5 Unexpected Places to Buy Fabric on a Budget

Today I am sharing five unexpected places to buy fabric on a budget. The costs of sewing and quilting with all the increases in prices is really making it hard to purchase supplies for an already costly hobby! Hopefully some, or even all of these ideas, help you come up with some projects so you can keep sewing!
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[@FirstHusbandofQuilting]

Just so everyone knows, I was duped by this beautiful lady. She coyly asked me if I wanted to go to the hardware store, which of course I did, because I always want to go to the hardware store. Of course, when we get there, she tells me she needs quilt stuff. What a ruse. 😂

[@sewbeitquilts]

To be fair!!!! It was a quick trip. All I needed was the canvas! I think you bought more than I did.

[@kikiwalker7718]

Hey, gotta let her be our smart wise lady in helping us viewers to get awesome great deal. Never in a million years i would if thought a hardware store!!!! She is a genius!!!!!. !!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@FirstHusbandofQuilting]

@@kikiwalker7718 Fine, I acquiesce. At least I was able to get a new saw out of it. 😀

[@micheleh4016]

LOL. Has she also gone with you to Harbor Freight? Watch out, fella. Quilters can do major damage to your wallet at that store too!😮

[@gailthecrafter]

The canvas from the hardware store is also paintable. If you do mixed media or paper crafts you surely have acrylic paint and stamps or stencils. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. 🎉

[@MaJaEvGaGa]

Don’t know if was mentioned but Harbor Freight has lots of things you can use for quilting. Magnetic trays for pins, drop clothes, magnet on a stick to pick up dropped pins and more just be open to using hardware items and you’ll find something neat. I bought a work bench to put my embroidery machine on, it is big and heavy enough to hold the machine with all the motion. It’s cost about 1/4th the price for a sewing cabinet.

[@muttimerewifey]

Harbor freight also has 45mm rotary blades in the carpet installation area. Much cheaper then fabric stores

[@d_richter]

Their drop cloths are a waaaay better price, especially with the sales!

[@nancywalker1325]

​@muttimerewifey Are they good quality? If they're poor quality, you'll ruin your cutting mat. Cutting mats are too expensive to ruin from buying low quality cutting blades.

[@shirleyandrews1152]

Yep, & they r cheaper😊

[@shirleyandrews1152]

@@muttimerewifeythx, that’s good to know

[@lilly-annkeister9730]

Another option for the drop cloth fabric: craft aprons. I made many as gifts one Christmas and personalized them with machine embroidery. Sews beautifully.

[@sewbeitquilts]

I love the apron idea!

[@donnanichols6838]

You can also make throw rugs out of drop cloth fabric. You can paint a design on them or applique with fabric, or even embroidery!!! The sky's the limit!!! Remember, you can also dye the canvas too!!! ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️

[@MissDarlaDeville]

Genius idea

[@eaglegoldengate4184]

I made a bunch of kitchen towels from drop cloth at Harbor Freight - not beautiful, but oh so functional for all manner of uses!

[@debmeyer5751]

@@donnanichols6838 This is a great idea! I remember investing $$$ in heavy canvas to do a stencil project to use as a rug, like the Early Americans did. There are tons more stencils out in the market to use now as well!

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

When you said hardware store the first thing I thought of was curtains. I have bought a couple of curtains on clearance at Lowes with beautiful patterns in a heavy woven cotton for about $5. Didn't even think of the drop cloths. I work with a dog rescue that also has a thrift store and when they get fabric in they call me because it just doesn't sell in the store. They called me one time and offered me 6 huge trash bags full of fabric for $30. Those bags had about $400 dollars in 10 different colors of minky. I also go over any sewing machines that are donated to make sure they are clean, lubed and work before they put them out for sale. Needless to say I make quilts and things for some of there raffles also. We don't have an art class at my school anymore and I was able to go thru the art classrooms storage room and found boxes of fabric someone had donated. There was enough printed canvas in those boxes for me to make about 40 big tote bags for the spring carnival. I bought a huge bag of fabric (sealed up bag) at a thrift store because I could see actual fat quarters in it for $20. Got it home and there was full quilt kit and pattern in it that had a price tag of $135 dollars on it. You never know!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I can't believe I didnt think of curtains! Thats a good idea too! Is the thrift store a way to raise money for the rescue? That is such a great idea if it is!

[@wendyanderson9922]

When do you have any time to sew?

[@marinaabad4995]

@@wendyanderson9922 Be Nice! Quilters use up fabric and have to find some more.

[@3preemies]

the dollar store has cheap curtains and shower curtains that would work as well

[@imsewhappy]

I always look at the skirts in the thrift stores. There can be lots of usable yardage in those for making children's clothes, quilting, bags, etc. Also, I made an entire quilt using thrifted men's cotton Hawaiian shirts. Bonus was finding three XXXL shirts that comprised the backing. I look at the thrift store as one big fabric store!

