Best Of Guides

Ranked fabric picks for real projects and real climates, curated by Sage McKenzie.

Bolts of waxed canvas, ripstop nylon, and laminated shell fabric draped over a weathered wooden rail, with rain-beaded droplets on the fabric surfaces and misty evergreen forest in the background

Washington State

The Best Rain-Ready Fabrics in Washington State

From waxed canvas to laminated shells, these are the best waterproof and water-resistant fabrics for sewing through Washington State’s long rainy season.

Folded stacks of quilting cotton, batik, and flannel in evergreen, slate, and rain-cloud tones arranged on a wooden table beside a window overlooking misty Puget Sound conifers

Seattle, Washington

Top 10 Quilting Fabrics in the Seattle Area

The 10 best quilting fabrics for Seattle's gray seasons, from batik to flannel, ranked for needle-friendliness, print quality, washability, and warmth.

Folded bolts of melton, tweed, and wool flannel in moss green, charcoal, and rust stacked on a wooden table beside a rain-streaked window, with fir trees and low clouds visible outside

Oregon

The Best Wool Fabrics in Oregon

From melton for damp Willamette winters to merino jersey for high-desert trails, discover the wool fabrics best suited to Oregon's varied climate.

Rolls of ripstop nylon, waxed canvas, and laminated shell fabric stacked on a workbench beside a half-finished backpack, with rain-streaked windows and evergreen trees visible outside

Portland, Oregon

Top Outdoor Gear Fabrics in the Portland Area

The best fabrics for sewing and repairing outdoor gear around Portland — ripstop nylon, waxed canvas, laminates, and more, ranked for rain country.

Stacked bolts of chenille, jacquard, wool boucle, and heavy canvas upholstery fabric arranged on a leather armchair beside a timber-framed window with snowy Idaho mountains in the distance

Idaho

The Best Upholstery Fabrics in Idaho

Which upholstery fabrics survive Idaho life? We rank chenille, jacquard, wool, and performance weaves for wear, sun fade, pets, and dry-winter static.

Folded stacks of natural, oatmeal, and sage-toned linen fabrics on a weathered wooden table beside a window overlooking green Willamette Valley farmland on an overcast morning

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Top Linen Fabrics in the Willamette Valley

The best linen and linen-blend fabrics for Willamette Valley living, from handkerchief linen to upholstery weights, ranked for breathability and drape.

Folded stacks of polar fleece, microfleece, and sherpa fabric in muted greens and grays arranged on a weathered wooden ferry railing, with the misty waters of Puget Sound and a forested shoreline in the background

Puget Sound, Washington

The Best Fleece Fabrics Around Puget Sound

From ferry decks to drizzly trailheads, a ranked guide to the best fleece fabrics for Puget Sound weather: polar weights, microfleece, sherpa, and more.

Folded stacks of merino jersey, softshell, and ripstop nylon fabric arranged on a mossy log with fir trees and a fog-draped Cascade ridgeline in the background

Cascade Range, Washington and Oregon

Top Hiking Apparel Fabrics for the Cascades

The best fabrics for sewing hiking apparel that handles Cascade Range weather, from merino jersey and softshell to ripstop nylon and rain shell laminates.

Folded bolts of velveteen, ticking stripe, toile, and sheer drapery fabric stacked on a wooden table beside a frost-edged window with ponderosa pines visible outside.

Spokane, Washington

The Best Home Décor Fabrics in the Spokane Area

From insulating velveteen to true blackout weaves, these home décor fabrics handle Spokane's snowy winters, bright summers, and everything between.

Lengths of lightweight linen, cotton voile, seersucker, and chambray in sun-washed blues, whites, and sage tones draped over a weathered wooden fence, with dry golden foothills rising behind them under a clear Idaho summer sky

Boise, Idaho

Top Breathable Summer Fabrics for the Boise Area

The best breathable fabrics for Boise's hot, dry summers — lightweight linen, voile, seersucker, and more, ranked for airflow, opacity, and easy care.