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Sewing is one of those hobbies that has the potential to either cost a lot or it can save you money depending on how you approach it. Sewing machines, tools, fabric, and patterns can all add up. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are my suggestions on how you can save money sewing.
If you decide, “Hey, I really want to sew a new top”, then drive to the fabric store, buy a pattern, thread, fabric and notions, it can absolutely cost more than buying something new. Especially when we live in an age where a cheap new top is only a click away.
However, with some practice, the clothes you make can be of much greater quality and last longer than the ones you buy, saving you money in the long run. Not to mention, creating something unique that fits you well. But there are a few ways to sew something new at a lesser cost. Here are some of my suggestions.
Secondhand machines
Your sewing machine is likely your biggest upfront expense. You can save money sewing by picking a quality second-hand machine. An older machine from before the year 2000 is likely to be just as durable or better than a new cheap machine. I don’t recommend buying the cheapest new machines as they are just not made like they are used to.
If you are on a budget, look for a vintage machine. The heavier it is, usually the more durable it is. Newer machines have more plastic parts while older ones have more metal parts. You may have to take a secondhand machine to be serviced before use.
I use a sewing machine that a relative bought in the early 1990s when she retired and spent a lot of time quilting. If you are looking to buy a new sewing machine on a budget, I would recommend the Singer Heavy Duty series over a lower-priced model.
Repurpose your clothes
The most sustainable and budget-friendly materials are the ones you already own. Sewing is a way to save money on clothes by mending, altering, and repurposing. I’ve re-created a lot of clothes from ones I already had but wasn’t wearing anymore by doing things like turning dresses into skirts or tops.
If a garment really is worn out beyond saving, I will still take off zippers, buttons and other hardware to add to my sewing box. Then I will use the scrap fabric for stuffing, crafts, or cleaning rags instead of throwing them away.
Old clothes are also great to use for bags, reusable makeup remover rounds, hats, scrunchies, mittens…almost anything that doesn’t use a lot of fabric.
Save money sewing with thrift shop textiles
While you might think of buying clothes at thrift shops to restyle, have you looked at the textiles section?
Tablecloths, blankets, sheets, curtains and scrap fabrics can be found here. You’ll never know what you might find. You might have to think a bit out of the box when browsing here, but keep an open mind.
Make sure to inspect your second-hand finds for tears and stains. I recommend washing your secondhand finds before sewing. Tru Earth laundry detergent is a brand I recommend – I’ve tried the unscented laundry strips and I loved that my wash came out smelling clean but with almost no detergent smell at all. The strips are very convenient to use.
I’ve also found secondhand vintage sewing patterns at thrift shops. You might be able to find some great sewing books too!
Check out Marketplace, Yard Sales and Classified Ads
Keep your eyes out for people getting rid of sewing supplies in online classified listings such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, etc. Estate sales can also be a great place to save money sewing.
Beyond sewing machines, you might find all kinds of sewing notions, tools, fabric, patterns and more.
For fabric, sometimes businesses that upholster furniture or make custom curtains have sample fabric books that they give away. I once walked by a business that had left fabric sample books on the curb with a “FREE” sign and picked up a few nice fabric samples. These are usually fairly small, but I was able to make a small throw pillow out of them.
With anything secondhand, you want to have a good look before buying. I love button collections and unusual sewing notions and tools.
However, I tend to avoid secondhand/vintage thread and pins. I’ve discovered rusty pins and now if I am the new owner of a sewing supply lot, I will usually throw out the pins right away.
Thread also doesn’t always stand the test of time. Old thread on wooden spools is often cotton and can rot or become brittle over time. Test out the strength of old thread. I save old wooden thread spools for decoration.
Save money sewing by reusing patterns
Do you have a sewing pattern you love? Try making the project again in another fabric for a different look.
If your pattern comes with a few variations, try one of the other styles. Or you can change some style details like hem length, sleeve, and necklines to make your sewing pattern go further.
Give old clothes a new look with dye
If you have clothes you aren’t wearing because of the colour, consider dying them. Check the fiber content of your garment first, as some dyes are only for certain fibers.
Check out my articles on dying with onion skins and spray tie dye.
You don’t need to buy every sewing gadget on the market.
While there are always new tools and gadgets to make sewing easier, you don’t need to buy every single little thing. As with almost anything, think about how much you would use it before you buy and if it would actually be useful to you.
I’d love to hear your suggestions to save money sewing in the comments below.
Interested in improving your alterations skills? Check out my alterations ebook to learn how to alter clothes to fit your body yourself.