[@donnanichols6838]

Good plan!!! ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️

[@rachaeldavis1361]

Do you have to use anything to stabilize it or just look for shirts that is made of certain fabric?

[@caldy206]

My mother used to take my grandmother’s clothes apart and make them into clothes for my sister and me. We never got new fabric for school clothes until we were too big to use the salvaged fabric from my grandmother.

[@darkspectrum4772]

Bedsheets are also extremely cheap and can have some great designs.

[@jilbertb]

I like to look thru clearance clothing in the lg woman's section of dept stores. I can make a summer dress from a size 22 skirt.

[@bhallmark3390]

One resource for fabric that you overlooked at thrift stores is men’s dress shirts. There are some beautiful solids, plaids and prints to be found. The larger size the shirt, the more you can glean when cutting them up. Using only 100% cotton is the best option.

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

The Catbird Quilts Channel is nothing but quilting with dress shirts!!

[@wrongwayconway]

I used drop cloths to make some slipcovers and inside covers for my tote boxes and baskets.

[@joaklopfenstein]

I remember my Mom telling how in early to mid 40s, she and her sister used to to SA and get Sailor pants. They had the wide flare enough for girls skirts and other things. Then they made their own dyes from plants to dye them. I was born just after so never got them.

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

And used wool: pants, jackets, slacks, scarves, skirts, vests, etc. Look for Machine washable tags.

[@jeannemason7715]

I also look for tablecloths and shower curtains. I have found some pretty ones!

[@pegsullivan6577]

I actually taught a jacket class where a student made it from a drop cloth that she had used while painting rooms in her house. All the paint splatters made a very interesting design all over, The jhacket was fabulous!

[@sewbeitquilts]

That sounds amazing!

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

Drop cloths make wonderful casual curtains as well. they work on the Patio, children rooms with painted/ stamped designs etc. as well as outdoor placemats, and tablecloths! I have used these very inexpensive drop cloths for so many things.

[@claudiamiller7730]

I have a drop cloth from a potter’s studio that I’ve stretched and hung on an empty wall…it’s very large and fills in the space in a very tremendous, Jackson Pollack sort of way!💕

[@debbiej.2168]

I ran into a lady at the grocery store years ago who was wearing blue coveralls with various beautiful colors splattered on them. She said she taught painting classes for kids, and had just finished a class before going shopping. I told her I thought people would pay big money for them if they were sold as designer clothes. They were cute.

[@suusieeeq8007]

I’ve been using drop cloths for many years to make everything! Pillows, drapes, dust ruffles, slipcovers, tote bags, shower curtain. It has a linen look and is very sturdy. Using clips, rings, on a rod, you can hang a drop cloth with no sewing, just find the right size cloth.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great idea!!

[@itsmeJennaL]

Such a great idea and resource! ❤

[@mrslsanderson]

What size needle do u use when making canvas totes?

[@royannispullens7804]

The drop clothes I got at Home Depot had a nylon feel and were seamed. Not what I wanted at all.!

[@LeejaClane]

A friend of mine chanced across this store, while going to estate sales, where they were selling rolls of canvas in 6-8 colors. A bunch of my quilting friends took her up on her offer to buy and bring them to us, since it was only $15/roll! I got a roll to use to make rugs. 😊

[@kristitotten7092]

Another use for the hardware store canvas . . . to recover your ironing board. After pulling and stapling the canvas (over your batting layers) - wet it down real well and let it dry. That canvas will shrink a lot, which makes it very tight. 😅😊

[@missamedulla91]

ironing board? Oh, honey.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYGvmZiGaK-qobM kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYTZdmp5jciXd6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnnTq4RplMukrq-mr

[@annhopy2220]

I found at the hardware store burlap drop cloth. I think any kind of crafter goes into a store, regardless of what kind of store, and we see things different then non crafters, it is great :)

[@kaylilland7545]

dye is not cheap!

[@McJulieO]

There is another great find at Home Depot type hardware stores, particularly if you are trying to trace your size garment from a multi size pattern …. Swedish tracing “paper is SO expensive, and the “Do Sew” I learned on is, too, if you can find it at all. HD sells a non woven, very sheer Soil Separator Fabric in their outdoor drainage department. It works perfectly for pattern tracing AND can be basted together to test for fitting if making a muslin copy is impossible. It is 36” wide by 150 feet long (roughly 50 yards for about $20)

[@e.keesey]

I use it as a non-tear embroidery backing.

[@momistaken]

I like the Lowe’s drop cloths a lot. Always prewash and you can even dye it! I double the amount of dye for a richer color.

[@galemonterio5261]

You can also stencil or freehand paint designs on them with fabric paint

[@terrijuanette486]

Harbor Freight sells the same canvas drop cloths for $10 when they have a sale (which is quite often) and it's 9'x12'. I paint so I have more than one. AND I used one to make a round tablecloth -which I stenciled - for a spring tea. It turned out lovely!

