Rifle Paper Co. Fabric Review: A Fresh Source for Quilting Cotton, Rayon, and Linen

Introduction

With Joann’s no longer around, many sewists are looking for new places to buy fabric. One brand that might not be on your radar yet is Rifle Paper Co. Known since 2009 for illustrated paper goods, gifts, home decor, and accessories, the company also sells fabric directly from its website. This review covers the three fabric types currently available, what it is like to order, and how the fabrics hold up in real sewing projects.

Who This Fabric Is For

Rifle Paper Co. fabrics suit sewists who appreciate distinctive, illustrated prints with a refined, elegant feel. The style sits somewhere between Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer, and Liberty of London, with a strong focus on floral patterns, seasonal designs, and small motifs like animals. If you enjoy making dresses, blouses, bags, pouches, or quilting projects with a unique visual character, these fabrics offer a fresh alternative to more common quilting cottons.

The brand also appeals to those who like to coordinate their sewing projects with matching accessories. Rifle Paper Co. sells candles, pens, gifts, and other items in the same prints, so you can pair a handmade item with a matching store-bought piece.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Orders arrive neatly packaged with a small card inside. One side of the card invites you to share your work using a specific hashtag on Instagram, and the backside lists care instructions. The card notes that the dyes used are reactive dyes, meaning the colors are stable and will not release excess dye. Pre-washing is not necessary, but if you choose to pre-wash, the instructions recommend cold water and damp drying, followed by air drying to complete the process. This method retains the fabric’s finish and works for quilters who prefer either pre-washed or unwashed fabric.

For garment fabrics, pre-washing in cold water is still a sensible step to account for any potential shrinkage. The packaging and presentation feel thoughtful, and the included care card is genuinely useful.

The Rayon: A Pleasant Surprise

The rayon fabric is a fine, lightweight material with a matte, silky finish that does not feel cheap. It drapes nicely and, notably, is a bit easier to work with than many other rayons, which can be slippery and frustrating to handle. This makes it a strong candidate for dresses or blouses where drape matters.

The print reviewed here is called Juniper Forest in the color evergreen, a rich, deep green floral that came in multiple colorways. The rayon selvage reads “Screen printed in Japan,” which adds a nice touch of provenance. At 43 to 44 inches wide, the width is fairly standard, even for rayon, which sometimes comes in wider backings.

The Metallic Canvas: Sturdy and Versatile

The metallic canvas is a medium-weight fabric with a nice drape. It is not overly thick, but it has enough body that bags or pouches made from it likely would not need interfacing. The canvas reviewed here came in two colorways: a cream background and a pink background, both featuring a bunny print from an Easter collection.

A separate order included a metallic quilting cotton from a holiday collection called Holiday Classics, with a mint background and a gold print. Despite the holiday name, the design is not overtly seasonal, so it works for year-round projects. The metallic finish is subtle and elegant rather than flashy.

Quality, Care, and Ordering Experience

The overall quality across all fabric types is consistently high. The rayon is fine and drapes well, the canvas has a satisfying weight, and the quilting cotton is beautiful. The selvages are especially charming, with printed labels and decorative details that are worth saving for a future project.

Orders can be placed in lengths from 1 to 6 yards, and multiple yards arrive as a continuous piece. Customer service has been seamless across several orders, with no issues reported. Shipping is reliable, and everything arrives well packaged. Fabrics can sell out, so it is worth checking back regularly.

Buying Advice

Prices sit in the mid-range, not the most expensive and not the cheapest. The quality justifies the cost, and the brand runs frequent site-wide sales, especially after holidays. Signing up for the email list is a good way to catch promotions and free shipping offers. Buying seasonal fabrics after the holiday is an easy way to get a good deal, as demonstrated by the Easter fabric purchased at a discount after Easter.

Conclusion

Rifle Paper Co. is a reliable source for distinctive, high-quality fabrics. The rayon, canvas, and quilting cotton each perform well in their intended uses, and the ordering experience is smooth from start to finish. If you are looking for a new fabric supplier with a unique aesthetic, this brand is worth adding to your list.