Cali Fabrics: Your Guide to Sourcing and Sewing with California's Favorite Fabric Store
If you're a secondhand sewing lover, you probably already have a go-to list of thrift stores and resale apps. But when you need a specific color of bamboo knit or a crisp cotton poplin for a refashion, Cali Fabrics should be on your radar. This LA-based online fabric retailer has become a favorite among DIY upcyclers because it offers reliable quality at prices that don't hurt. Let's walk through what this store is, how to shop it, and how to make the most of your fabric haul.
What Is Cali Fabrics?
Cali Fabrics is a fabric store based in Los Angeles, California, with a strong online presence. It's known for its huge selection of apparel fabrics, especially knits like bamboo rayon, cotton spandex, and French terry. You'll also find wovens like linen, denim, and twill. The store started as a brick-and-mortar shop, and now ships across the US and Canada.
For thrifters and upcyclers, it's a useful supplement to the secondhand market: the online store gives you the ability to match colors, buy exact yardage, and skip the dig. The website is easy to navigate, with filters for fiber content, fabric type, and stretch. You can search by color, which is a lifesaver when you need to match a particular shade for a patch or panel.
Most orders ship out within a day, and international orders to Canada arrive in about a week. Customer service is quick with answers, so you can ask a question before you buy. Packaging is sturdy enough for fabric bolts, so your order shows up in good shape. If you live in the LA area, you can even visit the shop in person, but most customers rely on the website for the full catalog.
Why Cali Fabrics Works for Upcycling Projects
When I thrift, I do it for the thrill of the hunt. But sometimes I'm trying to turn a thrifted curtain into a dress, and I need a coordinating fabric that no one in my local Goodwill has. That's where this fabric retailer comes in. They sell yardage by the cut, and they'll ship it to you in two or three days. For a project that needs a specific shade of moss green or a certain weight of jersey, this beats driving to five different stores. Shipping costs are reasonable, and orders often arrive in just a few days.
Another big plus is consistency. If you buy a yard of bamboo rayon this month and need the same fabric three months later for a second patch, chances are it will still be available. Thrift stores don't work that way. Once a fabric is gone, it's gone. Knowing you can reorder gives you freedom to experiment with confidence.
You also get fiber content listed clearly. That matters when you're upcycling: you want to know if something shrinks, how it drapes, and whether it can handle a hot iron. Thrifted fabric is a mystery; a good online fabric store gives you the label.
One more thing I appreciate is that the store carries coordinating threads and sewing supplies. That means you can order fabric and a matching thread in the same checkout, which saves time. It's a small detail, but it makes starting a project easier. And if you don't see the exact color you want, use the contact form to ask. The team is responsive and can often tell you when a fabric will be restocked.
For upcyclers, this kind of customer service is gold. You don't have to chase down answers; they're right there. It's why so many sewing bloggers mention Cali Fabrics in their recommendations.
How to Order Fabric from Cali Fabrics
Here's the process I use after years of ordering fabric online.
- Order swatches first. Color on a screen isn't true to life, and swatches are cheap insurance.
- Check the fiber content and stretch. A blend behaves differently than a single fiber, and stretch matters for knit projects.
- Wash and dry before cutting. Pre-shrinking prevents surprises later.
- Watch for the clearance section. You can find good deals on experimental fabrics.
What to Make with Cali Fabrics Knits
Knit fabrics are the star here. Use bamboo rayon for a soft drape, cotton spandex for everyday tops, and French terry for hoodies. A matching rib knit from the store can fix a thrifted sweater's cuff. If you're new, start with a simple t-shirt refashion. For wovens, linen works for summer dresses and twill for bags.
Cali Fabrics vs. Thrift Store Fabric: Which Should You Choose?
Thrift stores win on price and randomness, but an online retailer wins on consistency and color matching. I use both: vintage sheets from thrift for unique panels, and solid cotton or knit from the online store for linings and patches. That keeps projects moving without waiting for luck. If I need a specific solid color, I order online; if I want a one-of-a-kind print, I thrift.
Final Thoughts
Cali Fabrics is a valuable tool for any secondhand fashion enthusiast. It brings online convenience, clear labels, and exact color matching to your sewing table. Next time you're stuck on a project, check out the store's website and ask the community for advice. No such thing as a stupid question here — bring your swatches and ask the group.
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