The Michaels fabric expansion is making waves in the crafting community following the closure of Joann Fabrics, a stalwart in the industry for decades. With Joann’s disappearance, hobbyists, quilters, and creative minds are left wondering where to find their favorite materials. Michaels has stepped up to fill that gap, acquiring Joann’s popular private labels and significantly enhancing its fabric inventory. This move is not just a business decision for Michaels but a lifeline for creators who rely on access to high-quality materials.
If you’re curious about what this means for fabric enthusiasts, the changes at Michaels, and what’s next for the crafting industry, we’ve got all the answers for you. Here’s how Michaels is stepping up for the crafting community.
Joann Fabrics Shuts Down Nationwide
After nearly 80 years of operation, Joann Fabrics filed for bankruptcy in early 2025, leading to the closure of all 790 stores by March of the same year. For many, Joann was more than just a retailer; it was a creative haven where quilters, crafters, and sewists could find inspiration and stock their projects. Unfortunately, financial struggles compounded by changing consumer behaviors left the company unable to compete.
This sudden departure left a significant void in the crafting and fabric industry, leading loyal customers to seek alternatives. As customers searched for where to buy fabric now, Michaels emerged as a viable solution poised to meet this demand.
Michaels Takes the Baton in the Crafting Industry
Capitalizing on the vacuum left by Joann Fabrics, Michaels announced its plan to significantly expand its sewing and fabric categories. The retailer acquired Joann’s private label brands, including its beloved Big Twist yarns and fabric lines. By doing so, Michaels ensures loyal Joann customers will still have access to familiar products – even if they’re now buying them from Michaels instead of Joann.
The initiative has involved introducing over 600 new products to their shelves and online store. From specialty threads to sewing machines, Michaels is creating an all-encompassing destination for crafting enthusiasts.
A Closer Look at Michaels’ Fabric Expansion
The Michaels fabric expansion isn’t just about adding more products to shelves; it’s about curating an ideal shopping experience for creators. The added inventory includes:
- Expanded Fabric Selections: Variety abounds, with broadcloths, cottons, and quilting fabrics now stocking over 680 Michaels stores. Plans are underway to bring these offerings to an additional 280 stores by the end of the year.
- New Yarn Lines: With knitting and crocheting on the rise, Michaels has introduced over 25% more yarn options, including Joann’s popular Big Twist brands and other eco-friendly, high-quality yarns.
- Sewing Machines and Tools: Recognizing the demand for sewing equipment, Michaels now offers market-leading sewing machines from brands like Brother and Singer, along with an array of needles, stabilizers, and cutting tools.
- Tasting the Digital Market: A dedicated landing page on Michaels.com offers former Joann customers a seamless shopping experience, with tailored recommendations and exclusive deals.
The sheer breadth of these changes makes Michaels more than ready to take on the role of the go-to destination for crafters.
How Hobbyists Benefit From Michaels’ Expansion
For crafting enthusiasts, Michaels’ move is a game changer. It restores access to a wide range of materials that Joann’s closure had put at risk. Here’s what this expansion means for hobbyists:
- Convenient Accessibility: With over 1,300 locations in North America, Michaels offers unparalleled access to crafting supplies compared to Joann’s former smaller footprint.
- One-Stop Shopping: Customers can now buy fabrics, threads, yarns, and sewing machines all in one place, both in-store and online.
- Loyalty Perks: Michaels’ loyalty program offers discounts and rewards that make crafting more budget-friendly for regular shoppers, an added value for those transitioning from Joann’s now-defunct membership offerings.
Whether you’re a quilter, knitter, or occasional DIY enthusiast, Michaels has something to offer.
The Rising Demand for Crafting Supplies
Crafting has been on the rise in the last few years, driven by increased interest in hobbies, DIY decor, and sustainable living solutions. According to Michaels, searches for fabric on their online store have increased by 77% over the last year. Yarn and needlecraft kits are flying off the shelves as knitting and crocheting surge in popularity.
By stepping into Joann’s shoes, Michaels acknowledges and supports this growing community, ensuring that creators can continue their work without disruptions.
Exclusive Product Lines to Look Out For
Michaels’ acquisition of Joann’s private labels opens an exciting chapter for product lines like:
- Big Twist Value Plus Yarn: Perfect for knitters and crocheters seeking superior quality without a hefty price tag.
- Big Twist Cotton and Baby Bear Lines: Offering specialized options for apparel, children’s projects, and home decor.
- Clover and Fiskars Tools: From specialty scissors to beginner-friendly kits, these additions enrich Michaels’ offerings for both novice and expert creators.
These products ensure Michaels is not merely replacing Joann but evolving into something even greater for fabric and crafting enthusiasts.
Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation
While Joann’s legacy spanned decades, Michaels is leaning into the future by adopting more innovative approaches, including omnichannel shopping experiences, enhanced loyalty rewards, and targeted digital campaigns. Their integration of former Joann products with Michaels branding is a nod to tradition while paving the way for increased accessibility and convenience for today’s shoppers.
For example, customers redirected from Joann’s former website to the Michaels landing page are greeted with tailored messages and curated shopping lists that make the transition seamless.
Challenges and Opportunities for Michaels
Taking over a legacy like Joann Fabrics is no small feat, and Michaels faces challenges ahead. Maintaining competitive pricing, winning over die-hard Joann customers, and meeting skyrocketing demand will require considerable effort.
However, Michaels is uniquely positioned to succeed. Its existing infrastructure, plus the added inventory and loyal crafting community, gives Michaels an edge over other competitors in the space.
What This Means for the Future of the Crafting Industry
Michaels’ expansion could signal the dawn of a new era for the crafting industry, where brick-and-mortar stores adapt to meet changing customer expectations and the growing viability of digital marketplaces.
By securing Joann’s intellectual property, Michaels has preserved a legacy while simultaneously modernizing it. This step not only benefits the niche crafting world but also highlights how agile businesses can thrive in shifting markets.
Find Your Next Project at Michaels
Michaels’ expansion into Joann’s territory is a win for creators everywhere. The Michaels fabric expansion ensures that sewing, quilting, and crafting enthusiasts have the tools they need to keep their passion alive. From a significantly enhanced product offering to seamless online options and loyalty discounts, Michaels has solidified its place as the ultimate destination for fabric lovers.
Wondering where to buy fabric now? Visit Michaels online or head to your nearest store to discover what’s new. Whether it’s your first project or your hundredth, Michaels is ready to inspire.
This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
