This North Carolina Fabric Wonderland Has Crafters Coming From Miles Around

I never expected to spend an entire afternoon wandering through aisles of fabric, but that’s exactly what happened when I first walked into Cary Quilting Company at 935 N Harrison Ave, Cary, North Carolina. The moment I stepped inside, I understood why quilters drive from Ohio and beyond to visit this remarkable shop.

Row after row of colorful fabrics stretched before me, each bolt telling its own story through patterns and hues. The staff greeted me with genuine warmth, and I quickly learned that this wasn’t just a store but a thriving community hub where creativity flourishes.

North Carolina creativity shines in every bolt of fabric here. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or someone who’s never threaded a needle, this place has something special to offer.

Let me share what makes this North Carolina destination worth the journey, no matter how far you travel.

1. Biannual Handmade Markets Showcasing Local Artisans

Twice each year, the shop transforms into a bustling marketplace celebrating local creativity. The Handmade Markets bring together artisans from across the region, offering unique handcrafted items you won’t find anywhere else.

Vendors showcase quilts, fabric crafts, home decor, and specialty items that complement the quilting lifestyle. I attended one market and found myself surrounded by incredible talent.

Each booth told a story of dedication and craftsmanship.

These events support small businesses by providing affordable vendor space and access to engaged customers. Shoppers mark their calendars months in advance.

The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as people discover one-of-a-kind treasures.

The markets strengthen community bonds while introducing customers to new artists and techniques. Live demonstrations add educational value to the shopping experience.

Food vendors often participate, making it easy to spend an entire day browsing and connecting with fellow craft enthusiasts in this welcoming environment.

2. Award-Winning Excellence Since Opening

Recognition from industry experts doesn’t happen by accident. Cary Quilting Company has earned the title of Best Fabric Shop from IndyWeek Magazine for five consecutive years, from 2018 through 2022.

The awards kept coming, including the prestigious Top Shop designation from Quilt Sampler Magazine in 2022. These aren’t participation trophies but meaningful acknowledgments of exceptional service and quality.

During my visit, I noticed customers mentioning they’d read about the shop’s reputation before making the trip. The awards reflect what customers already know: this shop sets the standard for excellence.

What makes these honors special is that they recognize the complete experience. The selection, service, atmosphere, and community engagement all contribute to the shop’s stellar reputation.

You can feel the pride radiating from the staff when they discuss these achievements.

3. Expert Leadership From Julianne Walther

Behind every great shop stands a passionate leader, and owner Julianne Walther brings more than two decades of quilting expertise to her business. She’s not just a shop owner but a professional quilt appraiser and published author.

Her book, Portrait Art Quilts: From Photos to Fabric, demonstrates her deep knowledge and innovative approach to the craft. I spotted it displayed proudly near the register, where customers often purchase signed copies.

Julianne’s expertise shapes every aspect of the shop’s operation. She personally selects fabric lines, designs class curricula, and ensures that customers receive knowledgeable guidance.

Her vision transformed a small venture into a regional destination.

Customers from Ohio and neighboring states seek her appraisal services, trusting her trained eye to evaluate their heirloom quilts. Her approachable demeanor makes even beginners feel comfortable asking questions.

The shop reflects her commitment to building community through shared creativity and mutual support.

4. Spacious 6,000 Square Foot Facility

Space matters when you’re shopping for fabric or taking a class. In April 2018, the shop expanded into a 6,000-square-foot facility at Northwoods Market Center, tripling its previous footprint.

The expansion allowed for dedicated areas that enhance the customer experience. A separate Meeting Center hosts classes and events without disrupting shopping.

The Longarm Quilting area operates efficiently in its own designated space.

I appreciated the wide aisles that accommodate multiple shoppers browsing simultaneously. The layout flows naturally, guiding you through different sections without feeling overwhelming.

Natural light pours through large windows, making color selection accurate and pleasant.

The spacious design also accommodates special events like trunk shows and markets. Customers mentioned how much easier it is to navigate compared to cramped shops they’d visited elsewhere.

Storage areas remain hidden, keeping the shopping floor uncluttered and inviting throughout your visit.

5. Professional Longarm Quilting Services

Finishing a quilt top is one thing, but quilting it properly requires specialized equipment and skills. The shop’s professional longarm quilting services save customers countless hours while delivering museum-quality results.

