The fastest places to buy sewing thread
You can buy sewing thread at fabric stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty shops—each with different prices, selection, and speed. Fabric stores like Joann or local independent shops let you see the thread color in person and buy one spool at a time. Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basic thread cheaply but with limited color ranges. Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and thread-specific sites offer the widest selection and bulk discounts but require shipping time. The best choice depends on whether you need thread today, want a specific color or weight, or are buying in bulk.
Most sewers use a combination of these sources. You might grab basic black and white thread at your local drugstore for a quick repair, order specialty thread online for a project, and visit a fabric store when you want to match a color exactly or need information from someone who knows thread.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric stores let you see thread colors in person and buy single spools, making them best for matching or learning what weight you need.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock basic all-purpose thread in common colors at the lowest per-spool price.
- Online retailers offer the widest selection of specialty threads, colors, and weights, plus bulk discounts, but take several days to arrive.
- Thread weight, fiber content, and color all affect which store makes sense—polyester all-purpose thread is everywhere, but silk or specialty weights require online ordering.
- Buying thread in bulk online costs less per spool than single spools at retail stores, so plan ahead for projects that use a lot of one color.
Fabric stores: best for color matching and information
Independent fabric shops and chain stores like Joann carry thread organized by color and weight, and staff can help you pick the right type for your project. You can hold the spool next to your fabric to match the color exactly—something you cannot do online. Most fabric stores stock all-purpose polyester and cotton thread in 40 to 50 colors, plus specialty threads like serger thread, topstitching thread, and embroidery thread. Prices typically run $0.50 to $1.50 per spool for basic thread, higher for specialty types.
The downside is limited selection compared to online, and you pay more per spool if you buy singles. Fabric stores also have variable hours and may not be near you. Call ahead or check their website to confirm they stock the specific thread weight or color you need, especially for less common shades or specialty threads.
Big-box retailers: cheapest for basics
Walmart, Target, and similar stores stock basic all-purpose polyester thread in black, white, navy, and a few other common colors. Prices are often the lowest you will find—sometimes $0.25 to $0.50 per spool—because these stores buy in huge volume. The thread is usually a standard weight suitable for most garment sewing and repairs.
The trade-off is a small color range and no specialty options. You will not find serger thread, silk thread, or unusual colors at these stores. Staff are unlikely to know thread types or help you choose. This is the right place if you need basic thread fast and do not mind a limited palette, but not if you are matching a specific shade or need a specialty weight.
Online retailers: widest selection and bulk pricing
Amazon, Etsy, and thread-specific sites like Gutermann's direct store, Coats, and Madeira offer hundreds of colors, multiple weights, and specialty threads like metallic, variegated, and high-sheen polyester. You can also buy thread in bulk—boxes of 12 or 24 spools—at a lower per-spool cost than buying singles anywhere else. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days for standard delivery.
The main drawback is that you cannot see the thread color in person before buying, so you may order a shade that looks different on your screen than in daylight. Many online sellers accept returns, but you have to pay to ship it back. Read reviews and look for sellers who offer color swatches or detailed photos in natural light. If you are new to a brand, buy a single spool first to test the quality and color match before ordering a bulk box.
Specialty thread shops and direct manufacturers
Companies like Gutermann, Coats, Madeira, and Isacord sell directly to sewers through their websites, often with prices lower than retail stores because there is no middleman. These sites are best if you sew regularly and have found a thread brand you like. They carry the full range of that brand's colors and weights, including specialty options.
Specialty online shops focused on a particular type of sewing—embroidery, quilting, serger work—also stock thread chosen for that purpose, with staff who understand the technical details. Prices are higher than big-box stores but often lower than fabric store retail, especially if you buy in bulk. Shipping times and return policies vary, so check before ordering.
What to know before you buy
Thread comes in different weights, fiber contents, and finishes, and the right choice depends on your project. All-purpose polyester thread (usually labeled 40 weight) works for most garment sewing and repairs and is stocked everywhere. Serger thread is thinner and designed for serger machines; regular thread will not work. Topstitching thread is thicker and more visible, used for decorative stitching. Embroidery thread is often rayon or polyester with a sheen, not suitable for structural seams.
Fiber content matters too. Polyester thread is durable and colorfast, cotton thread is traditional and breathable, and silk thread is smooth but less common. If you are not sure what you need, ask at a fabric store or describe your project in a review question on an online retailer's page—other sewers often answer quickly.
Color can be tricky online because screen displays vary. If you are matching fabric, order a single spool and test it on a scrap before buying more. Many online sellers offer sample packs of multiple colors at a discount, which is a good way to try a brand without committing to a full box.
Buying thread in bulk and storing it
If you sew regularly, buying thread in bulk online saves money. A single spool at a fabric store might cost $1.00, but a box of 24 spools of the same thread ordered online might cost $0.40 per spool. The savings add up fast if you use a lot of one color or have a favorite brand.
Store thread in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which fades color over time. A plastic storage box, drawer organizer, or thread rack keeps spools from rolling around and makes it straightforward to find what you need. Thread does not expire, but old polyester can become brittle if stored in heat or humidity. Most home sewers keep thread for years without problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any thread in any sewing machine?
All-purpose polyester and cotton thread work in most machines, but specialty threads have limits. Serger thread is too thin for regular machines, and very thick topstitching thread may not fit through the needle eye. Check your machine manual for recommended thread weights, or ask at a fabric store if you are unsure whether a specific thread will work.
What is the difference between polyester and cotton thread?
Polyester thread is stronger, more colorfast, and cheaper—it is the standard for most sewing. Cotton thread is traditional, breathes better, and is preferred for heirloom or hand-sewn work, but it is weaker and fades more easily. For most projects, polyester all-purpose thread is the right choice.
Why does thread sometimes break while I am sewing?
Thread breaks for several reasons: the needle is dull or the wrong size for your fabric, the machine is not threaded correctly, or the thread itself is old or low quality. Try a fresh needle first, then rethread the machine. If the problem continues, the thread may be the issue—buy a new spool from a reliable source and test it on scrap fabric.
Is expensive thread worth buying?
Premium brands like Gutermann and Madeira are more consistent in color and strength than budget thread, which matters for visible seams or projects you want to last. For everyday repairs and basic sewing, cheap thread works fine. For garments you plan to wear often or heirloom projects, spending a bit more on quality thread is worth it.
Where can I find thread in an unusual color?
Online retailers and specialty shops carry hundreds of colors that fabric stores do not stock. Search by color name on Amazon or Etsy, or browse a thread manufacturer's full color range on their website. If you cannot find an exact match, buy a few close shades and test them on scrap fabric in daylight before sewing your project.