Firecracker Fabrics — Attraction in Pittsburgh

Don't underestimate this shop by its small size--it has a perfectly curated fabric selection with gorgeous and high quality apparel and cotton quilting fabrics. I have also found it always has any notion or pattern I could ever need to complete a project. I appreciate their attention to quality and eco-mindedness in their buying. Everyone who works here is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and helpful with any sort of project, whether it is a quilt, a garment, or any sort of fun fabric project you have in mind. I know it doesn't have thousands and thousands of quilting cottons like the average quilting shop of times past, but in my humble opinion, it's great that they don't bother with all the boring or low quality fabric you will find elsewhere. What they do have has always been more than I could ever want for both quilting and apparel, and the options are always modern, fresh, and exciting. Of note, the owner Erin often posts videos on the store's Instagram account showing new fabrics she has in the shop and ways to use them that I often find helpful (very informative if you are trying to figure out if something might be good for a certain garment, and to see the drape/weight of the fabric in real time without being in the shop). It's great that you can also order online for in store pickup or shipping as well! I can't speak highly enough about this...

I am a novice learning to sew my own clothes and came across this shop while searching for a local place to buy apparel fabric. I am very happy that I stopped by and am now a repeat customer! The owner is very knowledgeable and helpfully guides me to fabrics suitable for projects I have in mind. I was also excited to see paper versions of indie patterns by designers such as Tilly and the Buttons, which have been so much easier for me to follow than mainstream patterns. I'm on my third project and already making things that I feel proud to wear out thanks to the books and patterns carried in this shop as well as help choosing the right fabrics. I think a trip here is well worth it for a beginner compared to a big chain store.

Update: it's been a few years and I'm still going to Firecracker Fabrics for most of my apparel fabric. They're still my favorite place to shop for...

Hands down my favorite fabric store in Pittsburgh (or anywhere!). A woman-owned business that not only offers an incredible variety of fabrics and patterns, but is connected to Cut-n-Sew Studio next door to offer sewing classes for all skill levels! Such a quality mix of prints, quilting cottons, apparel fabrics, and more! Prices are reasonable, especially for the sewing supplies. They offer a great mix of indie patterns, very inclusive of all sizes and styles. They have a strong social media presence and recently launched an online website that makes buying even easier! The owner hosts "maker hangs" to foster a wonderful community of creators.

Additionally, during COVID, Firecracker Fabrics jumped into the front lines, offering kits with materials to make masks and organizing...