Yeah, no. I came in here yesterday based on finding the place on Google Maps. The door was open, there was a sign outside that read "closing soon" (as in permanently) and when I came in, the place was barren and the lady was incredibly cold. Sorry for coming into your shop? I'm not surprised they're closing/closed. The lady needs to get her act together and learn how to be nice to people. read more

Friendly staff, very helpful. Huge selection to shop and peruse. Found their Batik jelly-rolls excellent for making Kawandi read more

I agree with others who complain about the employee attitudes and poor customer service. I've been to a lot of quilt stores, but I've never experienced the lack of common courtesy and aloofness. I've been here three times, and it's been the same thing: no greeting, hard to get someone to help, they seem to be annoyed that you're there. (Evelyn is the exception...she's a joy.) The really loud metal music is off-putting, but I could ignore that if the service was better. The store space is huge, but the fabric collection is nothing special; doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason of how the bolts are displayed. Hard to believe that people who are in a customer-facing industry are so indifferent. Too bad they're the only quilting store left on the peninsula. Makes it worth a drive to the South Bay or just ordering online. read more

I've shopped at Always Quilting several times over the years, and I'd like to support a local business but enough is enough. The store is cluttered and messy. They do have a great deal of fabric, with lots of batiks, but the selection overall feels stale. They have a decent selection of sewing and quilting tools. The customer service is awful. I needed to make a small purchase there today and I guess it's not worth their time. One employee was helping another customer, but didn't acknowledge me or get someone to ring up my item. Another employee eventually came over somewhat reluctantly to help me check out. She asked for my name and asked if I've ever shopped there before, not by way of introducing herself but to find my name in the system. All for a spool of thread! She didn't thank me, as I'm sure I was interrupting her work. This isn't the first time I've experienced being treated like an inconvenience at Always Quilting. It will be the last time. read more

Wide fabric selection, knowledge and passionate instructors and staff, congenial clientele

The employees are always helpful and willing to give advice. I'm not the most advanced quilter so I often have questions. I've had about 5 quilt tops quilted here and they have always done a great job. The selection of fabric is great! If you can't find what you want here then you're not going to find it. I always love a trip to Always Quilting! read more

At some point in the past, I must have asked for information but I would never do it again. These people totally disregard requests to "unsubscribe" from a service I never subscribed to. They continue to send me junk mail even though I've "unsubscribed" multiple times. Be warned. You'll never get rid of them!!! read more

Great store for my fabric needs. Due to Covid , fabric or online orders are usually ready to be picked up by the door. Fast and efficient plus friendly staff . Lots of fabric and accessories to choose from . Parking is in the rear of this strip mall . read more

I am a quilter, and patronize quilt shops all over the Bay Area and wherever else I go. The selection of fabrics at Always Quilting is very good LOTS of high quality quilting cottons. The staff, however, is the snottiest of any quilting/fabric store that I have ever been in. Since it is the closest quilting shop to where I live, I still go there occasionally. Went today and again left feeling that I must be the most disgusting human on the planet; every interaction with staff seemed like they were in training for the Rude Olympics. read more

Always Quilting was my wife's favorite quilt shop when we lived in the Bay Area, so of course we had to stop in during our road trip. The store is very large, and there is an incredible amount of stuff all over the place. But the staff seems to know where everything is, and they are very friendly and helpful. During our road trip, we tried to stop in at at least one #RowbyRow2016 (https://www.rowbyrowexperience.com) quilt shop in each state that we passed through. Always quilting was definitely out of our way, but we're glad we stopped in to get one of our California Row by Row selections. read more

Always Quilting - California #RowbyRow2016 - Fabric Stores Near Me - San Mateo, California

Sounded pretty unfriendly when i called... decided to just try another local fabric store.

First of all, the mass of clutter when you walk in is sickening -- something you wouldn't expect to see in a present-day retail setting. Since I had already driven all the way there, I ignored the uneasy feeling I had and stayed to look for some fabric I needed. But it was the terrible customer service, so far below even the minimum one would expect, that brought about this review. There were two employees sitting in the cash register area near the front entrance. Neither one acknowledged me as I walked past them. I said hello to each of them, but that did not prompt either to ask me if I needed help, was looking for something specific, etc. So I went to look at some fabrics while they chatted away, still stationed behind the counter. I picked out two bolts of fabric and walked over to the employees. They still did not acknowledge my presence, and kept chatting. I just stood there for about a minute, and finally, one asked, "did you want me to cut some fabric?" I went over to the fabric cutting area and just as she was laying out the fabrics to cut, her cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket, and was getting ready to answer the call. I voiced my objection to that. She put the phone back in her pocket, cut the fabric (which took less than 10 seconds) and immediately pulled the phone back out and called the person back -- it was obviously just a casual, personal call. I walked back to the cash register area. The other lady was gone. I had to walk around to find someone to allow me to pay and leave. In retrospect I should have voted with my feet and not made a purchase there. I won't make that mistake again. read more

