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Spool of Thread
Categories: Shopping Arts & Crafts Fabric Stores Local Services Sewing & Alterations Fabric Stores, Sewing & Alterations [Edit]
649 E 15th AveSte 101
Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 879-3031
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 11 am - 6:30 pm
Thu 11 am - 7:30 pm
Fri, Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for Spool of Thread
Review Highlights
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"Lili never rushed us, and was very encouraging." In 9 reviews -
"...still afraid of sewing machines, I made an AWESOME TOTE BAG." In 4 reviews -
"A fantastic selection of gorgeous modern fabrics." In 3 reviews
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14 reviews in English
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Review from Amelia C.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2012
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! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
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! -
Review from Melanie C.
Vancouver, BC
9/14/2011
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. -
Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Jennifer F.
Vancouver, BC
7/13/2011
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! -
Review from courtney j.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2011
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. -
Review from Kimli W.
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Emma L.
Updated - 10/7/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I was in for another class last night and made an adorable apron with apples all over it when I discovered something wonderful -- they now carry some apparel fabric! Beautiful brown corduroy, lovely blue and purple checked shirting... I think I spied some silks at the front of the shop, too. While they've always carried the most amazing quilting cotton, it's nice to be able to get some fashion fabric to make garments out of here -- like perhaps in their A-line skirt class this November? Hmm...
Listed in: Sewing and knitting and…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2011 ROTD 9/27/2011
Had a great Sewing 101 class here last Saturday. I haven't done sewing in years and couldn't… Read more »
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Review from Miranda L.
Vancouver, BC
8/4/2010
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!Listed in: Crafty Vancity!
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Review from Deandra V.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2011
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!
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Review from Anita C.
Vancouver, BC
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. -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2011
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!
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Review from Charls F.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010
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! -
Review from lisa b.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2010
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!
