palette

What if you want to be a bit more adventurous and mix fabrics from different lines? A little bit of colour strategy goes a long way. You don’t need a degree in art, just a simple plan.

A great place to start is with a "hero" print—that busy, multi-coloured fabric you just couldn't resist. Look closely and pull out two or three of the less dominant colours from that print. Now, find solids or simple blenders in those exact shades. This simple trick creates a beautifully balanced palette that lets your favourite fabric shine while making the whole project look thoughtfully curated.

A Guide to Measurements and Pre-Cuts

Walking into a fabric shop is one thing, but buying online can feel like you need a translator, especially when it comes to measurements. When you're buying quilting fabric Canada online, you'll see that most shops, including All About Sewing, sell fabric by the half-metre.

It’s a lot like ordering from the deli counter. If you need a full metre of fabric for your quilt's backing, you just pop a quantity of '2' into your cart. Need two and a half metres for a border? Order a quantity of '5'. We'll always cut it as one continuous piece for you.

This system is great because it gives you the freedom to get just the right amount for sashing or binding without being forced to buy in full-metre chunks.

Unlocking the Magic of Pre-Cuts

Beyond fabric off the bolt, you’ll discover the wonderful world of pre-cuts. These are curated bundles of fabric, cut into standard shapes and sizes right at the factory, and they are a quilter’s best friend for saving time and sparking new ideas.

Pre-cuts take all the stress out of matching colours and prints. Since every piece comes from the same designer collection, you already know they’ll look stunning together. They're a fantastic starting point for beginners still learning about colour theory, but also a go-to for seasoned quilters who want to jump right into a project.

Pre-cuts are more than just a convenience; they’re an invitation to create. They let you play with an entire designer collection without committing to buying metres of each fabric.

Decoding the Most Popular Pre-Cuts

As you browse online, you'll run into a few common pre-cut names. Each one has its own size and common use, and you'll find countless patterns designed specifically for them. Here are the ones you’ll see most often:

• Fat Quarters: This is a quarter-metre of fabric, but cut into a wider, more rectangular shape (about 18" x 22"). That "fat" shape is way more useful than a long, skinny quarter-metre, making it a quilter’s staple for all sorts of patterns.
• Jelly Rolls: Think of a sweet treat! These are bundles of 40 fabric strips, each measuring 2.5" wide by the width of the fabric (around 44"). They’re absolute magic for strip piecing, log cabin blocks, and making bindings.
• Layer Cakes: This yummy-sounding pre-cut gives you 42 squares of fabric, each measuring a generous 10" x 10". They’re perfect for making big, bold blocks or for cutting down into smaller pieces for more intricate designs.
• Charm Packs: Essentially a mini Layer Cake, a Charm Pack contains 42 squares measuring 5" x 5". These are fantastic for smaller patchwork projects, appliqué, or creating those lovely postage-stamp quilts.

Choosing pre-cuts means you get to skip one of the most tedious parts of quilting—the cutting—and get straight to the fun part: sewing. They hand you a perfectly coordinated palette, ready to go, ensuring your next project is a success from the very first stitch.

Getting Your Fabric Home: Shipping, Taxes, and Returns

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding that perfect fabric online. But that excitement can quickly turn to frustration when you get to the checkout and see surprise shipping fees or confusing tax calculations. If you're buying quilting fabric online in Canada, getting a handle on the shipping and return policies is just as crucial as picking the right print.

Knowing what to expect makes the whole process smooth and enjoyable, from the moment you click "buy" to the happy dance you do when the package lands on your doorstep.

A savvy quilter is always looking for ways to stretch their budget, and one of the smartest moves is to aim for free shipping. Most Canadian online fabric shops will ship your order for free once you spend a certain amount. Here at All About Sewing, for instance, we offer free shipping on all Canadian orders over $149. It's a great excuse to bundle your fabric purchase with other essentials you know you'll need, like a fresh rotary blade or a few spools of thread.

No More Surprises: Taxes and Duties

One of the biggest perks of shopping with a Canadian retailer is completely avoiding surprise duties and cross-border fees. Anyone who has ordered from the US knows that pain! When you buy from a shop right here in Canada, the process is wonderfully simple.

You'll just see the GST or HST added at checkout, depending on which province you live in. No hidden charges, no guesswork—just a clear, upfront final cost.

It’s no wonder this "shop local" approach is catching on. The Canadian quilting community is thriving, and about 22% of quilters now prefer to buy their fabric and thread online. This has pushed Canadian shops to really step up and cater to our needs with clear pricing and reliable shipping. You can learn more about the growing quilting market and its trends to see just how much online shopping has changed the game.

The Deal with Returns

Here’s something every fabric buyer needs to know: cut fabric is a bit of a special case when it comes to returns. Once a shop cuts a specific length of fabric off the bolt for your order, it’s basically a custom product. It’s a lot like getting a custom can of paint mixed at the hardware store—it can’t just be put back on the shelf.