[@michellejaggard9657]

A year ago I was making my nephew some things for his kitchen. I made him 2 shopping bags and an apron blus 2 pot holders and an extra long hot pad for his table. He is just starting out and I didn't want anything girly for him. I made it all out of a drop cloth, heavy duty from Lowes.

[@kathyhutchins5130]

One thing to remember, online quilt shops will have great sales on quilt kits. Think - you don’t have to make the pattern in the kit but use the fabric for any project! Depending on the cuts it could be a great goal.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Oh that is a great idea! I would have never thought to purchase a kit that’s on sale just for the fabric!

[@debbiemorrison4983]

40 years ago I used drop cloths to make cheap slip covers for some well loved furniture when we were first married....they held up great and were washable!!

[@babsgilbert518]

The dropcloth can be embroidered, painted, or even used as a patchwork with denim. They also make great picnic quilts or tablecloths for kid parties....let them paint.😊

[@sewbeitquilts]

Thanks for sharing! I love all of your ideas!

[@books4mia]

Thanks 🎉. I was going to ask about embroidery work. Now, I have a new avenue of ideas and items I can sell.

[@TW-gb6mh]

Great ideas!

[@gwenjackson5062]

Love all these ideas❤

[@glendadrake4277]

I used them to make curtains for my house and my patio.

[@laurieolk5643]

As an art teacher, we use that canvas drop cloth for large paintings, play backdrops and giant game boards.

[@sydneysotor3664]

If you live near a beach or park, you may have noticed an array of colorful tents, canopies and umbrellas. Not all of them go home with their owner. Many of the"left behinds" are damaged or for some reason are no longer usable for their original purpose. BUT if you are looking for FREE material to make bags, check out these locations, especially after a windy day. Umbrellas, especially beach umbrellas, canopies and tents have more material than you may expect and it's usually at least water repellant. One lady checks the beach waste containers for these treasures, quickly removes the metal and plastic parts and goes home with enough to make bags in assorted sizes. But you need to be there before the cleanup/garbage collectors make their rounds.

[@kynaston1474]

The Lowes tip was worth its weight in gold! Thank you so much. I'm a guy so I sew guy things. Floral patterns and such don't interest me much but cheap canvas that I can dye whatever color is seriously worth something to me. Thanks so much!

[@karenhess619]

I volunteered for a nonprofit local thrift store that had to close down in late 2022. I took over the linens and fabrics department after a previous vol passed away. There are so many items donated to charity that never see the sales floor unless you have someone like me who can see the value. An individual crafter won't have any pull, but if you have a quilting or crafting club, see the store manager and let them know what you are interested in purchasing. For example, we used to toss vintage chenille bedspreads that had stains/holes. Not me! I labelled and priced appropriately and these were always snapped up. I always had to wait 2 days to give customers 1st chance at merch, but I sure wanted to make a "jean jacket" out of vintage chenille. Pillow cases frequently don't make it to the sales floor, even if they are in good condition. Some are good for fabric alone. If your group is making quilts for the homeless, consider piecing pillow cases for those, and save your artistry for quilts that will be appreciated for the long haul. Again, negotiate with thrift management. AND, hold up your end of the bargain. Buy the merch as sales$ per sq ft of display space is an important metric--they can't hold merch forever--it's gotta move. Don't make business deals and fail to execute.

[@karenhess619]

I DO have to make a comment about sheets that may have a stain or a small tear. If the fabric and color/pattern is what you want, you can use your rotary cutter. I've seen many vintage percale sheets that have 1 or 2 minor flaws but are fabulous for quilting. If you don't want to cut it up and want to use for a backing, be creative and use embellishments to cover the flaws. Again, if your group is making quilts to give away to needy people, they shouldn't care if you applied a patch or applique to a defect. I ran into this issue with a local church quilting group that only wanted pristine sheets for quilts the homeless would toss in the streets once they got dirty. For these projects, put your artistry aside and focus on utility.

[@sewbeitquilts]

You are so right about the sheets. If it is small stains you can work around them.

[@brendatucker35]

I'm going 2 Lowes!!! My Goodwill Never has any fabric, someone must get there b4 me...I still go, maybe I'll b there first sometime! Thanks so much!!!

[@katherinecollins9636]

Our Salvation Army collects all the craft items from donations all over the state and sells them in one big sale once a year. It is supposedly a mad house, but it is in southern Maine and I can never go.

[@judygovotsos7916]

Dollar tree flexible cutting boards. 2 per package I use to make templates.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Oh I love that idea!

[@lynetterene]

Yes.....so do I....works perfectly

[@juliadixon6252]

I hit my local goodwill about once a month looking for used bed sheets. They've been washed so many times, they're nice and soft. Even if it's a poly-cotton blend, if it'll be used for backing I don't see a problem.

