I just thought I would create a little list on the pros and cons of places to buy fabric. I will use a lot of places I know here in Southern CA and some that everyone probably has.
1. Jo-Ann Fabrics:
Pros: The only pro I can really think of is that they have a lot of locations, so one is probably near you.
Cons: Very over priced based on the quality of fabric you can actually get there. A $25 a yard lace there, is really just a cheap, scratchy lace. They charge more because they know that they are convenient as far as location. Also, a lot of older people shop there and apparently they don’t care about getting ripped off.
The people are not knowledgeable. Jo-Ann’s doesn’t hire based on how much you know about crafts, or fabric. They hire like every other place, if you put in an application and seem friendly, they hire you. Sadly, another con is a lot of these people are not friendly.
2. Wal-Mart:
Pros: You can get cotton for like $1/yard. Which is pretty good considering there aren’t many fabric stores in a lot of location.
There are TONS of Walmarts. Most likely there is one nearby.
Cons: Poor selection. They carry few types of fabrics, and never anything of quality.
The workers also, like Jo-Ann’s don’t know what they’re talking about. They may have sewed as a hobby or just got stuck in that sections.
The workers there are rarely friendly, but no one ever is in Walmart.
3. International Silks and Woolens:
(See website above for location)
Pros: The people there are very friendly and very helpful. It’s one of the few stores I have been to, where they will help you to minimize yardage.
They are knowledgeable! Yay! They know what they’re talking about, so ask for help in confidence.
HUGE selection. There are literally bolts of fabric to the ceiling. Someone is always willing to help you find something, and it is fairly organized.
Quality fabrics. They have some really nice fabrics.
Reasonable prices. They are not the cheapest store, but for the fabric, it is a fair price.
Cons: Location. They are in a weird area that is slightly out of the way.
4. The LA Fashion District in general:
Pros: You can find some really nice fabrics for some great prices. There are many stores to choose from, and parking is from $3 a day which is awesome for downtown. Some of the people are friendly and offer good prices if you are friendly.
Cons: There are some really terrible fabrics for a lot of money. Some of the stores are chaotic, and there is no one to help you. You have to pay for parking lol Some of the people are not so nice.
Basically with the fashion district, be careful of what you buy. Feel the fabric and if it seems like it costs too much, walk away, even if you think it’s perfect. Chances are, another store will have something almost identical for way cheaper. Another note, many stores won’t tell you a price until you tell them how much you want, so go down there will a note of how many yards of each fabric you want. I base a store on how organized it is. If it is clean inside, then the owners care, there are less chances of the fabric being messed up, and the workers are nicer.
A great store down there is Mike’s Fabrics (821 S. Wall St). The woman there was very sweet and helpful. She told some good stores to go to, and gave us some discounts. I notice, the nicer you are to the workers, the cheaper the fabric will cost you 
So be nice!
That’s all for now, if I think of anymore, I’ll update. If you know any, comment them!
Tags: cons, cosplay, fabric, materials, places, pros, reviews, shopping, store, suggestions