Etsy's Handmade Blog
Handmade Code: Find Fabric with morecloth
Story by catandturtle, kutty, Vanessa
Published on July 10, 2009 in How-To 		Photo by

morecloth

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!

More Handmade Code Posts

Browse for Fabric on Etsy | Shop by Color on Etsy

Tags api, applications, apps, cloth, coding, designing, developers, engineering, Etsy Developer Community, fabric, hacking, Handmade Code, How-To, HOW-TO, Morecloth, programming, Seller Handbook, sewing, supplies, textiles, tools
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107 comments     Login to add your own!

July 10, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. maiziedesigns

Thanks for sharing this article. I'll definitly be checking this out!

July 10, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. MelroseFields

Sounds like a very cool app...

July 10, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. cowgirlheaven

Yes indeed that you for sharing.

July 10, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. modmomME

Wow this is very nice. It makes searching a lot less frustrating. I love this! Thank you for sharing.

July 10, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. TheBrassHussy

so pretty and amazing!

July 10, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. AlchemicMuse

Great information - thank you for sharing! :)

July 10, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. WieberArt

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. :)

July 10, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. sewfunbymonique

I love this so much! So many times I am looking for a particular color. I will use it all the time!!

July 10, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. DiMartin

Amazing tool!
I love it!
It´s very easy and very fast!
:)

July 10, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. VintageJamie

I like striped pattern fabrics~

July 10, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. HoneysuckleLane

Such an amazing idea! Thank you for sharing this with us!

July 10, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. kidacollective

I adore this application. So cool!

July 10, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. designlab443

this is super cool!

July 10, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. shabbyvintagemom

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 :)

July 10, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. Greenbriar

Great designs!

July 10, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. HAREandDRUM

I adore the fabrics here! The application is amazing! I wish I could sew, but this is enticing me to learn!

July 10, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. uncharted

great patterns!

July 10, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. PipocaHandmade

morecloth is such a useful (and addictive!) application!

July 10, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. beautifulbridget

so pretty!

July 10, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. elizandaxel

Fantastic! I'll definitely be checking it out.

July 10, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. boodybabies

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!

July 10, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. FabricSheetDesigns

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!

July 10, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. HazelnutDesigns

Great article! I lust over fabric all the time on etsy and will totally be trying this out! Thanks!

July 10, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. KOALACaddie

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.

July 10, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Great idea, I will definitely check it out!

July 10, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. HideABook

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!

July 10, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. TheCottageCheese

Wow, such a cool application!

July 10, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

This really is fantastic and quite helpful! Thank you Catherine for all your hard work in putting this together.

July 10, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. squarejane

i love this app! thanks so much.

July 10, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. worksofwhimsy

That looks like fun!

July 10, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. DuBuhDuDesigns

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!

July 10, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. TheRoyalDetails

Oh wow, cool new app I must try out!

July 10, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. beachhouseblues

I didn't realize the wealth of fabric available on Etsy.
Thanks for the article!

July 10, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. TheFancyLamb

Wow, this is pretty incredible. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for reporting.

July 10, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. ReFabulous

Best. new. app. EVER.
Fabric crack for a serious fabric addict.... thank you! :)

July 10, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. JAdamsDesigns

Pretty cool!

July 10, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. fabricbee

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:)

July 10, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. fabricplace

Yes there are many shops with fabric...so many beautiful selections....

July 10, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. evihan

wowwww greattt patternsss:-)

July 10, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. BabbidgePatch

what a great feature ~ morecloth is a fun application!

July 10, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. lovelygifts

Great idea!

July 10, 2009 at noon worksandfinds

Thank you for sharing.

July 10, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. tldgrainwear

Very useful app...I'll consider it.
Lovely prints, cheers!

July 10, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. spacejam

How cool are those colors!

July 10, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. laundrymonster

Fabulous!

July 10, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. workingforpeanuts

What a great idea! Love all the colors!

July 10, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. PAINTINGSBYSAM

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!!

July 10, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, yeah a gal can never ever have too much fabric in her stash!

July 10, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. zombuki

I can imagine that fabric is really hard to shop for, I'm sure this is super useful!

July 10, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. DeborahVoizin

Thanks for intoducing us to this great web site and talented woman!

July 10, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. thebestvintage

So many gorgeous fabrics!

July 10, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. TheReFORMatory

Great article, and I'm always so amazed when someone can write an application like this. So helpful.

July 10, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. cottonbirddesigns

Great idea!