[@Carol_Sews]

My local thrift store has a section for yardage. Pieces are measured and sell for $3 a yard. I buy when I find quilt shop quality fabrics that match my style. You can always tell when a quilter has made a large donation. I have tried cutting apart blouses with nice fabric, but the fabric is too closely woven for me. I ended up making scrunchies. I love to search through women’s clothing for unique buttons.

[@sewbeitquilts]

That is awesome! I wish I could find some yardage at the thrift shop by me!

[@citygirlfarm]

And zippers!

[@pattymatteson8633]

Just stumbled on this video. Great info! I found cotton/ linen sheets at Ollie's in solid navy and solid white. $30 for a king set. That's A LOT of fabric. At least 5 yards in the flat sheet alone! Check the clearance at Kohl's and Target also.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great find!

[@believeinjesus8862]

I've used sheets for sewing for years 😊👍💞

[@donnanichols6838]

I just buy flat sheets, skip the fitted. They are sold separately and you get more useable fabric from a flat sheet, with no hassle cutting them up. ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️

[@caldy206]

Be aware that sheets have very fine threads in them. To get that high thread count they use extremely fine “yarns” to weave the sheets. Also watch out for poly cotton blends. The polyester is so strong it will cut the cotton and you will see pilling the more it is used.

[@believeinjesus8862]

@@caldy206 Interesting....I have some blended sheets over 50 years, and that's never happened....🤷🏼‍♀️

[@ConnieWojahn]

Estate sales, garage sales. Thrift stores: bathrobes, blankets, shower curtains, window curtains, duvets, cloth and picnic tablecloths, yardage, men's neckties, women's scarves, bed skirting, lap blankets, coats, baby blankets, sheets, pillow cases, towels. I've used all of these for projects. Sewing thread, yarn, trim in craft section. Even batting unopened bags and scraps. And don't forget pillows to reuse stuffing.

[@luannwilliamson9070]

Don't forget garage sales and quilt guild sales. Quilters buy something, decide they don't want it after all, so they sell it. Estate sales are good but you don't always know how old it is or if it's a poly-cotton blend. Some people don't care if it's cotton mixed with polyester; others consider poly-cotton almost a kind of outrage. You can sometimes get lovely hand made lace or other needle work which makes lovely trim for clothing. I've even seen quilts decorated with dollies and bits of vintage embroidery.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Those are great ideas as well! I have found some beautiful lace and doilies at antique shops.

[@momcat5213able]

I went to an estate sale that was held at a warehouse because the house sold very fast. The lady was a professional seamstress and had 2 commercial sewing machines, 3 regular sewing machines, and tons of fabric. I bought about 80 yards of different fabric for $1 yard. I've used them for different projects, including 3-pocket waist aprons for my niece's special Ed teachers. She asked my mom about making them, and I dug into my supply to find a requested purple. We made them at mom's using her 2 machines.

[@hollykarlsen1792]

Yes! I don’t belong to a guild but once a year the guild in our city has their quilt show and they sell bags of scraps really cheap. I take my husband and we buy as much as we can carry out. I look forward to that all year. It’s so much fun to get home and go through all my treasures!

[@septemberbaby0903]

I used canvas/drop cloths from Lowe’s and HD for backing in pillows. And you’re right, it would make great tote bags.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Oh the backing for pillows is a great idea too!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Great ideas! I go to harbor freight with my husband and find unexpected items there too. Rulers, rotary cutting blades and rolls of plastic which I use for pattern tracing.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great ideas!!

[@jenniferschumaker3861]

Whaaaaat... Rotary blades at Harbor Freight....I just ordered some from Temu. If they cut well but don't stay sharp I'm ok with it I got 5 for about 2$.

[@simpleme5719]

😮 I'm in trouble now... Thanks for sharing 😊..

[@eaglegoldengate4184]

I also appreciate the landscaping cloth - I can cut out my patterns over the top of excess on my gardening roll, use a white marker, copy all markings and instructions to the landscape fabric and my pattern pieces are then good for years instead of dealing with the thin tissue paper.

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

At the second hand stores, I also look at men’s shirts. Lots of them are 100% cotton. Depending on the size, you can get a fat quarter to 1/2 yard of fabric.

[@sewbeitquilts]

That’s a great idea too! It really is surprising how much fabric you get from those shirts!

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

@@sewbeitquilts There is a great KZbinr CatBirdQuilts who primarily quilts with mens dress shirts. She is wonderful and shops for larger shirt sizes specifically and even shows how to break them down.

[@privateinfo1711]

I went to America's thrift yesterday looking for men's dress shirts to use in quilting and my favorite was around 12$. Not a good deal. However, I go to some church charity shops and they have men's shirts at better prices. You get a lot of material in men's shirts.

[@user-kg3yy3qj1z]

Lots of people use those drop cloths to make curtains or throw pillows with and even to upholster with - they come in different neutral shades and a variety of thicknesses so quite useful for many projects.

