Spool of Thread

This a very bright, vibrant, and spacious store. The lady there was very helpful, they have a good selection and variety, I got everything I needed that day… I liked the music that was playing, and they have classes which is pretty cool!

Just did the Tote Bag 101 class last night and had a great time!! I walked in as a complete novice and walked out with a beautiful reversible tote and enough knowledge and skills to get started on my next project. Our instructor was VERY patient with us and so so kind. Overall great class and great fabric selection (you can bring your own too) --- highly recommend checking out their other classes too, suitable for all skill levels.

Had a great time here, Karla (hopefully spelt that right) was a great instructor she was very patient, instructions were very clear and she was super attentive throughout the class. Had some amazing conversations and just a really fun night! Highly reccomend for a date or if you're wanting to pick up a new hobby or get back into it!

Great store with plenty of classes to learn the trade of the thread. My instructor (Kate) was super patient & knowledgeable.

Not only do they have an extensive pattern selection, beautiful fabrics and well selected tools…They also have heart. They went out of their way to make sure I received the Christmas gift that I ordered and was unable to pick up due to illness. Thank you Spool of Thread!

Purchased fabric online and despite only viewing the colours on the computer display they were pretty close to what I expected to recieve. Also they were super fast delivering out of town, despite the Canada Post strike. The fabrics themselves arrived neatly packed, it was like unwrapping a birthday present.

Love this place. Took a 101 class taught by Kate and it really helped me start to get comfortable with a machine and I sewed a beautiful bag! Have already signed up for two more classes. Shoutout to Eva who is very helpful picking out fabrics.

I've taken 3 courses here, highly recommended! I also love the fabric and pattern selection too. Very happy to have this in my neighbourhood.

So glad I took the time to stop here on my trip to Vancouver! The shop was lovely, colorful, and well organized. There happened to be a sewing class going on that Saturday morning, and I was a little jealous I wasn't enrolled haha. I was impressed with the assortment of garment fabrics in a wide variety of tasteful colors, and most of them were in natural fibers. I'm not a quilter, but they had a really cute patterned cotton selection, too. A few mannequins displayed clothing pieces that were labeled with the sewing pattern and type of fabric used, which really helped me get a sense of what to pick for my own project. Staff were friendly and helpful, but also let me browse in silence for a long time until I was ready to ask questions. Pricing was on-par with most independent fabric shops, and I appreciated that the prices were given in both per meters and yards!

I'm not a sewer but this kind of store makes me wish I were one. Came here with my friend who IS an accomplished sewer and knitter. She's been here many times in the past, but it was all new to me. This is definitely the kind of place to go to get fabrics or patterns in any color, pattern, material or aesthetic. I really liked how so many of thier clothing patterns came in large sizes for larger people. And along with all the bolts of fabrics, they also had all sorts of sewing tools and accessories and embellishments, too. This would be a fabulous place to go to for inspiration, or to get advice from the super knowledgeable ladies who work here. I noticed, too, that they have an area with sewing machines, and they offer classes, to make various projects. How cool is that!

Great selection of quality fabric and great service from the staff in the store. I have to travel from Seattle for garment fabric and this store is worth the trip.

Such a lovely little shop with a heart of gold. At this challenging time they are accepting product pick up at the door from online orders. I was silly and assumed the store was open, but the kind helper at the door showed me the fabrics I wanted and talked me through the online order. She was so patient and helpful. They have such a great selection of fabrics aswell as sewing accessories. They really know their stuff! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

My wife and I had the opportunity to visit this amazing store today. She found so many great fabric choices and the staff was both very knowledgeable and pleasant to visit with. We highly recommend this store and will visit it again the next time we return to Vancouver BC.

