As part of our Handmade Code series, we’re bringing you news and how-to’s about the innovations emerging from the Etsy Developer Community. Located at developer.etsy.com, the Etsy Developer Community serves as a hub for third-party software developers who are making neat and helpful programs for Etsy shoppers and sellers. Recently, Etsy Admin daniellexo suggested we interview Catherine about her application, morecloth.
For years I’ve been fascinated by textiles and textile design. I like looking at fabric, stitching it into one-of-a-kind quilts and potholders, creating fabric designs of my own, and writing software for that purpose. I wrote the morecloth app partly just for myself ⎯ as a window through which I could look at emerging design and color trends in the make-it-yourself fabric world. But I also wanted to do something that might benefit small fabric-related businesses and, indirectly, the many ingenious designers whose work appears in this milieu.
What’s the basic idea of the application? What need does it fill?
There’s a lot of attractive fabric for sale at Etsy. This application selects some of what’s available and groups it according to color, giving buyers a new, color-oriented way to browse through fabrics in many shops at once, as well as giving sellers another way to reach buyers.
Where do we go to find it? What’s the URL?
Go to http://www.morecloth.com.
Who is it for? How many people are using it right now?
It’s for anyone who wants a quick, distraction-free glimpse of Etsy fabrics sorted by color. This is just a glimpse, not a comprehensive view; there are many ways to sort by color and far more fabrics at Etsy than the thousand or so currently visible at morecloth. But this changing sample of what’s available has caught and held some people’s attention. In the month since I started this project, over 4,800 have visited morecloth. And many have spent over an hour there.
How do you use it?
On the front page of morecloth, there’s a collection of striped bands of color. Clicking on a band will take you to a page of fabric swatches in that color range. Clicking on a fabric swatch will take you to the corresponding Etsy listing.
Are there any costs or further opportunities/ways to get involved?
No costs — the application is free for both buyers and sellers. Each week I add a few more Etsy shops. If you’re a seller specializing in fabric, your shop may already be included, but you’re welcome to email me (catherine@morecloth.com) to make sure I’ve come across it.
What should one do if there’s a bug or a problem? Who should one contact?
If there’s a problem, please email me: catherine@morecloth.com.
What’s one surprising/fun/amazing story you’ve heard about someone using your app? Or what is your favorite part about the app?
Maybe the best feature of this app is its simplicity. It samples a wild abundance of textile patterns and colors, and presents them in a way that feels manageable.
Anything else you’d like to add?
For you sellers out there, I talk a bit about how listings get selected for inclusion on my blog.
Have you used morecloth before? Post in the comments below!
125 comments
Sign in to add your ownmaiziedesigns says:
Thanks for sharing this article. I'll definitly be checking this out!
2 years ago
MelroseFields says:
Sounds like a very cool app...
2 years ago
cowgirlheaven says:
Yes indeed that you for sharing.
2 years ago
modmomME says:
Wow this is very nice. It makes searching a lot less frustrating. I love this! Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
TheBrassHussy says:
so pretty and amazing!
2 years ago
AlchemicMuse says:
Great information - thank you for sharing! :)
2 years ago
WieberArt says:
I especially like her take on how to photograph the fabrics as they relate to their size and their imagery. There's so much more to sort out of the chock full article. Thanks. :)
2 years ago
sewfunbymonique says:
I love this so much! So many times I am looking for a particular color. I will use it all the time!!
2 years ago
DiMartin says:
Amazing tool! I love it! It´s very easy and very fast! :)
2 years ago
VintageJamie says:
I like striped pattern fabrics~
2 years ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Such an amazing idea! Thank you for sharing this with us!
2 years ago
kidacollective says:
I adore this application. So cool!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
this is super cool!
2 years ago
shabbyvintagemom says:
Wow! That's amazing. I'm always looking for new fabric, I love the way it pulls pieces by color scheme. Nice! Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
Greenbriar says:
Great designs!
2 years ago
HAREandDRUM says:
I adore the fabrics here! The application is amazing! I wish I could sew, but this is enticing me to learn!
2 years ago
uncharted says:
great patterns!
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
morecloth is such a useful (and addictive!) application!
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
so pretty!
2 years ago
elizandaxel says:
Fantastic! I'll definitely be checking it out.
2 years ago
boodybabies says:
Thank you for sharing this article! I will definitely have to check this out...I have been wanting an easier way to filter and sort searches for fabric and this sounds like a great way to narrow down specific colors!
2 years ago
FabricSheetDesigns says:
Wow, what a great idea! I am a compulsive creative when it comes to decorative patterns and this site will be a feast for my eyes!
2 years ago
HazelnutDesigns says:
Great article! I lust over fabric all the time on etsy and will totally be trying this out! Thanks!
2 years ago
KOALACaddie says:
This is perfect for my work!!!! A million thanks. I now look to Etsy for my fabric purchases - and sellers such as josiemart, one of my "favorites" from your choices, offers ongoing discounts on quality fabric.
