Where to Donate a Loved One's Fabric Stash in MA, CT, RI, NY & VT

 

A guide for families in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont

There's a running joke in the quilting and sewing world: whoever dies with the most fabric wins.

If you're reading this, you're likely going through the home of a parent, sibling, or dear friend who was a lifelong sewer, quilter, or crafter — and you've found it: bins of fabric, drawers of notions, stacks of patterns, bags of yarn. Maybe a whole room of it.

First, take a breath. You're not alone. Paper City Fabrics is here to help find great new homes for your loved one's stash.

Give Fabric and Sewing Notions to Paper City Fabrics

At Paper City Fabrics (330 High St., Holyoke, MA), we operate on a thrift store model. Most of the fabric, sewing notions, and crafting supplies you see in store or online came directly from someone in our community.

Our mission is to make sewing affordable and accessible, so we sell all fabric at $6 per yard, and we offer low-cost sewing classes to kids, teens, and adults.

We welcome donations from across the region, making us a great option for families in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Vermont.

How to Schedule a Donation Drop-Off

  • Smaller donations (under 5 bags or bins): Schedule your drop-off using the calendar feature on our website. Appointments are required. Walk-ins are not accepted at this time.
  • Larger donations (5 or more bags or bins): Send us an email with your location and the contents of your donation (e.g., five bags of quilting cotton, two bags of patterns). For large estates and significant collections, we may be able to arrange a pickup. Reach out and we'll work with you.

What We Accept

✅ Yes, please:

  • Fabric
  • Sewing patterns
  • Yarn
  • Notions (buttons, zippers, thread, etc.)
  • Sewing tools

❌ Not accepted:

  • Fabric with a strong odor
  • Stained or moth-eaten fabric
  • Completed or partially completed projects
  • Clothing, curtains, or bedsheets
  • Sewing machines

Don't worry about sorting or organizing. We handle all measuring, sorting, and labeling. Just bring it in bags or boxes — and note that containers can't be returned after sorting.

Common Questions

Is my donation tax deductible?

No. We are not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations to Paper City Fabrics are not tax deductible.

What if there's too much fabric to bring in one trip?

For large estates, email info@papercityfabrics.com to discuss options. We may be able to arrange a pickup for large donations.

Will the fabric actually get used?

Yes! Paper City Fabrics has an active community of quilters, sewers, and makers who shop regularly. Fabric goes quickly.

What if I'm not sure something is acceptable to donate?

When in doubt, reach out before your drop-off. Contact us at info@papercityfabrics.com or call (413) 322-9419.

A Good Home for a Lifetime of Craft

Your loved one spent years — maybe decades — building that stash. Every piece of fabric was chosen with intention. Donating it means another maker gets to finish what they started.

That's not a small thing.

Ready to schedule a drop-off? Visit our donations page to get started.

Back to blog