I wanted to LOVE Spool of Thread because they are a local and independent store. I also waited for a couple of years to provide this review as I was waiting to see how it would turn out. Over time, Spool of Thread continues to be a huge let down for me. Their website is really the only thing I love about their business. I am an avid sewer and own my own high end sewing machine and 2 sergers and started as an absolute beginner (minus mandatory sewing classes in high school). I am more than happy to invest money into a product or service if it has value. While I like the general concept and atmosphere of Spool of Thread, it really comes up short when it comes to delivery. Everything is overpriced. The fabric is tremendously overpriced (I actually didn't even notice this at first because I don't even bother looking at how much anything costs). I took a few classes here and I couldn't get a sense of consistency between different teachers. I have no doubt that the teachers themselves were capable, but being able to teach and manage a class is a different thing. Having taken classes elsewhere, the classes at Spool of Thread felt like more of an audition, where we were all fumbling around trying to get it together. Again, overpriced. I know the owners intentions are good, but it's hard to give Spool of Thread a high rating when they are missing the mark in so many areas. I feel like you can go elsewhere and get better teaching/learning and value for your money.

Great store ! Most helpful staff, save coved practices for everyone's safety ! Thanks for the help ;-)

I can't believe I thought I wouldn't be able to sew. Under Lili's patient, steady hand, conversational tone and a supportive class full of perfectionists trying hard not to worry so much, I sewed two throw pillows. The array of classes seem to be designed to teach you how to master various sewing situations - hems, zippers, garments.. they are all covered and well worth the cost to me. I was a little nervous to take a class at first - mostly because I thought it might be difficult, but turns out it can be easy with help. Outside of having a great time with a group of ladies who were in the same boat I am, taking a class also means you can buy sewing machine rental time at 1/2 price. And I did! The machines are new and easy to use, putting my mother's 1970s robin egged colour one to shame. They even have a variety of speed settings, from turtle to rabbit. True story! Spool of Thread's fabric selection is dearer and more refined than most of Dressew's (my one main point of reference) in two ways - one, yes it's pricier and two, it comes with stories. Like the print I picked that is a reprint from a museum in London - classy and pretty! Do I want to go back for pajama pants, make up bag and tote bag classes? That would be a big fat YES!

I signed up for their sewing 101 class the tote bag which is $40. I went in a couple of days before with my husband to pick out my fabrics. Yes, the fabrics are on the pricier side...some about $20ish per yard. BUT, the choice of fabric is first of all unique and CUTE and of good quality. And they do have a sales bin with equally nice fabric. The class started right on time (I was the last one to arrive) so as soon as I sat down, the class began promptly. Heather was our instructor and she was enthusiastic and fun. She went around to make sure we were on the right track. It seems my latent sewing skills surfaced during class because I had no trouble and was one of the first ones to finish. The tote bag is awesome!! I've also signed up for their Ready, Set, Quilt class and can't wait! The store is well organized. I love their selection of fabric and the ladies that work there are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Yes, I love this place and will be looking to take their other classes. The classes are really popular and they seem to sell out and their website is up-to-date on the availability.

Stopped by here last night after reading all the great reviews, and I understand why they're rated so highly! Firstly, I love that they're open late; most of the other fabric stores close at the time I get off work and that was a major reason I decided to stop by here. Secondly, they are a smaller store that has a variety of sewing books, stencil kits for specific projects, scraps of fabric, and the normal yards of fabric wrapped. In the center of the shopping area are the selection that are on sale, and it looked like most of the ones in this section were there because they were summer/spring styles. The gentleman that served me was very kind and meticulous as he wrapped my purchases up and folded them into the paper bag. He was friendly, and the service was fantastic. The only thing I wish was better was the parking situation; there's not much parking in the area, but obviously that's not their fault. Aside from that, this place was perfect.

I'm up to date on how to use a sewing machine, and not one drop of blood was spilled--I'm thrilled! I took their throw cushion cover class and successfully completed two covers over the the 3-hour session. Why couldn't high school sewing have been this enjoyable? The class started on time, Lili's explanations were easy to follow, she did rounds making sure everyone was "getting" it, and I loved the way she made the process relaxed and fun. The fabric choices at the store are WONDERFUL. Worth a trip just to check them out. I paid about $20 for my choice for the covers. I'm so glad I found this store! I'll be back to take advantage of their by-the-hour machine rentals.

I like Spool of Thread. It has a very clean, uncluttered look about it, and the selection of materials is pretty good. The prices for the materials are smack-dab between inexpensive and over-priced. The employees are very friendly and professional. What I personally liked about Spool of Thread, is that I don't look like I have any business being in a material store, but the staff did not hover around me or even once pester me with the "Can I help you? If you need any help I'll be right over here", I was free to check out their stocks and supplies quite freely. I found what I was looking for, paid for my finds and left feeling good about my visit.

