Material Things in Columbia: Where to Find Fabric and Supplies

Material Things is a fabric store in downtown Columbia with a focus on natural fibers and sustainable textiles

Material Things sits on Main Street in Columbia's historic district and carries cotton, linen, wool, and silk alongside smaller quantities of blends and specialty fabrics. The store stocks both yardage for sewing projects and finished goods—scarves, tea towels, and home décor items—many made from the same materials they sell by the yard. The owner curates inventory with an emphasis on durability and environmental impact, which shapes both what arrives in the shop and the price point you'll encounter.

The space itself reflects that philosophy. Wooden shelves hold bolts organized by fiber type and color rather than brand. Natural light from street-facing windows means you can see how fabric actually looks before you commit to a purchase. Staff can discuss fiber properties—how linen behaves when washed, why merino wool resists odor, what "dead stock" means in textile terms—rather than just ringing up a sale.

Key Takeaways

• Material Things specializes in natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk sold by the yard, with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing.
• The store also sells finished goods including scarves, tea towels, and home décor items made from the same materials available for purchase.
• Located on Main Street in downtown Columbia, the shop is walkable and open during standard retail hours, though you should confirm current hours before visiting.
• Staff can discuss fiber properties and care requirements, making the store useful for both experienced sewers and people new to working with natural textiles.

What to expect when you visit

Material Things operates as a browsing-friendly space where you can handle fabric before buying. Bolts are arranged so you can pull them from the shelf, unroll a length to see the weave and drape, and hold it up to natural light. This matters because a photograph of linen online doesn't tell you whether the weight will work for a shirt versus a curtain, or how the color reads in your own home.

Prices reflect the quality and sourcing practices. Natural fiber yardage costs more than polyester blends at a big-box store, but the store's inventory typically lasts longer through washing and wear. If you're accustomed to buying fabric by the pound at clearance bins, this will feel like a different category of shopping altogether.

The finished goods section—scarves, linens, and home items—gives you a sense of how the materials perform once they're made into something. You can feel the weight of a linen napkin, see how a wool scarf drapes, and understand whether natural fiber products match what you're looking for before you commit to buying yardage.

Fiber types and what they're used for

Cotton appears in multiple weights, from lightweight quilting cotton to heavier canvas. It's washable, breathable, and works for clothing, quilts, and home goods. Material Things typically carries both solid colors and printed patterns.

Linen is heavier and has a characteristic slub texture. It wrinkles easily but becomes softer with washing and wear. People choose linen for summer clothing, table linens, and upholstery because it's durable and breathes well in heat.

Wool includes both knit and woven options. It insulates, resists wrinkles, and can last for years. Merino wool is softer than traditional wool and resists odor, making it popular for everyday clothing. Wool also works for blankets, scarves, and felting projects.

Silk is delicate and lustrous, used for special garments, scarves, and home décor. It requires careful washing and handling but drapes beautifully and feels luxurious against skin.

How to prepare before you go

Bring measurements if you're working on a specific project. Know whether you need yardage for a garment (and which garment—a shirt requires different weight than a coat), home goods, or craft work. This helps staff point you toward the right section and weight of fabric.

If you're new to natural fibers, consider what you already own that you like—a favorite linen shirt, a wool sweater, a cotton quilt. Bring that item or describe it, and staff can show you similar materials and explain why certain fibers work for certain projects.

Material Things doesn't require an appointment, but calling ahead to confirm hours is sensible, especially during holidays or if you're traveling from outside Columbia. Ask whether they have a specific fiber in stock before making a trip if you're looking for something particular.

Pricing and what affects cost

Natural fiber fabric costs more per yard than synthetic alternatives because the materials themselves cost more and the sourcing practices are more rigorous. A yard of linen at Material Things will cost significantly more than a yard of polyester at a chain fabric store, but it will also outlast it by years.

Finished goods—scarves, tea towels, napkins—are priced according to materials, size, and labor. A linen napkin costs more than a cotton one, and a hand-finished item costs more than machine-made. These prices reflect actual production costs rather than markup on bulk-manufactured goods.

The store occasionally has sales or discounts on older stock, but Material Things doesn't operate on a clearance model. Inventory moves more slowly than at high-volume retailers, which means prices stay relatively stable.

Sustainability practices and sourcing

Material Things prioritizes natural fibers partly because they biodegrade and require fewer chemical treatments than synthetics. The store seeks out suppliers who use sustainable farming practices, though sourcing standards vary by fiber and supplier. Linen production, for example, uses less water than cotton in some regions but more in others.

The finished goods sold in the store are often made locally or by small producers, which reduces shipping impact and supports smaller makers. If you're interested in the sourcing story behind a specific bolt or item, staff can usually tell you where it came from and why they chose to stock it.

Buying natural fiber fabric that lasts for years—a shirt you wear for a decade, a quilt that passes to the next generation—is itself a sustainability practice. Material Things' inventory reflects that philosophy: materials chosen for durability rather than trend.

Other fabric stores in the Columbia area

Material Things is one option among several in the Midlands. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores has multiple locations and carries a wider range of synthetics, patterns, and notions at lower price points. Quilt shops scattered throughout Columbia and surrounding towns focus on quilting cotton and piecing supplies. Estate sales and antique malls occasionally have vintage fabric and linens.

If you're looking for upholstery fabric, drapery materials, or commercial-grade textiles, other suppliers specialize in those categories. Material Things' strength is in natural fiber yardage and finished goods for personal projects rather than large-scale upholstery work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to sew to shop at Material Things?

No. Many customers buy finished goods—scarves, napkins, tea towels—without sewing. Others buy yardage to learn sewing or to work with a tailor. Staff can discuss fiber properties and care with anyone, whether you're planning to sew or simply want to understand the materials better.

Can I order fabric online or by phone?

Material Things operates primarily as a walk-in shop where you can see and feel fabric before buying. Contact the store directly to ask about phone orders or special requests, but expect that you'll need to visit in person for most purchases.

What's the difference between linen and cotton?

Cotton is softer and more versatile for clothing and quilts. Linen is heavier, wrinkles more, but becomes softer with washing and lasts longer. Linen breathes better in heat and resists odor. Choose cotton for everyday garments and quilts; choose linen for summer clothing, table linens, and items you want to last decades.

How do I care for natural fiber fabrics?

Most natural fibers wash in cool or warm water and air-dry well. Linen and cotton shrink slightly when first washed, so account for that in projects. Wool requires gentle washing or dry cleaning depending on the weight. Staff at Material Things can discuss care for specific fabrics you're considering.

Is Material Things more expensive than other fabric stores?

Yes, per yard. Natural fiber yardage costs more than synthetic alternatives at chain stores. But natural fibers last longer, often for years or decades, which makes the cost per wear lower over time. If you're comparing price alone, Material Things will be higher; if you're comparing durability, the value shifts.