Sew Smart, Spend Less: 20 Essential Sewing Supplies for a Budget!
Tighten your financial belt and stay within your budget by purchasing some sewing supplies at a dollar store. Find ways to be responsible without sacrificing quality for your sewing obsession (I mean talent). Enjoy the included links to free sewing pattens and tutorials if you’re feeling ready to put your supplies to use.
The best way to have money for the things you want, is to be extra careful with the things you need. I hope this list is helpful as we navigate these rocky times together. Happy sewing!
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.
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.
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).
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!
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.
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 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.
Squares of Fabric
Squares of fabric like this are great for sewing patchwork or scrappy projects. See 25 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.
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 or your clothing so you’ll always have your thread snips handy.
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:
45 DIY Upcycle and Repurpose Ideas To Sew
Sew With Scraps: 100 Free Patterns!
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. 🙂