Not a bad store to wander around. They have a large selection of fabrics. Be prepared to spend a little more $$ because the fabrics cost a lot more than places like Michael's or Joanne's (in the U.S.) - large chain stores. The person at the shop was nice and friendly.

I haven't sewn anything since Jr. High but Spool of Thread made it easy. Staff are friendly and helpful. Assortment of fabrics is amazing. I made my first tote bag and it turned out well. Highly recommend this place

holy fantastic! a sewers dream! I've taken a handful of the sewing classes here, they have all been terrific, I've learned new techniques and had so much fun with other sewers. In addition as the other reviewers have stated, the fabric selection here is second to none. High quality cottons with amazing prints, fabulous solids and hard to find fabrics. Can't say much more other than I love Henry & Lili! They make the place that much more special.

When I left fabric shopping to the last minute and realized that the places I had planned on hitting up later that day would all be closed around 5 I panicked. Until I found out that Spool of Thread was open until 8. PERFECT. Plus, I had been meaning to check them out for a long time. It is such a cute shop! All the fabric and notions are at the front, all the sewing tables are at the back. I think they have classes here from time to time. All the adorable prints are organized by colour. I probably spent about an hour in here ooohing and aaahhing everything. Unfortunately they don't cut swatches. The smallest amount you can get is 1/4 yard. I ended up getting about 10 different giant "swatches". It isn't cheap, but it is definitely the most interesting and great selection I've seen in awhile. Everyone kept asking me where I got my fabrics. They recommend buying a LOT of something if you think you'll need it again. The prints come and go quickly here.

I am very familiar with spool of thread as I have seen their table at many craft fairs throughout the years. Whenever my friends ask about my pin wheel pin in my hair I tell them that I made it at the Spool of Thread table at ______ craft fair. I went into their actual store front which is nice and spacious with some cool cotton fabrics. The sell mostly basic cotton in contemporary hipster styles. I want to come and join some of their classes in the future to make some cool stuff for my vacation this summer. The lady at the til was super sweet and super helpful. For $40 you can make your own tote bag...total DIY fun. Cost of fabric is extra.

Such a cute store ! With some really cute fabrics. I got some classes as a birthday gift and ended up really enjoying them. The teachers were really knowledgeable and it's been a great little kick to get me back into sewing. Happy to spend some extra dough to support local businesses ! (Though I don't really think their fabric was outrageously priced )

I love this place. I'm actually terrified of sewing machines, but I took Sewing 101 at Spool of Thread .. and while I'm still afraid of sewing machines, I made an AWESOME TOTE BAG! Lili and Henry have an awesome place here - they're friendly as can be, crazy knowledgeable, have the cutest damn fabrics ever, and really know their stuff. I can't wait to take more classes - I WILL conquer my fear, and make some adorable stuff while I'm at it. Spool of Thread is exactly want I needed! Keep an eye out for their table at Got Craft events, too - they've always got something fun going!

I love the brick and mortar shop, but during this time of the Covid-19 epidemic, resorted to buying online. I am so glad I did. Within 2 days of ordering, I had my fabric and notions in hand, very carefully packed. Terrific service. Wishing them all the best!

I LOVE it here. After spending two days in the craft buyer's rabbit hole, aka Etsy, carefully considering all 250 pages of pricey cushion covers, I decided to try my butterfingered hand at making them. A few clicks on Yelp and I was led to Spool of Thread, where magically they were offering a class in making 18 x 18 inch (the exact size I was looking for) cushion covers! I signed up and the rest is history (I can hear them say, after I establish my cushion cover-making empire). It's true what's been said about Lili, the instructor. She was full of "Awesome"s and "Sweet"s and helpful advice as I wrestled with my fabric and almost despaired that this craft project would go the way of the others (discard bin). But, with Lili's encouragement and my grim determination to see this thing through, the end result was beautiful, polished-looking cushion covers that are just as nice as the ones on Etsy and even nicer than the ones they're selling at Pottery Barn. I have since made an additional cushion cover at their workspace ($4-8/hr) with another of their beautiful fabrics and have plans to make more. Cushion covers for everyone!