[@laurag8641]

Fallon, you reminded me of something from 6 yrs ago. My sister-in-law made a cotton quilt that she decided to use as a beach blanket, and she went to the big box hardware store and bought that canvas for the backing!! That’s a great idea for shopping bags (or even a beach tote)!! Love it!

[@cathydavis9259]

Ace Hardware in Saint George Utah has some GREAT fabric. They merged with the store next door so the fabric is up some stairs. We were driving through back to Illinois. I thought my Garman had gone wacky when I typed in "fabric stores" and it led me to Ace. 😀

[@itsmeJennaL]

Maybe I've missed something, but I have never heard or thought of fleece as a batting! So many times the remnants section has a decent amount so cheap, but I just can't think of how to use it, so I pass it by. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!! ❤

[@sewbeitquilts]

I put all sorts of stuff in place of batting inside a quilt when I needed to save money. Old sheets especially work great when you want a light weight quilt.

[@kathyberry6803]

Also blankets from thrift store make good batting.

[@doodybird5766]

I've been using the canvas drop clot for years making beds for my dogs. It gets nice and soft after you wash it and my pups love snuggling down in it.

[@debrayakel2447]

I’m always looking for something to “ repurpose “, I have been known to buy clothes at thrift stores and cut them up for other projects. My favorite is denim shirts and dresses, they are so much more lightweight than jeans. And I can get a lot more “ fabric “ from them for less money than buying denim yardage. Thanks for all your suggestions!👍

[@M-hc9xm]

GREAT idea for a denim source! Never thought of that. I've usually used thrift stores for men's dress shirts. Now I'll be looking at the denim as well.

[@marilynfreeland5096]

You may be finding chambray which looks like denim from a distance but has a p l ain weave rather than twill.

[@AmyRhubarb]

If you have a Harbor Freight in town, they have the drop cloths even cheaper! I have used them for making costume cloaks and things for ren faires and Halloween. They take dye really well, so that's a great option too!

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

Great tips! The thrift shops also have good usable fabric sometimes in the arts and crafts section, usually bundled into bags of scraps of varying sizes, and sometimes on hangars in the same area as the blankets and sheets. I've also been known to buy big men's shirts, long skirts and dresses, curtains, drapes, and sheets to use for fabric. One time I covered my dining chair seats with denim skirt fabric. The canvas drop cloths I use for curtains, pillow inserts and furniture covers, too. The more you wash them, the softer they get. And, if you get the right kinds of dye, you can make them just about any color you need.

[@suek7086]

If you want even cheaper canvas drop cloths plus multiple varieties of sewing equipment try Harbor Freight. Storage, rotary cutter blades, you name it. Their magnetic pin dishes are the bomb.

[@bettywhittington9654]

We make things for craft shows that I don’t want to get scratched. I buy moving blankets from Harbor Freight and cut them down to the size to use in my rolling totes. Then I just use my serger to finish the edges. Or you could zigzag the edges. They are so handy.

[@kathleenmcquown2807]

I think it's a great idea to use drop cloths for grocery bags. I bought some canvas bags online from a well known retailer. The bags started ripping at the seams shortly after a few uses.

[@sewbeitquilts]

I washed this one before cutting and the fibers got even tighter. They will make excellent bags!

[@cynthiat3261]

I have used the canvas for years! Wash/dry it to soften and preshrink it. It can be dyed and used for children’s play clothes- durable! Aprons, window treatments (Roman shades), covers for furniture and beds (to protect them from pets/spills), the sky is the limit! I have even seen skirts for myself (simple A-line) from them.

[@sewbeitquilts]

I was curious about whether it would take to dye well! I might have to try it now.

[@MyMiaArabella]

I love looking in thrift stores (and my own closet) for fabric. Graphic tees are fun to make T-shirt skirts with as well. And old sweaters to felt and craft with. And drop cloths are awesome! My husband bought one for a painting job and I immediately thought “let me just cut a yard or two from this before he uses it” 😂 he never knew.

[@user-cp5cp9ts6q]

Garage sales for old shirts to be cut up for quilt blocks, Harbor Freight for drop cloths, they also have bundles cleaning rags that are very soft fabric and would work well for replacing batting if doing a quilt as you go lightweight quilt. Thanks for all of your sharing and tips.

[@chikinrancher]

I shop at thrift stores for nice cotton clothing .. I once found a 3X round skirt for .25 cents and made curtains .. now I look for clothing to incorporate into my quilts .. great for crumb or crazy quilting .. men's shirts can be good quality and the larger sizes can yield close to a yard of fabric .. 👍

[@sewbeitquilts]

It is so amazing how much fabric you can get from a piece of clothing!

[@futasupastah]

Another thing to check for at the thrift store is men’s silk ties. You can make a lot of fun projects with it!

[@lindaproffitt9496]

I inherited a bunch of my Grandpa's ties and have been accumulating more at thrift stores. Want to try a Dresden plate quilt with them.

