The empty parking lots and darkened windows at the local shopping center tell a story that many crafters still haven't fully processed. For decades, a trip to Joann was basically a rite of passage for anyone with a sewing machine or a glue gun. But the question of when will Joann fabrics close has already been answered with a finality that feels a bit surreal.
Honestly, the timeline moved way faster than anyone expected. It started with a whisper of financial trouble and ended with a total liquidation. By May 31, 2025, the lights went out for good at the last remaining physical locations across the United States.
It's weird walking into a craft room now and seeing a half-finished quilt with fabric you can't just go "run and get more of" at the corner store. We're living in a post-Joann world, and if you're wondering how a retail giant with 800 stores just vanished, the details are kind of a mess.
The Timeline: When Will Joann Fabrics Close for Good?
The short answer is: they already did. The "total store liquidation" wasn't a slow burn; it was more like a flash fire. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in early 2025—a move people in the finance world call a "Chapter 22"—the company couldn't find a buyer willing to keep the doors open.
Here is how the end actually went down:
- January 15, 2025: Joann filed for bankruptcy again. They cited massive debt and a weird inventory crisis where suppliers basically stopped sending them fabric.
- February 12, 2025: The company announced they were closing about 500 stores. At this point, we all thought the "top performing" 300 might survive.
- February 24, 2025: The "save the stores" plan fell apart. Joann announced they were liquidating everything. Every single store.
- May 30, 2025: The very last stores officially locked their doors.
It's gone. If you see a sign that looks like a Joann today in 2026, it's likely just a "ghost sign" that hasn't been scraped off the building yet.
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What Happened to the Inventory and the Website?
You've probably noticed that if you type joann.com into your browser, things look a little... different. Or maybe you've seen Joann-branded yarn showing up in weird places.
Basically, while the stores died, the "stuff" was bought up. Michaels, the big rival, swooped in and bought the intellectual property and the private label brands. This means brands like Big Twist, Top Notch, and those specific "Joann Fabric" patterns didn't actually disappear from the earth.
Michaels started rolling out "Knit and Sew Shops" inside their own stores around June 2025. They saw a 77% jump in people searching for "fabric" on their site the minute Joann went under. They knew exactly what they were doing.
Why the "Chapter 22" Was the Final Nail
Most people remember the first bankruptcy in 2024. Joann came out of that one looking okay—on paper, anyway. They cut their debt by about $500 million and stayed private.
But behind the scenes? It was a disaster. Suppliers were spooked. They started demanding "cash on delivery," which is basically a death sentence for a retailer that relies on credit to keep shelves full. If you walked into a store in late 2024 and thought, "Man, this place looks empty," you weren't imagining it.
The company was spending $26 million a month just on rent. You have to sell a lot of fat quarters and scrapbooking stickers to cover a $26 million monthly bill. When the second filing happened in January 2025, the creditors decided they'd rather sell the fixtures and the fabric for pennies on the dollar than try to fix the broken business again.
Where to Buy Fabric in 2026
Since the question isn't "when will they close" but "where do I go now," the landscape has shifted toward a mix of big-box survivors and digital shops.
Michaels is the obvious successor. They've added over 600 products that used to be Joann exclusives. If you need that specific brand of yarn you used for the last five years, check there first.
Walmart has actually stepped up their game in rural areas. They've expanded their fabric-by-the-yard sections in over 4,000 locations. It’s not the same "boutique" feel, but for basic cottons and utility fabrics, it works.
Hobby Lobby remains the go-to for many, especially for upholstery and home decor fabric. They have massive in-store selections, though their corporate policies and hours (closed Sundays) aren't for everyone.
Then there's the "indie" route. Small local quilt shops are seeing a bit of a renaissance. Without the "category killer" Joann down the street undercutting their prices on Every. Single. Thing., these small shops are finally able to breathe.
Actionable Next Steps for Crafters
- Check Michaels for Legacy Brands: If you’re looking for Big Twist or Pop! yarn, search the Michaels website. They own those labels now.
- Update Your Bookmarks: The old Joann app is a digital paperweight. Delete it and move your rewards or project lists to a different platform.
- Support Local: Find a local quilt or yarn shop in your town. They might be 10% more expensive, but they won't disappear overnight because of a private equity dispute.
- Shop "Destash" Groups: Facebook and Reddit are full of people selling their "Joann hoards." If you need a specific discontinued print, that's your best bet.
The closing of Joann Fabrics marks the end of an 82-year run. It sucks, honestly. But the "maker" community is nothing if not resourceful. We’ll find new places to touch every bolt of fabric before deciding we don't actually need it—only to go back and buy it two days later.