15+ Thrift Store Fabric Hacks: How to Find The Best Materials for Pennies!
If you’ve walked into a fabric store lately, you know that the price of our favorite quilt shop cotton prints is skyrocketing. But what if I told you the best “fabric store” in town doesn’t even sell by the yard? Thrifting for fabric is my secret weapon for having everything I need on hand, from beautiful wide quilt backing material, sturdy home decor fabrics that are perfect for bags, to felting-ready wool. Not only is it the best way to find unique, vintage, and high-end materials on a shoestring budget, but it’s also one of the most sustainable sewing ideas you can try to keep textiles out of landfills.
On a recent trip to London, I was thrilled to find that this isn’t only true in my own neighborhood, but even in other countries. Of course, the shops there are known as ‘charity shops’ and not ‘thrift stores,’ but the goal is the same – finding gorgeous fabrics at little cost. (You can learn more about my trip from my post about the Liberty store.) Since then, I decided to pass along a list of 15 frugal shopping tip and hints for scoring your own trove of new and second-hand fabrics at thrift stores. Happy hunting!
1. Shop Local
The best part about thrifting for fabric is you can do it just about everywhere you go. Whenever you see a small church or charity-run thrift store, take a quick peek inside to see what treasures they have. It could be a big win!
Oh the other hand, it seems like the bigger franchise secondhand stores don’t keep the fabric that comes in. Look for the small stores instead, or set your sights on promising estate sales. They will usually have better crafting options.
2. Inspect Fabrics Carefully
Unfold the fabric and check for stains or odd smells before you purchase it at the thrift store. Stain remover can usually remove coffee spills or a dusty smell, but a ‘light bar’ discoloration from fabric sitting on a shelf too long is permanent.
3. Check the Cut Edges for Fraying
If the fabric is fraying excessively, that’s probably a sign that it’s old or low quality. Double check to make sure there is enough usable fabric to make your purchase worth it.
4. Look Closely at Fabric Bundles
Many thrift shop and yard sellers put fabric pieces together in bundles for easy sale. I always look through the bundles and examine each print. I usually end up buying the whole bundle just to get one print that I love. I then use the other fabrics in that bundle for practice.
The heavy blue duck cloth on the car cozy above was made with thrifted fabric.
5. Look for Vintage Sheets and Tablecloths
I’m sure you know that fabric can be found in other departments besides crafts. New sheets, curtains, and tablecloths can be hidden sources of lots of low-cost fabric.
The nap mat above came from a thrifted sheet. Soft vintage sheets are also perfect for quilt backings.
6. Get the Solids
Sometimes solid fabric seems like a boring find, but you can make a good quality solid fabric look modern by mixing it with your favorite designer prints.
The beautiful red knit fabric that I made this top from also came from a thrift store bundle. That ended up being a super find… about 3 yards (plus other stuff in the bundle), and I really like the quality.
7. Buy Neutral-Colored Fabrics, Too
Neutrals, like blacks, whites, or tans, are always a safe purchase so you should feel good about stocking up. They are so versatile that I never regret getting a good neutral. The photo above shows one example of how I like to use neutrals on a quilt. I like the texture and utility of using every available scrap.
8. Check Labels and Do Some Quick Research
Check the selvages (or the bolt end) for information like fabric content, care instructions, and the name of the manufacturer.
Once, while shopping at my favorite charity thrift shop, I came across a partial bolt of the fabric pictured above. It was a print I wouldn’t normally buy, but when I looked up the brand online, it was 100% cotton and made in Italy! Then I noticed the beautiful softness and drape. I bought the partial bolt for $10, and it was enough for the backs of 2 baby quilts!
9. Plan ahead
When shopping with a specific project in mind, always snap a picture of the pattern requirements so you can remain focused.
10. Bring a Small Tape Measure
When shopping for a specific pattern, bring a pocket measuring tape with you so you can check to make sure you will have enough fabric for your project. Thrift store don’t usually have a measurement on their fabric, and if you don’t get the right amount the first time you probably won’t be able to find any more.
11. Be Prepared to Walk Away
Don’t be afraid to pass by the fabric if it’s not right for you. I know it’s hard! Thrift store inventory changes constantly though, so visit regularly to catch new fabric arrivals.
12. Wash it!
There are two reasons to wash your thrifted fabric immediately. First, to eliminate any funny smells. And second, to find out how it will hold up. It’s logical if you think about it. Caroline said, “I want to know ahead of time if it can’t make it through one wash!”
13. Buy What You Love!
If you do find a quality piece of fabric that you really love, go for it! Especially if it’s a great price. If you need a few minutes to think, carry the fabric around with you so that nobody else can purchase it before you decide. I didn’t do that once, and lost a great roll of fabric! If you change your mind, you can always put it back before you check out.
14. Carry Cash
Keeping cash on hand can help in a few ways. First, it can help you budget. If you only allow yourself a certain amount of cash per week, it will help you make only the most perfect purchases. Additionally, a lot of thrift stores in my area offer a 3-5% discount when paying with cash which means my fabric budget goes further! And finally, cash is a great way to bargain at a yard sale. If all you have is a $5, they can choose to take it or leave it, but at least you tried.
15. Check out FabScrap!
FabScrap sells NEW fabrics that are discarded from the fashion industry. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing fabric waste.
I had a fabulous time visiting them in NYC a couple years ago. They now have locations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, plus online virtual shopping by appointment. Learn more about my trip and how to shop there!
Bonus Thrift Store Tip: Look for Purse Handles!
I often find amazing purse handles at thrift stores too. I’ll cut the handles off an old bag and sew them onto a new one that I made. Here’s how.
More from SewCanShe:
30 Free Pre-cut and Scrap Friendly Quilt Patterns: Simple Square Designs You will Love
From Scrap Bin to Masterpiece: 20+ Best Free Scrappy Quilt Patterns
25+ Free Half Square Triangle Quilt Patterns: Learn Why Everyone Loves Them
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. 🙂