Where Have All The Craft Stores Gone?

A guide by @sparrowmade_ on Instagram

Several years ago, I embarked on a mission to shop at fewer chains and more local businesses. Since that time, I’ve built a few Google Maps with links to local Houston-area (and wider, TX-area) craft supply stores.

Now that Joann is closing all of their locations, I’m hearing from a lot of crafters that they don’t know where to get their materials anymore – especially fabric, embroidery supplies, and beads. I know that shopping online makes it difficult to determine texture, weight, and color match, all aspects that are crucial to our favorite types of art. While I’m hoping that this new gap in the market will allow for more local, craft-focused businesses to return and thrive, I recognize that there is a need RIGHT NOW for us as a community to support the local art and craft suppliers that we do have! Therefore, I am sharing the resources that I’ve built with you.

Disclaimer: This is my personal directory, and as such I am frequently adding and removing businesses. I also sometimes add notes if there is something specific that a particular shop specializes in. I haven’t been to all of the shops yet, so I don’t make any promises about their quality.

Yarn Shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wbcjaU7uvk4C5Sa28

Needlework & Embroidery Shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/39NC3yCAdXmeiQ6P8
These are shops that specialize in embroidery or needlepoint specifically.

Bead Shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZA9LzgTGTGwRvfXD7

Other Craft Supply Shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KCcSVzNkAfYb7aV4A

Quilt Shops: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aEKCSDWk9UWykXC86
Some of these may also carry apparel fabrics, but most are specifically quilting fabrics. This includes shops all over Texas, but I made sure to include all of the Houston-area shops as a main focus.

Fabric Stores: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FxuyH7MCs6z6NwAv7
These are NOT quilt shops; they specialize in either apparel or home decor fabrics.

I hope you find these helpful! If you know of any additional shops I should add, please email me at hellosparrowmade@gmail.com!