What's the big deal about order fabric online? To some, it's not a big deal. They get lucky first try. But there are so many factors you need to take into consideration. You wont be able to touch and feel the fabric like you can in store. To me, that's important! If I'm making a dress, I want the fabric to be soft and feel nice against my skin. Not stiff or rough! Then there is also the chance the fabric has a texture to it that you couldn't see in the pictures. Or, what I worry most, is the color is different. All monitors display colors slightly differently. While you think you found the perfect color for your cosplay? Turns out it was darker or lighter (or sometimes no where close) to what it looked like on your computer or phone. There is also the sheerness to the fabric as well. In a recent commission I did, I was going to order what I thought was the perfect fabric (left picture below). Turns out it was way to sheer to use (which was a shame because the color was pretty perfect [right picture below]).
Here's where ordering a sample comes in handy! Most (not all) online sellers sell sample pieces for usually $1 each (some charge less, some charge more; depends on the size of the sample they send). Some sellers even give out free samples! Most offer free shipping on samples but there are a few sites that do charge (which in my opinion is silly... unless you're ordering a lot of samples). The samples are usually 4x4" squares. Though as mentioned before, sometimes they cut bigger samples (there was one set of samples I got that were odd shapes/sizes; probably remnants from projects they had worked on).
I used to just have a pile of the samples, but it was hard to keep track of which ones were from which sites. Originally, I just stapled the sample to a piece of paper and wrote the information to the right of it. Since then, I've upgraded my filing system to binders with custom print outs that I write the information on and staple the sample to.
Ordering samples also gives you an idea of how long it will take for the fabric to come in. Depending on where you order from, it can take anywhere from a week to 3 weeks (or more if it's from overseas). It's definitely something you need to plan a head for but well worth it in the long run.
What do you think about ordering fabric online? Love it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments!
~Serenity