Stop Overpaying! 20 Sewing Supplies You Can Buy at the Dollar Store
One of my favorite things about sewing is that you don’t need a fortune to create something absolutely beautiful! If you’re looking for new things to try without breaking the bank, learning how to ‘sew smart’ is the perfect place to start. While I love a good fabric shop splurge as much as anyone, I’ve discovered that the local dollar store is actually a hidden goldmine for sewing supplies—especially when you’re looking for clever ways to save while still carving out that much-needed ‘me time’ at your machine.
The easiest way to fund a sewing hobby is to keep an eye on your spending! I always say: use your scraps whenever possible, peek into secondhand stores, and never pass up a quality sale. These budget-friendly essentials work beautifully in any sewing room, and I promise you’ll be surprised at how much you can save. Let’s dive into my favorite ‘frugal and fabulous’ finds so you can save those extra pennies for your next dream fabric haul
Mini Snips and Brush
Sewing supplies disguised as beauty items are a true treasure! The brush is perfect for cleaning your machine, and the small brow scissors are perfect for clipping stray threads.
Seam Ripper and Measuring Tape
These are two budget sewing supplies that are absolutely necessary. And for this price it’s not worth using a dull seam ripper or measuring with a cut tape (ask me how I know what it’s like to accidentally cut your measuring tape).
Tip: If your just starting out, don’t feel like to you have to buy everything at once. Sharp cutting tools, a measuring tape, and a seam ripper are a perfect starting point.
A Self Healing Cutting Mat
A cutting mat and rotary cutter are must-have sewing supplies for any sewing project. The grid area of this dollar store mat is 6” x 8”, which is a great size for keeping next to your sewing machine or taking to classes and retreats.
Small Rotary Cutter
Pick up a small rotary cutter to go with the cutting mat. At this budget price, you can buy a new one instead of replacing a dull blade.
Note: Using sharp tools makes for a faster project time, and a neater finished project
Fabric Scissors
As long as you only cut fabric (not paper or twist ties!) even your budget scissors will stay sharp for quite a while. It’s nice to have more than one so you don’t have to go back and forth from your machine to your ironing board.
Caroline reveal: I’m a scissor girl!
Straight Pins
Sometimes I think that pins are like scissors; can you really have too many? And just in case you’re in need of a great pin cushion, give this idea a try.
Iron Caddy
Ironing is an crucial step in sewing. You should always iron your fabric before cutting to be sure you have accurate pattern pieces. Grab a caddy to keep your iron out of the way and convenient at the same time. Attach a pair of snips and you’re on your way to a super functional space.
Retractable Card Holder
It may be a surprise, but a retractable card or key holder like this is popular among sewers and quilters. Attach a small pair of scissors to one end and attach the other end to a lanyard, your iron holder, or your clothing so you’ll always have your thread snips handy.
Quarter Inch Elastic
Quarter-inch elastic is just the thing needed for tons of projects like scrunchies or face masks. If you sew costumes then you know how valuable this sewing supply truly is. There’s no need to pay fabric store prices when it’s just as easy to buy on a budget.
Elastic In Three Sizes
There are also variety packs of elastic. You will find these appropriate for headbands and waste bands on pajama pants, and there’s not too much left over to worry about waste.
Decorative Ribbon
There is so much ribbon at the dollar store. There are usually lots of different colors, styles, and widths. Sew some fabulous spring projects using ribbon and trim.
Mini Vacuum
It’s so important to keep your sewing machine clean! I get my little brushes from a dollar store, and a little vacuum like this is helpful to make sure you get all the dust.
Terrycloth Washcloths
Terrycloth washcloths might not be a sewing item, but you can use them with ribbon to make darling washcloth bears. Do you need to prepare for a baby shower or housewarming party?
Squares of Fabric
Squares of fabric like this are great for sewing patchwork or scrappy projects. See 100 Cute and Scrappy Sewing Projects.
Cosmetic Brushes
A set of brushes like this is perfect for cleaning your sewing machine and costs much less than brushes at the quilt shop.
Small Scissors
I have scissors all over the place; at each machine, on my cutting table, and hanging by the iron. You will find your favorites for each job. Little scissors like these are perfect for cutting stray threads or finishing the job that the rotary blade missed.
Marking Chalk
Tailors, bagmakers, quilters, and sewists of all kinds often need to mark fabric. Chalk is the most popular marking tool, and you can find it at the dollar store. Use it next time you need to hem a pair of pants.
Button Jars
Organize buttons, ribbon and trim scraps, and other notions in cute jars. Many different sizes and styles can be found at any dollar store. Already have lots of buttons? Try these projects for using buttons.
Stylus Pen
Many high-end sewing machines have touch screens and a stylus to use on the screen. Replacing a lost stylus doesn’t need to be a large expense. There are generic styluses at the dollar store. This type works on most touchscreen sewing machines, including Bernina, Brother, and Babylock.
Fabric Bond
This is used to help attach fabrics together without sewing. You can hem curtains and make other seams with Fabric Bond.
More Ideas from SewCanShe:
100 Free Things to Sew Using Fabric Scraps: Fun And Frugal
25 Genius Thrift Store Sewing Hacks to Find Cheap Fabric and Supplies
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