[@dinarusso3320]

I already saw a few videos of people making diy headboards and curtains from drop cloths, so it's not weird at all! It's a good idea 😊

[@bbrown8353]

Great tips! I have used drop cloths in several projects including tote bags. I also made a Huge beach blanket with 20 batik fat quarters attached to a drop cloth using a quilt as you go method - no batting of course. It is also great for thread sketching mixed with painting if you like. But if you have a harbor freight in your area they have much better prices that lowes or home depot and they run them on sale!!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I love your ideas!

[@beaskjold1029]

Thank you for mentioning the cotton drop cloths available at many hardware stores (in the paint supply aisle). I have been using these drop cloths as drapery material because of the long length I needed for tall windows. I used drapery hoops with clip-ons that attached to the top of the fabric thus avoiding sewing. Years later, I used them on smaller windows and cut them in half. I finished the raw edge by turning under and using an adhesive product.

[@debbibowen]

I used one to make a shower curtain! No seams or sewing at all.

[@francesmock7350]

I thought of making an apron with the drop cloth canvas. And since my husband is retired, I told him we are not getting rid of his nice shirts. When I get rid of any piece of clothing, I check it to make sure if I could use it. That also goes for family members. Love your video. Thanks for all the tips!!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I think the canvas would make a great apron!

[@nildarodriguez3974]

Don't forget to the buttons. They too have gone up on price.

[@donnanichols6838]

@@nildarodriguez3974 EVERYTHING has gone up in price!!! Greed is eating the world!!! 🍃😥🍃

[@amyc3367]

Great suggestions! Those colorful jean shorts would make a really cute jean purse and you could use the canvas for lining. The pink jeans would make cute straps.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Oh man! I had a quilt idea but I like your idea better!

[@pal5683]

For thrift store fabric, its worth your while to look at smaller, more rural stores. Many have a bag sale day once a month, during which you pay a flat fee for a whole sack of clothes. Its usually $5, meaning you could get several pairs of blue jeans for example for about .50 each. Skirts are great for large pieces and wool coats can be found. Dresses with elaborate beading make lovely purses, sachets, etc.

[@sandychilese2893]

Drop clothes have been used for decorator pillows too. You can paint on them and appliqué too. Great value. Thanks for this list.

[@marjoriepark1198]

Great tips. I too discovered the canvas connection at Lowes & HD. @ 20 years back I used them to make a mosquito netting cover for our sail boat as well as heavy duty aprons. For the netting canopy I also found some tulle(sp?) I found in a thrift shop that were originally curtains . It really made everything more pleasant at anchor in the evenings off the Georgia coast in the tidal marsh areas. Thanks for sharing. M

[@maried3717]

Oh WOW! You just solved my quandary about what fabric I am going to use on a Victorian couch frame I plan to use as a porch lounge! The canvas drop cloth and a few print toss cushions and I'm done!

[@sewbeitquilts]

A Victorian couch frame! This will look amazing!

[@loisgehman949]

I had a wooden bed frame custom built so that the 4 and 5 drawer plastic storage units would fit under it… I used 2 of the canvas drop cloths as a skirt to dress it up… I stapled them directly to the wooden platform and pleated each corner to further tailor it… if you were to want it really fancy you could sew (or fuse) bias tape around the edges to create a hem or as accent bands.

[@greeniejeannie]

I’ve been using the drop clothes for years. Cheaper at Harbor Freight. I made sun room drapes with them.

[@kikiwalker7718]

Fallon!!!! OMG. You’re so genius!!!!! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart in sharing this but my mind is so blown away when you said LOWE. Hardware. Im like what ? Wait a minute??? I love love canvas type fabrics !!! So versatile to make. Not only tote bag, but beach bag, cute lil carrying casseroles dishes !!! Bread…. You know where ill be going soon!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@sewbeitquilts]

Yes! There are so many great uses for a good quality canvas!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I am so glad you liked the idea!

[@betterdazes1648]

I have been sewing with canvas drop cloths for a few years now. I make artists aprons, drawstring bags, project bags, and other things with them. Sooo much cheaper than fabric store canvas.

[@marygem]

Canvas bags will look great painted on, also, either before or after being made!

[@sewbeitquilts]

Yes! My daughter and her friend have done that for a craft project. They turned out so cute!

[@bengali481]

Table linens are also a good source of quality fabric.

[@desilanni8144]

I love sheets. Ralph Lauren or Target. I have old flowered sheets I am saving until I need to create something.

[@Schnooks83]

Horse grain bags can be made into reusable tote bags also! They can be wiped clean with a wet cloth and are durable. They also have some nice graphics.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great idea!!

[@vickikielman2798]

Love the drop cloth canvas idea. Definitely going to look into this for craft projects. I want to make long curtains for my back porch.

[@olgaflores354]

My daughter made a tablecloth out of the Lowe's canvas. It worked beautifully for Easter.

