Confessions of a Fabric Collector: Why I Keep Buying Fabric (and How I Stopped Feeling Guilty)

It began innocently enough—a single yard of floral cotton, a “just in case” buy. You know how it goes: you walk into the fabric store thinking, “I’ll just grab a little something for that one project.” Next thing you know, you’re elbow-deep in bolts, negotiating with your wallet.

Suddenly, your sewing room looks less like a creative studio and more like a fabric jungle that has devoured your IKEA shelves and is eyeing the cutting table next.

And with every new yard you buy, a tiny voice whispers, “Don’t you already have enough fabric?” That, my friends, is stash guilt. But let’s get one thing straight: stash guilt is the real problem here, not the stash itself. Because who’s ever regretted having options? 

The trick isn’t to stop collecting—oh no, that would be like telling a cat to stop knocking things off the table. Instead, we’re here to stop feeling guilty about it. Because guilt is useless, and fabric is joy.

We’re about to ditch the guilt and embrace the joy of being unapologetic fabric lovers, with plenty of laughs, a few truths, and zero judgment. Because if you’re going down this rabbit hole, you might as well enjoy the ride!

Why We Buy More Fabric Than We Can Use

Buying fabric is not just about sewing. It’s about feelings. It’s about chasing that little dopamine hit that only comes when you touch a bolt of fabric and whisper, ‘You belong with your cousins in my stash kingdom.’

And yes, every sewist has piles labeled: “too pretty to cut”, “too expensive to waste”, and “too ridiculous to explain to non-sewists.”

Emotional Fabric Shopping

Fabric shopping is basically retail therapy, but better—because instead of talking about your problems, you can bury them in floral prints and polka dots. Feeling stressed? Skip the therapist’s couch and head straight to the fabric store. It’s even cheaper… at least until the credit card bill arrives. Why pay $120 an hour to cry when you can spend $7.99 a yard and get a piece of buttery-soft cotton that feels like a warm hug for your skin?

Ever notice how fabric stores have carts bigger than grocery stores? That’s because they know you’re not leaving with “just one yard.”  They know you’re not just buying fabric—you’re buying happiness by the yard. You’re falling in love—one dreamy fabric at a time.

“Oh, this linen is gorgeous—it looks like summer in fabric form.”
“This rayon will feel like a cool breeze on a hot day.”
“And this daisy print? Adorable. I need this, because what if I wake up tomorrow and someone else bought it?”

Who needs a spa day when you’ve got a bolt of fabric whispering, “I’ll make you look fabulous… if you ever cut me.”

We’ve all said, “I’ll just browse.” Cut to three hours later, you’re wheeling out a cart so full the cashier looks impressed, like you’ve just won a lottery.

Once, I went to Joann with a simple mission: just one spool of thread. That’s it. One innocent little spool. Fast forward an hour, and I’m walking out with 10 yards of fabric—vibrant, gorgeous, totally unplanned fabric—and… oh yes, I completely forgot the thread. Classic sewist move, right? But honestly, can you blame me? When the fabric’s calling your name louder than the thread aisle, sometimes you just have to answer!

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

There is no panic quite like hearing the words “limited edition print.” Suddenly, you’re convinced that if you don’t buy it right now, someone else will, and then you’ll spend the rest of your life weeping over their Instagram post of the perfect quilt you could have made.

FOMO hits hardest when the fabric is something truly special—like the quilting cotton with Unicorns and silver sparkles I found some time ago. These sparkles survive the wash, glint in the light, and practically scream, “I’m rare! I’m fabulous! Buy me before I disappear forever!” 

That’s not fabric, that’s magic sold by the yard! Of course, I bought the unicorn prints. But really, how do you walk past glittering unicorn fabric and not buy it? That’s a test of willpower I’m not willing to take. Because imagine the regret if I didn’t—if some stranger was out there making glittering unicorn quilts while I was stuck with plain polka dots.

Not that there is anything wrong with polka dots.

Another true story – I still think about the 100% silk jersey fabric with a stunning peacock print I didn’t buy. I hesitated, told myself I didn’t “need it,” and walked away. Big mistake. By the time I came back, it was gone—and now that silk lives only in my dreams, taunting me with its imaginary shimmer every time I touch something from my stash.

