A fabric store fills five downtown buildings, and handwoven rugs are still part of the business that started it all.
The shelves hold an enormous selection of fabrics for sewing, decorating, and upholstery projects.
This Iowa shop sells fabric at factory outlet and wholesale pricing. It even sells fabric strips by the pound.
I can’t imagine a sewist hearing that and staying calm.
The selection runs from minky and sequins to faux leather and sparkle glitter tulle. Everything sits sorted by fabric type, then by color.
I like how that turns a giant stash into something you can actually shop.
The rugs are a whole other story. They’re woven right on site, partly from upholstery trimmings that might otherwise go unused.
So how does a quilter, a costume maker, and a rug lover all leave happy from one store?
Five Buildings Of Fabric Will Test Your Willpower
Most fabric shops fit inside one storefront. In-Weave Fabric has expanded into five large downtown buildings to hold everything.
That tells you plenty before you even reach the first aisle.
The business started with just one building in 1990. Today it carries a working, no-frills feel that lets the fabric do the talking.
Fancy displays would only get in the way here.
Bolts stretch through the aisles in long, colorful rows. The vibe feels more like a treasure hunt than a quick errand.
Since the selection keeps changing, no two trips look quite the same.
Give yourself extra time for this one. Rushing through a store this deep would honestly be a waste of a good drive.
Plan your visit like an outing, not a pit stop.
Bring a list so you have some kind of anchor. A measuring tape helps too, especially for home projects.
Leave room in your plans for surprises, because new ideas tend to show up mid-aisle.
The store sits in downtown Hawarden, in the northwest corner of Iowa. It’s a small town with a very big fabric habit.
That combination makes the whole experience feel refreshingly personal and unhurried.
Your Wallet Gets A Break Thanks To Outlet Pricing
Big chain stores love a coupon. This place skips the gimmicks and offers fabric at factory outlet or wholesale pricing.
That’s a simple promise, and it matters when projects need lots of yardage.
Think about quilts, curtains, or a full set of costumes. Those jobs eat fabric fast, and the totals add up quickly at regular retail.
Lower pricing means you can actually finish what you start.
The store offers monthly online specials and biweekly retail-store promotions, so the deals shift over time. Checking the current specials before a visit is a smart move.
A dedicated sale fabric category keeps bargains easy to spot. Quantity fabric and wholesale fabric categories serve bigger buyers too.
Schools, theater groups, and busy home sewists can all benefit from that setup.
Prices vary by fabric, of course. Specialty upholstery won’t cost the same as basic broadcloth, and that’s fair.
Still, the overall approach leans toward helping makers stretch every dollar.
Here’s a practical tip for budget planning. Measure twice, write the yardage down, and bring that note along.
Knowing exact amounts helps you grab a deal without overbuying on impulse.
Fabric Sold By The Pound Sounds Too Good To Be True
Yes, you read that right. In-Weave Fabric sells bundles of fabric strips by the pound.
Most shoppers are used to yards, so this feels like discovering a secret menu.
The packs come in different varieties. Options include drapery packs and poly/cotton blend packs, often containing narrow strips rather than full-width fabric.
Each one offers a mix that can spark projects you never planned.
So who should grab one? Crafters who love woven or crocheted rag rugs are an obvious match.
Teachers running textile and craft classes could also put a big bundle to good use.
Kids learning simple textile crafts benefit too. Practice material lets beginners experiment without stress.
Nobody panics over a crooked seam on a bargain scrap.
Rag rugs, woven mats, and certain pieced projects all work well with these materials. Drapery packs can also be useful for larger projects that involve joining fabric strips.
Poly/cotton blends offer another option for rug weaving and other textile crafts.
Plan for a little mystery with this approach. You won’t control every color or print in a pound pack.
That surprise factor is part of the fun, honestly.
Sort your pack by weight and color once it’s home. A quick organizing session shows you what you really have.
Then the ideas start flowing pretty quickly.
Rare Textures Show Up Where You Least Expect Them
Sequins next to chenille. Minky near organza.
The shelves here read like a costume designer’s wish list mixed with a decorator’s dream board.
The fabric lineup is seriously wide. You’ll find lame, sparkle glitter tulle, sheer netting, velour, and wool blends.
Denim, flannel, lace, gingham, poplin, and knits round out the list.
Home sewists get plenty of choices as well. Indoor/outdoor fabric suits patio cushions nicely.
Tablecloth fabric and terry cloth handle everyday kitchen and bath projects.
Terry chenille deserves a special shout-out. It can be tricky to find in many places.
Having it on hand makes this shop a real resource for bathrobe and baby item makers.
Photography fabric is another unusual category. Backdrops for photos need specific sizes and finishes.
Finding that in a small Iowa town feels delightfully unexpected.
The secret weapon is the layout. Fabrics are organized by type first, then by color.
So hunting for blue flannel doesn’t mean digging through every blue thing in the building.
Bring swatches from home if you’re matching something. Holding them against bolts saves guesswork.
Your finished project will thank you for that bit of planning.
