The main places to buy sewing supplies
You can buy sewing supplies at fabric stores, general craft retailers, online marketplaces, and big-box stores—each has different strengths depending on what you need and how quickly you need it. Local fabric shops let you touch fabric and get information from staff who sew. Chain stores like Joann Fabrics carry a wide range of notions, patterns, and tools in one place. Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites ship to your door but require you to judge quality from photos. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basics cheaply but have limited selection.
The best choice depends on whether you need something today, whether you want to see the material in person, and how much you're willing to spend. A beginner buying their first needle and thread might go to Walmart. Someone matching thread to a specific fabric will visit a local shop. A quilter ordering bulk batting might order online.
Key Takeaways
- Local independent fabric shops let you see and feel fabric before buying, and staff can answer questions about fiber content and care.
- Chain fabric stores like Joann Fabrics stock a full range of notions, patterns, and tools, with frequent sales and coupons that lower prices.
- Online retailers offer the widest selection and lowest prices on specialty items, but you cannot inspect fabric or notions in person.
- Big-box stores carry basic supplies cheaply but have limited selection and staff who may not know sewing-specific details.
- Thrift stores and estate sales sometimes have vintage thread, buttons, and tools at low cost, though selection is unpredictable.
Local fabric and sewing shops
Independent fabric stores are usually staffed by people who sew or quilt themselves. They can tell you the difference between cotton sateen and cotton twill, whether a thread will hold on stretch fabric, and what weight of interfacing works for your project. They also know their inventory—if they don't have something, they often can order it or suggest a substitute.
The trade-off is price. Local shops typically cost more than chain stores or online retailers because they have higher rent and smaller buying power. However, many offer classes, let you return fabric if it doesn't work, and will special-order items. Some have loyalty programs or email lists that announce sales. If you're new to sewing, spending a little more to get good information often saves money in the long run because you buy the right thing the first time.
To find a local shop, search "fabric store near me" or "quilt shop near me." Many have websites showing their hours and current sales. Call before you go if you're looking for something specific—staff can tell you whether they have it in stock.
Chain fabric stores and their sales
Joann Fabrics is the largest chain in the United States and carries fabric, thread, patterns, notions, tools, and finished items like yarn and embroidery floss. Their prices are lower than independent shops, and they run frequent sales and coupons—their app and email list announce discounts that can cut prices by 40 to 50 percent on specific items.
Joann stores are organized by category, so you can find all your notions in one aisle and all your thread in another. Staff knowledge varies—some locations have experienced sewers, others have general retail workers. The return policy is usually 30 days with a receipt, which gives you time to test fabric at home.
Other regional chains exist depending on where you live. In Canada, Fabricland serves a similar role. In the UK, John Lewis and independent chains like The Works carry fabric and notions. Search for "fabric store" plus your city to see what's available locally.
Online retailers and specialty sites
Online shopping works best when you know exactly what you want—a specific thread color, a particular pattern, or bulk quantities of a notions item. Amazon carries thread, needles, scissors, and fabric from many sellers, with fast shipping if you have Prime. Etsy connects you to independent dyers, pattern designers, and notions sellers, often for specialty or vintage items.
Specialty sites focus on specific types of sewing. Mood Fabrics and Fabric.com carry a huge range of fashion fabrics with detailed descriptions and swatches. Craftsy and Skillshare sell patterns and classes. Etsy sellers often specialize in vintage buttons, hand-dyed thread, or hard-to-find notions. Prices vary widely—you may pay less for basics but more for specialty items than you would in a store.
The main drawback is that you cannot see or touch the fabric before it arrives. Read reviews and check return policies. Many online retailers offer free returns, but shipping costs can add up if you need to send something back. Some sites let you order a swatch or sample before buying yardage.
Big-box stores for basics
Walmart, Target, and similar stores stock basic sewing supplies in their craft or fabric sections—thread in common colors, needles, scissors, elastic, and straightforward patterns. Prices are very low, and you can pick items up the same day. These stores are useful if you need something quickly and don't care about color matching or specialty items.
The downside is limited selection. You may not find the thread color you need, specialty fabrics, or notions for specific projects. Staff usually cannot answer sewing questions. Return policies vary by store but are often 30 to 90 days. If you're buying fabric here, inspect it carefully in the store—quality can be inconsistent, and returns may be difficult if you discover a flaw at home.
Thrift stores and secondhand sources
Thrift stores, estate sales, and online secondhand marketplaces sometimes have vintage thread, buttons, zippers, and sewing tools at very low prices. Vintage thread can be beautiful and hard to find new. Wooden spools and old shears are often cheaper than new versions. However, selection is unpredictable—you might find nothing one week and a treasure trove the next.
Check thread condition before buying—very old thread can be brittle and break during sewing. Test zippers and buttons to make sure they work. Secondhand tools like scissors and seam rippers should be sharp and functional. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay let you search for specific items, though shipping costs can be high for heavy tools.
What to consider when choosing where to buy
Think about what you need, how soon you need it, and how much you want to spend. If you're buying fabric for a project, visiting a local shop or chain store lets you see the color and feel the weight in person. If you're ordering thread or notions you've bought before, online is faster and often cheaper. If you need something today, a big-box store or local shop is your only option.
Consider also whether you want information. Beginners benefit from talking to someone who knows sewing. Experienced sewers often know what they want and can save money by shopping online or waiting for sales. If you're trying a new technique or fabric type, a local shop's informed is worth the extra cost.
Many sewers use multiple sources—they buy fabric locally to see it in person, order specialty notions online, and grab basics at the big-box store when they're there anyway. Over time, you'll figure out which stores work best for your budget and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return fabric if it doesn't work for my project?
Most fabric stores allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, but policies vary. Chain stores like Joann usually have a 30-day window. Independent shops may be more flexible if you explain the problem. Online retailers often offer free returns, but check their policy before ordering. Always inspect fabric at home before washing or cutting if you think you might return it.
What's the difference between thread from a fabric store and thread from a big-box store?
Fabric store thread is usually higher quality—it's less likely to break, sheds less lint, and comes in more colors. Big-box thread works fine for basic projects but may break on stretch fabrics or delicate work. For most beginners, either works. As you sew more, you'll notice the difference and may prefer specialty thread for certain projects.
Is it cheaper to buy fabric online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper per yard, especially for specialty fabrics, but shipping costs add up. A local store might cost more per yard but saves shipping and lets you buy only what you need. Chain stores with coupons can be competitive with online prices. Compare the total cost including shipping before deciding.
Where can I find patterns?
Patterns are sold at fabric stores, chain retailers, and online. Printed patterns come from companies like Simplicity, McCall's, and Vogue—you'll find them at Joann, local shops, and Amazon. Digital patterns (PDF files you print at home) are sold on Etsy, Craftsy, and independent designer sites. Many sewers also find free patterns on blogs and YouTube.
What if there's no fabric store near me?
Online shopping becomes your main option. Mood Fabrics, Fabric.com, and Etsy offer wide selection and ship nationwide. Many online retailers offer swatches so you can see color before ordering yardage. Big-box stores and general craft retailers like Michaels also ship, though selection is limited. Consider joining an online sewing community where people can recommend reliable sellers.