[@vr6410]

I like all your suggestions and I never thought of using canvas from the hardware store. That's a great find. I don't make bags just quilts but sometimes I will cover chair covers stuff like that. I love that you say sheets for backings cuz I've been doing it for years and it does save a lot of money. I buy flat sheets that are good quality and they make amazing backings and very cheap especially on half off day. I love all your finds.

[@brendavankomen182]

I have used the canvas like this for years… so glad you found it.

[@DreamerGirlForever]

I had picked up canvas at an art supply store for a great price a few times when they were selling the end of the rolls. It actually cost less than the drop cloths I saw at the hardware store.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@janmatthiesen4142]

I made curtains for living room and bedroom with the drop cloths. Love the color and texture!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I agree!

[@virginiaporter6906]

I love finding uses for drop cloths. My drapes in my living room are drop cloths and my kitchen rug is a painted and polyurathened drop cloth.

[@joaklopfenstein]

Tie dying the canvas would be fun. I have several slightly used ones in garage. Might let littles spray or splatter more on them and them make them bags. Thank you for inspiration.

[@cheyralstein-stitchquilts4U]

Fantastic idea!!! I too love love love making beach & tote bags with added scrappy designs on them❤ thanks for sharing love your videos!

[@ruthhawley4053]

Great ideas. I’d like to add that I have used painters canvas for years to make bags and purses, duffle bags and back Packs. I love to paint on them, also machine embroidery! My latest purchase was to make curtains for our master bedroom. I used 3 of the largest sizes and covered 3/4 of one wall. I used clip on rings, no fussing with grommets etc. They look amazing and no one would guess what they’re made of. I also have used other brands. Home Depot is my favorite. Menards, not so much. I don’t care for the weave. We don’t have a Lowe’s so I’m not familiar with theirs. I love going to the hardware store😍

[@MonaDidWhat]

Great practice pieces of fabric. I shop at thrift stores too. I bring it all home and give a good wash. Mens shirts work well too.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Men’s shirts always have such fun patterns and colors. They are so fun to work with.

[@janicechroman8305]

I have been painting back drops for years with Lowe’s canvas cloths. I love it. Sometimes wal mart will have fabrics on the bolt at a reasonable price. Thanks for sharing

[@pratyt5079]

Great idea about the drop cloth from the hardware store. A great many craft tools have started out at the hardware store, before they became crafty😊. Just have to think outside the box and look around for what you need.

[@barbarabaker346]

I like the canvas and butterfly fabric combo. That will are a very nice tote bag!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I think so too!

[@margaretwissler4874]

I love the canvas idea! I sometimes find fabric as thrift stores. I wash it and use for my quilt, some are really nice pieces

[@sewbeitquilts]

I haven’t found any fabric yet, but I keep looking!

[@juliewatson1068]

Love love love the canvas drop cloth. I've been using these for a few years. I apholster my box springs with some, I have used it as curtains, and I even have it as curtains on the back to block the harsh desert sun, and the wind.

[@debbies6192]

Great idea about the canvas... I sometimes buy curtains, sheets or bed spreads to use for a sewing project.

[@grandy2875]

Painter's drop cloths are a great source of sturdy fabric. I bought one from ALDI when they had them on a weekly special buy, I think it was around the $10 mark. I just folded it in half and sewed the bottom and side and put a cord through the pre-existing hem, to make a garment bag big enough for my D-I-L's ballerina skirted wedding dress. The fabric is thick enough to be protective, yet thin enough to pliable, especially after it's been washed to remove the fabric dressing. I even took the time to embroider her initials on it along with an applique using some of the scraps I had left over from her wedding dress. Over the years we've used them for all manner of things, like furniture under-covers; slip covers for outdoor furniture; replacing the seat of a director's chair; making Roman blinds for the patio,,, the possibilities are endless...😃

[@mwebb2162]

Grandy, I hope you gave the drop cloth fabric a quick wash (or two) before that special dress was packed away.

[@grandy2875]

@@mwebb2162 I did indeed, it was soaked overnight in Epsom salts before having 2 rides in the splash 'n' spin and a good go around on the ol' Hills hoist...😃 🙃🐨🇦🇺

[@MarieH528]

Great tips! The great thing is that the less expensive fabrics are great to do practice fmq on! Thanks Fallon!😊

[@sewbeitquilts]

I completely agree! I also like to use it for test blocks so I know the cuts are right before diving into a new pattern.

[@MarieH528]

There's also a lot of other things at the hardware stores that will work great for quilting, sewing and crafting at better prices than our quilt shops and big craft stores!

[@4golfing]

I am a bagmaker and frequent the goodwill stores for their leather and suede skirts. I start at xl and work dowm to small. Some great finds.

