I’ve been sewing since I was eight and have loved it! Unfortunately, it can be a bit of an expensive hobby. Today I’m going to share a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way that have really helped me save some serious money while still enjoying sewing. I’m going to specifically talk about patterns.
How to save money on sewing patterns
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Buy patterns at thrift stores.
In Utah we have a store called Deseret Industries. It’s in a few other states as well. In every location I have visited, they have a small section of sewing patterns that have been donated. Some have never even been opened. I love this section of the store. I always spend at least 20 minutes there finding treasures! Treasures like the vintage patterns above that I just want to frame. They also have modern patterns, patterns for upholstery, costumes, you name it–whatever people have decided to donate. The best part: EVERY PATTERN IS ONLY 50 CENTS! Including the one below, which I used to make the dress below.
Photo by DeAnna Adele.
2. Check out Walmart’s pattern selection.
I’ve gotten several patterns from Walmart for $3 or less. They are usually beginner level, easy projects, but that doesn’t change the awesome price. I made this hedgehog shirt using one of their $2.97 patterns. Please note, these are in-store and not usually online.
3. Use your own clothes as patterns.
I think every sewing blogger does this the majority of the time. It’s easy, and it’s free. I’ve done it several times, but one of my favorites was on this red carpet dress. I used a layering shirt and a maxi skirt to help me with the front, and the same shirt, plus a dress with a train to help me with the pattern for the back. Tutorial here.
There you have it, my 3 favorite ways to save money on patterns. Do you have any additional tips on how you save? I’d love to hear it!
joann’s and hobby lobby usually have their patterns on sale about once a month for $1-2 for mccall’s, simplicity and butterick. vogue and burda’s usually run $4-5.
How did I not know that?! Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve got to hit that up!
Great tips, thank you! I’ve noticed a lot of smaller pattern designers have sales once a week or so. One of my favorite stores (especially for kids patterns) is Peekaboo Patterns, and she offers Thrifty Thursday, every Thursday you can get either a new pattern at a discount or one of her old patterns for half off, which makes them somewhere around $4. I keep a list of a bunch of pattern shops that do something similar, someone has something on sale almost every day of the week.
That’s such good information! Thank you so much for sharing!