The Main Places to Buy Sewing Supplies
You can buy sewing materials at fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops—each has different strengths depending on what you need and how quickly you need it. Fabric stores let you touch and compare materials in person. Big-box stores offer basics at lower prices. Online retailers have the widest selection but require shipping time. Specialty shops focus on particular types of sewing, like quilting or embroidery.
The choice depends on three things: what you're looking for, whether you need it today or can wait, and your budget. A beginner buying thread and needles might choose a big-box store. Someone making a wedding dress might drive to a fabric store to feel the weight of silk. A quilter ordering specialty cotton from across the country might use an online shop.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric stores like Joann and local independent shops let you see and feel materials before buying, which matters for choosing the right weight and texture.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock basic supplies—thread, needles, scissors, pins—at lower prices but have limited fabric selection.
- Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty fabric sites offer the largest variety and hard-to-find materials, but you pay for shipping and wait for delivery.
- Local independent fabric shops often have staff who sew and can answer questions about your specific project.
- Thrift stores and estate sales sometimes have vintage thread, buttons, and notions at very low prices.
Fabric Stores and What to Find There
Joann Fabrics is the largest fabric chain in the United States, with over 800 locations. They stock fabric by the yard, thread in dozens of colors, patterns, needles, scissors, measuring tools, elastic, zippers, buttons, and interfacing. Joann also carries sewing machines and sergers. Most locations have staff who can answer basic questions about fabric weight and fiber content. They run frequent sales and coupons, which you can find on their website or in their app.
Independent fabric shops exist in most cities and towns. These are smaller, owner-run stores that often specialize—some focus on quilting cotton, others on knits or upholstery fabric. The staff usually sew themselves and can give information tailored to your project. Prices are often higher than chain stores, but the selection of specialty materials is better. Search "fabric store near me" or check local business directories to find shops in your area.
Fabric stores are the best choice when you need to see and feel material before buying. You can check how a fabric drapes, whether it's stiff or soft, how light shows through it, and whether the color matches what you imagined. This matters most for garment sewing, where the wrong weight or hand-feel can ruin a project.
Big-Box Retailers for Budget Basics
Walmart, Target, and Kohl's all carry sewing basics in their craft or fabric sections. You'll find thread, needles, pins, scissors, measuring tape, seam rippers, and straightforward patterns. Some locations stock a small selection of fabric, usually quilting cotton and basic knits. Prices are lower than fabric stores, and you can pick up supplies while shopping for other things.
The downside is limited selection and staff who may not know sewing. If you need a specific thread color, specialty needle size, or unusual fabric, a big-box store probably won't have it. These stores work well for restocking basics you already know you need—more thread, replacement needles, elastic for a waistband—but not for exploring new materials or getting information.
Online Retailers and Specialty Sites
Amazon carries thread, needles, scissors, patterns, and some fabric, though fabric selection is limited and you can't feel the material. Shipping is fast if you have Prime membership, but return policies vary by seller.
Etsy connects you to independent sellers worldwide. You can find vintage thread, specialty notions, hand-dyed fabric, and hard-to-find materials. Prices vary widely, and shipping times depend on the seller's location. Read reviews and check the seller's return policy before ordering.
Mood Fabrics (moodfabrics.com) specializes in fashion fabric—silks, wools, linens, and designer prints. They ship quickly and have detailed descriptions and close-up photos of each fabric. Prices are higher than chain stores but lower than many independent shops.
Fabric.com carries a wide range of quilting cotton, knits, wools, and specialty fabrics. They offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and have a good return policy. Photos show fabric texture and color, though you still can't feel it.
Spoonflower (spoonflower.com) lets you print custom designs on fabric. You choose the material—cotton, linen, or fleece—and upload your own image or choose from their library. It's more expensive than buying pre-printed fabric, but useful for one-of-a-kind projects.
Online shopping works best when you know exactly what you need or when you're looking for something rare. Shipping takes three to ten days depending on the retailer and your location. Factor in shipping costs, which can add significantly to small orders.
Specialty Shops for Specific Sewing Types
If you sew a particular type of project, specialty shops focus on materials and tools for that niche. Quilting shops stock high-quality quilting cotton, rotary cutters, cutting mats, and rulers. Knitting and crochet shops carry yarn and needles but also some notions useful for finishing knit garments. Embroidery shops stock floss, hoops, and specialty fabrics for embroidery and cross-stitch.
These shops usually have staff with deep knowledge of their specialty. A quilting shop employee can recommend the right batting for your project. An embroidery shop can tell you which fabric works best for a particular stitch. Many specialty shops also offer classes, which can be worth the higher prices if you're learning a new technique.
Thrift Stores and Estate Sales for Bargains
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army sometimes stock vintage thread, buttons, zippers, and notions at very low prices. You won't find new fabric, but you can find useful supplies and unusual buttons for projects. Estate sales—held when someone's home is being cleared—often include sewing supplies, vintage thread, and sometimes fabric.
Shopping secondhand requires patience. You have to visit regularly and look carefully, and you won't find what you need on demand. But if you enjoy hunting and have time, you can build a supply of notions and thread for a fraction of retail cost.
What to Compare When Choosing Where to Buy
| Retailer Type | Best For | Price Range | Selection | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric stores (Joann, independent) | Fabric selection, seeing materials in person, staff information | Medium to high | Wide | Same day |
| Big-box retailers (Walmart, Target) | Basic supplies, low prices, convenience | Low | Limited | Same day |
| Online general (Amazon) | Quick shipping, convenience, variety | Low to medium | Medium | 1–2 days (Prime) |
| Online specialty (Mood, Fabric.com, Spoonflower) | Specific fabrics, hard-to-find materials, custom printing | Medium to high | Very wide | 3–10 days |
| Specialty shops (quilting, embroidery) | informed information, niche materials, classes | Medium to high | Focused | Same day |
| Thrift and estate sales | Bargains, vintage supplies, unusual notions | Very low | Unpredictable | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return fabric if it's the wrong color or weight?
Return policies vary. Joann allows returns within 30 days with a receipt. Big-box stores usually accept returns within 30 to 90 days. Online retailers have different policies—check before ordering. Some won't accept returns on fabric at all, so read the policy carefully. Independent shops may have stricter rules, so ask before buying.
What's the difference between quilting cotton and regular cotton fabric?
Quilting cotton is tightly woven, durable, and holds its shape well. It's made for projects that need structure. Regular cotton is softer and more drape-y, better for clothing. Quilting cotton is usually sold in smaller cuts (fat quarters or by the yard) and costs more per yard. For garment sewing, regular cotton or cotton blends work better.
Is it cheaper to buy fabric online or in a store?
Online specialty retailers often have lower prices than independent fabric shops, but you pay for shipping. Big-box stores have the lowest prices on basics. Fabric.com and Mood sometimes run sales. Compare the total cost including shipping before ordering. For small purchases, a local store might be cheaper when you factor in delivery fees.
Where can I find thread that matches my fabric?
Bring a swatch of fabric to a fabric store and hold thread colors next to it in natural light. Online, use close-up photos and read reviews from other sewers. For most projects, thread one shade darker than the fabric blends better than an exact match. If you can't find a match, a neutral gray or tan works for many fabrics.
Do I need to go to a specialty shop or is a big-box store enough?
For straightforward projects and basic supplies, a big-box store is fine. For garment sewing, quilting, or embroidery, a fabric store or specialty shop gives you better material choices and staff who understand your project. If you're just starting, a big-box store is a good place to buy your first needles and thread without spending much.