[@viviandevore4884]

We think alike! I find lots of crafty notions at Lowes when I am following my husband around the store. I just grabbed some paint chip samples last time we were there and punched holes in them to make floss drops for my cross stitch floss. Freebie!! I also find fabrics and sewing notions at garage sales, church sales and estate sales. Love my quilt stores too but finding bargains is so fun!

[@michelesalazar2045]

I shop Hobby Lobby for my fabric. They have 40% off every other week. Their fabric is better than Joann's which I hate.

[@kittymervine6115]

there is a beautiful quilt shop in Henniker NH. Their sale section, is located in their very large bathroom! It's hilarious as there are two long shelves of fabric and a big wire basket. The sales are fabulous, a color sticker shows you the discount. Last visit I came out of the bathroom with two fabrics, and they are so beautiful that other people in line wanted to get some of the fabric also! The shop has the most fabulous fabric, and the best selection of bag patterns, but their bathroom clearance is the best.

[@sewbeitquilts]

I had to read it twice because I wasn’t sure I read correctly! Oh that’s hilarious! Bathroom sales! A good deal is a good deal!

[@connieacree4006]

I love the idea of buying a canvas drop cloth to make tote bags. ❤❤

[@cynthiapadget5770]

Thanks for sharing these resources. I need more shopping bags, and this is a great way to make a bunch on a budget. I think I'm going to decorate the outside with either a quilt square or make a pocket, or do some applique before sewing the sides. What great places. Wonderful!

[@skyyoung5383]

I am so glad I found your video. I am saving up fabric pieces for a crazy quilt. When I am ready to start working on it, I was going to buy some canvas material for the backing. But I had not thought about using a drop cloth! Like you said, it is much thicker and so would work better for my crazy quilt project. Thank you! ❤

[@sewbeitquilts]

You are so welcome! Have fun with your project! Crazy quilts are so fun! Did you happen to see the crazy quilt I found at an antique shop? My friend Kris from the channel Sew the Distance share it on her channel! It was amazing!

[@jaxcreativeinspirations]

One of my favorite places to find fabric is the remnant bin, especially at JoAnn! The one I frequent sells their remnants 50% off the marked price! I’ve been able to build quite the stash built up thanks to the remnant bin!

[@bellarose6509]

Great info, thank you! One amazing thing about KZbin is the way we can learn all about a topic through the generosity of others like you. 🙏☮️

[@lizreynolds4554]

I love shopping at Thrift stores for fabrics, clothes that can be broken down. Thank you for sharing your ideas. 😊❤

[@kathleenhanzel8775]

I found your video on Google homepage and love your advise! I too have used the hardware canvas for projects including backdrops for my kids’ homecoming shows or performances in theatre. Also, I have a Singer just like the one behind you on your bookcase! I found it when I was 12 in 1974 and BEGGED my mom to get it for me! She got it refurbished and I still use it! I lost the key to the cover so I tie it up with rope to move it. It is so heavy!

[@sewbeitquilts]

Awesome! Thank you! I really need to work on my singer. I bought some things to get it running better but havent taken the time to get it going.

[@deeray8574]

OMG the same thing happened to me this past weekend. Went to a spring sale and found canvas even larger than the one you just showed for $8. I was so proud of myself. All of a sudden many ideas came to mind. So I'm constantly looking to save money even though I"m spending to support my creative habits.

[@sewbeitquilts]

That’s a great deal!

[@deeray8574]

It was a 4x12

[@katlopez6555]

Drop cloths make great backing for pet beds. Also utility aprons like crafting and gardening. Great info. Thanks.

[@lindaproffitt9496]

Auctions, garage and estate sales. I once found and bought a large number of completed hand made embroidered red work blocks that had been done on cloth flour sacks who knows how long ago! I sctually teared up I was feeling so blessed!

[@TeresaV]

Love the colorful denim. I like to use our old t-shirts for Family Cloth. So many people are upcycling now, it's difficult to find sheets, etc at thrift stores. Our Goodwill is always out!

[@donnanichols6838]

I believe its still cheaper to buy NEW sheets for fabric than to buy yardage fabric. ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️

[@ruthvaughan450]

Love the canvas idea! I’m thinking of doing a tie-dyed application on the cloth.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Great idea!!

[@lisac7956]

Love this advice and I also love to buy fabrics anywhere other than the fabric store. I am in LOVE with the fabric bins tooooo, cant stay away from them 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@marlenereimchen9141]

I buy the canvas drop cloth to make tote bags all the time. It's great. Fabric bins work great with the canvas as well.

[@lynneb.2357]

I needed to upholster 12 cushions for my sun room. 20’x 2’, 8” deep. Bought 3 couches at the thrift store, used those cushions with drop clothes from Lowe’s to staple the new batting onto the plywood. Then my chosen fabric top. Sooo much cheaper and better quality than the expensive foam from JoAnn’s. 10$ to the dump for what we didn’t use of the couches.

[@sewbeitquilts]

That is awesome!

[@marciakessler1911]

You are a recycling genius!!! Thank u for sharing!!!