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Great idea, I will definitely check it out!
2 years ago
HideABook says:
That is the coolest thing ever. I've been frustrated with the lack of color tagging on fabric and this solves the problem in a perfectly elegant way. Thanks!
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Wow, such a cool application!
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
This really is fantastic and quite helpful! Thank you Catherine for all your hard work in putting this together.
2 years ago
squarejane says:
i love this app! thanks so much.
2 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
That looks like fun!
2 years ago
DuBuhDuDesigns says:
What a great idea..I have recently started buying fabric online and the searching process is a bit overwhelming and time consuming at best. This would help me out when looking for just the right fabric for my art dolls. Thank you!
2 years ago
TheRoyalDetails says:
Oh wow, cool new app I must try out!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
I didn't realize the wealth of fabric available on Etsy. Thanks for the article!
2 years ago
TheFancyLamb says:
Wow, this is pretty incredible. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for reporting.
2 years ago
ReFabulous says:
Best. new. app. EVER. Fabric crack for a serious fabric addict.... thank you! :)
2 years ago
JAdamsDesigns says:
Pretty cool!
2 years ago
fabricbee says:
I think this is a wonderful tool for fabric shoppers! As a fabric shop owner on Etsy, quilter and sewer, I try to look at colors when I purchase fabrics for my shop. I think this will simplify the process of picking out fabrics for many shoppers Thank you! And thank you for using one of my fabrics from my shop in your article:)
2 years ago
fabricplace says:
Yes there are many shops with fabric...so many beautiful selections....
2 years ago
evihan says:
wowwww greattt patternsss:-)
2 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
what a great feature ~ morecloth is a fun application!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great idea!
2 years ago
worksandfinds says:
Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
Very useful app...I'll consider it. Lovely prints, cheers!
2 years ago
spacejam says:
How cool are those colors!
2 years ago
laundrymonster says:
Fabulous!
2 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
What a great idea! Love all the colors!
2 years ago
PAINTINGSBYSAM says:
SO AWESOME!! MY WEEKEND DEAL: ** FREE SHIPPING ** Mention "Weekend Deals" in the notes to the seller when you check out & get FREE SHIPPING!On Any Size Painting, even the BIG ones! You can either pay at check out & Ill refund the amount for shipping or I can send you a revised invoice. Christmas in July!!
2 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Oh, yeah a gal can never ever have too much fabric in her stash!
2 years ago
zombuki says:
I can imagine that fabric is really hard to shop for, I'm sure this is super useful!
2 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
Thanks for intoducing us to this great web site and talented woman!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
So many gorgeous fabrics!
2 years ago
TheReFORMatory says:
Great article, and I'm always so amazed when someone can write an application like this. So helpful.
2 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great idea!
2 years ago
maxineintrousers says:
awesome! I already tried it and love it - thanks!
2 years ago
CollectionObsession says:
I just tried this. Thanks - it is great.
2 years ago
kathip22 says:
So cool! Thanks.
2 years ago
Radness says:
That is so awesome!
2 years ago
jenniferladd says:
Very cool! So useful, too!
2 years ago
WingsDove says:
This is an extremely awesome application. Thank you!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Wow! This is way cool!
2 years ago
kimscott says:
Oooh, I'm really excited about this!
2 years ago
KisforCalligraphy says:
Absolutely amazing application! I don't even sew that much but I certainly appreciate all the ingenuity you put into creating this fabulous tool! Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
McYarnpants says:
This doesn't bode well for my mortgage payments . . . But it does look like a great way to endulge my fabric lust!
2 years ago
EllaPhantePhashion says:
I have indeed used morecloth...and it is the best new thing since sliced bread!!!!!!!!thankyouthankyouthankyou!
2 years ago
uncorked says:
This is totally amazing- what a great tool! I love this and will def be selecting and buying fabrics with it!
2 years ago
minouette says:
Ooh, that sounds really cool. Thanks for the introduction to this app.
2 years ago
Mwilson says:
Beautiful! woo hoo!
2 years ago
GroovyInclinations says:
And...yippy yippy too!
2 years ago
GroovyInclinations says:
I hit add before I was ready. I'm designing fabric, but need to sell more to make more ;)
2 years ago
embellishedlife says:
Can you do it for yarn? That'd be awesome! I Can see your app will have far-reaching implications for just about anything, really, including color-coordinating a project, irrespective of material. Bravo! Will definitely be visiting!
2 years ago
mykonos says:
wow, lovely fabric!!
2 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Great article
2 years ago
littlejennywren says:
What a terrific idea and a great time saver. I am always on the look out for the perfect fabrics for my dolls ( and for my daughter and for me). And I love colour, grouping the fabrics in a colour spectrum is so pretty.
2 years ago
glowgirl16 says:
my jaw dropped when I opened this. How amazing! Catherine, I'm thrilled that you are taking the time and care to do this. I'm having a blast looking through this.....thanks!!
2 years ago
Halitosis says:
heart.heart.heart. thank you.