The dedicated longarm area houses state-of-the-art machines operated by experienced technicians. I watched one technician work magic on a customer’s quilt, transforming a flat top into a dimensional masterpiece through intricate stitching patterns.

Customers bring quilts from across North Carolina, trusting the shop’s reputation for careful handling and beautiful work. The service includes consultation to choose patterns that complement each quilt’s design.

Turnaround times are reasonable, and the pricing remains competitive.

Edge-to-edge designs provide affordable options, while custom quilting allows for personalized artistry. The staff treats every quilt with respect, understanding the hours invested in piecing each top.

This service completes the creative circle, turning your hard work into a finished heirloom.

6. Classes For Every Skill Level

Learning never stops when you’re passionate about quilting. The shop offers classes ranging from absolute beginner sessions to advanced technique workshops, ensuring everyone finds appropriate instruction.

First-time quilters discover the basics in supportive beginner classes that demystify the process. I spoke with a woman who’d taken her first class here and now returns quarterly for advanced workshops.

The progression of skills builds naturally through the curriculum.

Experienced instructors bring patience and expertise to every session. Class sizes remain small enough for individual attention but large enough to foster community connections.

The dedicated Meeting Center provides comfortable space with proper lighting and equipment.

Special topic classes cover everything from paper piecing to modern quilting techniques. The schedule rotates regularly, offering fresh learning opportunities throughout the year.

Many students form lasting friendships through these classes, creating bonds that extend beyond the classroom into quilting guilds and social groups.

7. Over 5,000 Bolts Of Premium Quilting Cotton

Walking through the fabric aisles felt like stepping into a rainbow that someone had carefully organized by shade and tone. Every color imaginable lines the walls, from deep burgundies to soft pastels, and the selection keeps growing.

The shop stocks more than 5,000 bolts of high-quality quilting cotton, which means you’ll find exactly what you need for any project. I watched customers carefully selecting fabrics, their eyes lighting up as they discovered perfect matches for their quilts.

What impressed me most was the organization system. Fabrics are grouped logically, making it easy to find complementary colors or specific designers.

The staff knows every inch of the inventory and can point you toward hidden treasures.

Fresh shipments arrive regularly, so repeat visitors always discover something new. The quality standards are impressively high, with each fabric chosen for its durability and beauty.

This extensive selection eliminates the frustration of settling for second-best options.

8. Exceptional Customer Service From Passionate Staff

Knowledge and kindness go hand in hand at this shop. The 22-member staff consists entirely of passionate quilters who genuinely love helping customers succeed with their projects.

Every staff member I encountered offered assistance without hovering. They answered questions thoroughly, shared personal experiences, and suggested solutions I hadn’t considered.

Their enthusiasm proved contagious, inspiring me to try new techniques.

Customers specifically mentioned the staff’s helpfulness in online reviews. Unlike big-box stores where employees lack specialized knowledge, these team members understand quilting inside and out.

They can estimate yardage, suggest coordinating fabrics, and troubleshoot pattern issues.

The welcoming atmosphere makes newcomers feel comfortable asking basic questions. Staff members remember regular customers and their projects, creating personal connections that transform shopping into relationship-building.

This exceptional service explains why people drive hours to shop here rather than ordering online or visiting closer alternatives.

9. Convenient Location Just Off Interstate 40

Getting there couldn’t be easier. The shop sits just three miles from Interstate 40 at exit 287, making it accessible for travelers passing through or visitors coming specifically to shop.

The Northwoods Market Center location provides ample parking, which I appreciated after hearing stories about cramped lots at other shops. Clear signage guides you directly to the entrance.

The convenient access attracts customers from distant locations who might skip harder-to-reach destinations.

Road-trippers often include the shop as a planned stop on longer journeys. The location works perfectly for day trips from nearby cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

GPS coordinates lead you straight to the door without confusion.

Being near the interstate doesn’t mean dealing with traffic noise or chaos. The shopping center feels peaceful and removed from highway hustle.

After shopping, you’ll find restaurants and other amenities nearby, making it easy to plan an entire day around your visit to this fabric paradise.

10. Wheelchair Accessible And Inclusive Environment

Everyone deserves access to creativity. The shop’s wheelchair-accessible design ensures that physical limitations never prevent anyone from enjoying the full shopping experience.

