Everything You Need to Know About Craft Stores
Did you know that the global arts and crafts market is projected to reach over $100 billion by 2030, driven by growing interest in DIY activities, creative hobbies, and handmade products? As a mom of 5 kids, I've personally contributed my fair share to those numbers! From juggling school projects to last-minute Halloween crafts emergencies, I've spent countless hours in craft stores with kids in tow.
Whether you're shopping at small local shops or massive chain retailers, finding the right craft store makes all the difference. Through my experience managing family projects and satisfying five different creative personalities, I've learned that not all stores are created equal. In this guide, I'll share practical tips for maximizing your crafting adventures and budget!
If you're looking for specific project ideas to tackle with your little ones once you've found the perfect craft store, be sure to check out my collection of preschool crafts, easy crafts, and crafts for kids that have been tested and approved by my own crew of five!
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.
Types of Craft Stores and What They Offer
Not all craft stores are created equal. I learned this when I first started crafting and assumed every store would have what I needed. I was wrong.
The big box retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann Fabrics are probably what you think of first. These stores have everything under one roof. I can grab fabric paint, scrapbook paper, and yarn in one trip. However, their selection can be overwhelming, and quality isn't always consistent.
Big Box Craft Store Benefits:
One-stop shopping for multiple craft types
Frequent sales and coupon opportunities
Extended hours, often open evenings and weekends
Large parking areas and wide aisles
Return policies that are usually pretty forgiving
Specialty craft stores focus on one specific crafting type, and they typically excel in their area. I walked into my first yarn shop and felt like I'd entered paradise. The owner knew everything about fiber content. The yarn quality was noticeably better than chain store options.
Types of Specialty Stores:
Yarn and knitting shops with expert staff
Bead stores with unique findings and gemstones
Art supply stores with professional-grade materials
Quilting shops with high-quality cotton fabrics
Scrapbooking stores with the latest papers and tools
Online retailers have changed the crafting landscape. Amazon, Etsy, and specialty sites like Craftsy offer supplies you can't find locally. I've ordered Japanese washi tape and specialized polymer clay tools online. The drawback? You can't examine materials firsthand, and shipping costs add up.
Local independent stores are underrated gems. They might be smaller, but the personal service is unmatched. My local shop owner remembers my projects and calls when matching supplies arrive. That customer service is rare at larger retailers.
Essential Craft Supplies Every Store Should Carry
Walking into a craft store can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? I've made mistakes buying supplies that seemed useful but weren't.
Basic Tools (The Non-Negotiables):
Sharp fabric scissors - not kitchen scissors
Craft knife with replaceable blades
Metal ruler (plastic ones warp)
Cutting mat at least 12x18 inches
Glue gun with high and low temp settings
Good lighting or magnifying glass for detail work
Paper crafting supplies should take up decent space in any craft store. I mean cardstock in multiple weights, not construction paper. Good stores carry acid-free papers that won't yellow. I learned this when my first scrapbook pages turned brown after two years.
Paper Crafting Must-Haves:
Cardstock in weights from 65lb to 110lb
Patterned papers that coordinate with seasons
Paper trimmer with fresh blades
Adhesives that won't wrinkle or yellow
Whether you're planning paper crafts, trying origami butterfly projects, or exploring paper quilling, having quality paper supplies is essential for successful projects.
Fabric and sewing supplies are tricky. Not every craft store does this well. Joann Fabrics excels here, but I've been disappointed by limited fabric selections at general craft stores. You want variety in fiber contents, not just cheap polyester blends.
The painting section tells you about a store's quality. Student-grade supplies work for beginners, but good stores also carry artist-quality materials. I was amazed the first time I used real watercolor paper instead of cheap stuff - my paintings looked professional.
Quality Indicators for Art Supplies:
Multiple brush sizes and types (synthetic and natural bristles)
Paint tubes with actual pigment names, not just "red" or "blue"
Canvas boards and stretched canvases in various sizes
Paper with proper tooth and weight ratings
Seasonal materials matter too. Nothing's worse than wanting Halloween decorations in September and finding bare shelves. Good stores stock seasonal items 6-8 weeks early. This is especially important if you're planning summer crafts, winter crafts, fall crafts, or Thanksgiving crafts with the kids.
How to Find the Best Craft Store Near You
Finding your perfect craft store takes effort. I've driven to stores that looked great online only to find dusty shelves and unhelpful staff.
Start with online store locators, but don't stop there. Google Maps reviews are valuable. I read recent reviews first because stores can change quickly. Look for comments about staff helpfulness, store cleanliness, and product selection.
Red Flags in Reviews:
Complaints about consistently empty shelves
Multiple mentions of rude or unknowledgeable staff
Issues with return policies or expired coupons
Poor store maintenance or organization
Store hours matter more than you'd think. I've rushed to craft stores after work only to find they closed at 6 PM. Most chain stores stay open until 9 PM on weekdays, but local shops often have shorter hours.
