Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store

This was what all the Jo-Ann’s stores used you look like before they started opening up the large super centers that we see most often these days. Most of these small locations have closed (I grew up going to the one in Dearborn Heights at the Heights shopping center, it closed over a decade ago) so in some ways I commend this location for hanging in there despite the trend toward the big locations.
But there’s a reason they moved toward the big locations. They’re just better. They carry more inventory. A larger selection of products and a larger variety within those categories. So while this location gets my props for hanging in there it’s not my favorite location to go to. Even though this one is miles closer to my house I will go out of my way to go to the Carpenter location when I need supplies because it is waaaayyy more stocked.
But for little things you may need in a pinch – some basic fabrics, food coloring, craft glue, needle and thread… this location gets the job done. But it’s definitely not the place for finding inspiration or variety.

I’ve experienced such horrible service on such a consistent basis that I’ve contacted corporate and spoken with a representative multiple times. You’re never greeted, there’s no «thank you for shopping here,» I once made the mistake of asking if their store carried Cricut vinyl (I’d seen it at other JoAnns) and the older lady I asked practically spat «no, they don’t even make vinyl» (which they did/​do). I live walking distance from this store and I will drive across the city to Michael’s to avoid this store.

If you’ve been to a Jo-​Ann before, you know what to expect. Ok selection of fabrics, decent sales, and often some pretty useful coupons. I like to sew, so I’ve been here several times, but I definitely prefer the Jo-​Ann on Carpenter unless I’m just picking up a pattern or thread. The selection of fabrics at the Carpenter Jo-​Ann is much better, as the store there is much larger. I really only come here for sewing supplies, but there’s also cake decorating supplies, seasonal decorations, etc.
The employees have all been nice enough. I’ve never needed to ask a question here, so I don’t know how useful they are as sources of information.
Pricewise… Patterns go on sale routinely, so I never care to pay more than a buck or two for a pattern. Just watch the ads if you’re looking for a particular brand. Fabrics run from fairly cheap, especially when on sale, to quite expensive, yet none of it is super high quality.
Overall, this Jo-​Ann is fine if you just need to stop in and get something small, or if you’re a beginner sewer and aren’t extremely picky about your fabrics.

The Carpenter Road store is the better option by far. Not only is the selection lacking here, but the employees are not knowledgeable about sewing! I have overheard many questions asked by other folks that I could easily answer, but that left the employee stumped. Not that it troubled the employee at all. Some days you’d think the store were staffed with robots. The cutting counter people at Carpenter Road always ask what I’m going to make and I’ve been given more than a few great pieces of advice.

This is not the Joann’s you’re looking for. This one sucks. Seriously. The selection is crappy and outdated and it seems for every type of project or craft they are always missing something you really need. And that’s no good because then you get sent to the store on Carpenter Road and realize you should have known better and just headed there in the first place. And then your Catholic Guilt spirals out of control in a whirlwind of self doubt and self hatred. So you go home and rather than work on any sort of crafting you have a drink and sit in the dark wishing you weren’t so damn stupid.
Why would you go to a place that makes you feel like this?
Seriously, though… I’d skip it. Target has a fresher craft section tht has awesome smashing stuff now that that’s the rage. Also, the staff here is a little out of it, slow, and rude.

I love the products at Joann’s as I can typically find everything I need, I.e. I am not a big crafter but I do like to sew on occasion. My only beef is every time I visit I end up waiting in line, always. I tend to be a bit of an impatient person but I put on my big lady pants when I go to Joann’s
because I know what to expect, a wait. This one thing aside, I like the store. Location and parking is great.

I thought there was something wrong when I was waiting behind one of the four registers set up in a square because all four of the cashiers were flashing me dirty looks. A cashier mentioned I where I was supposed to line up. I told my friend about the dirty looks and another customer mentioned they are not known for their customer service. So not only do I know where to line up but I also know why they have that reputation. The cashier seemed like she was trying not to be completely snotty when I had my turn.

This location is smaller and the inventory less extensive than the «superstore» on Carpenter, so I keep that in mind when I head out the door. (I have also reviewed the Carpenter location.)
Even though this location has a little less of each class of item, the selection of zippers, Wright’s bindings and threads seems to be the same as at the Carpenter location.
NO PUBLIC BATHROOM.
While at the Oak Valley Drive location today, I noticed that this place has an entire wall of fleece. Fifty feet or more of wall space, floor to ceiling. All polyester fleece. I use fleece to make «neck gaiters,» which is a type of circular scarf that stays up over your nose. I wear them when I ski. You can only use so many scarves. I think most of the fleece goes to make no-​sew throws for the couch.
What I like the most about this location (besides having shorter lines) is that they’ll let you use more than one coupon at a time. The coupons have to be different. For example, they must have different start and end dates. They must be for different items. Some coupons are for 40% or 50% off ANY ITEM, while others are only for fabric, some only for beading items, etc. So read carefully, and see if you can use more than one at a time.
The really nice coupons are those that give you 10% or even 20% off your entire order, EVEN IF SOME ITEMS ARE ALREADY ON SALE.

Joann Fabrics is fine. It’s perfectly fine. You can get good deals on fabrics (especially if you sign up to receive their coupons) but like the previous reviewer said, the fabric is at the lower-​end. I guess that’s why it’s affordable compared to other fabric shops. For a beginner sewer (which I am) I think it’s okay to work to come here for fabric but the customer service is iffy. Sometimes they’re super helpful in answering questions and other times, they’re just too busy to help or maybe they don’t even really care to help. Not really sure which.
They also carry lots of useful items for sewing, knitting, arts & crafts, holiday decorations, etc.

This is a nice little fabric and art supply store. I go here to buy zippers, needles, and batting for my quilts.
Apparently, a lot of people don’t realize that the fabric at Jo-Ann’s chain stores is fairly low-​end. Trust me, it is! Actually, you don’t have to take my word for it, go to one of the quilting shops in the area (I’ve reviewed several) and pet their fabrics. You’ll feel the difference. And if you start sewing with the good stuff, you’ll notice a difference there, too! Stitches hold better, dyes don’t run, and everything feels better.
Sometimes Joann’s does have some very cute prints and I do buy fabric from them occasionally, but I relegate their fabric to things like napkins and pillowcases; I don’t trust them in my quilts!
The best thing about Jo-Ann’s is the sales. Sign up for their mailing and emailing lists and you will regularly get a coupon for 40 or 50% off of one item. This is wonderful when you need to replace your $ 45 cutting mat or buy batting! Also, they carry a lot of great dress patterns. Again, wait for the sales on these; if you are patient, you can get most patterns for $ 2. I keep a running list of patterns I want in my planner and then just pick them up when they are on sale.
This Jo-Ann’s is smaller than the one on Carpenter, but unlike the one on Carpenter, it doesn’t have a warehouse feel, you can get your fabric cut fairly quickly, and it hasn’t been completely taken over with thousands of bolts of fleece (seriously, what’s with the fleece?)