Tips for saving money when buying fabric
Many people take up sewing with the idea of saving money on their clothes. But fabric can be expensive!
We’ve put together a few tips to help you save money on your future projects…
Find fabrics at flea markets
Flea markets can be a great place to find beautiful fabrics and vintage haberdashery. When you sew a blouse or coat yourself, buttons, zippers and other finishing touches sometimes add up considerably. That’s why we scour flea markets and garage sales in the small villages around us for old spools of thread, embroidery materials, fabric coupons…
Rummage through Emmaüs and recycling centres
This is not the case in all stores, but some Emmaüs and recycling centers have good hobby departments. Here again, you’ll find buttons and thread, as well as old fabrics that are sometimes of better quality than those available today. Vintage woollens, in particular, are often less blended than their more modern counterparts.
Identifying fabrics for upcycling
Even if your local Emmaus or Recyclerie doesn’t have a hobby department, that doesn’t mean you can’t find pretty fibers for your next project. You can find pieces in good condition whose fabric can be reused. The first place to look is bed linen. Comforter covers, sheets… offer sufficient lengths to sew a top or children’s clothing. Again, make sure there aren’t too many holes or wear marks. Some vintage tablecloths or curtains may be strong enough and thick enough to be used as a base for a jacket. Alternatively, you can mix them with fabrics you already have at home and use them in small touches.
Find garments you like that can be cut to make another garment. A large shirt, for example, can be cut to make a slim-fitting top, a dress to make a skirt…
Towels and washcloths can be cut to make paper towels, make-up remover squares or baby bath towels.
Buy three-meter coupons
Some chains offer three-meter coupons at low prices, around 10 euros. Sometimes you have to rummage around to find what you’re looking for, and it’s best to go in without a specific pattern in mind. But it’s a good way to sew inexpensive garments or to get started. There’s less fear of making a mistake.
Paris-based Les coupons de Saint Pierre is a goldmine for pretty prints, cottons, woollens… If you can’t make it to the capital, their fabrics are also available online.
Some stores also sell off end-of-stock items: this is another way to find cheaper fabric. But as with coupons, you won’t be able to choose the yardage you want to buy. So avoid them if you have a very specific project in mind.
Stocking up during sales
All the major fabric retailers offer attractive promotions during the sales period. If you sew a lot, a good way to save money is to stock up during this period, buying winter fabrics in summer and vice versa.
To avoid ending up with unused coupons in your closet, you can draw up a list of the items you’ll need or want during the year, and make a note of the supplies you’ll need.
Visit specialized sites
On the Internet, some sites specialize in low prices. Perfect for saving money! Such is the case with Bennytex, which offers bargains all year round. New arrivals change very often. So don’t hesitate to make regular trips to the site if you can’t find what you want immediately.
What are your tips for buying cheaper fabrics? Do you have any tips to share?