Parking might seem minor, but it's important when buying bulky supplies. I once carried a large canvas three blocks because the art store had terrible parking.
What to Look for During Your First Visit:
Are aisles wide enough for shopping carts?
Is the store well-lit and organized?
Do staff members acknowledge you?
Are prices clearly marked?
Is there good variety within each category?
Test customer service by asking a specific product question. If staff just points to an aisle without offering help, that tells you about the store culture.
Money-Saving Tips for Craft Store Shopping
Crafting can get expensive quickly. I've blown my monthly budget in one afternoon at Michaels more times than I care to admit. But I've learned tricks that have saved me hundreds.
Coupons are your best friend, but understand the policies. Most stores accept competitor coupons, but they usually can't be combined with sale prices. Hobby Lobby's 40% off coupon only works on regular-priced items.
Smart Coupon Strategy:
Download store apps for mobile coupons
Sign up for email lists (use a separate email account)
Check RetailMeNot and Honey for additional codes
Screenshot coupons before shopping
Know which stores price-match competitors
Timing matters. End-of-season clearance is when I stock up on holiday crafts supplies for next year. Halloween decorations in November are usually 70-90% off. I have a bin of Christmas crafting supplies bought in January.
Hobby Lobby's 80% off clearance happens every few months. I once got $200 worth of yarn for $40. You need to be flexible about colors and quantities.
Best Times to Shop for Deals:
January - Christmas supplies clearance
February - Valentine's and winter items
August - Back-to-school paper and organization supplies
November - Halloween and fall decorations
Day after any major holiday
Loyalty programs vary in value. Michael's Rewards gives you a 20% off coupon monthly, plus points. Joann's program sends personalized coupons based on purchases. Some programs aren't worth the spam emails.
Buy in bulk for supplies you use regularly. I use lots of Mod Podge, so I buy big bottles on sale. Don't bulk buy trendy supplies - I have too much chevron patterned paper from 2020.
Popular Craft Store Chains: A Detailed Comparison
I've shopped at pretty much every craft store chain in America, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Let me break it down for you based on my actual experiences.
Michaels is like the reliable friend who's always there but sometimes disappoints you. Their selection is huge, and they're everywhere, which is convenient. The framing department is actually pretty good - I've had several pieces custom framed there with good results. But their yarn selection is meh, and the fabric section is tiny.
The staff at Michaels can be hit or miss. Some locations have super knowledgeable employees, while others seem to hire people who've never touched a craft supply. I've had great experiences at the Michaels near my house, but the one across town? Not so much.
Hobby Lobby is controversial for various reasons, but I have to admit their home decor craft supplies are amazing. Their fabric selection is decent, and they carry a lot of unique items you won't find elsewhere. The 40% off coupon is great when you need something specific that's not on sale.
Here's my beef with Hobby Lobby - they don't have scanners for customers to check prices. So annoying! And their hours are weird - closed on Sundays and they close at 8 PM most nights.
Joann Fabrics is hands-down the best for anything fabric-related. Their cotton quilting fabric section is massive, and they actually carry quality brands like Moda and Riley Blake. The clearance fabric room is dangerous - I always spend way more than planned.
TThe sewing notions section at Joann is unmatched. They have every zipper length, button type, and thread color you could need. Plus, their classes are really good if you want to learn new techniques like string art or quilling.
Walmart and Target craft sections are convenient but limited. Good for basic supplies and kids' crafts, but don't expect high quality or variety. I grab poster board and cheap paintbrushes there, but that's about it. They're perfect for picking up supplies for simple crafts or when you need materials for handprint crafts in a pinch.
Dollar stores for craft supplies? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Dollar Tree foam brushes are actually decent for Mod Podge projects. But their glue guns break after three uses, and don't get me started on their "washable" markers that definitely aren't washable.
Online vs. In-Store Craft Shopping: Pros and Cons
The online vs. in-store debate is real, and I've made mistakes in both directions. There's nothing worse than ordering fabric online only to discover it's way thinner than expected, or driving to three stores looking for a specific bead size that Amazon has in stock.
Shopping in physical stores lets you touch everything first. This is huge for fabric and yarn - the texture and weight can be completely different from what you expect based on photos. I learned this lesson with a "soft" yarn that felt like steel wool when it arrived.
In-Store Shopping Advantages:
Feel textures and weights before buying
No shipping costs or waiting time
Easy returns if something doesn't work
Immediate gratification for spontaneous projects
Support local businesses and get personalized service
But store shopping has downsides too. Limited selection is the biggest one - my local stores might have five types of embroidery floss where online retailers have fifty. And if you're looking for specialty supplies like specific jewelry findings or unique papers, good luck finding them locally.
Online shopping opens up a whole world of supplies. Etsy has become my go-to for unique materials from small businesses. I've found everything from hand-dyed silk ribbon to vintage buttons that I never would have found in stores. This is especially helpful when I'm looking for unique supplies for fun crafts or specialty materials for rainbow crafts and dinosaur crafts.