Wide aisles accommodate wheelchairs and walkers comfortably. Fabric bolts are displayed at various heights, allowing everyone to browse independently.

The checkout counter includes a lowered section for easier transactions.

The inclusive atmosphere extends beyond physical accessibility. Quilters of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels receive equal welcome and respect.

I observed staff members patiently assisting an elderly customer and moments later enthusiastically helping a young beginner.

The diverse customer base reflects this commitment to inclusion. Visitors across the country appreciate finding a space where everyone belongs.

Classes accommodate different learning styles and physical abilities. Restrooms meet accessibility standards, and parking includes designated accessible spaces close to the entrance.

This thoughtful design demonstrates that inclusivity isn’t an afterthought but a core value.

11. Extended Tuesday Hours Until 7 PM

Busy schedules shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing your passion. Recognizing that many quilters work traditional hours, the shop stays open until 7 PM every Tuesday, accommodating after-work shoppers.

This extended evening provides precious time for customers who can’t visit during standard business hours. I met several working professionals who specifically plan their fabric shopping for Tuesday evenings.

The later closing time eliminates the stress of rushing from work.

The shop maintains full staffing during evening hours, ensuring you receive the same excellent service as daytime visitors. Classes sometimes run during these extended hours, maximizing facility use.

Customers who’ve made the drive appreciate having flexibility in their shopping schedule.

The Tuesday extension demonstrates the shop’s commitment to serving customers rather than just maintaining convenient hours for the business. Other days close at 5 PM, with Sunday hours running from 1 to 5 PM.

This schedule balances accessibility with staff wellbeing, creating sustainable operations that benefit everyone.

12. Active Community Support And Charitable Initiatives

Giving back transforms a business into a community pillar. Cary Quilting Company actively supports local events, organizations, and people in need through various charitable initiatives and sponsorships.

The shop served as a gold sponsor and vendor at QuiltCon 2024 in Raleigh, supporting one of the quilting world’s premier events. When Hurricane Helene devastated communities, the shop immediately organized quilt collections for affected families.

These weren’t token gestures but meaningful commitments of resources and energy.

Staff members encourage customers to participate in charity quilting projects. The shop provides discounted materials for quilts destined for hospitals, shelters, and disaster relief.

I witnessed customers dropping off completed charity quilts, continuing their support even from a distance.

Local guilds find a welcoming partner in the shop, which hosts meetings and provides space for community projects. This generous spirit creates ripple effects throughout the region, inspiring others to contribute their talents toward helping those in need through the comforting art of quilting.

13. Robust Online Presence And Digital Resources

Modern convenience meets traditional craft through the shop’s excellent website and digital presence. The user-friendly online platform allows you to browse products, register for classes, and stay updated on events from anywhere.

The website showcases new fabric arrivals with clear photography that represents colors accurately. Class schedules post well in advance, allowing you to plan visits around learning opportunities.

Online registration simplifies the enrollment process, eliminating phone tag.

Social media accounts share inspiration, tips, and community highlights regularly. Customers follow these channels to stay connected between visits.

The digital presence extends the shop’s reach while maintaining its personal touch through engaging content.

Email newsletters announce sales, new products, and special events. The website includes helpful resources like yardage calculators and project ideas.

While online shopping continues growing, this shop proves that digital tools can enhance rather than replace the in-person experience, helping customers plan visits and stay inspired between trips to this remarkable North Carolina destination.

14. Comprehensive Notions, Patterns, And Batting Selection

Fabric alone doesn’t complete a quilt. The shop stocks everything else you need, from specialized rulers to thread, patterns to batting, eliminating frustrating trips to multiple stores.

The notions section rivals the fabric selection in both quality and variety. Rotary cutters, scissors, marking tools, and specialty feet fill organized displays.

I found tools I didn’t know existed, each designed to solve specific quilting challenges.

Pattern books line dedicated shelves, offering inspiration for every style from traditional to modern. The batting selection includes various weights, fibers, and sizes to match any project requirement.

Staff members help you choose appropriate materials based on your quilt’s intended use.

Thread options span every color imaginable, with both practical workhorses and decorative specialty threads available. Quilters stock up during visits, knowing they’ll find superior products at fair prices.

This comprehensive selection means you can start and finish projects using materials from a single trusted source, ensuring quality and compatibility throughout.