Whether you are straining homemade yogurt, wrapping a Thanksgiving turkey, or draping tables for a rustic wedding, cheesecloth is one of those kitchen and craft staples that is surprisingly hard to find when you actually need it. Knowing where to buy the right grade and size before you start a project saves time and frustration. This guide covers the best places to pick one up locally and online, what features matter most, common buying mistakes, and a few top-rated options worth considering. We have updated every recommendation for 2026 so you can shop with confidence.
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What Is Cheesecloth and Who Needs It
Cheesecloth is a loosely woven cotton gauze originally designed for wrapping curds during the cheesemaking process. Today its uses extend well beyond the dairy world. Home cooks rely on it to strain stocks, make nut milk, press ricotta, and bundle herbs into a bouquet garni. It also works well for straining fruit juices, clarifying broths, and wrapping a butter-soaked turkey on Thanksgiving. Crafters use the fabric for Halloween ghost props, rustic wedding table runners, and newborn photography wraps. Available in white, unbleached, and an assortment of pastel and bright colors, it comes in several grades from an open Grade 10 weave to a tight Grade 90 or Grade 100 mesh. Anyone who regularly does food preparation that involves separating solids from liquids, or any decorating project that calls for a gauzy textile, should keep a roll in the kitchen or craft room.
What to Look For: Features and Buying Criteria
Grade and weave tightness. The grade number indicates how many threads per inch the fabric contains. Grade 90 is the most popular for cooking because it is fine enough to catch small particles while still allowing liquid to flow through. Grade 10 through Grade 40 works better for crafts and decor where breathability matters more than filtration.
Material quality. Look for 100 percent unbleached cotton. Organic cotton options are available for anyone concerned about chemical residues touching food or skin. Avoid blends that include synthetic fibers, because they can melt or shed into hot liquids.
Size and cut. Rolls are sold by the square foot. Common sizes include 9 square feet, 36 square feet, and bulk commercial rolls. Precut squares, often 20 by 20 inches or 36 by 36 inches, are convenient for single-use tasks like straining yogurt or bundling spices.
Reusable versus disposable. Thicker, hemmed versions can be washed and reused dozens of times, making them more economical and eco-friendly. Thinner single-use sheets cost less upfront but generate more waste over time.
Lint-free construction. Cheap versions shed fibers into food. A quality lint-free option saves you from picking threads out of your broth or pressed juice. Check buyer reviews for mentions of shedding before purchasing.
What to Avoid When Buying Cheesecloth
Ignoring the grade number. Grabbing the first package you see often means ending up with an open-weave grade that lets seeds, pulp, or fine curds slip right through. Always match the grade to your task. Fine straining needs Grade 90 or higher.
Choosing bleached fabric for food use. Bleached versions may contain residual chlorine that can leach into food. For any recipe that involves direct contact with what you eat, stick with unbleached cotton or certified organic fibres.
Buying too little. A single yard disappears fast once you fold it into the two or three layers most recipes recommend. Buy at least 36 square feet if you cook regularly. The per-foot cost drops significantly with larger rolls.
Assuming all muslin is the same. Muslin cloth and this straining fabric are related but not identical. Muslin is tighter and heavier, which makes it better for butter-making but slower for quick straining. Make sure the label matches what your recipe calls for.
Overlooking reusable options. Many shoppers default to disposable single-use sheets without realizing that a hemmed, reusable version pays for itself after just a few uses. If you strain yogurt, make nut milk, or press cheese regularly, investing in a washable option saves money and reduces waste over time.
Where to Buy Cheesecloth In Store
Grocery Stores
Major grocery chains such as Giant, Shop-Rite, Food Lion, Acme, and The Fresh Grocer typically stock it in the kitchen supply or baking aisle, near the parchment paper and aluminum foil. Look for it alongside other straining and canning supplies. Smaller independent markets and local co-ops may carry it as well, sometimes in the natural foods section rather than the main kitchen aisle. A quick call ahead confirms availability and saves a wasted trip, especially for less common grades or unbleached varieties.
Walmart
Walmart carries several size and quantity options for food-grade, lint-free products in the kitchen gadgets aisle. Both cotton and cotton-blend versions are typically available, with prices starting around two to three dollars for a basic roll. If the item is not on the shelf at your local store, free ship-to-store ordering through their website lets you pick it up on your next visit. Walmart also stocks related items like strainer bags and muslin pouches nearby.
Target
Target stocks a smaller selection, and in-store availability varies by location. When it is available, you will usually find it in the kitchen tools section alongside baking mats and measuring cups. Check the Target listing to confirm whether your nearest store has it in stock or whether you need to order for delivery or same-day pickup through the Target app.