I want to start by saying that I know very little about quilting, but I had a special project in mind: making a quilt for my son using his receiving blanks (he is now six years old). I didn't want to simply donate the blankets and was determined to do something memorable. Pat was a great partner in helping me select the fabrics and theme for the quilt that was made by Melaine (I barely can sew a button on a shirt). The result was simply amazing and I appreciate their partnership in the project, which got done in less time than I expected. Melaine even made a special bag for the quilt. This place is a gem and Pat and Melaine were great. I plan on coming back this year for another project. read more

I went to show there . And Julie told I could come back to buy fabric for my blanket, and she said I will get you 20% off. So I came back. And she said i will only do it this time!! Why do you give that invite then? ?? Making you feel like you did something wrong??That NO GOOD ! t read more

This is the place that was available to me for improving my long arm quilting techniques. I also enjoy taking classes here with the Art Studio Instructor, Sue Hans. They have a great selection of fabrics and books. The staff are friendly and helpful. Being new to long arm quilting I have to commend Kit and Evelyn for their patience. These ladies are great. So, why the 4 stars, only 2 reasons, sometimes the lighting is down and secondly no A/C. It really doesn't matter most of the time for the A/C but, I have been fortunate to have the experience of being in a class during one of the infrequent hot days on the Peninsula. That was unpleasant. Otherwise, this a great place for quilters. Lots of class offerings, knowledgeable staff and long arm quilt services. I'm updating this review because I do enjoy this business. read more

I have mixed emotions about this shop. They do have a lot of fabric but the atmosphere is poor. The shop is very messy and windowless. The huge space is unfinished so the ceiling is just some sort of metal insulation. But the biggest problem is how rude the staff is. You are left to wander the giant space with no help and when I asked they seemed a bit irritated. Kind of sad in a quilt shop. read more

I love this store. I have been a customer since they opened. All the staff, including Kit & Julie, the owners are great! Everyone, even customers will try to help you. They offer lots of classes. The FREE sewing Fridays are a charm and I try to go every week. One needs to get out and sew without distraction. I tend to get my projects finished now. I've made some good friends too. Easy-on and easy-off the freeway, lots of parking, it is an affluent neighborhood so there are never any problems and I've left as late as 11pm, when they have late night sewing. Molly Stones is almost next door and their deli has a variety of cold, hot foods and salads. (Good for those long sewing days.) If hubby must come, there's a popular bowling alley next door. You won't be disppointed with this quilt store. Hope to meet you on one of the sewing Fridays! read more

I really liked this quilting store for the pretty decent selection of fabrics. I recently went in and noticed the entire store is exposed to the uncovered fiberglass insulation in the ceiling. Ugh. I mean I realize fiberglass isn't as dangerous as other insulation methods but I am highly allergic it and the long term health effects about breathing that stuff in are still out. I am not planning on shopping there anymore for that reason. The staff are usually very helpful and nice though. One went out of here way to show me a mitered corner technique but... Anyway... read more

A traditional quilt shop with all of the supplies you would need to make a great quilt. They have a long arm machine that you can be trained on or pay them to use on your quilt. It also looks like they have a backroom where they have classes. read more

I wanted to buy a new sewing machine after my old one gave up and wasn't worth repairing. Decided on the Janome M7050 after my daughter highly recommended the Janome brand which I was not familiar with. I wanted to actually try out the various models even though I knew I could go the Amazon route. What a delight to find Always Quilting! With COVID restrictions, we made an appointment (same day) and Evelyn helped explain the different machines. I decided to try this one out even though I had come in for a different one (on back order through the end of July). This was slightly more expensive but had some additional features that seemed worth it. Excellent choice! I had not sewn much since 7th grade sewing class so so what a delight it's been to pick up an old hobby again, and so very enjoyable! I highly recommend purchasing a new machine from a store like this as it really gives you the opportunity to try the machine out, talk with someone who has actual used it and is well versed in the Janome brand which is what I decided upon after learning it is one of the highest rated companies. In addition, I wanted to purchase some fabrics for a couple of projects for my toddler grandson. They had such darling and unique fabric that I know I wouldn't find just anywhere. Extremely high quality and not run of the mill fabric that one could buy just about anywhere. I am not a quilter (yet!) but found the fabrics there to be exceptionally nice which is what will continue to draw me back to the store. It's a bit of a drive -- over 1/2 hour each way but well worth the time to go there! I can't wait for the current health crisis to be past us someday so I can attend one of their classes that are on hold for now. read more

