Five Eighth Seams: A Fabric Store in Columbia for Quilters and Sewers

What Five Eighth Seams Offers

Five Eighth Seams is a fabric store in Columbia that specializes in quilting cotton, batting, thread, and notions for sewers and quilters. The shop carries bolts of fabric organized by color and pattern, along with the tools and supplies you need to complete a project—rotary cutters, rulers, cutting mats, and binding tape. Staff members can help you find what you're looking for and answer questions about fabric weight, fiber content, and whether a particular cotton will work for your project.

The store also hosts classes and workshops throughout the year, ranging from beginner quilting to specific techniques like foundation paper piecing or appliqué. These sessions are taught by experienced quilters and are designed for people at different skill levels. You can stop in to browse, take a class, or ask for advice on a project you're working on at home.

Key Takeaways

• Five Eighth Seams stocks quilting cotton, batting, thread, and sewing notions in a single location in Columbia.
• The store staff can answer questions about fabric types and help you choose materials suited to your project.
• Classes and workshops are offered regularly for quilters and sewers at different experience levels.
• You can visit to browse fabric, purchase supplies, or get in-person guidance on your current sewing project.

Fabric Selection and Organization

The shop carries a rotating selection of quilting cotton from multiple manufacturers, displayed in bolts organized by color family and print style. You'll find solid colors, small-scale prints, large florals, geometric patterns, and novelty fabrics. The inventory changes with the seasons and includes both classic designs and newer collections released by fabric companies.

Beyond fabric, Five Eighth Seams stocks batting in different weights and fiber blends—cotton, polyester, and cotton-blend options—so you can choose what works best for your quilt or project. Thread is available in a wide range of colors, and the store carries specialty threads for quilting, piecing, and decorative work. Notions include binding, elastic, zippers, buttons, and other finishing supplies.

Classes and Workshops Throughout the Year

Five Eighth Seams offers structured classes for people learning to quilt or sew for the first time, as well as workshops for experienced makers who want to learn a new technique or refine their skills. Class topics have included basic quilting, strip piecing, curved seams, and hand-stitching methods. Workshops are typically scheduled on weekends or weekday evenings to accommodate different schedules.

Instructors are working quilters and sewers who can demonstrate techniques hands-on and answer questions as you work. Class size is kept small enough that you get individual attention. You can ask about upcoming class schedules when you visit the store or contact them directly for a current calendar.

Getting Help with Your Own Projects

If you're working on a quilt or sewing project at home and get stuck, you can bring your work in or describe what you're trying to do and ask for advice. Staff members can help troubleshoot problems like puckered seams, fabric that's stretching, or difficulty with a particular step in a pattern. They can also recommend fabrics or supplies based on what you're making.

This kind of in-person guidance is especially useful when you're learning—a quick conversation can save you time and frustration. The store is set up as a place where makers gather, so you'll often find other quilters and sewers in the shop who are happy to share what they've learned.

Location and Hours

Five Eighth Seams is located in Columbia. Before your first visit, check the store's hours online or call ahead, as hours may vary by season or for special events. The shop is designed for browsing, so you can spend as much time as you need looking at fabric and supplies.

Parking is available at the store location. If you're new to the area or to quilting, arriving when the store is less busy can give you more time to talk with staff and explore the selection without feeling rushed.

Why Local Fabric Stores Matter

Shopping at a local fabric store means you can see and touch fabric before you buy it, which matters when you're choosing colors and prints for a project. Online shopping can't show you how a fabric drapes, how the colors look in natural light, or how the print scale works with other fabrics you've chosen. At Five Eighth Seams, you can hold multiple bolts side by side and make decisions in real time.

Local stores also build community. Regular customers get to know the staff, take classes together, and share projects. Many quilters and sewers find that having a neighborhood shop makes the hobby more enjoyable and keeps them motivated to finish projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to sew before I take a class?

No. Five Eighth Seams offers beginner classes designed for people with no sewing experience. The instructor will teach you how to use the machine, cut fabric accurately, and piece your first quilt. You'll learn at your own pace in a small group.

Can I bring fabric from home to a class?

Yes. Many classes allow you to bring your own fabric and work on a personal project while learning the technique being taught. Ask when you register whether the specific class you're interested in allows this, since some classes use provided materials.

What if I can't find a specific fabric at the store?

Staff can often order fabric for you if it's still in print from the manufacturer. Bring the fabric line name and collection name if you have it, and they can check availability and let you know the cost and timeline for arrival.

Are there discounts for buying in bulk?

Policies on bulk purchases and discounts vary. Ask the staff when you visit or call the store directly to learn about any current pricing for larger orders.

Can I return fabric if I change my mind?

Return and exchange policies differ by store. Check with Five Eighth Seams directly about their policy on returns and whether fabric must be uncut and in original condition.