Let’s face it: quilting is expensive. From the tools and notions to thread and fabric, it seems like every step of the process requires you to break open the piggy bank. To combat this, a seasoned quilter knows how to cut costs. Figuring out how to make a budget-friendly quilt as inexpensively as you possibly can takes a little bit of maneuvering, but once you start, it’s addicting!
So what are some of the best ways to keep the price tag manageable? Well, start with, remember that the best way to avoid having to buy new tools is to not need them! Be vigilant about using separate scissors for paper and fabric, to keep your fabric scissors from getting dull. Keep needles sharp and clean with an emery pincushion (you know, the little strawberry that hangs off the end of your tomato pincushion?) which uses emery sand to keep things sharp.
It’s also important to perform regular maintenance on your sewing machine if you have one (if you’re exclusively a hand-quilter—we’re impressed!) to keep things well-oiled and running smoothly. Sewing machines are like cars … even a tiny problem can be costly. So avoid potentially pricey repairs with these easy tips:
- Machine Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know About Your Sewing Machine
- Sewing Tips and Tricks: Clean the outside of your machine
- Sewing Tips and Tricks Tuesday: Taking apart your machine? Take pictures!
Another smart way to avoid expenses is to be careful with scraps and leftover thread. We’ve all done it: after embroidering or touching up a quilt by hand, we cut way too much string and have too much leftover. Rather than throwing that away, keep all your leftovers in a little box. These bits of thread are perfect for moments when you need to patch a pair of pants, sew a quilt closed, or darn some socks!
Using your scraps to make a quilt is the most time-tested and treasured trick in the book. Whether you have leftover pre-cuts, long strips, or colorful squares, scraps are the absolute best way to cut down costs.
But have you ever made a t-shirt quilt? These amazing keepsake quilts are nostalgic, beautiful, and completely free. There’s way more fabric on a t-shirt than in your scrap pile, so if your stash is running low a t-shirt quilt is the way to go.
- Make a T-Shirt Quilt
- 10 Free Scrap Quilt Patterns
- What to Do with Your Fabric Scraps: 18 Scrap Quilt Patterns and Organizing Ideas
What ways do you cut costs when you quilt?
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I haven’t tried it (yet) but saving batting scraps and stitching them together is a way to save money (and waste less.)
I have a small dog and each time she is groomed that put a small scarf on her. After a day of wearing the scarf I remove it and was it. That is added to my stash. Free material to make into a fun child’s quilt.
I accept scraps from friends & put them to good use & I shop the sales on the internet. I sometimes do the Fab Shop Hops when I have time where you can win fabric & sewing machines, etcetera. It all helps! The Shop Hops are also a great way to get familiar with the shops carrying the fabrics you like so you can get their newsletters & be notified of sales. I generally shop 30% off or more sales & free shipping. That’s when I buy my battings.
I’ve always wanted to quilt, but have absolutely no knowledge whatsoever. My mom was a crocheter and taught me the basics, but quilting – nah. Nobody I know even quilts. I want to learn. Where do I start? And what do I need. I’m on SS so funds are limited. Please advise. Thank you Louise.
Hi Louise-
I just started quilting earlier this year. I took a beginning and intermediate machine quilting class at the local quilt shop and it was so helpful! There are also quilting classes at the local junior college. It’s great to learn from an experienced pro, plus it’s a lot of fun. Good luck!
I use old jeans from my grandchildren, my husband and of course my kids. only use 100% cotton jeans. When i was getting low on colors I went to thrift places when they had a sale and bought jeans for $2.00, lot of good material.
Found fabric is a life-saver. Thrift stores sell good stuff cheaper than fabric stores. Plus I save the scraps and can put all that together for something wonderful and creative. Some quilts never get batting. .. they don’t get properly quilted, either. Sorry. If it’s the quilting experience you are interested in rather than a body-warming quilt, small wall hangings and lap blankets take less valuable fabric and are quite fulfilling. I’ve seen some gorgeous ones. I don’t recommend it, but you could do like so many manufacturers are doing- make things just a little bit skimpier than before, thus using less material. There are any number of ways to cut costs while still being able to quilt.
thrift shops are good for material, also use flat sheets for backing of quilts from them. Also yard sales. I find mattress pads and felt blankets in good condition to use for batting.
Thank you for all the wonderful tips!! I am a “beginner” and I am going to attempt to make a quilt this year. I have searched the internet for on-line classes and have found some wonderful sites. Now that I am retired, I hope to be a “seasoned” quilter within a couple of years. Thank you again for all the helpful tips!