My Budget-Friendly Sewing Supplies List

I've been sticking to my "If I can make it, don't buy it" rule pretty well so far this year with minimal clothing purchases.  If you're interested in learning how to sew your own clothing, below are a list of my essentials.  I'll have a separate post of my sewing machines next.  The supplies mentioned in this post will be your essentials for garment making, and extra items that have helped my sewing journey.  

My sewing essentials:

Clover Silk Pins

Clover Pin Cushion Ring (sold out) - here is an alternative: Pincushion Rings 3-pack

Rotary Cutter & Blades (28mm, 45mm and 60mm)

Cutting Mat

Fiskars Mini Scissors

Maxi Lock Serger Cones

Sewing Gauge

Clear Acrylic Ruler

Measuring tape (60" and 120" from dritz)

Pattern weights (handmade or store bought)

Magnet

Magnetic Pickup Tool

Mouse & Wrist Pad Extension

Lint Rollers

Mini Vacuum

Mini Screwdriver Set

Adhesive Tape Measure



Free & Budget-friendly recommendations:

Cardboard fabric bolts from Joann - this is my favorite tip for sewists!  If you stop by your local Joann store, you can ask for free fabric bolts at their cutting station.  The associates will happily give them away since they'll be thrown away at the end of the day.  This avoids extra waste and helps with organizing your fabric stash at home.  The best time to collect this bolts is towards the end of the day, weekends and during big sales/holidays.

Thrift stores - You can always find materials to upcycle at your local thrift stores.  Browse their home textiles section for curtains, tablecloths and bedsheets to upcycle.  You can also find vintage sewing patterns and sewing machines.  Thrift flips are always a great way to revamp your own old clothes and thrift finds.  I think it's a great way for beginner sewists to practice sewing too.

Other ways to find sewing materials are estate/yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, Wawak, Etsy and Ebay.  If you're shopping at Joann, always make sure to sign up for their rewards and always use coupons and keep up with their weekly sales.  Their commercial patterns go on sale often too.

*Disclaimer:  With over 30 years of sewing experience, I am excited to independently share my technical sewing tips & tutorials through my own personal investments and honest experiences.  My main goal is to keep my content free and accessible to everyone interested in sewing & creating.  If you’d like to learn more about sewing & materials from me, I have included affiliate links which I receive small commissions to continue growing my content.