Sewing on a Budget: How to Save Money When you are New to Sewing

If you’re here you already know that sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby. Whatever you like to sew, there's something truly special about creating with your own hands. One thing sewing is not, however, is cheap. Despite the misconception that sewing is more frugal than buying clothes, buying fabric, tools, patterns, and notions can add up to quite the cost. In fact, I would bet that it is the initial cost that holds many people back from learning to sew. But don’t worry! With some smart strategies, you can enjoy sewing while staying within your budget.

Understanding the Costs of Sewing

To start, let's break down the various expenses that come with sewing:

1. Sewing Machine
   This is usually the biggest upfront cost for anyone starting out. Prices vary widely based on the brand, features, and whether it’s new or second-hand. Basic machines can range from $100 to $500, while high-end models can cost well into the thousands.

2. Tools and Notions
   In addition to a sewing machine, you'll need basic tools like scissors, needles, pins, thread, seam rippers, measuring tape, and more. These items may seem inexpensive on their own, but they can add up.

3. Fabric
   One of the most exciting parts of sewing is choosing fabric, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Ask anyone who has been sewing for years how much money they have spent on fabric and watch them look uncomfortable. It’s easy to develop a fabric buying habit and fabric prices can run the gamut from affordable to wildly expensive.

4. Patterns
   Sewing patterns, from the “Big Four” that you will find at stores like JoAnns, to smaller indie companies like yours truly, generally are in the price range of $10-$20 each. Not a lot, but it does add up if you plan to make a variety of garments.

5. Other Notions
   Zippers, buttons, elastics, interfacing, and other materials may be needed to complete your projects. These small costs can add up if you’re making complex garments or sewing frequently.

How to Mitigate Costs and Sew on a Budget

1. Invest Wisely in Tools

It’s easy to get swept away by all the gadgets and accessories available for sewing, but when you’re on a budget, it’s important to focus on what’s truly necessary.

• Start with the basics. A pair of good quality fabric scissors, a seam ripper, pins, a measuring tape, and a basic sewing machine will go a long way. You don’t need all the bells and whistles right away. Many seasoned sewists find that they only use a handful of tools regularly. Check out this blog post about the only sewing tools you really need before you start buying.

• Buy quality over quantity. When it comes to tools like scissors or rotary cutters, investing in higher quality can save you money in the long run. A good pair of scissors will last for years if properly maintained, whereas cheap ones might need frequent replacement.

• Don’t fall for trendy tools. It can be tempting to buy every new tool that promises to make sewing easier, but often these are not essential. Stick to the tried-and-true basics.

2. Use Thrifted Materials

One of the best ways to save on fabric and notions is by shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces can be treasure troves for affordable sewing supplies.

• Repurpose fabric. Look for secondhand curtains, bedsheets, or oversized clothing that can be repurposed. A large tablecloth or duvet cover can provide yards of fabric for a fraction of the cost of new yardage.

• Harvest notions. Thrifted clothing can also be a great source for zippers, buttons, and elastic. You can deconstruct garments and reuse these components in your own projects.

• Shop online thrift stores. Websites like eBay or Etsy often have sellers who offer vintage fabrics or sewing supplies at discounted rates. You can sometimes find bulk lots of fabric remnants for a great price.

3. Shop Sales and Use Coupons

• Wait for sales. Large fabric stores like Joann have major sales multiple times per year where you can save significantly on tools and fabric. Joann also offers frequent coupons on their website. While Joann is most known for their quilting cotton selection, they have improved their apparel fabric selection in recent years and of course their selection of tools and notions is often unbeatable. Check out your local small quilting or sewing shop as well for sales and discounts. Even online fabric retailers frequently offer discounts if you sign up for their newsletters. My email inbox contains an embarrassing amount of emails from my favorite online fabric stores and frequently these include a code for “20% Off.”

• Check the remnant bin. Most fabric stores have a remnant bin where they sell leftover fabric from previous cuts at a steep discount. These pieces are often under a yard but can still be perfect for small projects like bags or accessories. Some online fabric stores offer remnants on their websites or will have “remnant sales” once or twice throughout the year.

4. Use Free Patterns

• Search for free patterns online. Many independent designers and sewing bloggers offer free downloadable patterns. In fact, you could start with our very own Sue Skirt! When I started sewing, I sewed almost exclusively free patterns for at least a year. Almost every pattern company has at least one and there are many, many blogger roundups of free sewing patterns.

• Draft your own. If you’re comfortable with the basics of garment construction, you can try drafting your own patterns. There are many tutorials online that can guide you through this process, and once you have a basic block (like a skirt or bodice pattern), you can modify it for different designs.

• Reuse patterns. Once you’ve purchased a pattern, make the most of it! You can easily tweak, or “hack” patterns by changing the length, adding pockets, or altering details to create a new look without buying a new pattern. Check out the hashtag #youcanhackit on Instagram for ideas and inspiration!

5. Be Selective with Fabrics

• Buy fabric with a plan. Avoid impulse buying when it comes to fabric. Have a specific project in mind before purchasing and only buy what you need. This is advice that my husband would very much like for me to take to heart.

• Opt for versatile fabrics. Cotton is one of the cheapest fabrics available, and while quilting cotton isn’t necessarily ideal for garment sewing, cotton shirting, cotton/linen blends, double gauze and chambray are all generally more affordable options that can work for a variety of projects.

• Get fabric smart. Don’t just guess which fabric to buy, educate yourself on fabric types by reading our blog series on fabrics. The more you know, the less fabric will be wasted on garments you won’t wear.

• Try fabric swaps. Sewing communities often host fabric swaps where you can trade fabrics you no longer need for something new to you. This is a fun and free way to refresh your fabric stash.

6. Practice Sustainable Sewing

Sewing on a budget can also go hand-in-hand with sustainable practices.

• Mend and alter instead of buying new. Instead of buying new clothing, try mending or altering items in your wardrobe. A few simple changes, like taking in seams or adding new buttons, can give old clothes a fresh look.

• Use fabric scraps. Save your fabric scraps for small projects like patchwork quilts, scrunchies, or even reusable cloth napkins. This not only reduces waste but also saves you from buying more material.

• Create a capsule wardrobe. Focus on sewing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a versatile wardrobe. By making fewer, higher-quality garments, you can save money and reduce clutter.

Sewing on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on creativity or quality. With a little planning, resourcefulness, and patience, you can enjoy this hobby without breaking the bank. By focusing on essential tools, shopping smart, and repurposing materials, you’ll find that sewing can be both affordable and rewarding.

Happy stitching!