The fastest places to buy sewing thread
You can buy sewing thread at fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops. The choice depends on what you need right now: if you're starting a project today, a local fabric store or Walmart will have basic thread in an hour. If you're stocking up or need a specific weight or colour, online options like Amazon, Etsy, or the websites of thread manufacturers give you far more selection, though delivery takes several days.
Thread prices vary widely by brand and quality. A single spool of basic polyester thread costs between $0.50 and $2.00 at most retailers. Specialty threads — silk, wool, or high-end brands like Gutermann or Coats — run $2.00 to $5.00 per spool. Buying in bulk (10-spool or 50-spool packs) usually cuts the per-spool cost by 20 to 40 percent.
Key Takeaways
- Local fabric stores stock the widest range of thread colours and weights, and staff can help you match thread to fabric and machine type.
- Walmart, Target, and craft stores like Michaels carry basic thread at lower prices but in a smaller selection than fabric shops.
- Online retailers including Amazon, Etsy, and brand websites offer the most choice for specialty threads, rare colours, and bulk purchases.
- Thread quality matters for durability: polyester works for most projects, but silk and wool thread perform better on delicate fabrics.
Local fabric stores and independent shops
Independent fabric stores and chain fabric retailers like Joann Fabrics carry the largest in-store selection of thread. You'll find dozens of colours in multiple weights — all-purpose polyester, cotton, silk, wool, and specialty threads for embroidery or serger machines. Staff can tell you which thread works best for your fabric type and machine, and you can see and feel the thread before buying.
Joann Fabrics locations are in most US states and Canada. Their website shows which stores are near you and whether they have a specific thread in stock. Independent fabric shops vary by region but often carry higher-end brands and harder-to-find colours. Prices at fabric stores are typically higher than big-box retailers, but sales and coupons (Joann regularly offers 40 to 50 percent off single items) can bring costs down.
Big-box and craft retailers
Walmart, Target, and Michaels all stock sewing thread, usually in the craft or fabric section. Selection is limited — typically 20 to 50 colours in basic polyester and cotton — but prices are lower than fabric stores. A single spool of Coats or Gutermann thread costs $0.99 to $1.50 at these retailers, compared to $1.50 to $2.50 at fabric shops.
Michaels and Joann both offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which lets you check availability before you go. Walmart and Target do the same through their websites and apps. If you need thread today and don't require a specific colour or specialty type, these stores are the fastest and cheapest option.
Online retailers and marketplaces
Amazon carries hundreds of thread brands and colours, with delivery in one to three days if you have Prime. Prices range from $0.40 to $8.00 per spool depending on brand and type. Read the reviews carefully — some sellers list thread that has been sitting in warehouses for years and may be brittle or discoloured.
Etsy connects you directly to thread sellers, many of whom specialise in rare colours, hand-dyed thread, or vintage stock. Prices are higher (often $2.00 to $6.00 per spool) but selection is unmatched if you're looking for something specific. Shipping is slower than Amazon, usually one to two weeks.
Brand websites like Gutermann, Coats (which owns Mettler and Dual Duty), and Aurifil sell directly to consumers. Buying from the manufacturer's site often costs more per spool than retailers, but bulk packs are sometimes cheaper than buying individual spools elsewhere. Many brand sites also have a store locator that shows which local retailers carry their thread.
Specialty thread for specific projects
If you're working with delicate fabrics, doing embroidery, or using a serger, you may need thread beyond basic polyester. Silk thread works best on silk and lightweight fabrics because it doesn't pucker them. Wool thread is durable for heavy fabrics and visible topstitching. Embroidery thread is thicker and comes in more colours than all-purpose thread.
Specialty threads are harder to find in big-box stores. Fabric shops usually stock them, and online retailers like Etsy, Amazon, and brand websites have the full range. If you're new to a specialty type, ask staff at a fabric store which weight and fibre content works for your project — buying the wrong thread wastes money and can damage your fabric.
Buying thread in bulk and storage
If you sew regularly, buying thread in bulk saves money. Coats and Gutermann sell 50-spool assortments in basic colours for $15 to $25, which works out to $0.30 to $0.50 per spool. Amazon and Etsy sellers also offer bulk packs, though quality varies — check reviews before ordering a large quantity from an unfamiliar seller.
Thread lasts for years if stored correctly. Keep spools in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which fades colour and weakens the fibre. Plastic storage boxes with dividers work well and let you see what you have. Avoid storing thread in damp basements or hot attics, where humidity and heat can make it brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between polyester and cotton thread?
Polyester is stronger, cheaper, and works on most fabrics and machines. Cotton thread is softer and less likely to pucker delicate fabrics, but it's weaker and more expensive. For everyday sewing, polyester is the standard choice. Use cotton if you're working with lightweight or natural fabrics and want a softer finish.
Can I use old thread from my grandmother's sewing box?
Old thread can work if it's been stored in a cool, dry place, but it may be brittle or weak. Test it on scrap fabric first. If it breaks easily or shreds, throw it out — old thread can damage your machine and create weak seams that fail quickly.
Do I need different thread for my serger?
Sergers use thinner, lighter thread than regular machines because they feed four threads at once. Buying serger-specific thread prevents tension problems and breakage. Most fabric stores and online retailers carry serger thread, usually in the same colours as all-purpose thread but at a similar or slightly higher price.
Is expensive thread really better than cheap thread?
Higher-end brands like Gutermann and Aurifil are more consistent in thickness and strength, which means fewer breaks and more even stitches. Budget thread works fine for most projects, but if you're making something that needs to last or you're working with expensive fabric, spending more on thread is worth it.
Where can I find thread in an unusual colour?
Etsy and specialty online retailers carry hand-dyed and rare-colour thread that you won't find in stores. Amazon also has a wider colour range than local retailers. If you need an exact match, bring a swatch of your fabric to a fabric store — staff can often order thread in colours not on the shelf.