Our History
Joann Fabrics has been inspiring creativity in fabric enthusiasts, crafters and do-it-yourselfers since 1943. What started as a small shop in Cleveland, Ohio has grown into the nation’s leading fabric and craft retailer with over 860 stores across 49 states.
Our founder, Hilda Morse, opened the first Jo-Ann’s Fabrics store on Rocky River Drive in Cleveland. As a talented seamstress, Hilda saw a need for more variety and better quality fabrics than what was available at the time. She began selling top-grade fabrics imported from New York along with all the sewing essentials like buttons, zippers, patterns and trims.
Word quickly spread about Hilda’s premium fabrics, reasonable prices and expertise. Local seamstresses, home crafters and 4-H clubs flocked to the shop. To keep up with demand, Hilda moved the store to Lorain Avenue in Cleveland in 1947. Jo-Ann’s Fabrics continued gaining popularity throughout the 1950s as more home sewers discovered the joy of sewing with quality fabrics.
Hilda’s son Howard McDougall later joined the company and spearheaded its rapid expansion. He led the opening of the first out-of-state store in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak, Michigan in 1969. That began a period of tremendous growth for Joann Fabrics, marked by new store openings across the Midwest throughout the 1970s.
The company incorporated as Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. in 1976 and became a publicly-traded company one year later. By the 1980s, Joann was solidly established as the leading fabric and craft chain in America. Major milestones included surpassing 100 stores in 1980 and $100 million in annual sales in 1981.
The 1990s brought more innovation starting with the launch of joann-fabrics.com in 1998, making us one of the very first traditional retailers to offer online shopping. The 2000s saw acquisitions of smaller chains like Cloth World, which expanded Joann’s presence on the East Coast. In 2011, Joann Fabrics became privately held once again after being acquired by Leonard Green & Partners L.P.
Today, Joann celebrates over 75 years as the nation’s category leader in sewing, fabrics, sewing accessories and crafts. Our incredible selection, low prices and educational resources continue to inspire generations of makers. We look forward to helping unlock creativity for many more years to come!
What Makes Us Different
Joann stands out from other retailers because of our expertise, selection and inspiration. Here are some of the things that make us a favorite among sewists, quilters and crafters across America:
Fabric Expertise
With over 75 years of experience, we know fabric! Our seasoned buyers hand-select the best quality apparel fabrics, quilting cottons and novelty prints from top suppliers around the world. Whether customers need canvas, denim, knits, wovens or anything else, we’ve got them covered with the widest fabric selection at incredible prices. Shoppers can touch and feel our fabrics in-store or order samples online prior to purchase.
In addition to the basics, Joann searches for exclusive fabric collections to excite sewists. Our limited-edition in-house brands like Paris Chic, Ooh La La and Bohemian Blues offer stylish prints sold only at Joann. For trendy designers and DIY fashionistas, we carry special collections like Esposa, Jennifer Lopez for Quilt Fabric, Clara Sunwoo and so much more.
Beyond apparel fabrics, Joann offers the largest assortment of specialty fabrics for crafters and makers. This includes licensed character prints, minky, faux fur, laminates and other unique materials to inspire creativity. Of course, we also carry every essential notion like elastic, interfacing and stabilizer required to complete any sewing or craft project.
Quilting Selection
Joann is the #1 retailer of quilting fabric across the country. We carry an unparalleled selection of over 10,000 100% cotton quilting fabrics from all the leading designers for any quilt imaginable.
Shop top brands like Benartex, FreeSpirit, Hoffman, Michael Miller, Moda, P&B Textiles, RJR, Robert Kaufman and Timeless Treasures. Peruse the latest collections and limited editions from celebrity designers like Tula Pink along with our own exclusive quilt fabric.
Beyond fabric, Joann stocks every notion, tool and supply quilters need from rotary cutters, mats and rulers to batting, threads, buttons and binding. Check our site daily for new arrivals, sales and bundle deals on fabric collections. Joann also offers a variety of kits for beginners with precut fabric to make quilts, wall hangings, pillows and more.
We host classes on piecing, longarming, English paper piecing, applique and many quilt techniques. Our national Make It With Joann program inspires quilters to gather, learn and share their creations. Whether customers prefer modern or traditional quilting, Joann has the largest selection, from juvenile prints to flannels and everything between.
Craft Variety
Beyond sewing and quilting, Joann provides everything imaginable for crafting and DIY home décor. Shop premium arts and crafts supplies, basic crafts, frames, yarn, floral, baking, jewelry making, fabric paints, kids’ crafts and more – all at unbeatable prices!
We carry over 30,000 products from the most trusted brands like Cricut, Siser, Recollections, Craft Smart, Darice, Martha Stewart Crafts, Plaid and Scotch. Discover new tools and materials on joann-fabrics.com or in-store craft aisles to spark your next project.