For the sewers out there - this is the place to be. You know how you want really pretty fabric and you know what you have in mind but you just can't find it.. or the only place you find it is online... or on etsy? Well look no further, shopowners Lili & Henry have the best collection of pretty, pretty fabric. Want to know whats even better? ITS COLOR COORDINATED!!! They also have sewing machines you can rent by the hour and sewing classes for the newbies out there (which include me!) It's an akward place to go to because of the location but definitely worth the extra few mins to find a parking spot.

I took the sewing 101 class (tote bag) I came without any sewing knowledge. I left with a beautiful project made by myself. Everybody can learn in this class. I will totally come back to learn in more advance projects

After not using a sewing machine for literally decades, I recently picked up a good basic machine from Spool of Thread. The awesome staff were able to answer all of my questions and set me up and it didn't break my bank. I will probably come back for a class or two, too, to bone up on some lacking skills. Really nice people.

I took a fantastic sewing lesson at Spool of Thread last night, and made an adorable reversible tote bag. The instructor, Lili was amiable and patient, going over the same instructions again and again to make sure that those of us who were lagging behind were able to follow along. Lili never rushed us, and was very encouraging. The fabric selection was so varied and enticing, it took me about twenty minutes to make my choice. I spent a good deal of the lesson admiring the fabric selections of my classmates. A great shop with friendly and knowledgeable people.

I am trying to learn to sew and decided to take a Sewing 101 class here. So last week I took the Throw Pillow 101. Lili is a great teacher and although I had some basic knowledge from teaching myself there were a lot of things I didn't know. The shop is nice and I love the rental space concept for those who either don't have the space or aren't going to be in the area long enough to justify purchasing a sewing machine. There is an array of very nice fabrics but definitely not the selection you would find at your local Fabricland but that doesn't take away from the place at all. The selection they do have is high quality cottons in both solid and prints. I am definitely looking to take another class so that I can learn more and start making my own home accessories. What I didn't like about the shop was that it wasn't the easiest to find for someone not from the area, like myself. From the sidewalk on Kingsway the name of the shop isn't very clear on a sunny day.

One of the cutest shops in town! Lili & Henry have a small but growing collection of extremely cute & current fabrics which can be hard to find in Vancouver. In addition to the growing supply of things to line your own craft cupboards with, the shop is offering both sewing classes and sewing space by the hour. Sew as a solitary activity no more! Top of the line equipment, a helpful hand nearby, and like minded crafty people. The perfect combination!

Went here today to pick out some fabrics and get some tips on quilting. Sarah was awesome and very helpful! I had a ton of questions since I am new to the world of quilting and she was very patient with me. I only wish this place was closer to me!

Spool of Thread is super awesome!! They have so many incredible classes and a fantastic selection of fabrics. The classes combine hands-on learning with demonstrations, and usually include take-away instructions. They also rents out studio time or sewing machine use at the store. Spool of Thread have had book launches for crafty books and Henry and Lili are helpful, friendly, and inviting. The classes are a bit pricey for my budget, but considering the work involved, time, and space, they make sense. Most/all of their fabric is cotton, which is a bit disappointing for me, however I think that they have made a conscious choice about offering contemporary and unique fabrics, and I understand.

Wow! I have been looking for a fabric store like this for some time now. They have an amazing assortment of beautiful modern fabric to choose from and really cool patterns too! I came across Spool of Thread after searching all over the city for some fabric for my nursery. With no luck at Dressew or Fabricland, and to be honest feeling quite overwhelmed with their gigantic selection (most of it not my taste) I headed to Spool of Thread. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for but I became creatively inspired as soon as I stepped through the door and I found exactly what I needed. I have been tempted to purchase fabric online but it is something that I like to see and touch before I purchase it. This store has all the great qualities that any fabric store I have ever been to is lacking. Modern prints, great quality and reasonable prices. Oh yeah, and friendly helpful staff... Not to stereotype or anything but I've only ever experience grumpy women that work at sewing supplies stores. This is not the case at Spool of Thread. Great job Spool of Thread, I'll be back often and I'll tell any and every crafty momma like myself about your shop!