Arts and Crafts Stores
Jo-Ann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby often carry large rolls at competitive prices, especially if you need colored or unbleached fabric for decor projects. Jo-Ann frequently runs fabric sales and accepts coupons, which can bring the cost well below what supermarkets charge for the same yardage. Browse the fabric or sewing notions aisle, and ask staff if they stock it near the quilting or craft supplies if you do not see it right away.
Kitchen Supply Stores
Specialty retailers like Sur La Table stock higher-end options in the baking supply section. Check their online catalog or call your nearest location to verify stock before heading out.
Tip: Call ahead to check stock. Smaller pharmacy and grocery locations may carry limited sizes, and holiday demand around Thanksgiving can clear shelves quickly.
Where to Buy Cheesecloth Online
Amazon
Amazon offers the widest online selection, with options ranging from budget single-use sheets to premium reusable organic cotton versions. You can filter by grade, size, and material to find exactly what you need. Many listings include detailed customer reviews that cover shedding, durability, and how easy the fabric is to clean after use. Browse the full selection #ad. Prime members often get free next-day delivery, which is helpful when you need the product for a weekend recipe or a last-minute craft project.
eBay
eBay is a solid option for bulk rolls, specialty colors, and photography-prop bundles that may be difficult to find locally. Search terms like newborn wrap, 100-yard roll, or colored fabric help narrow results. Sellers on eBay often list commercial-grade rolls at wholesale pricing, which can save money if you use the material frequently for cheese making or large-batch cooking. Check current listings for competitive pricing on larger quantities.
Cheesecloth.com
Cheesecloth.com is a dedicated online shop that sells this product exclusively for baking, cooking, decorating, and art projects. They advertise constant in-stock inventory and fast shipping, which is useful if you need a specific grade on short notice.
Organic Cotton Mart and Country Trading Co
For certified organic options, Organic Cotton Mart and Country Trading Co both specialize in unbleached, chemical-free cotton fabric. These are good choices for anyone who wants a reusable, food-safe product made from organic fibres without synthetic treatments.
Top Picks
Best overall: Grade 90 Unbleached Cotton, 36 Sq Feet. This is the most popular size and grade on Amazon for a reason. It is fine enough for straining nut milk and stock, large enough for multiple uses, and made from 100 percent unbleached cotton. Buyers consistently praise the low lint and easy-to-cut sizing. Around eight to twelve dollars for a 4-yard roll.
Best reusable: Organic Cotton Mart Hemmed Squares. Pre-cut 20×20 inch hemmed squares that hold up through dozens of wash cycles. The tighter weave handles everything from straining yogurt to pressing soft cheese curds. The hemmed edges prevent fraying in the washing machine, which is a common complaint with cheaper alternatives. Around ten to fifteen dollars for a two-pack.
Best budget: Grade 50 Bleached, 2-Yard Pack. A no-frills option for one-time craft projects or Thanksgiving turkey wrapping. Not ideal for fine straining, but it gets the job done for decorating and quick kitchen tasks. Usually under four dollars.
Best for fine straining: Grade 100 Precut Squares. Ultra-fine mesh catches even the smallest particles, making this the pick for making ricotta, soy milk, or almond milk at home. Pre-cut 15×15 inch squares reduce waste. Around nine to thirteen dollars for a four-pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheesecloth used for?
It is used for straining stocks, making cheese, pressing yogurt, filtering nut milk, bundling herbs, basting turkey, and a variety of craft and decorating projects. The grade determines how fine the weave is, so different tasks call for different grades.
Is cheesecloth reusable?
Thicker, hemmed versions can be hand-washed or machine-washed and reused many times. Thinner single-use sheets tend to fray and break down after one wash. If reusability matters to you, look for a higher thread count and hemmed edges.
Are cheesecloth and muslin the same thing?
They are similar but not identical. Muslin cloth is woven more tightly and is heavier, which makes it better for tasks like making butter or jelly where you need very fine filtration. This straining fabric has a more open weave that works faster for general straining and food preparation.
What grade should I use for cooking?
Grade 90 is the most versatile for kitchen use. It catches fine particles without slowing the straining process too much. For ultra-fine work like ricotta or soy milk, Grade 100 provides an even tighter weave. Grade 40 or lower is better suited for crafts and decoration.
Should I wash it before using it?
Yes, rinsing new fabric in warm water removes loose fibers and any manufacturing residue. This is especially important for unbleached cotton, which may contain natural plant oils. A quick rinse also softens the material and reduces lint in your food.
About This Guide
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Our recommendations are based on hands-on product research, retailer verification, and real buyer feedback. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you shop in store or online, the right cheesecloth is worth taking the time to find. Match the grade to your project, choose unbleached cotton for food safety, and buy enough to avoid running short mid-recipe.