2 years ago
sakizome says:
Thank you so much. I am crazy about fabric - dream about fabrics all the time. This should be a great help!
2 years ago
mozui says:
it's sooo easy to use the site!it's fantastic not only fot the buyers but also for the fabric sellers!
2 years ago
sweetsmilesbaby says:
This is amazing. Fantastic work!
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
A great way to find a variety of fabrics. Cool! Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
It's funny that you threw a cookie in there!
2 years ago
Tina669 says:
Great designs!
2 years ago
babook says:
Mmmmm , They are colour and interesting work ! Real nice .
2 years ago
lesleyfunkyart says:
OH I love this application, marking as a favorite! Thanks so much!
2 years ago
NorahSmith says:
Very Cool! Such a good way to find fabric.
2 years ago
ShaggyBaggy says:
Ican't wait to check this out.
2 years ago
reiddamnit says:
Very cool app
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Checked it out again but vintage fabric does not seem to be included nor solid colors. That's what I sell and seek for my BreadandRoses handmade Etsy shops. Am I missing something?
2 years ago
bananaicecream says:
wow, great tool, I've only known about it for a few minutes and I've already used it!
2 years ago
catandturtle says:
Just wanted to let asundrynotion (see comment above) know that vintage fabric is very welcome at morecloth.com. Because of the way my color-sorting software works, I'm using only listings where the fabric is photographed or scanned flat to produce an edge-to-edge image with no background showing. And I'm only scanning sections of shops where all (or almost all) the photos are of this type. Solid colors are another story. Because different shops use different equipment and lighting in creating pictures for Etsy, it's hard to present solid color fabrics from multiple shops in a meaningful way. So I've stayed away from that challenge, even though most sewers find some solid fabrics essential. Hope this explanation makes some sense... Thanks for bringing up vintage fabric. I'd love to show some of it at morecloth. (catherine@morecloth.com)
2 years ago
Nishale says:
Great! I HAVE some special HANDMADE fabrics !
2 years ago
dragonflyfae says:
I am very into fabric right now, Catherine's site so wonderful. It is great to have a place to look that is organized by color and fabric swatches. Thanks so much for putting it all together.
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
I love fabric! I love those cute frogs!
2 years ago
bagladiesinpa says:
This is beautiful! I discovered the site last week, and could not pull myself away!! Amazing, thank you!
2 years ago
OTSbags says:
Wow! I think I love you.
2 years ago
alexkeller says:
some of the shots remind me of foundation studio projects -- aaaahhhhhh
2 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Great application - takes all the work out of searching for the perfect fabric!
2 years ago
bunnysdesigns says:
that is amazing!!! I love it! great to help you create combos for quilting!
2 years ago
mireillemanuel says:
Nice!!! I could use some of them on my headbands!! :)! mireillemanuel.etsy.com
2 years ago
refindoriginals says:
This is fantastic! Very helpful! I'm always looking for lining fabrics for the recycled leather handbags I make and being able to use this application will make things go much faster. Thank you!
2 years ago
BitsandPurses says:
This is completely awesome!
2 years ago
AzitasSurprises says:
i love the frogs fabric.
2 years ago
Deanamarie1 says:
I have used this. It is so helpful. Thank you.
2 years ago
MyCountryHouseLife says:
I'm going to have a look right now! Right up my street :O)
2 years ago
backyardprims says:
this is such a useful tool. Thank you etsy developers. I will definitely be using morecloth.com. I have a few favorite fabric sellers I will pass this on to.
2 years ago
BlueGremlin says:
oh my goodness this is so cool!
2 years ago
Kiie says:
ooo...spamming comment. Nobody monitor this?
2 years ago
NoisyButterfly says:
That is super cool. I am going fabric shopping now.
2 years ago
BunnyBows says:
Hello ,As a Designer I love this idea!!!!Thanks Catherine.I am a fabric addict.This will be very helpful When I want to see different fabric color combos for new designs ,and also for when a customer asks for a certain color theme I will refer them morecloth app, and tell them to pick the fabric they like instead of me going through all the fabrics I think they might like.You have just made my job a lot easier.Thanks Again, Rebecca
2 years ago
katjoy63 says:
Most excellent idea for an application - had no idea something like this could be done before looking at it today. Absolutely love it. I'll be sure to contact you once I get to selling my voluminous stash of fabric soon! Thanks for your ingeniousness.
2 years ago
YoYoByBahar says:
Thank you !!!
2 years ago
TDIN says:
Great info. Thanks!
2 years ago
Marsilia21 says:
Very interesting!
2 years ago
LittleCeleste says:
Fun Application.
2 years ago
pdiana67 says:
Fab Idea and the perfect solution when searching for color combos! I'll be using this app!
1 year ago
UniquelyYoursbyCil says:
I love Fabric and I love colors - This is Awesome!
1 year ago
DandyFlorence says:
I like the idea of this application...maybe the graphic of the website is not the best,but it work. thanks to share it
1 year ago