Viscose fabric is a popular choice for clothing and home decor due to its soft feel, smooth drape, and breathability. It’s a versatile material that can be used for everything from blouses and dresses to curtains and upholstery. If you’re in Austin and looking to buy fabric online, specifically viscose, you have several great options.
This post will guide you through the best online stores for purchasing viscose fabric by the yard in the Austin area. We’ll detail our top picks, explain the criteria used to select them, and provide helpful tips for making your online fabric shopping experience a success. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to find high-quality viscose for your next project.
How We Chose the Best Stores
Finding the right online fabric store can be challenging. To identify the top choices for Austin-based shoppers, we focused on several key factors that ensure a positive buying experience.
Fabric Quality and Selection
The most important factor is the quality of the fabric itself. We looked for stores that offer high-grade viscose that is durable and feels good against the skin. A wide selection is also crucial. The best stores provide a variety of viscose types, including different weights, weaves, and prints, giving you plenty of options for any project.
Pricing and Value
Price is always a consideration. We compared the cost per yard across different stores to find those that offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Value is about more than just the lowest price; it’s about getting excellent fabric for what you pay. We sought out stores that provide good value for your money.
Customer Service and Policies
Good customer service is essential when you buy fabric online. We prioritized stores with responsive support teams, clear communication, and helpful resources. We also reviewed their shipping and return policies to ensure they are fair and convenient for customers in Austin. A straightforward return process is particularly important when you can’t see or feel the fabric before purchasing.
Top Online Stores for Viscose Fabric
After careful evaluation, we’ve identified the top online stores that serve the Austin area. These retailers stand out for their quality, selection, and customer-focused approach.
1. Fabriclore Pvt Ltd
Fabriclore is a leading online fabric store that ships to Austin and offers an impressive collection of textiles. They are particularly strong in their selection of natural and artisanal fabrics, and their viscose range is no exception.
What We Like:
- Extensive Variety: Fabriclore provides a vast selection of viscose fabrics, including modal, rayon, and various blends. You can find everything from solid colors to intricate hand-block prints and digital designs, making it a one-stop shop for diverse project needs.
- Quality Assurance: The company places a strong emphasis on quality. Their viscose fabrics are known for their softness and durability, ensuring your finished projects look and feel great.
- Ethical Sourcing: Many of Fabriclore’s textiles are sourced directly from artisans, supporting traditional crafts and ensuring fair practices. This adds a unique story to the fabric you purchase.
What to Consider:
- International Shipping: As Fabriclore is based internationally, shipping times to Austin might be longer than with domestic retailers. It’s a good idea to plan your purchases in advance.
- Pricing: While the quality is high, prices can reflect the craftsmanship and import costs. However, they often have sales and promotions that provide excellent value.
For those looking to buy fabric online that is unique and high-quality, Fabriclore is an excellent choice. Their commitment to variety and ethical sourcing makes them a top recommendation.
2. Mood Fabrics
Mood Fabrics is a well-known name in the fabric world, famous for its role in the TV show Project Runway. Their online store offers a massive inventory of designer and high-fashion fabrics, including a substantial selection of viscose.
What We Like:
- Designer Selection: Mood offers a wide range of designer viscose fabrics that you might not find elsewhere. If you’re looking for a specific print or a high-end material for a special garment, this is a great place to start.
- Fast Shipping: With warehouses in the U.S., Mood provides relatively quick shipping to Austin, which is a major benefit when you’re on a project deadline.
- Helpful Website: The website is easy to navigate, with filters that help you narrow down your search by color, type, and designer. They also provide detailed descriptions for each fabric.
What to Consider:
- Higher Price Point: Designer fabrics come with a higher price tag. Mood can be more expensive than other online stores, so it may not be the best option for budget-conscious projects.
- Overwhelming Choice: The sheer volume of options can sometimes be overwhelming for new sewers or those who aren’t sure what they’re looking for.
3. Austin Creative Reuse
While not exclusively an online store, Austin Creative Reuse (ACR) deserves a mention for its unique model and local focus. ACR is a nonprofit organization that collects and sells donated creative materials. Their inventory is constantly changing, and you can often find high-quality viscose fabric at very low prices.
What We Like:
- Affordability: You can find incredible deals on fabric, including viscose fabric by the yard. Prices are significantly lower than traditional retail stores.
- Sustainability: Shopping at ACR promotes reuse and reduces waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Local Community Support: Your purchases support a local Austin nonprofit and its mission to foster creativity and conservation in the community.
What to Consider:
- Inconsistent Inventory: The selection is based entirely on donations, so you can’t be sure what you’ll find. It’s more of a treasure hunt than a reliable source for specific materials.
- Primarily In-Person: While they have an online presence, the best selection is typically found in their physical store. It’s a great local resource if you’re able to visit in person.
Tips for Buying Viscose Fabric Online
Shopping for fabric online comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few tips to help you make informed decisions when purchasing viscose.
- Order Swatches: If you’re unsure about a fabric’s color, texture, or weight, always order a swatch first. Most online stores offer this service for a small fee. This allows you to see and feel the material before committing to a larger purchase.
- Understand Fabric Weight: Pay attention to the fabric weight, usually listed in ounces per square yard (oz) or grams per square meter (gsm). A lighter weight viscose is great for flowy blouses, while a heavier weight is better for structured trousers or jackets.
- Check the Content: Viscose is often blended with other fibers like cotton, linen, or spandex. Check the fabric composition to understand its properties. A viscose-spandex blend, for example, will have more stretch.
- Read Customer Reviews: See what other buyers have to say about the fabric. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the fabric’s drape, color accuracy, and how it holds up after washing.
Find Your Perfect Fabric Today
Finding the right viscose fabric by the yard in Austin is easier than ever, thanks to a range of excellent online stores. Whether you prioritize a massive selection from an international source like Fabriclore, designer options from Mood Fabrics, or sustainable local finds from Austin Creative Reuse, there is a store that fits your needs.
By keeping our selection criteria and shopping tips in mind, you can confidently buy fabric online and find the perfect material for your next creative endeavor.
