Welcom Grandma in the Mid: we are so glad to have new folks, that is what keeps this forum interesting. Thread count is the amount of threads used to make a (square inch) of the fabric when it is woven, often you will see sheets say 250 tc. the more threads the tighter and better the weave, use to be that on the end of the bolt of fabric they would print the tc, not sure if they still do, cotton fabric can have different tc, depends on the maker, the Walmart type fabrics may be a lesser weave, not to say they don't have 300tc. usually the more costly fabrics have higher counts.These fabrics have a softer feel. Hope this helps, Rene Grandma in the South (grin)