Amazing team, amazing fabrics and amazing classes. I am a total beginner on sewing machine and have already done 2 classes for the pillow cases and the apron. We were a small group and the instructor was really clear and friendly. I am really happy with the results, the machine are so easy and comfortable to use. The fabrics are affordable and not more expensive than other places in Vancouver. I already signed up for my 3rd class!

Took a sewing course with Spool of Thread recently. The rating represents the class I took, not the store. Firstly, the front desk people were kind and helpful - registration was a real breeze and they helped me with everything I needed to buy. But the instructor was just a nightmare. She favoured the people who had better sewing skills and made the people who were struggling feel infantilized. I have never met a more condescending and malicious person in adult society. It's a shame because the facilities and materials are top-notch. Maybe it's a totally different experience for people who get different instructors? In any case, I felt awful after the course and haven't been able to go back to sewing since. As a side note the classes run on the expensive side for non-professional sewing classes. A typical beginner's class (which is around 3 hours) could run you up $70, and you don't learn enough that you could make other things after you take the class, so you would have to keep taking classes with them to have any useful sewing skills.

Oh, THANK you, owner/manager of this place, for creating it! I like to sew but have NO room at home for machine or cutting. I can come in here and use the machines, but even better, there's a HUGE table/workbench for cutting fabric etc. My only complaint: the work table has a wooden top and I wish it were canvas-topped so that I could pin things to it. But whatever. The staff are super nice, friendly, and helpful. And if you buy the card, it's even cheaper to sew here ($4/hour compared to $8/hour). They also do lessons. Again, owner: I thank you!!! And thanks to the staff for always being so nice. Oh last comment: website is not always current for sew-in times so phone first if you want to be 100% sure.

The owners are sooooooo rude and there's no notions whatsoever. I guess the name rings true, because there's mmmmmbasically only one spool of thread to buy

I signed up for their Tote bag sewing class a few years ago (yup, this review is long overdue) and absolutely loved it. As a sewing novice (I had never touched a sewing machine before), Lili was a kind, patient and encouraging instructor and before I knew it, I had sewn a reversible tote bag! I loved the class so much I even went out a few weeks later and purchased my own sewing machine. I love the selection of vintage inspired fabrics as well as the Kona cotton solids displayed against the wall. They are definitely pricier than if you were to go elsewhere, say Dressew or Fabricana, but the selection is so good and unique you'd be hard pressed to find most of them in other stores. The last time I was there they were selling quarter bundles which are great for smaller projects or quilting. They also sell some books, sewing notions, clothing patterns, and used sewing machines from their classes. Unfortunately I moved away from Vancouver but whenever I come home to visit I try to make an effort to visit. I love this store. They often take photos of their new fabric shipments and post them to their Flickr, but I'd imagine you'd have to rush over to buy some before they sell out! I only wish they had online shopping available.

A fantastic selection of gorgeous modern fabrics. No duds here; all the fabrics are current. There is only a small selection currently, but I'm told more fabrics are coming. They have sewing machines, a huge cutting table and various tools that you can use for an hourly fee. Lili, the owner, is lovely and very helpful. I worked on a project the other day for about three and a half hours and had a fun relaxing time. Updated to reflect that they have lots more modern prints, some silk/cotton fabrics and the entire spectrum of Kona solids. I love this place!

Small but fantastic selection of fabrics - the good stuff. Sewing space and machines you can rent to get your projects done. And classes where you make really awesome stuff (and learn new sewing skills). Spool of Thread is fabulous, just wish it was next door to my apt!

I love this place. I havent taken any classes, but rented machine time. I have my own machines at home but had something VERY LONG to sew (curtains) and needed a nice clean big table for all the ironing and pining and sewing. They have that! Its also nice to have someone super friendly and helpful to bounce ideas off of when you're working. I recommend this place!

The fabrics are interesting. I signed up for the tote class and was excited to take it. However, I found it quite frustrating and a little too much to take in for a beginner (I am brand new to sewing). A shorter class with an easier project would have been better.