I stopped by today and was pleasantly surprised by the variety!! Such a wide selection of styles and huge depth of colors in those styles. I was asked if I needed help in a comfortable way, not pushy or did I ever feel ignored. Large store with an open floor plan, so you could browse without bumping in to anything. I wished there was a touch more lighting to better view the materials. Am looking forward to getting home and getting to the fun of working with my new finds read more

A strange place for sure, but a beautifully strange place. My industrious daughter loves the quilting camp here- a whole week of sewing toward a half size quilt. There is a lot of 1:1 time to learn to line up these finicky squares and definitely a great place to develop perseverance, attention to detail while having fun! read more

A hidden treasure trove of fabric, notions, classes, tools, and workshops. If you are into quilting at all and live in the area this is worth checking out. The staff and owners are helpful and knowledgeable, there are lots of samples, and of course a ton of fabric. They do not carry a large supply of "contemporary" prints and their assortment tends more towards a country or antique look, but they have a large assortment of batiks, and solid/solid like prints. The store does long arm quilting, they sell long arm quilting machines for hard core quilters, and also will rent time on a long arm after you get certified to use it - no where else in the Bay Area that I know of does this! read more

I went in to drop off my quilt top to have it quilted. When I expressed an interest in having the binding done the woman helping me let me know that it was very expensive to have it hand sewn. I stated two reasons why I wanted it done 1) I didn't know how to do it and 2) I wouldn't get around to doing it even if I did. Her response was, "You must have a good job." I thought it was such an odd exchange. How do you respond? I opted not to have the binding done and the quilt has been in my car probably 6 months. I also have never been impressed with the lighting in the building. The place is HUGE, so maybe that is why the lighting is diffuse. The classroom is also very large so it would be great to take a class here. read more

Many different fabrics to choose from and they definitely know what they're doing, but at times there seems to be a bit of an attitude. They are very good at choosing coordinating fabrics, but if they show you a choice that you are not fond of and you'd like to find another choice, you can feel a shift in the helpfulness and friendliness. I much prefer Scruffy Quilts for friendliness even if they don't have as many choices, but what they have seems to be higher quality fabrics whereas Always Quilting has a multitude of fabrics. read more

I attended a class here recently and was impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the wide selection offered. I plan on returning soon! There was a large group of young students attending another class and I was delighted to see the quality of their handiwork. read more

Always Quilting has one of the largest, if not the largest retail spaces of any quilt store in the Bay Area. They have lots of wall space to display finished quilts -- so you can see **nearly 100!!** quilts to get ideas, and they rotate the display often. They have a good selection of patterns, kits, books, and of course high quality fabrics, (Moda, PB, Thimbleberries, and many others). I don't think they carry Amy Butler, or Kaffe Fasset fabrics however. The store can be a bit intimidating to walk into for the first time . First, the door is located on the 2nd floor at the back of a mall, so harder to find. Also some parts of the store are more dimly lit (probably because it is such a huge space, they may be cutting down on expenses?) and it's hard to tell who the employees are -- but don't let any of these things stop you! You will find lots of resources here. They also have a very large classroom space, and offer plenty of classes. You always get a 20% discount the days your class meets, too. Their class schedule can be a bit confusing to figure out -- sometimes it's not clear whether a class is ongoing or when you can sign up -- but do ask a staff person and they'll help you out. All in all, this store is worth visiting for its sheer size and especially its beautiful displays of finished quilts. Definitely worth a trip for any quilter! read more

I dropped in this place to just browse... I'm a new quilter so I'm still feeling out what's out there, so have a tendency to just walk in and browse. This time, however, I walked in with my hyperactive 3yr old, and the staff were very nice and understanding of me having to usher/chase after the kid while trying to browse through the store. The place seem to have many interesting and beautiful fabric not seen at places like Joanns. Little light on notions, but hey, that doesn't define a quilting store! I spent a good hour browsing (and chasing), and watching the long arm quilting machine doing its thing. And the staff were very kind about it all. Very friendly place to visit! Definitely will be visiting there once I have a clue what I want to quilt next! read more

This is a must see and buy shop. The selections of fabrics, patterns and tools are excellent. The shop is very misleading from the front. Once you enter you see exactly how large it really is. The staff are very fun and make you feel OK about taking time to pick out your stuff as well as answering any questions you may have. read more

Julie helped me find the perfect fabrics for a special baby quilt I am making. She has a real talent when it comes to choosing colors.

