The main places to buy sewing supplies
You can buy sewing supplies at fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops. The choice depends on what you need, how quickly you need it, and whether you want to see and touch materials before buying. Local fabric stores let you match thread colors in person and ask staff questions. Online retailers offer wider selection and often lower prices, but you wait for shipping. Big-box stores stock basics but rarely carry specialty items.
Most sewers use a mix of all three: a local store for urgent needs and color-matching, an online retailer for bulk orders or hard-to-find notions, and a big-box store for thread and needles when you're already there for groceries.
Key Takeaways
- Local independent fabric stores and chain stores like Joann Fabrics let you examine fabric and thread in person, though selection varies by location.
- Online retailers including Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites like Mood Fabrics and B&J Fabrics ship nationwide and often have lower prices and wider selection than local stores.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic supplies—thread, needles, scissors, measuring tape—but rarely stock specialty notions or quality fabric.
- Thrift stores and estate sales sometimes have vintage thread, buttons, and zippers at low cost, though inventory is unpredictable.
- Buying online requires knowing what you want before you order, since you cannot feel the fabric weight or see the true color on your screen.
Local fabric and craft stores
Joann Fabrics is the largest fabric store chain in the United States, with locations in most states. They stock fabric by the yard, thread in hundreds of colors, needles, scissors, patterns, elastic, zippers, buttons, and specialty notions. Staff can help you match thread to fabric and answer basic sewing questions. Joann runs frequent sales and coupons—checking their website or app before you go can save 20 to 50 percent on a single item.
Independent local fabric stores vary widely in size and inventory. Some specialize in quilting, others in garment sewing, and some carry both. They typically have smaller selections than Joann but often stock higher-quality fabric and notions, and staff usually have deeper sewing knowledge. You can find local stores through a web search for "fabric store near me" or by asking in local sewing groups on social media.
The main advantage of shopping in person is that you can feel the fabric weight, see the true color in natural light, and match thread to fabric before you buy. The main disadvantage is that you are limited to what that store stocks on that day.
Online fabric and notions retailers
Mood Fabrics (moodfabrics.com) and B&J Fabrics (bjfabrics.com) are online-only retailers that ship nationwide. Both carry a wide range of fabric types—cotton, linen, silk, wool, knits—and notions. Mood is known for designer and specialty fabrics; B&J for everyday sewing fabrics at lower prices. Both let you order swatches before committing to yardage, which solves the color-matching problem.
Etsy (etsy.com) hosts thousands of small sellers who specialize in vintage thread, rare notions, hand-dyed fabric, and hard-to-find items. Prices vary widely, and shipping times depend on the seller's location. Etsy is useful when you need something specific that chain stores do not carry.
Amazon stocks basic supplies—thread, needles, scissors, measuring tape, pins, bobbins—from multiple sellers. Prices are often lower than local stores, and Prime shipping is fast if you have a membership. Quality varies by seller, so read reviews before ordering.
Online shopping requires knowing what you want before you order. If you are unsure about fabric weight, color, or fiber content, order a swatch first or ask the seller questions before buying yardage.
Big-box retailers for basics
Walmart and Target carry thread, needles, scissors, measuring tape, pins, and basic patterns in their craft sections. Prices are usually lower than specialty stores, and you can pick up supplies while shopping for other items. However, their fabric selection is limited, and they rarely stock specialty notions like bias tape, elastic, or quality zippers.
These stores are useful for restocking thread or needles, but not for finding specific fabric or hard-to-find notions. Staff in the craft section are usually not trained in sewing and cannot help with color-matching or material questions.
Thrift stores and secondhand sources
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace sometimes have vintage thread, buttons, zippers, and fabric scraps at very low cost. Vintage thread is often still usable, though older spools may have dried out. Buttons and zippers from estate sales are usually good quality and cost less than new ones.
The downside is that inventory is unpredictable—you might find exactly what you need one week and nothing the next. Thrift shopping works best if you have time to browse and are flexible about what you buy.
Specialty supplies and hard-to-find items
If you sew leather, use industrial machines, or need specialty thread like topstitching or metallic, general retailers will not have what you need. Search for "leather sewing supplies" or "industrial thread" plus your location, or look on Etsy and specialty forums where sewers recommend suppliers.
Specialty suppliers often have higher prices and minimum orders, but they understand the material and can answer technical questions. Many will ship samples or let you order small quantities if you call ahead.
How to decide where to buy
Buy fabric and notions in person if you need them today, want to match colors, or are unsure about weight and feel. Buy online if you know exactly what you want, are ordering in bulk, or need something your local stores do not stock. Use big-box stores only for thread and needles you would buy anyway.
Many sewers keep a small stock of basic thread, needles, and scissors at home so they can start a project without a shopping trip. When you find a local store or online retailer you like, you will return to it—so try a few and see which fits your budget and sewing style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order fabric swatches online before buying yardage?
Yes. Mood Fabrics, B&J Fabrics, and many independent online retailers offer swatch services—you order small samples of fabric for a few dollars, and they arrive in a few days. This lets you see the true color and feel the weight before committing to a full yard or more. Some sellers offer free swatches if you spend a minimum amount.
What is the difference between thread from a fabric store and thread from a big-box store?
Fabric store thread is usually higher quality and more consistent in weight and dye. Big-box thread is cheaper but may break more easily, especially on delicate fabrics or with older machines. For everyday sewing, big-box thread works fine. For heirloom or detailed work, fabric store thread is worth the extra cost.
How do I know if an online seller is trustworthy?
Read customer reviews on the site where you are buying. Look for comments about shipping time, fabric quality, and whether the color matched the photo. Established retailers like Mood and B&J have been in business for years and have consistent reviews. On Etsy and Amazon, avoid sellers with very few reviews or many complaints about quality or shipping.
Is it cheaper to buy fabric online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper, especially if you buy in bulk or during a sale. However, shipping costs add up if you order small amounts. Local stores run frequent sales and coupons that can match or beat online prices. Compare the total cost including shipping before you decide.
Where can I find vintage or specialty thread colors that are no longer made?
Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace have vintage thread from estate sales and old sewing collections. Specialty thread retailers also carry colors that big retailers do not stock. If you need an exact match to vintage thread, take a spool to a local fabric store and ask staff to help you find the closest modern equivalent.