Joann understands makers need variety and we aim to inspire creativity with new products constantly. Check out our DIY project ideas spanning everything from wood signs to macrame plant holders. Let your inner artist run wild with our paints, easels, drawing pads, clay, resin kits, and more. Build family memories with crafts for holidays, seasonal décor and parties. We love assisting both new and lifelong crafters bring their handmade visions to life!
Sewing Classes
Education sits at the core of Joann’s values. We operate a national program of sewing, quilting, crafting and cooking classes from beginner to advanced levels at our stores. Customers can browse the class schedule online for their local store and sign up for workshops conveniently online.
Joann’s classes help remove the intimidation factor from sewing and quilting for generations of students. Learn how to operate a sewing machine, read patterns, fit garments, sew knits, alterations and more from our knowledgeable instructors.
Quilters can take workshops on piecing, longarming, applique, borders, paper piecing, designs like t-shirt quilts and machine quilting. Go from quilting novice to confident quilter through our curated course pathways for all skill levels. Plus hone your skills on new techniques through free demo classes in-store.
Beyond sewing and quilting, Joann stores host general crafting classes like calligraphy, wreath making, kids’ crafts, painting, jewelry design, macrame, candle making and many more creative skills! Browse the schedule online or in-store and take your hobby to the next level through our affordable classes.
Inspiration
Joann stimulates creativity through ongoing inspiration across all our platforms. Our social media channels showcase beautiful customer makes, spotlight new products and offer daily inspiration. The Sew Beautiful blog features hundreds of free sewing, quilting and DIY project tutorials photographed in our studios.
The Joann+ streaming channel provides hundreds of on-demand video tutorials, tips and inspiration from experts. Our Make It With Joann challenge inspires quilters and sewers to make projects based on seasonal themes with chances to win prizes. Joann also publishes crafting magazines, newsletters, catalogs and more to spark ideas.
In addition to digital content, Joann inspires through in-store visual displays and examples. Shoppers can browse through quilt panels, painted furniture, sewing samples, framed crafts and vignettes for inspiration. Our stores also host free demo events most weekends where local artists share quick DIY project ideas and techniques.
No matter your preferred crafting medium, Joann offers daily inspiration through classes, tutorials, displays and more to boost creativity. We believe inspiration combined with education provides endless opportunities for makers to learn, grow and share.
Our Values
Joann Fabrics thrives thanks to our team members’ passion for crafting and commitment to friendly, personal service. We succeed when our customers succeed. Here are the core values that drive our brand:
Customer Focus
The customer comes first! Joann aims to inspire creativity and fulfill the needs of our sewing, quilting and crafting customers. We listen to feedback and constantly improve to exceed your expectations. Our educational resources remove intimidation and provide inspiration so you can progress on your creative journey. If a customer has a problem, we make it right. Your satisfaction means everything to us!
Community
Joann stores serve as creative community hubs for makers to gather, learn and get inspired together. We build community through classes, events and programs like Make It With Joann. Our Stone Creek Pillow Program provides handmade pillowcases to help bring comfort to children in uncertain times. Joann also partners with organizations like Quilts for Kids to give back using our collective talents. Fostering community makes the Joann experience special.
Expertise
With over 75 years of experience, Joann offers unmatched expertise on sewing, quilting and DIY projects. Our knowledgeable team members can recommend the best tools, materials and techniques for your unique project. Joann learns customers’ needs to offer personalized guidance. Let our experts help you craft with confidence!
Quality
Joann sells only premium quality products we stand behind 100%. Our stringent standards ensure customers get fabrics, tools and materials built to last. We partner with today’s leading brands known for quality craftsmanship. If anything fails to meet expectations, we make it right. The Joann name represents quality and we never compromise on that promise.
Inspiration
Inspiration sits at the heart of creativity. Joann strives to motivate makers daily through classes, tutorials, displays and more. Our instructors and content creators love sharing their passion. We believe inspiration combined with education unlocks endless creativity. Let Joann become your go-to daily source for crafting inspiration!
Innovation
Joann constantly evolves to better serve creative customers. We innovate through exclusive product collections, improvements like buy online pickup in-store, virtual and streaming classes and more. Our designers and merchants collaborate to deliver unique, exclusive products not found anywhere else. Joann integrates digital and physical retail experiences to enhance convenience. We will always push boundaries through innovation.