I have taken two classes from this shop (Beginning Quilting and Machine Quilting) and both were really great. I'm new to quilting and finding it a bit daunting, but both instructors were clear, patient, and helpful. I also bought a sewing machine from the shop and it just wasn't working right. Both Kit and Julie were superb about taking the machine back and helping me choose a replacement. They have a wonderful assortment of quilting fabric, accessories, and knowledge to share. This place is a treasure. read more

This is a great quilting/full service store. Theirs inventory of gorgeous 100% high quality fabric appears to be endless. If you've seen a gift idea on Epsy or Pinterest, chances are this store has the stuff to make that item. read more

I am new to quilting and I have to tell you that Always Quilting has taught me to enjoy this wonderful hobby. Kit is an excellent teacher. She handles the large class with such ease and patience and makes sure by the time class is over everyone understands the material that was presented. All their employees are helpful, patient and happy people that it is refreshing to spend time at the shop. I am on my second quilt and have learned so many techniques. Can't say enough about this great place. Jazzyanna read more

Just took the certification class for the long-arm machine. Class size of 6 was just right. Speed of class was good. Got good theory, info, and time on machine. Even got to take home the section you worked on to show it off to others. Owner Kit was the instructor and she's very knowledgable and experienced and treated everyone with with great respect and humor. HUGE STORE! also has two pianos (odd) but was fun as I could combine two of my favorite things--piano playing and quilting :-) Great selection of fabrics and patterns. Massive space. Felt very open and free to explore. Lighting could be better but, hey, it works for me. read more

I brought a quilt in that had been worn out and the batting had shifted because it was not stitched down.It was about 8 years old. It took a while but they had to take the quilt apart and replace pieces of fabric. Then they added new batting and then stitched it down. I was so surprised at the wonderful job they did. The price was really reasonable. It looks like a new quilt. This quilt holds a lot of special memories! I can not thank you enough! read more

I took my beginning quilting and my beyond basics quilting classes here--Melissa my instructor rocks! It's also convenient that there are large tables with cutting mats to spread out and cut fabric, pin, sew and problem solve your handwork. I plan on joining Stashbusters to keep unfinished projects at bay and to continue accessing Melissa for quilting help and because I love the encouraging and friendly energy of the women who sew there! I can't wait to learn how to long arm quilt too! read more

I took a long-arm lesson last year at Always Quilting, which is a very good investment of money and time. From that lesson last year to yesterday, I had not had an opportunity to use the long-arm, and was a bit intimidated. However, I decided to request an appointment to rent their Gammill in the back room for a quilt I had just completed, and dive right in. Happily, for me, Roberta was on site and provided a lot of assurance, wit and support while I approached my steep learning curve. What I got was not only the opportunity to top-stitch my own quilt, but incidental tutoring and helpful suggestions. Even though I was exhausted after putting so much concentration into getting everything right, I was also elated that something so worthwhile was accomplished, I was happy with the end result, and I was pleased that my knowledge was further deepened around my experience with quilting. I definitely want to return to continue renting their long-arm and to become more comfortable with the equipment. There's only one thing that was a bit distracting and that was the fluorescent lighting. I had been standing over the long-arm for a few hours on a concrete underlayment, which can be tiring, but fluorescent lighting is also a bit taxing on the eyes. Anyway, yay, Always Quilting and thank you for your fantastic support. read more

A+ on everything but the lighting. Can't be sure of the colors unless you find a good light source to compare. I'm sure they will make more sales if they improve this issure. read more

This is a great shop with so much to offer but I have not been there in several months. Visited again recently and was SHOCKED by how cluttered the shop has gotten. I enjoy coming here but it was so disappointing to see the clutter all around the shop. Hope things change so everyone can enjoy coming here. read more

I brought in a vintage wool patchwork quilt which needed some restoration work (frayed edges, small holes in backing). Their repair person did a wonderful job adding in new squares & darning the holes. I couldn't be happier - my quilt is good for another 50 years at least! read more