Would you care for some fabric swatches at no cost? Be it muslin, crepe, leather, tweed, or brocade cuts, here’s a list of go-to places for free fabric samples.
Attention all fabric lovers! Have you ever bought yards of fabric online or in-store only to find out it doesn’t meet your expectations? Are you hesitant to buy fabric because you need to know if the color or texture will match your project?
If you love to sew or are in the middle of a creative project that requires textiles, this post is for you. Whether you need quilting fabric, some textured furniture upholstery, or fabric swatches to choose new drapery colors, you can cut costs since numerous fabric outlets, stores, and manufacturers can provide customers with samples of their wares.
This article will share information on the best places that give out free samples, how to get free fabric from these establishments, and other important details, such as packaging, postal or shipping costs.
Ways to Get Free Fabric Samples – For Curtains, Drapes, and Blinds
1. Smith and Noble
Smith & Noble is the place to go if you’re looking for quality window treatments for your home. With a wide selection of draperies, valances, cornices, blinds, shutters, and shades, you will surely find something that fits your style.
Shopping at Smith & Noble is not only easy but also risk-free. With up to 30 free fabric samples available to order and shipped in 1-3 days at no charge, it gives customers peace of mind when ordering from their shop.
2. The Shade Store
The Shade Store offers a vast array of design options at great prices. You can choose from custom-made shades or drapes and select commercial products. They provide free swatches, so customers can decide which fabrics are perfect for their home or office.
For added convenience, there are free professional measuring services, free shipping on all orders over $500, and a no questions asked return policy valid for up to 30 days from receipt of merchandise.
3. Blinds.com
Blinds.com is an online store that specializes in custom window blinds and shades. They have options for every style and budget, from basic to designer-inspired. Customers can go online and choose from various styles, colors, and sizes that best fit their needs.
Blinds.com offers a generous sample policy allowing customers to order ten free fabric samples that will ship fast and free directly to your door. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, they’ll take it back for return or exchange within 30 days after receipt of the merchandise.
4. NextDay Blinds
NextDayBlinds has locations across many states and qualified professionals to help guide you toward making an informed purchase. Plus, in-house offers and virtual consultations are available if you need assistance deciding what works best for your space.
They have everything from customizable fabric choices to real wood shutters and complimentary swatches. Prices start at around $50 up to about $300 per window.
5. Fabric Guru
Fabric Guru, a fabric store in beautiful San Francisco, California, aims to provide the highest quality fabrics at the most affordable prices. They offer various free fabric samples to ensure customers get what they want and understand how their fabric will look in the finished project.
Fabric Guru has something for everyone, from fine cotton and linens to exquisite prints and weaves. If you don’t like your purchase, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund, less shipping charges.
6. Half Price Drapes
Half Price Drapes is the ultimate destination for window treatments that don’t break the bank. Located nationwide, you can find an extensive selection of top-quality ready-made curtains, shades, and drapes in various fabric styles and colors.
They have sample options: fabric swatches, blackout liner samples, tassel and trim samples, and hardware samples. Plus, if you want to fully assess your options before purchasing, you can request ready-made panel samples delivered to your doorstep.
7. Calico
At Calico, you will find a variety of fabrics and products, such as drapes, shades, valances, chairs, sofas, and more. Their products range from $10 to $100 per yard and offer options that fit most budgets. Plus, with their free sample program, you can try the fabric before committing to it: just select the samples you like and have them delivered right to your door.
Ways to Get Free Fabric Samples – For Upholstery
8. Pottery Barn
For anyone looking for stylish, quality home furnishings, Pottery Barn is the perfect option. You can find their stores in different locations across the United States or shop online for a wider selection of items.
You get free swatches of their upholstery fabrics to pick the perfect color and texture for your sofas, chairs, and beds. Not only that, but they also have a satisfaction guarantee policy on all their products. Lastly, prices vary based on specific items and customization options.
9. Joybird
Joybird is the go-to place for comfortable, high-quality furniture. The trendy store is based in Los Angeles and has showrooms in San Francisco and New York. If you need clarification while choosing the best, they offer free swatches of up to 12 fabrics to help narrow your selection.
Besides, they have a satisfaction guarantee policy so that you can make returns up to 365 days after purchase. Prices vary depending on what type of item and customization options you choose but typically start at around $1,000 for the quality of craftsmanship that Joybird provides.
10. La-Z-Boy Home Furnishing
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings has 350+ retail stores in the U.S., making finding the perfect piece for your space easy. You can choose up to three swatches with your purchase, and they provide free delivery for the speedy placement of your new furniture.
La-Z-Boy provides a satisfaction guarantee policy for custom-made pieces, so you know you’ve made a good investment. Costs start at $1000, which may seem expensive but is well worth it due to the quality they provide.
11. IKEA
IKEA has locations in over 50 countries and offers a range of products to meet customers’ needs, from upholstery fabric samples to full-sized couches. Additionally, customers can take advantage of IKEA’s policy of offering up to 15 free fabric samples at a time.
IKEA lets its customers enjoy satisfaction guarantee policies and easy returns. Prices for sofas start around $300, but for even more flexibility, ask about USPS Express shipping on orders over fifteen samples.
12. Maker & Son
Based in the United Kingdom, Maker & Son provides customers with fabric samples in varied textures—velvet, linen, corduroy, and denim. If you gravitate more towards earthy and natural shades, they have an entire page dedicated to such samples.
They make sure all these products are discoverable and accessible within your desired price range, too, with no compromises necessary.
13. Room & Board
Room & Board is a renowned U.S.-based furniture retailer that offers customers both physical stores and an easy-to-navigate online shopping system. Room & Board have generous return policies, including the option to return items within 30 days in some cases, and additionally, their furniture pieces come with a lifetime warranty.