Project Delusion (a.k.a. Hope in Yardage Form)

When I buy fabric, I truly believe I’ll sew something amazing with it. I’m not lying to myself—I even buy the pattern! I see the dress, the blouse, the quilt—it’s all crystal clear in my head. In that moment, I am unstoppable. I am future-me, effortlessly sewing couture pieces.

Then reality taps me on the shoulder: “Hello? You’re busy writing sewing tutorials, running a household, and maybe trying to have a life. When exactly are you sewing all this?”

But here’s the thing: buying fabric isn’t delusion. It’s optimism. It’s a promise to myself that someday I will carve out time to sew that stunning linen summer dress or that quilt that’s been dancing in my head since 2022.

And if it takes me a few years? That’s okay. Fabric doesn’t expire, and dreams don’t have deadlines. I just tell my stash, “Your time is coming… right after I finish this next tutorial.”

Types of Fabric Collectors (Which One Are You?)

The Optimistic Collector

This sewist genuinely believes they’ll sew 15 quilts by Friday. And why not? In their mind, they’ve already color-coordinated, pre-washed, and mentally finished every single project before they even cut a thread. Optimistic Collectors don’t just see fabric; they see completed masterpieces. Their stash isn’t overwhelming—it’s just “prepped inventory for my future sewing empire.”

The Sentimental Saver

These sewists have fabric so special it’s practically royalty. They’re saving it for a “special occasion,” or a dream project. That gorgeous floral silk? It’s been folded, refolded, and admired for five years, but cutting it? Oh no. That’s like taking scissors to memories.

The Bargain Hunter

When there’s a fabric sale, these collectors enter Olympic mode. They have coupon codes memorized like Bible verses, can sniff out a clearance rack from two blocks away, and somehow leave the store with 10 yards of fabric for the price of a fancy coffee. Their stash is so organized it looks like a mini fabric shop—except nothing is for sale.

The “What Was I Thinking?” Shopper

We all have that fabric. Maybe it’s neon zebra velvet, maybe it’s 7 yards of bright orange faux fur. At the time, it was “unique” and “inspiring.” Now it sits in the corner, daring us to figure out what on earth we were planning. But hey—someday it might be perfect for a Halloween costume, or at least for scaring guests who peek into your fabric closet.

The Trend Chaser

These collectors buy every new fabric line the moment it hits the shelves. If it’s on Instagram, in a YouTube haul, or mentioned in a sewing Facebook group, they own it—sometimes in every color. Their sewing stash is basically a time capsule of fabric trends.

The Backup Planner

This sewist buys extra yardage of everything, “just in case.” Need 2 yards for a blouse? They’ll buy 5—because what if they make a mistake, or change the design, or suddenly decide to sew matching pants, a headband, and curtains? Their stash is less of a collection and more of a fully stocked emergency fabric bunker.

No matter which type of fabric collector you are—optimistic, sentimental, bargain-hunting, or zebra-velvet brave—remember this: there’s no wrong way to love fabric. Some people collect stamps, others collect spoons. We just happen to collect beautiful textiles that could one day become a quilt, a dress, or the perfect handmade gift. And honestly, isn’t that a much more useful collection?

Signs Your Fabric Collection Has Become a Problem

Some people think having 40 coffee mugs is excessive. We just happen to have 40 yards of polka dots. Here’s how to know your fabric stash might be tipping into legendary status:

• You hide new fabric purchases from your partner.
  “New fabric? No, honey, that’s been here since… forever. I think you just forgot what it looks like because you don’t spend quality time with the closet like I do.”
• Your stash has its own furniture.Not just a shelf or a basket—actual furniture. A dedicated cabinet, a custom storage system, possibly even a throne (because your fabric is royalty, obviously).
• Friends ask if you’re opening a fabric shop—and they’re serious. You laugh, but then quietly think, “Hmm… maybe I could.”

