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How to get fabrics for free and save money

Oct 26, 2016

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    1. Hi, you probably already know most of these tips and tricks but i still wanted to share it with you :)
      As we all know fabrics for dolly sewing projects can get pretty expensive. So these are my top ways to get (high quality) fabrics for free!

      -Recycle your old clothes!
      This is pretty common, but you can ask
      your family members and friends about their old clothing. In most cases that can be a hiqh quality piece of fabric.
      I did this and soon I got a really huge collection containing:

      -old t-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses etc.
      -old bedsheets (they are a great source
      for fabric)
      -scarfs and tights (they are too a really
      source for strechy material)

      If that doesnt work for you too well, you can go to a flee market or thrift store. Of course that wont be for free anymore, but still a great place to find cool materials. And the best thing is that people also sell their old jewelry there which you can use for your dolls too.
      Just look around what you can find and reuse:) I think that this is a great way to save money for your next dolls too:)
      Thank you very much for reading. If you have tips and tricks I didnt included feel free to leave a comment :)
       
      #1 JJ3_dolls, Oct 26, 2016
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    2. Good idea! I've got some pretty fabrics that way too!
       
      #2 Sprocket, Oct 26, 2016
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    3. Getting clothes from family and friends is a good idea too. Particularly if your a sewer to begin with, they probably won't question it.
       
      #3 Lily*flower, Oct 26, 2016
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    4. Yes it is! And even if you are a professional its a good way to save money;)
       
      #4 JJ3_dolls, Oct 26, 2016
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    5. Thxs :) thats really cool!
       
      #5 JJ3_dolls, Oct 26, 2016
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    6. Also freecycle and craigslist are good if you're vigilant.
       
      #6 Sinezona, Oct 26, 2016
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    7. Great tips. I knew there was a good reason I kept all my old clothes!
       
      #7 Loganberry, Oct 27, 2016
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    8. I would like to add quilt squares into the mix of a good deal for doll fabric. They are tiny pieces, but usually have great tiny patterns on them, and if you're sewing little pieces together for a doll garment, they work very well. Places like Jo-Ann Fabrics sell them in large packs for cheap. Also, thrift stores may have some for very very cheap because people donate their quilt stock.
       
      #8 MementoMinna, Jul 23, 2018
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    9. I love looking at the remnant section at the craft/fabric stores. they are usually smaller pieces, but I have gotten some bigger pieces as well, and they are always half off the original prices. I also have made some great finds at thrift stores. I got several yards of this adorable floral print in doll scale for only four bucks.
       
      #9 lividdarkangel, Jul 24, 2018
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    10. People are always looking to get rid of childrens clothing! Lucky me I have some kiddo's of my own but I will still take from friends. Have got a good deal of cute prints and lace this way.
       
      #10 Spazophrenic, Aug 6, 2018
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    11. I work part time at a craft store. We are always having to write off damaged pieces of fabric, and I usually take them home. I can't speak for every store, but I know I'd probably hand over the damaged pieces if a customer asked me for them! Even if the pieces are small, you can always make a colorful patch or pocket with them.
       
      #11 angelwingstodust, Aug 11, 2018
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    12. Also thrift stores are great! Some time ago I've sewed a dress for my doll from a black, maxi dress that had thin material from a thrift shop that I bought for like 75 cents! So you can also go thrift shopping and buy some very cheap clothes. ^~^
       
      #12 fairywhale, Aug 14, 2018
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    13. I love to make doll clothes from remnants! I've found some really good quality fabric that way!

      I also love to buy quilting squares/fat quarters from JoAnn or Walmart, as they often have tiny prints and make for cute sundresses and skirts!
       
      #13 scrunch, Jul 9, 2022
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