Extra-Wide Bolts Make Big Projects Way Easier
Seams on a big quilt backing can be a headache. Extra-wide fabric solves that problem in one smooth sweep.
In-Weave Fabric keeps a full category devoted to it.
Look for 118-inch voile sheer fabric for airy window treatments. That width lets curtains flow without awkward joins.
Light filters through beautifully when nothing interrupts the panel.
There’s also 90-inch broadcloth fabric. It’s a handy pick for quilt backs, tablecloths, and large banners.
Fewer seams mean less cutting, less pinning, and fewer chances for mistakes.
Percale shows up in the lineup too. Sheet makers and bedding crafters often look for that smooth weave.
Pairing it with wide widths opens up custom bedding options.
Sheer and semi-sheer drapery fabric adds more choices for windows. You can layer textures for privacy and softness.
It’s an easy way to freshen a room without buying new furniture.
Here’s a measuring tip worth remembering. Always check the width printed on the bolt before you calculate yardage.
A wider fabric can cut your needed length dramatically.
Grab a calculator or phone before shopping. Running numbers in the aisle beats realizing at home that you bought double.
Old Furniture Gets A Second Chance With Upholstery Finds
That tired armchair in the basement might be one fabric choice away from a comeback. Reupholstering is cheaper than replacing, and it’s oddly satisfying.
In-Weave Fabric gives you plenty of material to work with.
The drapery and upholstery section includes faux leather and ultra leather. Chenille offers a soft, cozy option for sofas and cushions.
Each material brings a different mood to a room.
Faux leather suits kitchen chairs and booths. It wipes down easily after messy family dinners.
Chenille feels better for reading nooks and lounge seating.
Finishing touches matter just as much. The store carries fringe and cord, including gimp and beaded fringe.
Those details hide raw edges and add a polished, custom look.
Notions help complete the job too. Having trims and fabric in one place saves extra stops.
Busy weekend projects move faster that way.
Matching existing furniture can be tricky. Samples are available on request, which helps a lot.
Comparing a swatch at home in your own lighting beats guessing every time.
Start small if you’re new to upholstery. A footstool or dining seat makes a friendly first project before tackling a full sofa.
Handwoven Rugs Turn Leftovers Into Gorgeous Rugs
Back in August 1990, this business opened in downtown Hawarden with a focus on rugs. Rugs, runners, and place mats sold in the store and at craft and art shows.
That weaving heart still beats strong today.
The business continues making handwoven rugs under the name In Weave Hand Woven Rugs. Weavers use new materials like corduroy, cotton, and loopers.
They also use trimmings, which are by-products of the upholstery industry.
Those trimmings are the clever part. They give each rug a textured, colorful, contemporary look.
It’s a smart way to turn extra material into something useful and beautiful.
Custom orders are a specialty. Shoppers can request different sizes and colors, with options for smaller rugs, hallway runners, and larger area rugs.
Hallways, kitchens, and living rooms can all get a perfect fit.
Practical folks will love this next detail. The rugs are machine washable.
Larger sizes can go through commercial machines, so muddy boots aren’t a crisis.
Measure your space before ordering. Note door clearance and furniture placement too.
A well-fitted rug looks intentional, and that handmade texture makes it a lasting conversation piece.
Living Far Away Doesn’t Mean Missing Out
Not everyone lives near northwest Iowa. Luckily, this fabric store ships.
Online ordering works through the official website and an Etsy shop called inweave823.
Free shipping applies to fabric orders over a set amount within the 48 continental states. That makes stocking up for a big project more tempting.
Planning several projects at once can help you reach the threshold.
Samples are a lifesaver for online shoppers. Colors on a screen don’t always match real life.
Requesting a swatch first helps you avoid disappointment and returns.
The remote service stands out for reliability. Customers can confirm fabric availability before ordering.
Shipping moves swiftly, which matters when deadlines are close.
Hard-to-find fabrics make this especially useful. If a local shop lets you down, this is a solid place to check.
The range of categories gives your search a much better shot.
Here’s a smart habit for online orders. Write down fabric name, width, and fiber content from the listing.
Then compare that against your pattern requirements before checking out.
Keep your sample swatches in a labeled folder. Future projects get easier when you already know how a fabric feels.
Plan Your Trip To Downtown Hawarden The Smart Way
Timing is everything with a store this big. In-Weave Fabric sits at 823 Central Ave, Hawarden, IA 51023, right in the downtown area.
Showing up with enough time makes all the difference.
Weekday hours run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.
Sundays and holidays are closed.
The current posted schedule does not list separate summer Saturday hours. Checking for special closures before a long drive is still a smart move.
Road trippers should note that before heading out.
Hawarden sits in the northwest corner of Iowa. Many shoppers make a day of the drive.
Morning arrivals give you the most browsing time without feeling rushed.
Knowledgeable staff can help you track down specific items. With five buildings of inventory, that guidance is gold.
Asking early can save you plenty of wandering.
Pack a few essentials before leaving. Bring your project list, measurements, and a measuring tape.
Comfortable shoes are a good call too.
Leave space in the car for bolts or a rolled rug. You might plan on one fabric and leave with five.
That’s simply part of the charm here.