Our Product Categories
Joann offers the largest selection of premium fabrics, sewing notions, quilting supplies, general crafts, yarn and more. Here is a quick overview of some of our major product categories:
Sewing Supplies
- Apparel & Quilting Cotton Prints
- Licensed & Novelty Cotton Prints
- Flannels
- Home Dec Cotton Prints
- Fleece
- Corduroy
- Polar Fleece
- Broadcloth
- Denim
- Laminates
- Silks
- Wool & Suiting
- Quilters Cotton Solids
- Batik & Ombré Fabric
- Fashion Fabrics
- Notions & Tools
- Patterns
- Sewing Machines
Quilting Supplies
- Quilting Cotton Prints
- Jelly Rolls
- Layer Cakes
- Charm Packs
- Panel Kits
- Notions & Tools
- Rulers, Cutters & Mats
- Batting
- Longarm Machines
- Sewing Machines
Yarn & Needle Art
- Yarn & Wool
- Crochet Thread & Tools
- Cross Stitch
- Embroidery Floss & Hoops
- Punch Needle
- Knitting Needles & Looms
- Weaving Looms
Kids Crafts
- Craft Kits
- Sewing Machines
- Fabric
- Beads
- Models
- Paint
- Crayons
- Science Kits
General Crafts
- Scrapbooking
- Jewelry Making
- Floral
- Painting
- Drawing
- Clay & Modeling
- Candle & Soap Making
- Wood Crafts
- Decoupage
- Glass Crafts
Seasonal
- Halloween
- Christmas
- Spring & Summer Crafts
- Weddings
- Favors & Decor
Bakeware
- Cake Pans
- Cookie Sheets
- Molding Tools
- Icing
- Cake Toppers
- Food Coloring
We pride ourselves on offering the widest selection of creative products to inspire any project or passion. Come make with us at your local Joann store or joann-fabrics.com today!
Our Store Experience
Stepping into a Joann store sparks creativity all around. Shoppers are greeted with vibrant displays showcasing projects, decor ideas, new products and more. We design our stores to inspire you and make your shopping experience fun from the minute you walk through our doors. Here are some of the things you can expect when you visit Joann:
Inspiring Visuals
Joann’s visual displays aim to get your creative juices flowing! Look for quilt panels, fabric collages, painted furniture, DIY home decor pieces and examples showcasing our latest products. Our seasonal sections contain inspiration for holidays, parties and gifting. Social spaces allow makers to gather, relax and enjoy the visual experience together. Let our visual merchandising spark your next project!
Easy to Shop
We design our stores to make shopping efficient for customers with ample checkout space, wide aisles and clear signage. Similar products are merchandised together with notions separated by sewing, quilting, general crafts, etc. Quilting cottons are arranged by color families so it’s easy to pull coordinating prints. New arrivals are prominently displayed at the front along with seasonal products. We also hold special “sidewalk sales” near the entrance for convenience.
Hands-On Experience
Touching and feeling fabrics provides valuable insight before purchase. We encourage customers to unfold and handled fabrics to evaluate qualities like drape, stretch, opacity and more. Feel the difference between types like apparel knits vs wovens firsthand. Our stores also allow hands-on trials of Cricut machines, sewing machines, longarm quilting and more. Test before you invest!
Classes
Most locations offer dedicated classroom spaces to host sewing, quilting and DIY workshops. Check our local class schedules online or in-store. Learn essential skills from threading a needle to pattern drafting from our talented instructors. Classes range from free demos to 6-week courses for all experience levels. Meet fellow makers while expanding your creative skills!
Special Order
Don’t see the specific fabric, supply or machine you need? Ask us! Joann provides special order services to fulfill unique customer requests. If you have your heart set on a certain collection or product, let us find and order it for you. Talk to an associate or contact your local store about special orders.
Friendly Service
Joann team members share a passion for crafting and genuinely want to help customers create. Our associates offer expertise from years of experience to help with your projects. Engage for tips on fabric selection, quilting techniques, tools, supplies or anything to make your vision a reality! We aim to provide personalized guidance with a smile.
The Joann in-store experience goes beyond just shopping. Let us inspire your next creation and become a part of our creative community!
Our Commitment to Values
Success at Joann stems from staying true to our core values. These principles steer our decision-making and customer service approach.
Inclusivity: Joann celebrates creativity in all people. We foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging. All makers have a place in our community without discrimination.
Integrity: We operate ethically and transparently at all levels. You can count on Joann to deliver on our promises with honesty and sincerity.
Learning: Education sits at the heart of Joann. We constantly train our team members and design our offerings to unlock growth. Learning cultivates creativity.
Kindness: Small acts of kindness go a long way. We aim to spread joy through service with patience, empathy and compassion. Kindness builds community.
Quality: Joann maintains stringent standards so customers get exceptional products. We stand behind everything we sell 100%. Quality earns trust.
Inspiration: Inspiration powers passion! We strive to motivate makers daily through classes, content and visual displays. Inspiration sustains creativity.
Giving Back: Joann supports causes like Quilts for Kids to help those in need. We believe service and giving back are responsibilities. Our work can help and heal.
Heritage: We honor our history and Jo-Ann’s legacy. Staying connected to our roots keeps us grounded as we grow. We’re proud of where we came from.
Innovation: To better serve customers, Joann constantly evolves through digital growth, unique products and new offerings. We balance innovation with our heritage.
Sustainability: We understand the impacts of our business and are committed to improving. Joann aims to be a responsible steward of resources.
You: Our customers sit at the center of all we do. We listen to your needs and make improvements to exceed expectations. Joann succeeds when YOU succeed!
We welcome you to experience these values yourself next time you Make It With Joann!
