Sewing is one of the most popular hobbies that has served to save numerous families a lot of money throughout history. Recently, sewing has become a little bit pricier due to many technological changes in the hobby. Where once people took to a needle and thread, now people can choose machines that do everything from hem pants to embroider incredible designs. With all of these new advances you could end up spending a whole lot of money you don’t need to spend to get your hobby off the ground. There are numerous ways that you can save money on your hobby though. Once you know the tricks behind saving money for your favorite hobby, you’ll be able to use it to save even more money for the household while using your creations to make your family stand out.
1. Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is one of the most expensive aspects of your hobby, but it can also be one of the most important if you aren’t comfortable with a needle and thread. A lot of people believe they need to go for the most expensive sewing machine on the market, which is never the case. When you’re shopping for a sewing machine you should look to buy a machine that provides you with the things you need, but nothing extra. A lot of the time people end up thinking they need the extra goodies, but find they never use them or they have a hard time figuring out how they’re used. The less extras you buy the more money you get to save from your machine. You will also want to look for a machine that hold a warranty. In most cases, many brands will offer a life time warranty so make sure you read the warranty and know how to use it if you need to. If you do buy a machine that connects to the computer then make sure it has free lifetime updates. Many people are discovering that their older machines are now obsolete because they can not be upgraded to newer operating systems. Of course, to save the most money you should always look at used machines, especially if you’re just starting out with the hobby.
2. Recycle Fabrics
Looking in the home for fabrics and accessories is one of your best options if you’re looking to save money. Most homes are filled with plenty of old clothes that aren’t being worn anymore because they don’t fit or just aren’t fashionable. If you’re looking for new fabrics to integrate into your projects then try scrapping some old clothes. If you can’t work out a design to make new clothes out of then you can take some of the clothes and turn them into patches for holes in jeans. You might also enjoy taking some of your favorite t-shirts and turning them into pillow or patches for a cool new blanket. Other items you might want to consider scrapping for fabric is old sheets, Usually sheets have a great pattern that can easily be made into clothing, or they feature a solid color that is perfect for adding onto your wardrobe. You should always save buttons and zippers off clothing too as you never know when it might make the perfect addition to one of your creations.
3. Second Hand Shops
When shopping for new items for your hobby you should never overlook second hand stores. From thrift stores to yard sales, there is a large amount of fabrics that could make your creative energy surge. The best thing to do is spend some time looking through the clothes section to see if there is anything you’d like to alter and turn into something that fits your style more. This is also a great area to look for items that might make great Halloween or convention costumes as it could save you hundreds since you won’t have to order special costumes. You might also check out other areas of the store to see if they actually have fabrics available or to see if there is any sheets that might make a great alternative for fabrics. Some second hand stores, especially yard sales, might also sale sewing machines as well as other supplies needed to keep your hobby going.
4. Use the Internet
When it comes to looking for patterns you should always stay away from stores at first. The internet is filled with numerous sewing sites that can provide you with a wide assortment of patterns to download for free or at a cheaper price. All you have to do is print out the pattern and you’re on your way to cool new project. This is especially good if you’re looking for patterns that might be trendy, or perhaps you love the patterns from a specific designer. The internet is also a great place to download embroidery patterns directly to your machine. These patterns usually come with a free update, but you might look around for websites that support your machines brand. Another good thing the internet offers you, for free, is tutorials that will help you improve on your skills. You might find that the internet is one of the best places to help you make items that you might even consider selling later on.
5. Nail Polish
Sometimes clothes get damaged or threads come loose, which means it is time to break out all of your gear and mend it. This doesn’t always have to be the case though. In fact, it might be wise to not get out your sewing supplies and waste thread and time on something that can be mended in a matter of seconds without wasting your supplies. The best way to do this is to use a little nail polish. One of the best things to use nail polish on is a weakened hem or a thread that is coming loose. Simply apply a little clear nail polish to the area and it will prevent the damage from going any further. If you have a button that is losing color or missing a little detail then fill it in with some colored polish for a flawless look. Of course, sometimes buttons begin to come undone too, so make sure to use the clean polish on these areas too.
6. Sheets
Sometimes fabrics can be pretty expensive, especially if you are looking for fabrics with fine details. If this is the case then you might want to avoid fabric stores altogether. Sheets are a great way to find amazing fabrics for less the the actual price of the fabric. The good thing is that sheets typically come with enough fabric to make more than one dress, so you’ll end up being fabric rich when your hobby is over. The key is to look for sheets that are on sale or in the clearance bin at your favorite store. You should always consider the way your sheets feel though when you plan on creating things out of the fabric. Once you find a patter and texture you like you’ll be ready to go for just about any project and you’ll have fabric to spare.
7. Wait for Sales
Sometimes sewing items can be a tad on the expensive side. From special scissors to bundles of thread you might end up spending a whole lot if you aren’t careful. The best thing you can do when replenishing your sewing stock is to wait for sales. A lot of hobby stores hold these frequently so you won’t have to wait months to get the items you need. The more expensive an item is the more you should wait for sales, especially if you don’t want to buy a cheaper brand. Sales are also the best time to stock up on items like thread, needles and bobbins that you might need in bulk. If you keep your frugal attitude and keep in mind the things you really need a sale can lead you in a great direction that will ensure you won’t have to shop when sales aren’t going on.
8. Don’t Overdo It
One major problem with sewing is it is too simple to overindulge, which is a huge waste of money. Sometimes, you can get the most out of your hobby when you keep your sewing stock to a minimum. When you end up overstocking on items you often end up losing out on the money you spend on your sewing supplies. There’s no reason to have every color of thread in your collection, nor do you need fabrics you know you’ll probably never use. Not only are you wasting money on items that aren’t necessary, you might actually forget some of the items you’ve bought and waste money buying them again. You also don’t want to have to work in an overly packed workspace as it will make your job harder and will push you from actually spending your time sewing. If you keep a minimum stock of items then you’ll learn how to substitute on many items, which will help make your skills better and ensure you know how to save even more money.
9. Use Reward Cards
Most people have specific stores they love to shop at when they’re looking for sewing supplies. If this is the case then make sure you ask about getting a rewards card. Usually this requires a quick sign up in the store or online, but it will be well worth it when you end up getting points for discounts. Most rewards card keep track of your purchases and distribute rewards that can end up giving you free items or huge discounts on some of the items you love to buy the most. Many discount cards will even take off a small percent of your purchases so you end up saving a whole lot more than you’d expect throughout the year. Many cards will also send you discounts and coupons in your email which can help you save up to 80% on items you buy on a greater scale.
10. Off Brands
Many people end up spending a whole lot of money on products because they believe their sewing machine can only take certain products. This simply isn’t the case though. If you’re looking to save a whole lot of money then bring in your bobbins, needles and other parts to the hobby store so you can make sure you’re getting the correct size in a generic brand. You might also look in the manual and check out the measurements of the item so you can shop online without buying the wrong size. Getting the generic brand won’t harm your machine as long as you get the proper size, so don’t stress out about buying the cheaper product. You should also look into buying scissors, thread, and other items for your hobby in generic form. This can actually take off several dollars from your purchases which can go towards the household or buying even more of your favorite hobby supplies.
Sewing is one of the best ways to help your family save money when it comes to clothes and other linens in the home. Not only will you be able to enjoy your hobby you’ll also be able to enjoy saving some money for the home, which will make you feel like a superhero in your household. No longer will you have to battle spending your money on sewing supplies, but instead will enjoy savings that will keep everyone in the household pleased with your hobby.