NICE BUT NEEDS SOME POLISHING... Nice little shop off Kingsway, in a very interesting block with coffee place and restaurants as well. Pros: You can rent a work station with machines and tools, and get advice on your project, a big help to new sewists, and the class list is fun and interesting. The shop wisely decided to stock ALL the Kona Cotton solid colours, which is a big help (and a big draw) to modern and art quilters. Cons: They have recently often been out of stock on the solids...big mistake in your signature offering! No offer was made to restock and notify customer when the fabric was in, nor was a time frame for restocking offered...the shop clerk just said "we are out". Customers will not like that and will order online instead. Print fabric lines are modern and cheery but too limited. More blenders needed. More store samples needed to inspire shoppers! A great little store, hope they do well, but have to work on their rough edges, and make themselves a more tempting destination.

I recently took the 'no frill duvet' class as a re-introduction into sewing after many years. I was surprised at the volume of fabric that they have - their Flickr fabric account underestimates their variety and selection. It's definitely not the cheapest fabric, but lots to choose from for that special project. The class itself was great - my only complaint was that for this large project, the space might be a bit crowded with usual 6 students; I didn't get to finish my quilt within the allocated 6 hours, as you had to wait for space to clear so that you could pin your fabric using the large fabric tables. Overall a good time and I would return for smaller project.

Yelp! Thank you for helping me find such a gem in my neighborhood. I found a tutorial on a reversible sling bag tht I wanted to make and stopped in the next day to buy some fabric. The storefront was a tad difficult to spot because they only have a sandwich board out. (The trees in that particular block are quite tall.) I found the selection to be very organized and easy to find. The selection itself was very bright snd colourful. I was looking for some muted and not so busy patterns and it proved difficult. I settled for two and had one of the girls cut it out for me. I showed her the pattern that I was going to do and she gave me a few pointers and they really helped! Although the fabric was a bit on the pricey side, I will be back for future DIY projects! I hear they have classes as well so I will definitely have to check those out.

I was looking for a sewing store by my place and I cannot believe my luck that Spool of Thread is within walking distance! I came in with the idea to make my first quilt. The girl working there was extremely helpful (I think her name was Sarah), looking at my pattern to figure out how much fabric I would need. They have an abundance of beautiful and cute fabrics, and I got all my selection out of the sale bin. Since all their fabrics are great, the sale bin is an excellent place to start if you're on a budget. The sales lady helped me find all the accessories I needed and mentioned that they rent out their sewing studio when there isn't a sewing class. That way when it comes time for me to assemble my quilt I can use their large drafting tables(something I don't have room for in my apartment). I will definitely be visiting Spool of Thread again for my next project! They may not have a huge selection in terms of notions or other supplies, but they are certainly not lacking in fabric choice!

Love at first sight! Excellent layout, bright and airy store. And tonnes of beautiful, fun fabrics! The owners and sales associates are delightful, helpful, informative. I could spend hours just admiring all the lovely prints! Given how much I love this store, I feel bad saying this: except for thread, a touch lacking in the general notions department, but that's typical of most fabric stores in the city... Go get your essentials downtown but buy ALL your fabric here at Spool of Thread! By the way, they just celebrated their first 'birthday' last week - cupcakes were had :-) This is my favourite fabric store by FAR!

SOT is the best spot in Vancouver for quilting cotton. They also have a nicely curated selection of other types of fabrics, and are happy to help you find an appropriate fabric for your project. I hope they expand their selection in the coming years!

Wow, WOW, W-O-W! I just had my first class at Spool of Thread and am completely hooked. The class was led by Lili, who was warm, patient and supportive beyond words. The shop has a wonderful assortment of modern and vintage-inspired fabrics to choose from and top-of-the-line machines available for use during their classes or affordable drop-in sessions. They also have a fantastic selection of classes, suitable for beginners (like me) or seasoned veterans. The co-owners Lili and Henry are delightful and friendly, too. I can't wait to return to Spool of Thread!

I love the fabric selection here! The prints are beautiful, trendy and fun. It's mostly cottons though, and it's on the pricey side. I took the zippered pouch class and the perfect tank top class with them. The classes are fast paced, and it's great to finish a project in one sitting.