MWS Has Sewing Supplies: A Trusted Alternative to Joann Fabrics
Author: Emily Battles
After Joann Fabrics ‘ closure, Makers Are Turning to Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
For decades, Joann Fabrics was a constant for sewists of all kinds. Garment makers, quilters, costume builders, hobbyists, students—everyone knew where to go. It was where you could browse in person, compare materials side by side, and walk out knowing you had what you needed to finish the job. For quilters especially, Joann was a familiar anchor: batting you could feel, thread you could match under real light, supplies you could trust without overthinking it. So when widespread store closures began, the loss felt significant—and confusing. Suddenly, many makers were left without a reliable, in-person resource and unsure where to turn online. That’s because sewing, whether it’s quilting, garment construction, or craft work, depends on quality and confidence. Lucky for them, MWS has sewing supplies – and they are some of the best in the biz!
The Challenge of Finding Trusted Supplies Online
When people say “just order it online,” they often overlook what sewists actually need. Materials vary. Tools behave differently depending on fabric and technique. A thread that’s perfect for piecing may not work for garment seams. A needle that glides through cotton might struggle with denser textiles. Online marketplaces offer endless options—but very little guidance. That’s where Manhattan Wardrobe Supply comes in.
MWS Has Sewing Supplies – And Quilting Supplies Too!
Since 1998, MWS has served professionals who sew under real-world pressure: Broadway wardrobe crews, fashion designers, film and television costumers, tailors, and artisans. The products we carry are chosen because they perform consistently—not because they’re trendy or inexpensive. If you relied on Joann Fabrics for sewing and quilting supplies, you’ll find the same core essentials here—curated with intention.
We stock trusted brands and tools for a wide range of sewing disciplines:
- Gutermann threads in extensive color ranges and weights
- Schmetz needles for both hand and machine sewing
- YKK zippers known for durability and smooth function
- Gingher and Singer scissors for accurate, reliable cutting
- Snaps, hooks & eyes, and Velcro for garments, accessories, and home projects
Quilters will find everything they need for piecing, construction, and finishing—but so will garment makers, hobbyists, and anyone who sews with purpose. And for more specialized work, our Corset Making and Millinery departments offer tools and materials that are increasingly hard to source elsewhere.
Knowledge Is Power
One of the quiet strengths of Joann Fabrics was accessibility—you could ask questions and get answers. As stores close, that kind of guidance is disappearing. At MWS, it’s still part of how we operate. Our staff are industry professionals who understand fabric behavior, stress points, and construction techniques across disciplines. Whether you’re choosing thread for quilting cottons, needles for stretch fabrics, or closures for structured garments, there’s someone here who can help you make the right choice the first time.
Fast, Transparent Fulfillment
We know sewing projects don’t happen in a vacuum—and delays matter. That’s why:
- Most orders are processed within 24 hours, pending payment verification
- Next-day shipping orders placed by 3:00 PM ET ship the same day
- Orders placed on weekends are processed on Monday
••Free shipping on orders over $99 within the contiguous United States (with clear exclusions for heavier items)
Why Shopping Small Still Matters
When large craft chains disappear, it’s easy to assume the solution is a massive online marketplace. But sewing has always thrived on expertise, quality, and community—not algorithms.
When you shop at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, you’re supporting:
- A small business rooted in real-world making
- A carefully vetted inventory chosen by professionals
- Brands that hold up across quilting, garment sewing, and craft work
- A NYC institution that’s been serving the sewing community since 1998
Joann Fabrics may have been a national staple, but the heart of sewing has always lived with the people who practice it—and the shops that support them thoughtfully.
If you’re searching for a new, reliable source for sewing and quilting supplies, we’re here—and we’ve been doing this for a long time.