• Your fabric makes cameo appearances in family holiday photos.There’s Uncle Bob, Aunt Linda, and… oh look, the corner of that gorgeous floral print you still can’t bring yourself to cut.
• You know exactly where every fabric is (except for that one you actually need right now).
  It’s in there somewhere… you just need an excavation team.
• You’ve started naming your fabric.
  “Don’t touch Marigold, she’s waiting for the perfect summer dress pattern.”
• You measure fabric in potential projects instead of yards.
  “Oh, this stack? That’s two dresses, one skirt, and possibly a table runner if I play my cards right.”
• You own more fabric than actual clothing.
  And somehow, you still have “nothing to wear.”
• You’ve caught yourself saying, ‘I’ll just reorganize the stash for fun.’ Next thing you know, it’s midnight and you’re whispering, “Wow, this batik really brings out the personality of this shelf.”

How to Stop Your Stash From Taking Over the House (a.k.a. Sewing Stash Organization)

Organizing a fabric stash is a bit like playing fabric Tetris—you know the pieces fit somehow, but you’ll need a strategy to make it happen. One minute you’re folding a yard of cotton, and the next, you’re knee-deep in fabric you forgot you even owned. (Hello, mystery floral print from 2014—still not sure what I bought you for, but you aged well and are still gorgeous!)

Fabric loves to spread out like it owns the place—on chairs, under the bed, and in that “temporary” basket you’ve had for five years.

But piles on chairs don’t count as décor. So, I’ve got some tricks for turning your stash into something that looks more like a curated sewing boutique and less like a fabric avalanche waiting to happen.

If you need real, practical (and surprisingly easy) ideas, check out my guide:  How To Store Fabric: Fabric Storage Ideas For A Sewing Room.

It’s full of folding tips, storage solutions, and clever ways to make room for even more fabric—because we both know you’re not done shopping.

Realistic Strategies for Taming Your Fabric Stash

First things first: we’re not here to stop collecting fabric (what a terrible thought). We’re just here to keep it from turning into a fabric landslide every time you open a closet door. Here’s how to manage your stash while still loving every inch of it:

1. Declutter Without Drama

Marie Kondo says to hold each item and ask if it sparks joy. Well, fabric always sparks joy, so that’s useless advice for us. Instead, ask yourself, “Would I still love this fabric if it became a tote bag, or would I cry every time I saw it?”

And if you really can’t let go, just move it to a “display pile” and call it home décor. Instant art.

2. Store It Like It’s Precious (Because It Is)

Invest in bins, fabric organizers, or even cute comic boards to wrap your fabric like it’s sitting in a boutique. You’ll not only find things faster, but you’ll also feel like the curator of your own private fabric museum. Bonus: you can “visit” your collection for inspiration… or just to pet the fabric. (We all do it. No shame.)

3. Create a “First in, First Sew” Rule

The next time you bring home a new fabric, pick a quick project for it right away—even if it’s just a pillowcase or a drawstring bag. You’ll get the thrill of using something new, and your stash will feel less like a time capsule and more like a creative buffet.

4. Embrace the Destash (But in Style)

Host a “fabric swap night” with your sewing friends. Someone else might fall in love with that yardage you’ve been avoiding for years. Worst case? You leave with more fabric than you started with, but hey, at least it’s fresh and exciting.

5. Set Realistic Stash Goals

No, you don’t have to sew down your entire stash before buying new fabric (what are we, superheroes?). Instead, aim for something simple, like “I’ll do one project before I buy the next shiny thing.” And yes, a zipper pouch counts.

6. Make Peace With It

Your stash is not a problem; it’s proof of your creativity, your taste, and your impeccable skill at sniffing out sales. So, stop feeling guilty. Think of it as a fabric investment plan—one that pays off every time you start a project and think, “Oh good, I already have the perfect fabric!”

7. Try a Fabric Diet

“Go cold turkey on fabric buying.” Well, don’t panic—it’s only for two hours (ha-ha). Yes, that’s about as long as our willpower lasts. But hey, two hours without adding to the stash is progress! If that feels too extreme, consider the “fabric window-shopping diet,” where you can browse online fabric stores but only add items to your cart for the thrill of it—then close the tab like a hero.

8. Find a Fabric Accountability Buddy

Pick someone who’s just as “fabric-enthusiastic” as you are—because if you’re going to fail at not buying more, at least you’ll both be laughing while comparing new purchases. Bonus points if they text you, “Do you really need that?” while secretly adding the same fabric to their own cart.