Online Shopping Benefits:
Massive selection from global suppliers
Customer reviews help you make better choices
Often better prices, especially for bulk purchases
Specialty items that stores don't carry
Shopping from home in your pajamas (let's be honest)
The shipping situation can be tricky though. Bulky items like large canvases or heavy clay cost a fortune to ship. And fragile things like glass beads sometimes arrive broken despite careful packaging.
My strategy now is hybrid shopping. I research online first, then go touch and see items in person when possible. For basics like cardstock or thread, I just order online. For special purchases like expensive yarn or canvas, I want to see it first.
Smart Hybrid Shopping Tips:
Use store websites to check local inventory before driving over
Buy heavy/bulky items in-store to avoid shipping costs
Order unique or specialty items online where selection is better
Stock up on basics during online sales
Use in-store pickup options when available
Return policies vary wildly between online and in-store purchases. Most physical stores are pretty generous - I've returned opened supplies that didn't work for my project. Online returns can be more complicated, especially with shipping costs.
For parents looking for ready-made options, craft kits can be a great compromise - you get everything you need in one package, and many are available both online and in stores.
Craft Store Etiquette and Shopping Tips
There's definitely an unspoken etiquette to craft store shopping, and I've learned it through trial and error (and a few embarrassing moments).
First rule - don't unfold entire bolts of fabric unless you're seriously considering buying it. I watched someone completely mess up a display of quilting cotton once, and the poor employee had to spend twenty minutes refolding everything. If you need to see more of the pattern, ask for help!
Peak shopping times are Saturday afternoons and weekday evenings after 5 PM. If you want personalized attention from staff, go Tuesday mornings or Wednesday afternoons. The stores are calmer, and employees have more time to help you find exactly what you need.
Best Times to Shop:
Tuesday-Thursday mornings: Quietest, best service
Early Sunday morning: Fresh stock, helpful staff
Weekday evenings after 7 PM: Less crowded than earlier evening hours
Times to Avoid:
Saturday afternoons: Crazy busy with families
Friday evenings: Everyone's starting weekend projects
Day before major holidays: Limited stock, stressed employees
Kids in craft stores can be challenging. I get it - everything looks fun and touchable! But please watch your little ones around glass items and sharp tools. I've seen too many accidents that could have been prevented.
If you're planning to shop with kids, consider involving them in age-appropriate activities like choosing supplies for handprint art or fish crafts.
Using your phone to look up tutorials or compare prices is totally fine, but be considerate of other shoppers. Don't block aisles while you're researching, and keep phone conversations brief.
Shopping Cart Strategy:
Get a cart even if you think you only need a few items (trust me on this)
Don't abandon carts in random aisles
Help others reach high items if you're tall
Be patient during busy times - everyone's trying to get their stuff done
Mobile apps have made shopping so much easier. The Michaels app shows you exactly which aisle items are in, and you can scan barcodes to check prices. Joann's app has digital coupons that are way more convenient than printing paper ones.
Ask for help when you need it, but be specific. Instead of "Where's the fabric paint?" try "I'm looking for fabric paint that works on dark colors and won't crack when washed." The more details you give, the better help you'll get.
Whether you're shopping for supplies to make your own playdough recipe, materials for sensory bin activities, or tools to help with scissors skills activities, remember that good craft store experiences start with being prepared and courteous to both staff and fellow shoppers.
And don't forget - sometimes the simplest supplies lead to the most creative projects, whether you're working on coloring pages for preschoolers, dot marker coloring books, or teaching how to draw for preschoolers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best craft stores for beginners?
Michaels and Joann Fabrics are ideal for beginners. They offer wide selections, helpful staff, frequent sales, and beginner classes.
Q: How can I save the most money at craft stores?
Sign up for email lists and download store apps for the best coupons. Shop clearance sections first, join loyalty programs, and stock up during seasonal sales at 70-80% off.
Q: Do craft stores offer classes or workshops?
Yes! Most major chains offer regular classes ($15-40) including basic supplies. Local independent stores often have specialized workshops with local artists.
Q: What should I look for in a quality craft store?
Look for clean, organized displays, knowledgeable staff, current inventory, variety within categories, flexible return policies, and proper material storage.
Q: Are craft store supplies worth the price compared to online retailers?
It depends. Craft stores are competitive during sales and eliminate shipping costs and wait times. Online is better for specialty items or bulk purchases.
Final Thoughts
Navigating craft stores doesn't have to be overwhelming! With this guide's knowledge, you're equipped to make informed shopping decisions and maximize your crafting budget. The best craft store meets your specific needs—whether local with personalized service or large chains with variety.
Success lies in planning ahead, staying flexible, and building relationships with helpful staff. Take advantage of money-saving opportunities we discussed.
Ready for your next crafting adventure? Visit your local store this weekend and put these tips into action. Your creativity awaits, and you now have the roadmap to unleash it. Happy crafting!
