Fabric is the result of weaving, knitting or felting of natural or synthetic fibers. Natural fibers would include cotton, wool, linen, silk, hemp or bamboo. The fabric may be unfinished and ready for dying. Unfinished fabrics are greige goods. The grade of fibers used and the density of the weave or stitches determine the quality of the greige goods. Greige goods are then put through a finishing process that will include printing or dying.

A wide range of fabrics are available at major retailers like Jo-ann Stores and Hancock Fabrics. Home decorating fabrics are available at Calico Corners and through local upholster and home design stores]]. Most every community has a retailer that specializes in quilting fabrics.

The majority of fabric produced in the world is converted to finished apparel or home furnishings. Some portion of each fabric is available for home use. The internet makes just about any fabric available to anyone anywhere.