In terms of cost, sofas start from around $1,000, and chairs start from about $400, making it easy to furnish and decorate any space without breaking the bank.
14. Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is a trusted retailer for anyone looking to furnish and decorate their home. With stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, and an extensive online selection, searching for exactly what you need is easier than ever.
You can even order up to five free swatches from the site to get a sneak peek at your potential purchases. Or, pop into one of their physical locations to peruse the fabric sample wall in person.
At Crate & Barrel, you can request an exchange within seven days of receiving your order. Despite the high-end vibe, prices are reasonable, with upholstered furniture starting at $1,000–$4,000.
15. Bemz
Bemz is the perfect destination for anyone looking to customize their IKEA furniture. With an online store offering shipping across the globe, customers from all corners of the world can find their perfect fabric cover. Catering to various looks and styles, you can choose from over 100 sample fabrics, including luxurious velvet and classic linen.
You can order five samples with free delivery with Bemz. Then, once you’ve found the perfect fit, easily order online with a 14-day return policy (return shipping costs not included).
Ways to Get Free Fabric Samples – For Clothing
16. Mood Fabrics
Mood Fabrics is a great online shop with amazing fabrics and sewing essentials. You’ll find endless options, including a wide selection of colors, textures, and trends. If you’re trying to shop on a budget, check out their sale page for discounted fabrics in larger sizes than the swatch samples available.
As for the swatches, you can order them from Mood Fabrics at just $1.00 per swatch—plus, if you spend over $10 in their store (either on fabric or sewing accessories), you get up to five free swatches.
17. Loom and Stars
Located in the U.S., Loom and Stars bring you high-quality, original handmade fabrics inspired by traditional Indian and Japanese designs. Plus, if you want a sample before committing, they offer free swatches of their fabrics.
If you don’t love your purchase, you can return it within 14 days, though return shipping costs will be your responsibility. Based on the fabric type, their fabrics come with a higher price point, from around $26 to $180 per yard.
18. Spoonflower
Founded in the U.S. and now serving customers worldwide, Spoonflower is a customizable fabric printing company that creates beautiful results. Various fabric options are available so that you can get creative with it! If you need to sample before deciding, no problem: they offer fabric swatches for just $1.
On top of its great selection, Spoonflower offers its customers a satisfaction guarantee policy but with the caveat that return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility. Plus, they make it cost-effective by providing discounts on bulk orders, including pricing from $18 to $32 per yard.
19. Marcy Tilton
Marcy Tilton is an amazing Southern Oregon fabric store with a never-ending selection of fabrics, from soft cotton to luxurious silks. If you’re looking for some specific piece or pattern, they are strategically organized and sorted into collections, patterns, and fabric types.
They also allow you to request three to five fabric swatches to test out pieces before making a full commitment.
20. Hell Gate Fabrics
Hell Gate Fabrics specializes in beautiful fabrics made from natural materials and produced with fair labor practices. Best of all, you can ‘try before you buy’: they’ll send up to five swatches right to your door, free of charge. Enter the name and color into their special instructions box to get the desired swatches when placing your order.
Ways to Get Free Fabric Samples – Other Places With Inexpensive Fabric Samples
From online marketplaces and community sites like Craigslist and Freecycle to fabric shops with discounted roll ends to thrift stores—it’s all good to find quality fabrics on a budget.
21. Online Marketplaces and Community Sites
Shopping for fabric online can be a great way to save money, and sites like Craigslist and Freecycle are excellent places to look. The prices of fabric samples on these sites can range greatly. You could find some as inexpensive as a few dollars and others up to around $20.
Before you purchase, it’s important to check the item listing carefully and contact the seller if you have any other questions. That way, you can get the quality fabric sample you want for the best price.
22. Fabric Shops Giving Away Discounted Roll Ends
Some fabric shops offer discounted roll ends—essentially whatever they have left over on the end of the spool at a greatly discounted price. Plus, you often get a lot of yardage for even more savings.
Local fabric stores are also great places to shop since they can hook you up with occasional sales and discounts.
23. Thrift Stores
For the crafty shopper, these stores can be a great resource for repurposing old clothing and homewares into new projects. You can find everyday items, including antique linen sheets, skirts, vintage tablecloths, pillowcases, and damask textiles.
These items are usually of excellent quality and often contain interesting design elements that give them unique character; however, they may come with damages like stains or fading.
Inspect each item carefully before buying any second-hand fabric samples to ensure it meets your needs; if you need clarification on a certain piece, ask a store clerk for more information or advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Free Fabric Samples
What Are Fabric Samples Called, and What Are They For?
Fabrics samples, also called swatches, can help you visualize the colors and patterns of the fabrics you’re interested in more clearly. They are usually used as a reference when designing clothes, upholstery, or other creative projects.
How Do You Get Fabric Swatches?
Most online and brick-and-mortar stores offer free fabric swatches. You simply have to order them or go collect the ones you want.
What Size Is Sample Size Fabric?
Most fabric swatches are 4 x 3 in (10cm x 7.5cm). However, the sample size of fabrics varies depending on the store and the material. For plain fabric samples, the cut can be approximately 5.9 inches x 5.9 inches (15cm x 15cm), while patterned swatches can be 7.9 x 7.9 in (20cm x 20cm).
Conclusion – Free Fabric Samples
With free fabric samples, you can save money while determining which fabric, color, texture, or pattern works well with your creative project. While the types and quality of fabric samples vary, there are many stores, so you can choose the one that best suits your requirements.
May you find the above list helpful! Happy sewing!
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Marjolein is a financial consultant who has built over €4,000 monthly passive income and saves over 70% of her income. Read Radicals’ inspiring story, from stuck in the 9-to-5 to loving life. Feel free to send Radical a message at the bottom of this page