Fabulous Fabrics is a well-known quilt shop, and Marcus Fabrics is a major fabric manufacturer; the two are not the same company, but they are often mentioned together because Fabulous Fabrics is a leading retailer of Marcus Fabrics’ quilting cottons. If you are looking for high-quality, designer quilting fabric with a wide range of prints, Marcus Fabrics is a brand you will encounter, and Fabulous Fabrics is one of the best places to buy it online.
Who Is Marcus Fabrics?
Marcus Fabrics is an American textile company that has been in business for over 100 years. It is a family-owned company that designs and manufactures fabrics, primarily for the quilting and craft market. They are known for their extensive collections, which include traditional, modern, and novelty prints. Many of their lines are designed by well-known quilt designers, and they also produce licensed collections featuring popular characters and themes. Their fabrics are 100% cotton, which is the standard for high-quality quilting fabric.
Who Is Fabulous Fabrics?
Fabulous Fabrics is an online fabric store that specializes in quilting fabrics. They are a retail business, not a manufacturer. They carry a large selection of fabrics from many different brands, but they are particularly known for their extensive inventory of Marcus Fabrics. They offer a wide range of products, including fabric by the yard, precut bundles (like fat quarters and layer cakes), and quilting kits. Their website is designed to make it easy for quilters to shop by collection, designer, or color.
Why Are They Often Mentioned Together?
The connection between Fabulous Fabrics and Marcus Fabrics is a strong retail partnership. Fabulous Fabrics is one of the largest online retailers of Marcus Fabrics, and they often feature Marcus Fabrics’ new collections prominently on their website. This means that when you search for Marcus Fabrics online, Fabulous Fabrics is likely to appear at the top of the results. For quilters, this is a convenient pairing: you can find the full range of a specific Marcus Fabrics collection in one place, often with the ability to see all the prints in a collection together.
What Makes Marcus Fabrics Stand Out?
Marcus Fabrics is respected for several reasons. First, their fabric quality is consistently high: the cotton is tightly woven, which makes it easy to cut and sew, and it holds up well to washing. Second, they have a diverse design aesthetic. Whether you are looking for Civil War reproduction prints, bright and colorful modern designs, or whimsical children’s prints, Marcus Fabrics has a collection for you. Third, they are known for their licensed collections, such as those featuring the artwork of artists like Susan Winget or the popular “Fabric Café” patterns. This variety makes them a go-to brand for many quilters.
How to Choose Marcus Fabrics at Fabulous Fabrics
When shopping for Marcus Fabrics at Fabulous Fabrics, consider the following factors to make the best choice for your project:
- Collection: Marcus Fabrics releases new collections regularly. Look for the collection name to see the full range of prints that coordinate with each other.
- Designer: Many quilters have favorite designers. If you like a particular style, search for that designer’s name to see all their Marcus Fabrics lines.
- Color Palette: Fabulous Fabrics allows you to browse by color. This is helpful if you are trying to match a specific color scheme in your quilt.
- Fabric Width: Standard quilting cotton is 44/45 inches wide. Marcus Fabrics also offers some wider fabrics, but most are the standard width.
- Precuts: If you are new to quilting or want to save time, consider buying a precut bundle like a fat quarter bundle or a layer cake. These are pre-cut pieces from a collection, making it easy to get a coordinated set.
Common Questions About Marcus Fabrics
Here are some frequently asked questions that quilters have about Marcus Fabrics and buying them from Fabulous Fabrics.
Is Marcus Fabrics the same as Fabulous Fabrics?
No. Marcus Fabrics is a fabric manufacturer, and Fabulous Fabrics is a fabric retailer. They are different companies, but they have a close business relationship. Fabulous Fabrics sells Marcus Fabrics’ products.
Is Marcus Fabrics fabric good quality?
Yes, Marcus Fabrics is generally considered to be high-quality quilting cotton. It is 100% cotton, has a nice hand (feel), and is durable. Many quilters specifically seek out Marcus Fabrics for its reliability and beautiful prints.
Does Fabulous Fabrics carry all Marcus Fabrics collections?
Fabulous Fabrics carries a very large selection of Marcus Fabrics, but they may not carry every single collection ever made. They do carry current collections and many older ones that are still in demand. If you are looking for a specific collection, it is best to search their website directly.
Can I buy Marcus Fabrics by the yard at Fabulous Fabrics?
Yes, you can buy Marcus Fabrics by the yard. Fabulous Fabrics offers fabric in 1-yard increments, and you can often order half-yard cuts as well. They also sell precut bundles, which are a popular way to buy a coordinated set of fabrics.
How should I wash Marcus Fabrics before quilting?
It is generally recommended to prewash quilting cottons to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding. Wash the fabric in cold water with a mild detergent, and dry it on a low setting. However, some quilters prefer not to prewash, especially if they are using precuts. Always test a small piece if you are concerned about colorfastness.
Alternatives to Marcus Fabrics
While Marcus Fabrics is a favorite, there are other excellent fabric brands that Fabulous Fabrics also carries. Some popular alternatives include:
- Moda Fabrics: Known for their coordinated collections and popular designers like Bonnie and Camille.
- Robert Kaufman: A large manufacturer with a wide range of fabrics, including their popular Kona Cotton solids.
- Riley Blake Designs: A company that offers many bright and modern prints, as well as licensed collections.
- Michael Miller Fabrics: Known for their whimsical and colorful designs, including many novelty prints.
Each of these brands has its own unique style, so you may find that you prefer one over another depending on the project.
Cost and Value
Marcus Fabrics is priced similarly to other high-quality quilting cottons. At Fabulous Fabrics, you can expect to pay around $10 to $12 per yard for most Marcus Fabrics prints, though prices can vary depending on the collection and whether it is a specialty fabric like a wide-back or a panel. Precut bundles can offer better value per yard, but you are limited to the prints included in the bundle. While Marcus Fabrics is not the cheapest option, the quality and design are worth the price for many quilters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the newest Marcus Fabrics collections?
Fabulous Fabrics is a great place to find new Marcus Fabrics collections. They often list new arrivals on their website, and you can also sign up for their newsletter to be notified of new products. Many quilt shops also carry Marcus Fabrics, so you can check your local store as well.
Can I use Marcus Fabrics for apparel?
Yes, you can use Marcus Fabrics for apparel, but keep in mind that quilting cotton is a medium-weight, woven fabric. It is suitable for shirts, dresses, and skirts, but it may not drape as well as fabrics specifically designed for garments. It is also great for home decor items like curtains and pillows.
Are Marcus Fabrics precuts true to size?
Yes, Marcus Fabrics precuts are cut to industry standards. For example, a fat quarter is typically 18″ x 22″, and a layer cake is 10″ x 10″. However, it is always a good idea to measure them before you start cutting, as there can be slight variations.
Does Fabulous Fabrics offer discounts on Marcus Fabrics?
Fabulous Fabrics occasionally runs sales and promotions on Marcus Fabrics, especially during holiday weekends or special events. They also have a loyalty program for frequent customers. It is best to check their website or sign up for their emails to stay informed about current deals.
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