The fastest way to find thread is a local fabric or craft store
Your nearest fabric store—Joann, local quilt shops, or independent sewing supply stores—will have thread in stock today. These stores carry basic polyester and cotton thread in common colors, plus specialty threads for specific projects. Staff can help you match thread color to fabric and answer questions about thread weight and fiber type while you shop.
To find these stores, search "fabric store near me" or "quilt shop near me" in Google Maps. Call ahead if you need a specific thread type or color—smaller shops may not stock every option, and calling saves a trip. Most fabric stores are open six days a week, with hours typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though this varies by location.
Key Takeaways
- Local fabric and craft stores stock thread in common colors and weights and let you see and feel the thread before buying.
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic thread in limited colors, usually in the craft or sewing aisle.
- Specialty thread types—silk, metallic, variegated—are easier to find at independent quilt shops or online retailers.
- Online retailers ship thread to your home in two to five days and offer the widest selection, but you cannot match color to fabric in person.
- Thread prices vary widely by fiber type and brand, from under $1 per spool for basic polyester to $3 to $5 for specialty threads.
What to expect at chain fabric stores
Joann Fabrics is the largest chain in the United States and stocks thread in every major color and weight. You will find polyester thread, cotton thread, serger thread, and basic specialty threads like metallic and variegated. Prices are typically $0.50 to $2 per spool, and Joann runs frequent coupons—check their app or website before you go, as a 40% or 50% off coupon is common.
Independent quilt shops and sewing stores often carry higher-quality thread brands like Aurifil, Gutermann, and Mettler, plus specialty threads that chain stores do not stock. These shops usually cost more per spool but have staff who specialize in sewing and can recommend thread for your specific project. Many independent shops also offer classes and repairs, so they are worth visiting if you are new to sewing or working on a difficult project.
Thread at general retailers
Walmart and Target carry basic thread in their craft sections, usually in a limited range of colors—typically black, white, navy, brown, and a few others. The thread is usually polyester, inexpensive (often under $1 per spool), and adequate for everyday mending and straightforward projects. However, you will not find specialty threads or less common colors at these stores.
The downside is that selection is small and staff are not trained in sewing. If you need a specific color or thread type, a fabric store is a better choice. General retailers are most useful if you need thread in a pinch and do not have time to visit a specialty store.
Online retailers for wider selection and specialty threads
Online stores like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty retailers (Mood Fabrics, Connecting Threads, Threadart) carry thread in hundreds of colors and types. You can find silk thread, variegated thread, metallic thread, and brands that local stores do not stock. Prices vary widely—basic polyester may be $0.50 per spool, while specialty threads run $2 to $5 or more.
The main drawback is that you cannot see or feel the thread before buying, and shipping takes two to five days. If you are matching thread to fabric, bring a swatch with you to a local store instead, or order a small quantity online and test it on scrap fabric first. Read reviews on online retailers to check thread quality—some cheaper brands break easily or do not dye evenly.
How to choose the right thread for your project
Thread comes in three main fiber types: polyester, cotton, and specialty blends. Polyester is strong, inexpensive, and works for most projects—mending, garment sewing, and quilting. Cotton thread is softer and preferred by some quilters and hand-sewers, though it breaks more easily than polyester. Specialty threads like silk, metallic, and variegated are for decorative work and cost more.
Thread also comes in different weights. Standard all-purpose thread works for most sewing machines. Serger thread is thinner and designed for serger machines. Topstitching thread is thicker and visible on the outside of garments. If you are unsure which thread to buy, bring your project or a photo to a fabric store and ask staff for a recommendation.
Color matching is easiest in person—bring a swatch of your fabric to a fabric store and hold thread next to it in natural light. If you are buying online, order a small spool first to test on scrap fabric. Thread color can look different on screen than in person, and dye lots vary between manufacturers.
Comparing price and convenience
| Store Type | Price Range | Selection | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local fabric store (Joann, quilt shops) | $0.50–$3 per spool | Good to excellent | Same day | Color matching, staff help, common threads |
| General retailers (Walmart, Target) | Under $1 per spool | Limited | Same day | Emergency mending, basic colors only |
| Online retailers | $0.50–$5+ per spool | Excellent | 2–5 days | Specialty threads, bulk orders, rare colors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any thread in my sewing machine?
Most all-purpose polyester or cotton thread works in standard sewing machines. Serger thread is too thin for regular machines, and very thick threads may jam. If you are unsure, ask staff at a fabric store or check your machine's manual. Testing on scrap fabric first prevents wasting thread and fabric on a project.
What if I cannot find the exact color I need?
Bring a swatch of your fabric to a fabric store and hold thread colors next to it in natural light—thread that looks close in the store will blend well on finished fabric. If you are sewing seams that will be hidden, an exact match is less important. For visible topstitching, a slightly darker shade usually blends better than a lighter one.
Is expensive thread worth buying?
Higher-quality brands like Aurifil and Gutermann break less often and dye more evenly, which matters for quilting and visible seams. For basic mending and hidden seams, inexpensive polyester thread works fine. If you sew frequently, buying mid-range thread ($1 to $2 per spool) is a good balance between cost and durability.
How much thread do I need for a project?
A standard spool holds enough thread for most garments and small quilting projects. For large quilts or heavy-duty sewing, buy multiple spools. If you are unsure, ask staff at a fabric store—they can estimate based on your project size and machine type.
Can I order thread online and return it if the color is wrong?
Return policies vary by retailer. Amazon and most fabric retailers accept returns within 30 days if thread is unused. Etsy sellers set their own policies, so check before buying. To avoid returns, order a small spool first or buy in person at a local store where you can see the color when ready.