Clever Ways to Actually Use Your Stash (Besides Admiring It)

Buying fabric and using fabric are two completely different hobbies. One involves happy cart-filling and daydreaming, while the other involves scissors, pins, and… actual effort. On my site, I share sewing projects that are designed to shrink your stash (or at least make it look like you’re doing something productive while adding more).

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find:

• From Fabric to Fashion: 21 Dress Sewing Tutorials to Try Now
  Because your fabric deserves to leave the closet and live its best life as something twirl-worthy.
  
• DIY Skirt Inspiration: 10 Sewing Tutorials for Every Skill Level
  Translation: 10 ways to turn your fabric into a skirt before your stash grows another foot.
  
• 21 Scrap Fabric Projects to Transform Your Textile Trash into Treasure
  Who needs to organize scraps when you can turn them into projects that make people say,  “Wait, this was trash?”
  
• DIY Cord Keeper Tutorial for Beginners: Fast, Fun, and Totally Useful
  Because nothing says “organized genius” like taming the cord chaos with your leftover fabric heroes.
  
• Angel Ornament DIY: A Small Scrap Project That Teaches Big Sewing Skills
  Tiny project, big bragging rights. Plus, your tree deserves couture-level ornaments.
  
• Easy Scrap Fabric Projects: Fabric Corner Bookmarks Tutorial
  Because nothing says “I’m a sophisticated reader” like a bookmark made from last month’s quilting leftovers—way cooler than using an old receipt.
  
• Easy Quilting Techniques – Step-by-Step Patchwork Quilt Tutorial
  Because piecing together fabric and your sanity is a tradition worth preserving.
  
• DIY Memory Christmas Ornaments Using Cherished Family Clothing
  Sentimental and stash-busting. Win-win.
  
• Oversized Scrunchies DIY: Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial for Stylish Hair Accessories
  Because sometimes your hair deserves an accessory big enough to be seen from space.
  
• I started a 10-minute sewing project yesterday. I hope to finish it tomorrow.
  We also need to laugh, right? But, let’s be honest, time is an illusion in the sewing world.
  
• DIY Easter Table Runner with Decorative Ribbons and Sequins – Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial
  A project so shiny, your table will look like it hired a stylist.
  
• Easy Self-Binding Placemats for Easter – A Fun & Quick Sewing Project
  Because nothing says “holiday cheer” like placemats that came from your stash and not the clearance bin.

So, if you’re staring at your fabric stash and wondering what to do with it, my site Ageberry.com is like a matchmaking service for you and your fabric. Warning: side effects may include a sudden urge to cut into your “too-pretty-to-use” fabric and the feeling that your stash might actually shrink… slightly.

Embrace the Stash (Responsibly)

Stash guilt is overrated. Fabric isn’t a burden, it’s pure happiness stacked in rainbow-colored piles. And honestly, is there anything better than knowing you can dive into your stash at 11 p.m. and find the exact fabric you need for that “sudden burst of inspiration” (or, sometimes, panic sewing)?

So don’t feel guilty. Embrace your stash, pet your favorite fabrics like they’re exotic animals, and remember: happiness is measured in yards, not regrets.

Your fabric doesn’t need to be justified to anyone. Not to your partner, not to your friends, and definitely not to that one judgmental cousin who doesn’t understand why you own 17 shades of blue cotton. Some people collect stamps, my husband collects handheld calculators. Others collect knives, or matchboxes, or miniature cars. There is nothing wrong with collecting fabric.

And since everything is more and more online, here is a short list of fabric stores that you might like. There are of course others, if you are ready to add to the list please let me know.

• On Amazon:
  • Timeless Treasures
  • Northcott
  • Hobby Lobby (greater selection)
  • Newamisquilt
  • Maxfeel (mulberry silk 100%)
  • Or simply browse the category “Fabric“
• Mood Fabrics (designer fabrics at surprising prices)
• Etsy fabric by the yard (or search for your own fabric type)

I bought myself from all these stores.

Do you have your own recommendations of online stores you tested? I would like to hear about them, please use the “Contact” link (either from here or at the bottom of the page) to send me a message.

If this “guide” (or “opinion point” perhaps?) made you smile, perhaps you can save this pin (see below) on your sewing board so you can come to this article later when you are again feeling some fabric stash guilt, and follow me on Pinterest for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration!