TEN Easy Ways To Save Money In Your Sewing

[@PsychicKathleen]

I agree with you Sally that sewing is NOT a way to save money 😂 I always laugh when people (who don't sew) make that remark, "It must save you a lot of money to make my own clothes". Between the cost of my machines, patterns, fabric, notions, tools, I could easily have a gorgeous, well-fitting, unique wardrobe. For example, I could go to designer used clothing boutiques, buy ginormous pieces much too big for me, take them to a dress maker or tailor and have them cut down to fit my body. This methodology would cost me a fraction of my sewing hobby and in the end I would have a wardrobe lush in beautiful clothes professionally finished. But what's the fun in that? The way I look at it is that at least I have a hobby that leads to useful objects. I wear what I make (as opposed to collecting stamps, coins or dolls). I challenge my brain, hand-eye co-ordination and all to gain tremendous satisfaction in wearing something I made! What's not to love? But save money? No way. As an aside, I hate PDF and absolutely refuse to buy them unless that's the ONLY way to get my hands on that pattern. I don't do practice runs (toiles) either. If I'm really unsure I'll make up the garment initially in a size I know will be too large knowing I can construct it using larger seams allowances and take note during construction what I would need to do to make it fit better next time. Typically I wear these garments around the house or layering over other items. I would also highly recommend thrift shops for fabric, patterns, notions. Sometimes in a Thrift shop I've stumbled into a strange garment which has beautiful and unique buttons for $5. Once for example I found leather covered buttons on a jacket that were just what I wanted for a jacket I was making. Thrift shops are a GREAT source of silk, leather, and high quality linen.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I totally agree with you it’s such a great hobby to have isn’t it and does such a lot for us (me) mentally too so that’s why I don’t mind spending on it when I need to. Great tips about the ‘toile’ alternative too I’ll keep that in mind for next time. Thanks so much for watching as always xx

[@SirenaSpades]

That's funny, and so true Kathleen. It did used to save people money years ago, though!

[@rondagrow5762]

I really like you ideas on saving money while sewing. Brilliant

[@katharina3468]

You pronounced Gütermann quite good! Great tips, thank you!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching x

[@jennetthamilton7942]

Those are wonderful tips Kath! I have a few more. I never buy fabric unless it's on sale. The local fabric store I generally use often has weekend sales that offer 40-50 % off fabric and notions. The only time I makes toiles is when I'm making something for someone else, such as wedding attire. I am currently making 3 flowered girl dresses and used a Disney printed thrifted bed sheets for the toiles. And the toiles are going to be finished into sundresses for the little girls so no waste there. I also used a thrifted white cotton sheet to line the bodice of the flower girl dresses. I often buy either thrifted fabric or garment to try out a pattern to get the fit perfect or even to see if I'm going to like the finished garment. I do find it's too expensive where I live to have a pdf pattern printed to it's the print at home and taper together for me. What I have learned is to print out the pattern with all the sizes and then just trace the size I want. This way I'm only printing the pattern once and can always trace out another size when needed. I do alterations as a side business and have learned to raise my prices as the economy changes. At one time I made bridesmaid's dresses but have found over the years it's generally less expensive for the bridal party to buy the dress and then have them altered. Brides really appreciate that I am upfront at how expensive it would be to have custom made dresses. I do think I usually money making my own clothes but that is not the reason I sew. I just love making unique one of a kind garments. And the quality is so much better than store bought.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for sharing, using bed sheets is a great way to save money isn't it. I used to line Christmas stockings for my Etsy shop with cotton bedsheets, it was so much cheaper! Thank you for watching and sharing your own story too x

[@leepayk-bann3489]

I buy remnants which are frequently discounted. I check to see I am not duplicating clothing, if I have a readymade item I only replace it when I need to. I buy from recycled fabric charity shops which we have in Australia.

[@jangreen3697]

Thank you for another great video Sally. My top tip is don’t impulse buy fabric (I’m a serial offender!) By the time you come to make it up you may find you don’t have enough or you’ve bought too much or you don’t like it as much as you did!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes! That's so true and something I've been guilty of too in the past. It's hard to guess how much you need isn't it x

[@threadtherapy251]

I often think outside the box in terms of buying fabric- charity shops are a great place to buy fabric in the form of T-shirts, dresses etc. particularly if you buy the largest sizes. I also like to order from rainbow fabrics and other deadstock shops.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That’s a great idea! I’ve only just really discovered dead stock shops and understood them properly so it’s definitely something I’m going to think about more in the future. Thank you for watching xx

[@nancydooley9483]

I love the black and white thread idea! Actually, the last thing I sewed I didn’t buy any matching thread. I just looked through the thread I have and found one I thought would be the closest match. And it worked out fine. Great video! New subscriber!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Great idea I'm glad it worked out! Thank you so much for watching and subscribing :) xx

[@blufaerie]

I think I’m going to try only sewing with black and white threads since it’s the easiest to buy in larger spools!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I'm glad it could be helpful :) Thank you for watching xx

[@nicolasammons3852]

Great tips Sally. I never thought about using just black or white thread, I have a drawer full of different colours so I’m going to give it a go. Also never considered bulk buying buttons or recycling notions, brilliant! I’ve just made 2 pairs of Safiya trousers and now my daughter wants some, I can see why you love them so much 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m glad you found them helpful 😊 I bet you’ll be making tons of Safiyas now so comfy 😍 xx

[@kadycrea]

Really enjoyed listening to your video, these are really good tips thank you so much! I have to say whenever I say "I'm going to make a toile" what I really mean is I'm going to sew this pattern in a cheap fabric that I would still wear so I always sew wearable toiles. I cannot see myself sewing anything that I wouldn't end up wearing. It's way too much work ! 😅 it's a win win for me to do it that way. I have to say you'll have to make a video on how to start a sewing business being a stay at home mum because I only have 1 baby at the moment and there was no way I could have sewn during my maternity leave, let alone starting a business!!! Very impressed I have to say and I know not all babies are the same but still!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that’s very true about the toile sometimes I’m too excited to get sewing with my good fabric haha! When I say I started my business in maternity leave it was when my children were older than newborn as I ended up staying at home sorry if that was misleading. I’d also started it while working as a side hustle so it was in place before they were born 😊 x

[@kadycrea]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Oh no worries I see that makes perfect sense now :)! I do think that each baby is different too some of my friends could do a lot more than I could during their maternity leave and we also all different as mums I suppose :)

[@carolfuller2941]

I agree, I have found printing myself expensive on ink, I use Copy shop printing now. Lots of good ideas, 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I think I'm converted, especially when you also get the PDF file to reprint as needed! Thank you for watching xx

[@janspenno2241]

Love your outfit. I must make those trousers.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! Definitely do, I’m not lying when I say I wear these all the time 😂

[@TartantazCreates]

Great video thanks for taking the time to make it. For me the benefits of printing out a pdf pattern at home is the fact I will always have the opportunity to printout and cut different sizes, meaning I don't have to trace my pattern, which is what I do with paper patterns. It reduces the risk of me cutting out the wrong size. T x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah yes that's very true. With the service I used at G&G they also sent you the PDF file so there is always the option to re-print if needed. I thought that was helpful x

[@hannahblowers6680]

I am the same! I keep everything! Would love to see you go through your Grandma’s sewing box on a video?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh that's an interesting idea! Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching xx

[@annettecowburn1096]

I try and use black and white thread were possible since you mentioned it before, that's a great tip. Thanks Sally.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I’m glad it helped thank you for watching xx

[@suzyhattaway9860]

Really good idea about the black and white threads - I'll definitely try that one. I agree about having fewer patterns and then hacking them....Thank you for sharing your ideas!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching I’m glad you found some helpful xx

[@cjane51]

Sally, this is a good video. I also have a Janome and have learned it prefers Guterman thread. Thanks

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks for watching I’m glad you enjoyed it :) maybe it’s a Janome thing about the thread it’s strange isn’t it x

[@leeannekaden2600]

Thank you. I buy too many patterns and have been trying to look through them first. Lots of what you mention I do and was glad to hear again.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm pleased to hear it was helpful xx

[@thenorthernsewist]

Really interesting Sally, thankyou 😘👏🏼👏🏼

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching xx

[@susanknight1784]

Loved the video Sally. I did ask for a money saving vlog, and you haven’t disappointed me. As I’m new to sewing I often make mistakes that can be costly so I need all the tips I can get 😀

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I’m glad you found it helpful 😊 xx

[@maureencapobianco3596]

It's so true about the cost of sewing! People I know think that by sewing my own clothes I'm trying to be frugal. It's not the case at all. I also prefer not to do a toile. Thanks for sharing!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes definitely not especially when there’s so much lovely fabric to buy haha. Thank you for watching xx

[@juliedickens2787]

Love the black and white thread idea!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I’m glad it was helpful thank you for watching 😊 x

[@evasaker2476]

Great video, thanks a lot for sharing! I use several of your tips and favour the ones about reusing notions and fabric from old clothes, curtains and such things. A tip similar to that is to mix old textiles with new, that way you only have to buy small amounts of new. For ex a dress with new plain jersey at the top and the skirt part from a thrifted skirt with a lovely print. Another tip from me is to share patterns with friends and family and also expensive tools and even machines. Me and my sister bought an overlock machine together and took turns in using it. Nowadays I have my own as she doesn’t sew hardly at all anymore ☺️ Lastly I have another tip regarding patterns and that is to copy r t w clothes that you love and that fit you well. Those patterns are the ones I use the most.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching I’m glad you found it useful. Thank you for your tips too, great idea re the fabrics that’s something I should definitely do more of. Sounds like you got a good deal with the overlocker there 😉 such a good idea to share though! Xx

[@SirenaSpades]

I would just like to say, thank you for using Seamstress in your channel name :) I also use the term 'seamstress'... it seems very popular now to use sewist... which I do not prefer AT ALL. I was was first taught in home ec, then by my grandmother, and then I took professional lessons weekly for several years. I believe seamstress is absolutely appropriate :) Anyway, I am not a trendy 20 something.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah I never thought about it that way actually but yes I suppose I do hear sewist a lot these days - is it a new word??? I’m pretty old fashioned too haha x

[@janevellenderartist]

Great video. I buy second hand but unused patterns from resell groups on Facebook, they are mainly big four or those from sewing mags but are very inexpensive for commercial patterns that are a lot more full price from normal pattern outlets. I also ask for gift vouchers from my fave fabric shops for birthday and Xmas and spend them when the shop has a sale or look out for their remnants which are cheaper. I also subscribe to the Burda style magazine, costs 70 a year and provides monthly patterns and styling inspiration, always something I want to make from them. Works out very cheaply per pattern.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

The Facebook group sounds like a great option thank you for sharing that. Vouchers is a good idea too and not something I’ve thought to ask for before. Thank you for watching and sharing your tips too xx

[@debbiebrooks6487]

I love pdf patterns. Definitely worth the time to print out and stick together. Especially good if you want to sew numerous sizes which I do with my granddaughters.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes that's very true they can be used and re-used can't they and recycled too of course! Thank you for watching xx

[@shellyscott8275]

Such a good video Sally and timely too. Something I most definitely need to address. Love the thread and buttons suggestion. I often use self covered buttons, but obviously not as economical as your superb suggestion. Thanks for sharing x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching I’m glad you found it helpful 😊 xx

[@ItsJustFashion]

I want to start sewing again soon... Saving up for my first machine!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh good luck I’m sure you’ll love it 😊 xx

[@Mhe25]

Great video. I always enjoy hearing your take on things. I’m a copy shop person. Taping all the pages together is too overwhelming for me; my time is more important than the dollars I spent on having a pattern copied.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I think that’s what needs to be weighed up isn’t it time is money as they say 😉 Thank you for watching xx

[@fionnualaryan7584]

Thank you great video as usual

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching xx

[@jillbull4649]

My best saving is the one you say you ought to do more of: I have many skirts which are made from dresses which either no longer fitted me or which I no longer liked. I literally measure up from the hem to whatever length I want the skirt to be (obviously also dependent upon how much fabric there is, but I have always bought maxi dresses, so not usually a problem), then I elasticate the waist and voilà, a new skirt, which I then wear far more times than I ever wore the dress. I also like your tip about charity shops, I made a really lovely sequinned cushion cover from a mini-skirt bought, for that purpose, in a charity shop. I also buy inexpensive dresses which are too short for me then add a wide lace or broderie anglaise strip to the hem, which seems to work well for me. Just one more thing: I agree about not making toiles as such, but I make lots of "wearable toiles" of inexpensive fabric before making the same item in a more expensive fabric - and sometimes end up liking the toile better than the originally intended piece. Sorry for the long comment, love your videos, thank you.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Definitely something I need to be better at although I feel I wear dresses much more than I do skirts these days! I think it can just be tempting to buy all of this lovely fabric new too can’t it! Thanks for sharing and thank you for watching xx

[@CreaNedda1]

Haha - “when people find out I can sew, they’ll ask me to hem their jeans”!! So relatable for me, cannot tell you how often I’ve had to decline that request, because I also hate making alterations 😁 Thanks for the tips, glad I found you, subscribed right away! I could definitely benefit from cutting down on the nummer of patterns and sticking to a core collection, which then can be modified as needed. One small tip from me is to use thrifted or gifted oversized/ men’s shirts as lining in your home-made coats or jackets - lining fabric is getting up there in price too, and I always find it quilte tedious to do a lining from scratch anyway. This way you can just cut off the collar and cuffs and perhaps make some tiny alterations on pre-made shirts, and voila! Looking forward to your next tips 👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

What a great tip with the shirts, thanks so much for sharing! Thanks also for finding me and subscribing, funny how many of us hate making alterations isn't it haha x

[@susannedembowski1576]

I don't often toille either. I cut out the size I know will definitely be big enough and then tack any darts, shoulder and side seams. Then if anything needs taking in I just make the adjustments before actually sewing. Thanks. Really good tips.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That sounds like a great way of doing it, thank you for sharing and thanks for watching too xx

[@marygreen7225]

Great video Sally, thank you. There are so many free patterns available which really does help.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much! Yes there are I’m amazed when you actually look there are loads x

[@rosieroo538]

I love these tips (maybe not so much the toile one, I use old bedsheets), I need to look for those buttons! I totally agree about PDF patterns - I tend to print out and put together myself smaller patterns, then for larger ones I use Fabulosew which are really affordable (they print on tissue paper, which some people may like but I trace all the patterns anyway).

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Copy shop is a revelation for me actually as I hate taping but do like that you can save money on patterns that way. The toile one yes I can see it from both sides, thank you so much for watching xx

[@doreenbradley3849]

Super helpful. Never thought to only use black or white thread! Don't have a local shop here for thread matching so definitely going to copy that one! Thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yay! Glad you found it helpful I find matching thread a pain anyway so this saves me a bit of money and hassle haha xx

[@evanick823]

Burda monthly magazine has over 100 patterns. I have been sewing for 30 years yet never had to buy a single patttern. Burda has every pattern I'd want to make.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I need to have a look into Burda Magazine, I bought one copy earlier on in my sewing life and was put off by all of the tracing. I might be more confidence with it these days x

[@evanick823]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Yes, tracing patterns takes a bit of getting used to. I just factor it into my sewing process and it feels normal.

[@nancycraig8483]

Great tips, looking at what you do and do not wear makes sense as do all the other tips, thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching I’m glad they were helpful 😊 xx

[@judymunroe1617]

Hi Sally-I do not make toiles either. Instead I spend extra time in the fitting process. For example I will use measurements from a similar top and fabric to determine how it will fit. This is in addition to the info on the sewing pattern. I love your idea regarding the use of black and white thread and buying in bulk. Thanks for the fun video! 🥰

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Sounds like a great way to do it, the finished garment measurements are most helpful too aren’t they! Thanks so much for watching xx

[@perryandmichelestorkson5887]

Thank you for these tips! Fantastic! I wonder if you could tell me the patterns you used for the outfit you were wearing? I just love it! Also, there was another blouse you shared that was v-neck and had a wide collar and had buttons in the front that I just loved. Would really love the patterns if possible! Thank you!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

I have replied to your Instagram message so I hope that helps xx

[@susankidd9963]

Great video Sally I have often fancied getting a copy shop to print a pattern but I wouldn’t know where to start technology is definitely my thing. I have just made a pair of Safiya pants for the first time and love them, some good tips today keep them coming.x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much! A lot of shops such as Guthrie Ghani offer copy shop as an option, I think Sew Over It do too so you just add that option to your basket. Glad you like your Safiyas they are great aren’t they xx

[@shelleykearney4212]

Hi Sally thanks for the money saving tips. I try to convince myself that all fabric shops are my stash. That I don’t need to own every piece of fabric as I can spend hours looking at them on line. Then I love watching fabric haul videos so I get my thrill of fabric purchases. Then only when I have a pattern or really have a burning need for a fabric do I buy. I see so many people with literally hundreds of pounds of fabric sitting in cupboards. Their taste changes and it never gets sewn. I would rather buy more expensive fabric less frequently. Just the way I look at it. But I do envy those with big fabric “collections” just can’t afford to do it xxxxxx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes i totally agree I’d rather spend more on less fabric too, I just don’t have the space to store much fabric so that helps me to stay minimal too. It is tempting I know!! Thank you for watching xx

[@sosewmad]

great video as always, some great suggestions, thank you

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for watching I’m glad you found them helpful 😊 xx

[@ann-mariesews5172]

Great vlog, thank you for sharing your tips. I recently inherited my great aunties sewing things. I really enjoyed looking through her button box and grouping them. She had a lot of zips that had been removed from other garments. There was also some fabric which I just don't think I will use which is a shame and has made me think about my stash! I have a bag of ribbons that I have saved from all sorts of places.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's so interesting isn't it. I would never usually think about removing zips but I think it's probably a very useful thing to do. Thank you for watching xx

[@sew_So_beautiful]

I seem to be able to get a few brand embassidorships or affiliates for pattern companies, but other than Minerva, and one other, (and haven't yet been chosen by either one), I haven't seen openings for fabric shops even though I follow a huge number of them. I think they just don't show up on my feed. I wish I knew how to hear about them and get chosen. Not that I need fabric. I have too much already. But they usually have much nicer things to choose from than I can buy.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

They don't happen all the time but now and again I've seen openings on Instagram. I think if you're consistent with posting your makes on your social media too and tag the companies you use they can sometimes contact you :) I hope that helps a little xx

[@sew_So_beautiful]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress thanks. I'll try that.

[@audreyphilson6773]

Mid grey is a good thread colour for most fanrics.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you yes I can see that would work well too 😊 x

[@StitchHemSew]

Great tips thank you ❤️

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for watching xxx

[@nanilu8791]

Hi, love your channel... so thought through, one sees that you prepare the videos, excellent quality! Thank you! Almost everything with black and white? 😳 I'd love if you could do a video on it, explaining more details... Many greetings from Germany! 🤗

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you very much I’m glad you think so. What other details might you like to see? X

[@nanilu8791]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress I don't know, I'm a beginner, I'd never thought of doing it... also for the overlock? Maybe if you could show some examples... 🤔

[@christinawelton9689]

What is the jumpsuit pattern you show in this video?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It’s a mix up of the Lyra and Safiya Trousers both by Tilly and the Buttons xx

[@christinawelton9689]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress thank you so much-I have both patterns

[@Ellaodi]

....thrifted fabric? High quality bedsheets and curtains turn into lovely frocks, pinafore, tailoring thrifted items that are almost right for you.... buying brand new fabric is the most expensive way to do this.... Like anything, there's ways to make it more expensive and ways to save when you can like estate sales or thrift shops for notions/fabric. At least for muslin fabric!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for your suggestions and for watching :) xx