I got all my cardboard bolts from Walmart, Joanns, and the local quilt shops I shop at. I empty a lot of bolts when I shop, I see no point in just buying 3 yds. and leaving a lonely couple of yards on the bolt. Most of the time, if I ask for the cardboard bolt I just emptied, they give it to me. Sometimes I spot empty cardboard sitting behind the cashier station and I ask them if I can have it.