25 Best Thrift Store Sewing Hacks for Budget Makers

High-Quality Bed Linens

Some quilters only use vintage sheets for their quilt backings. Focus on 100% cotton sheets for massive amounts of quilt backing or muslin material. Used sheets are a wealth of fabric, and often have really lovely prints. The possibilities are endless when you find a way to incorporate all kinds of finds in your project.

Vintage Silk Scarves and Clothing Items

People usually take good care of their silk scarves, so I find practically new, beautiful pieces of silk at thrift stores often. These can be used in quilts, as linings for bags and pouches, and inside pockets of garments.

When I went to Japan I bought some secondhand kimonos to make a quilt from silk. There was plenty of beautiful fabric in those kimonos; and I didn’t mind sitting in front of the TV with my seam ripper to deconstruct them.

Curtains and Tablecloths you can Dye

Remember that you can dye a fabric if it isn’t exactly what you are looking for. Curtains and tablecloths are versatile finds. Your quilts, and other projects, can really come alive as you piece in custom fabric.

Denim

Denim is such a wonderful material for projects of all kinds. I’ve seen so many creative uses for old jeans, including quilts, bags, crafty items, and re-purposed clothing. Don’t miss this list of upcycling projects, many of which use denim.

Wool Sweaters for Felting

Did you know that if an item is at least 60-70% wool, you can felt them! Wash them in hot water and then toss them in the dryer. That’s exactly how you’re not supposed to wash a sweater because it gets felted.

Felted wool is great for mittens, patchwork blankets, and other wool projects.

Pretty Quilts Too!

Sad but true – sometimes beautiful handmade quilts end up at the thrift store.

My jaw dropped once when I came across an Amy Butler charm square baby quilt for $2. You can bet I snatched that up, I felt like I was saving a poor unloved animal from the shelter! It was just the right size for my kids to use as a lap quilt in the car.

Fabric!

When looking for fabric I have a few go-to shops which get a steady stream of donated treasures. Don’t forget that clothes and home goods can also be perfectly usable; just rip a few seams, launder, and cut for your next amazing quilt!

Notions

If you have never taken time to dig around in bins and shelves at a thrift store you would be amazed at the sewing supplies available! Notions are a treasure, and it’s worth it to grab them right up. They are a fraction of the price of new notions. Just remember that plastic and thread don’t really stand the test of time.

Buttons – Plastic and Vintage

You might have too many buttons already, but you can really get creative if you know where to look for button craft ideas. It’s more practical to grab a handful of mystery buttons for a fraction of the cost of new ones; especially if you can be selective.

And don’t forget to look at old clothing for buttons! Sometimes an outdated, $2 blazer has a set of high-end brass or vintage pearl buttons that would cost $15 at a craft store.

Scissors, Snips, and Shears

Sewing scissors come in all shapes and sizes, and the purposes are specific. Just like presser feet, when you use the right scissors for the job things work out better. You may need to get them sharpened, but consider grabbing those interesting sharps for a deal!

Sewing Machine Feet

Feet are essential sewing supplies. Once I bought a sandwich bag full of presser feet, and I found a replacement for my teflon foot, and an old ruffle foot that was fun to play with.

Sometimes it’s worth your while to play with different accessories to see how you can improve or simplify your sewing. And if you’re like me and love inviting your friends to sew with you, it’s practical to have two of everything!

Purse Handles and Hardware

Metal rings (and other hardware) are often like new on a second hand bag. I always get purses with hardware I can use. The purse above was made with thrifted handles (see my post and shopping video about it), and many of my other purses since!

Jewelry

Necklaces and other jewelry can also be used as personalized sewing supplies to embellish your project to add a one-of-a-kind flair. Add letters as zipper pulls, and chains to your bag or purse.

Embroidery Hoops and Supplies

Floss, hoops, needles, and kits abound at a secondhand store. Fussy cut an embroidered section for a custom appeal. You can upcycle the embroidery hoop for storage, or even make it into a one-of-a-kind wall art!

Sewing Machines

I once went to a secondhand store and found four sewing machines. One was an industrial mother bear! Make sure you know what to look for in a used sewing machine, though; not every machine is a good deal.

A Lamp for Your Sewing Table

Second-hand stores are the perfect place to buy desk lamps for all my work areas. They can be pricey when new but are usually very inexpensive at a recycle store. Plus, this is just another way to add a unique touch to your space.

Irons

Naturally, irons would be on my thrift store find shopping list. My vintage General Electric travel iron is amazing at pressing seams flat. Once you start looking for them you’ll be amazed at how many you see.

Sewing Tools from the Kitchen and Office

Check the utensil bins for clean metal or bamboo chopsticks. I don’t mean the kabob sticks (those are too sharp). Chopsticks are the absolute best tools for turning out corners, or righting bag straps without poking a hole through the fabric.

You can also find that binder clips can be as useful as wonder clips at holding multiple layers of fabric together. Head over to the office supplies to see what kinds of clips you can find.

Ironing Boards

A great ironing board can be pricey, but they tend to last longer, too. Getting more than what you pay for is a treat if you can find a sturdy (or even specific) ironing board.

Antique Sewing Boxes

Vintage sewing boxes are a true, rare treasure; a special find. Besides being a collectible, they are sew pretty for organizing your sewing supplies supplies.

Sewing Baskets and Tool Boxes

Don’t overlook the sewing baskets if you need storage for your sewing supplies. These can be costly brand new. Plus, sometimes they come full of notions! Just throw out the notions that can’t be used (here’s a warning on vintage sewing notions) and enjoy the vintage addition to your craft space.

You might find your new favorite sewing box in the hardware section. Metal or plastic toolboxes are sturdy, have lots of compartments for your bobbins and feet, and usually come with a handle that makes it easy to take your projects to a sewing class or a friend’s house.

Glass Jars

You can sometimes find unique glass pieces, or full sets of jars that you can use to make your sewing space organized and beautiful. Store sewing supplies where you can not only easily see them, but decorate with them too.

Storage Baskets

I found this basket at the ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) last year. It can hold a special color of scraps, or keep your sewing supplies organized. You could cover the lid with batting and fabric to make it like the cute vintage sewing baskets.

Glasses Case or Zipper Pouches

Old cases can be transformed or repurposed into sewing kits for handy organization, gifts, or travel.

Patterns

Even though I offer lots of free patterns, it’s worth it to dig (or even ask the owners) for other patterns. Take your time; some may be vintage or out of print. Check out my 25 Favorite Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 80s and see if you have any of these treasures in your sewing supplies.

Sewing Books and Magazines

I get some inspiration from thumbing through magazines, and you can almost always find some that spark your creativity at a thrift store. They are not sewing supplies per se, but look for color combinations, design ideas, or maybe even an old shortcut technique for an upcoming project and you’ll be amazed at the genius you discover.