24 Thrift Store Secrets That Will Change Your Sewing Life
Where can you find quality quilting and sewing supplies for the most unique projects ever? The thrift store! Use these tips and tricks to navigate secondhand stores without missing treasures, or wasting time.
I love going to secondhand stores everywhere I travel – it’s my shopping therapy without breaking the bank. I’m planning on heading out on a thrift store shopping trip this Monday as a matter of fact. I can’t wait! Share your favorite thrift store finds by tagging me on Instagram @sewcanshe.com.
Pro tips:
- It’s okay to leave empty handed.
- Be sure to inspect sewing kits and sets for missing or unusable items.
- Metal and most plastic notions last indefinitely, but old thread and fabric notions can degrade and become brittle.
- Check the store’s return policy for electrical items like sewing machines and irons in case they don’t work when you get home.
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.
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!
Vintage Sheets
Some quilters only use vintage sheets for their quilt backings. 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. What’s your creative style?
Antique Sewing Boxes
Vintage sewing boxes are a true, rare treasure. They are a special thrift store find. Besides being a collectible, they are sew pretty for organizing your supplies.
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.
Irons
Naturally, irons would be next on my thrift store find shopping list. My vintage General Electric travel iron is amazing at pressing seams flat. I often see them at thrift stores.
Sewing Baskets
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 unique addition to your craft space.
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.
Baskets
I found this basket at the ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) last year. It takes a nice picture, and holds a special color of scraps. You could cover the lid with batting and fabric to make it like the vintage sewing baskets above.
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. Look for color combinations, design ideas, or maybe even an old shortcut technique for an upcoming project.
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 thrift store finds. Your quilts, and other projects, can really come alive as you piece in custom fabric.
Notions
If you have never taken time to dig around at a thrift store you would be amazed at the notions available! It’s worth it to grab these treasures right up. They are a a fraction of the price of new notions. Just remember that plastic and thread don’t really stand the test of time.
Sewing Machines
I once went to a thrift 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.
Pro Tip: If you find a vintage Singer Featherweight like the one pictured above, you’ve hit the jackpot! These can be worth a small fortune!
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 thrift store. Plus, this is just another way to add a unique touch to your space.
Sewing Machine Feet
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 fun to play with different attachments to see how you can improve or simplify your sewing.
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.
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.
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!
Pro Tip: You can learn a lot about purse and handbag construction by cutting them apart. What have you got to loose with a thrift store find?
Jewelry
Necklaces and other jewelry can also be used to embellish your project to add a one-of-a-kind flair. Add letters as zipper pulls, and add chains to your bag or purse.
Embroidery Hoops and Supplies
Floss, hoops, needles, and kits abound at a secondhand store. Don’t be too quick to overlook partially completed projects. You can incorporate them into a new project, or even finish it!
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.
Pro Tip: You can use discarded quilts to sew a bag or a coat.
“Treasure” Bags
Have you ever seen a wall, or sometimes shelves, of random things stuffed in a bag all together? If you have the time, sort through and check out what’s inside. I found some amazing trim from a stash like this once; you just never know.
Glasses Case or Zipper Pouches
Old cases can be transformed or repurposed into sewing kits for handy organization, gifts, or travel.
UFOs (Un-Finished Objects)
Sometimes you can find project kids that other people started on (or not) but didn’t finish. Those are great for keeping your hands busy or giving as gifts. You might even find a beautiful accessory or notion inside that makes some other project perfectly unique.
More from SewCanShe:
Going Somewhere? 35 Free Sewing Patterns for Holiday Travel
45 Handmade Gifts You Still Have Time to Make: Free Patterns and Ideas!
Fabric Panels: 10 Beautiful Quilt Patterns – All Free!
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. 🙂