July 10, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. maxineintrousers

awesome! I already tried it and love it - thanks!

July 10, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. CollectionObsession

I just tried this. Thanks - it is great.

July 10, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. kathip22

So cool! Thanks.

July 10, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. Radness

That is so awesome!

July 10, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. jenniferladd

Very cool! So useful, too!

July 10, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. WingsDove

This is an extremely awesome application. Thank you!

July 10, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. odiliafu

Wow! This is way cool!

July 10, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. kimscott

Oooh, I'm really excited about this!

July 10, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. KisforCalligraphy

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!

July 10, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. McYarnpants

This doesn't bode well for my mortgage payments . . .

But it does look like a great way to endulge my fabric lust!

July 10, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. EllaPhantePhashion

I have indeed used morecloth...and it is the best new thing since sliced bread!!!!!!!!thankyouthankyouthankyou!

July 10, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. uncorked

This is totally amazing- what a great tool! I love this and will def be selecting and buying fabrics with it!

July 10, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. minouette

Ooh, that sounds really cool. Thanks for the introduction to this app.

July 10, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. Mwilson

Beautiful! woo hoo!

July 10, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. GroovyInclinations

And...yippy yippy too!

July 10, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. GroovyInclinations

I hit add before I was ready. I'm designing fabric, but need to sell more to make more ;)

July 10, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. embellishedlife

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!

July 10, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. mykonos

wow, lovely fabric!!

July 10, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. PawPawsWorkshop

Great article

July 10, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. littlejennywren

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.

July 10, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. glowgirl16

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!!

July 10, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. Halitosis

heart.heart.heart.

thank you.

July 10, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. sakizome

Thank you so much. I am crazy about fabric - dream about fabrics all the time. This should be a great help!

July 11, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. mozui

it's sooo easy to use the site!it's fantastic not only fot the buyers but also for the fabric sellers!

July 11, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. sweetsmilesbaby

This is amazing. Fantastic work!

July 11, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. StudioCherie

A great way to find a variety of fabrics. Cool! Thanks for sharing.

July 11, 2009 at 1:27 a.m. StudioCherie

It's funny that you threw a cookie in there!

July 11, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. Tina669

Great designs!

July 11, 2009 at 6:54 a.m. babook

Mmmmm , They are colour and interesting work ! Real nice .

July 11, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. lesleyfunkyart

OH I love this application, marking as a favorite! Thanks so much!

July 11, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. NorahSmith

Very Cool! Such a good way to find fabric.

July 11, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ShaggyBaggy

Ican't wait to check this out.

July 11, 2009 at 11:59 a.m. reiddamnit

Very cool app

July 11, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. asundrynotion

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?

July 11, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. bananaicecream

wow, great tool, I've only known about it for a few minutes and I've already used it!

July 11, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. catandturtle

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)

July 12, 2009 at 2:05 a.m. Nishale

Great! I HAVE some special HANDMADE fabrics !

July 12, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. dragonflyfae

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.

July 12, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. jodieflowers

I love fabric! I love those cute frogs!

July 12, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. bagladiesinpa

This is beautiful! I discovered the site last week, and could not pull myself away!! Amazing, thank you!

July 12, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. OTSbags

Wow! I think I love you.

July 13, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. alexkeller

some of the shots remind me of foundation studio projects -- aaaahhhhhh

July 13, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. SweetwaterGifts

Great application - takes all the work out of searching for the perfect fabric!

July 17, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. bunnysdesigns

that is amazing!!! I love it! great to help you create combos for quilting!

July 23, 2009 at 1:25 a.m. mireillemanuel

Nice!!! I could use some of them on my headbands!! :)!

mireillemanuel.etsy.com

July 25, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. refindoriginals

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!

July 27, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. BitsandPurses

This is completely awesome!

July 31, 2009 at 8:36 p.m. AzitasSurprises

i love the frogs fabric.

Aug. 2, 2009 at 1:22 a.m. Deanamarie1

I have used this. It is so helpful. Thank you.

Aug. 23, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. MyCountryHouseLife

I'm going to have a look right now! Right up my street :O)

Sept. 15, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. backyardprims

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.

Oct. 14, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. BlueGremlin

oh my goodness this is so cool!

Oct. 24, 2009 at 9:48 p.m. Kiie

ooo...spamming comment. Nobody monitor this?

Dec. 29, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. NoisyButterfly

That is super cool. I am going fabric shopping now.

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