Because it's cut just for you, fabric is almost always a final sale. This isn’t a store-specific quirk; it’s a standard policy across the industry. So, it really pays to double-check your measurements and colour choices before you commit.

Always take a moment to read the store's return policy before you finalize your cart. If you're feeling hesitant about a colour or texture, see if you can order a small sample first. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you’ll be absolutely thrilled when your fabric arrives, all ready for your next masterpiece.

Stocking Your Studio with Essential Tools

While gorgeous fabric is the star of the show, the right tools are what truly bring your quilt to life. Think of them like the essential gadgets in your kitchen—a good chef's knife and a solid cutting board make all the difference. The same goes for your sewing room; investing in quality notions is an investment in your craft and your enjoyment of it.

Every great quilt begins with clean, accurate cuts. For the kind of precision that patchwork requires, a sharp rotary cutter and a self-healing mat are an absolute must. This duo lets you slice through multiple layers of fabric with an accuracy that scissors just can't deliver, making sure all your pieces fit together perfectly down the line.

Building Your Quilting Toolkit

Once you have your cutting station set up, a few other key items will make the piecing process a whole lot smoother. These are the tools that will see you through from the first seam to the final stitch.

• High-Quality Thread: Don’t skimp here! Always go for 100% cotton thread. It behaves just like your quilting cotton—shrinking and wearing at the same rate—which keeps your seams strong and pucker-free wash after wash.
• Quilting Rulers: A set of clear acrylic rulers is another non-negotiable. If you're just starting, a versatile 6" x 24" ruler for cutting strips and a smaller square one for trimming blocks will cover most of your needs.
• The Right Needles: A fresh sewing machine needle is your best friend. Using a sharp needle specifically designed for quilting prevents skipped stitches and, more importantly, protects your beautiful new fabric from snags.

Here’s a little shopping tip: bundling your notions with your fabric order is one of the smartest ways to shop for quilting fabric Canada online. It’s a great way to hit that free shipping minimum and ensures you’re ready to start sewing the second your package lands on your doorstep.

The quilting community here in Canada is thriving! Textile revenues are projected to reach an incredible USD $26.1 million by 2033, fuelled by both long-time quilters and a new wave of creators looking for top-notch supplies. If you're curious about the numbers, you can explore the Canadian textile market outlook on GrandviewResearch.com.

Your Top Online Fabric Questions, Answered

Stepping into the world of online fabric shopping can feel a little strange at first. How do you choose the right material when you can't touch it or see the colours in person? It's a common hurdle, so I've gathered the most frequent questions I hear from Canadian quilters to help you shop with complete confidence.

Think of this as your personal cheat sheet—a little bit of friendly advice to make sure you get exactly what you need for your next project.

How Much Fabric Do I Need for a Quilt?

Your pattern is always your best friend here, so start by checking its requirements. If you're designing your own quilt or just need a quick estimate, a quilt fabric calculator online can be a lifesaver.

As a general rule of thumb, a classic throw quilt (around 50" x 65") will typically need about 3-4 metres for the top, another 3 metres for the backing, and roughly 0.5 metres for the binding. I always recommend buying a little extra, just in case. Since we sell our fabric at All About Sewing by the half-metre, it’s easy to get just what you need without a ton of leftover scraps.

Is the Fabric Colour on My Screen Accurate?

This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? While we work hard to get our photos as true-to-life as possible, every computer monitor and phone screen shows colour a bit differently. It’s just one of those quirks of buying online.

The surest way to get colours that work beautifully together is to shop from within the same designer collection. Those fabrics were literally made for each other, so you can be confident they’ll coordinate perfectly.

If getting the exact shade is absolutely critical for your project, ordering a small piece first is a smart move. It’s a low-risk way to see the fabric in your own hands before committing to a larger cut.

What's the Big Deal About "Quilting Cotton"?

You might be wondering what makes quilting cotton special compared to any other cotton fabric. It really comes down to quality and construction. Quilting cotton is a medium-weight, 100% cotton fabric designed specifically for the craft. It has a much higher thread count than the cotton you might find in the craft aisle, which gives it that lovely, crisp feel.

This higher quality means it’s more durable, won't fray as easily, and is a dream to piece together. It's built to handle the wear and tear of quilting—all that stitching and washing—so your finished quilt will look amazing for years to come.

Can I Use Quilting Fabric for Clothes?

Oh, absolutely! High-quality quilting cotton is fantastic for structured clothing like shirts, skirts, and dresses. Its stable weave makes it easy to work with, and it has a soft, comfortable feel against the skin.

It's also breathable and holds its shape well, making it perfect for smaller projects like tote bags or even face masks. With thousands of unique prints out there, you can find the perfect fabric for just about any sewing project you can imagine.

Ready to dive in and find the perfect fabric for your next creation? Take a look through the beautiful quilting fabrics and must-have notions we have at All About Sewing.

Find Your Perfect Quilting Fabric Today at all-about-sewing-canada.myshopify.com