Where to Shop Now That JOANN Stores are Closing: Local Quilt Shops
The recent announcement that JOANN stores is closing all of its approximately 800 stores across the United States has left many crafters and sewing enthusiasts searching for new sources for supplies.
While this marks the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for sewists and crafters to explore and support local small business. Independent quilt shops, in particular, provide personalized service and a sense of community.
While independent quilt shops may be new to some, many of these vibrant shops have served local communities for decades and they have never been easier to find.
One helpful resource is the 8th Annual Local Quilt Shop Contest. The contest is just wrapping up, with winners to be announced on March 12, 2025. Additionally, the contest features a helpful interactive map of 4000+ local quilt shops worldwide.
The quilting and sewing industry remains a $35+ billion industry with over 30 million sewists in just the US and Canada alone!
Finding Local Quilt Shops
Local quilt shops are a cornerstone of the sewing and quilting community, and supporting them is more important than ever. ByAnnie.com’s Local Quilt Shop (LQS) Contest celebrates these independent businesses and helps crafters find shops near them.
Interactive Map for Local Quilt Shops
The LQS Contest Map is an easy-to-use, interactive map that helps customers locate quilt shops near them. This map is continuously updated with crowd-sourced information, ensuring accuracy.
Many users will be pleasantly surprised to see how many options are so close to them and to JOANN stores that have closed. To help visualize this, pins for the closed JOANN locations are temporarily visible (red triangles).
Blue pins represent local quilt shops and colored stars represent current and previous winners of the LQS Contest.
Before visiting, it’s always best to check the individual store’s website or call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
2025 LQS Winners Announcement
Voting in the 8th Annual Local Quilt Shop Contest just closed on February 28, 2025.
Want to know who won in the 2025 Local Quilt Shop Contest? Be sure to join our announcement on Live with Annie on March 12, 2025 at 2PM MT.
Past Winners of the LQS Contest (2024)
The LQS Contest highlights the best quilt shops worldwide based on community votes. Some recent winners include:
- SewEndipitous (Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA) – Recognized for its excellent selection and community engagement.
- Watergirl Quilt Co. (Prescott, Ontario, Canada) – A thriving shop known for its welcoming atmosphere and expert guidance.
- Kaela’s Patch (Woodend, Queensland, Australia) – Celebrated for its diverse fabric selection and strong community involvement.
- Lovely Jubbly Fabrics (Bournemouth, England) – Praised for its curated collection and outstanding customer service.
For a complete list of winners and their inspiring stories, visit the LQS Contest Winners Blog.
Why Supporting Local Quilt Shops Matters
Beyond offering fabric and supplies, local quilt shops provide:
✔ Expert Advice & Classes – Many shops offer classes and workshops, making it easier to learn new techniques.
✔ Unique & High-Quality Fabrics – Unlike big-box retailers, local shops often carry exclusive fabrics you won’t find elsewhere.
✔ A Sense of Community – Quilt shops frequently host gatherings, events, and clubs where crafters can connect and share their passion.
As JOANN stores close their doors, this is a chance for quilters and sewists to rediscover the wealth of resources available at independent quilt shops. By utilizing the LQS Contest map, participating in the LQS Contest, and shopping small, we can help keep the fabric arts alive and thriving. So, before turning to the big online retailers, consider checking out a local quilt shop near you — you might just find a new favorite!
About the Sewing Market
The art of sewing is alive and well!
From long-time sewists passing their knowledge to younger generations, to quilt shops buzzing with the excitement of full classrooms, sewing is here to stay. JOANN customers only need to shift where they look when it’s time to purchase supplies.
Bag makers are a small portion of the sewing and crafting industry, but just within our little bubble, the number and reach of makers is impressive. The unofficial Facebook group, ByAnnie Bag Makers, has over 43,000 members in 93 countries!
There are also thousands of quilt guilds currently active and thriving in the US alone. These groups are a valuable source of sewing knowledge, friendship, and opportunities to help worthwhile charities. Click here to find a guild near you.
To learn more about how the quilting and sewing industry continues to grow, click here to see the results of the 2024 Quilter’s Survey.
Other interesting links:
https://craftindustryalliance.org/the-unraveling-of-joann-fabrics/
