How to Keep Quilting Costs Low

In today's economic climate, starting a new hobby may seem like an expense that your budget just can't support. Between gas and groceries, becoming a quilter just doesn't seem like a wise financial choice. But being a quilter doesn't have to be expensive. You too can become an expert at stretching your dollar and keeping quilting costs in check.

In a short time you'll have every tool that you really need to begin quilting. After your necessities are purchased, you'll have a blast finding the perfect materials for your individual projects. Quilting doesn't need to be expensive if you're a savvy shopper. Here's how.

1. 

    Set a quilter's budget and keep your purse strings shut unless you follow it!
   Set a budget or an allowance. Quilting can quickly become expensive, especially when you first get started and are collecting supplies and equipment. Be realistic about what you can afford to spend on a hobby. This realism will be important when you're faced with all the delightful choices in the quilting store and you have to be strong!
2. Use the public library to learn about quilting before you jump into buying lots of things. Learn the tools that are absolutely necessary and others that are wished-for items. Learn how to quilt in various ways and what you can reasonably do as a beginner and whether you want to invest in a sewing machine. You can also use patterns from them and save bucks buying new books. Also use online resources that are free (Craigslist)and there are books on quilting that are available to read and/or download.
3. 

    Borrow a machine.
   Borrow a machine. If you're making your first quilt but you don't already own a machine, consider borrowing one from someone you know who has one that they don't use. Borrowing a sewing machine has the added advantage of giving you a chance to figure out which features you would like your own machine when you go to buy one. It can also be useful should you decide the hobby isn't for you, as you won't have outlaid too much money!
   • Specialized quilter's machines can be expensive, and you may decide that you don't need one, especially when you first begin. See if there is a local service or guild that will do machine quilting for you or rent time on a machine. If you can join the guild, they will probably even have times when you can turn up and use their equipment on their premises and it's often a great way to network with new friends.
   • Inexpensive racks are available that allow you to do some quilting on a standardsewing machine. You might even be able to pick one up from an auction for even less.
   • Consider doing some of your quilting by hand, like they did in the old days. Look around online for do-it-yourself quilting frames that you can construct inexpensively out of PVC.
4. 

    Use coupons.
   Use coupons. Become part of a mailing list to receive coupons that will give regular discounts onfabric. These coupons can be used to purchase the more expensive tools that you might want but would rather buy at a reduced price. With coupons, you don't have to wait for your wanted item to go on sale. Also, if you're on a mailing list, you'll usually be notified of any special store sale events just for members and of all upcoming sales.
5. 

    Shop the sales.
   Shop the sales. Big box stores and quilt shops constantly run sales on their wares to encourage more purchases. Fabric might be on clearance by 30 to 50 percent off, especially if you find it just after a holiday period. And look for 2 for one or freebie deals – the rotary cutter you covet might be free if you buy a particular ruler, for example. Shop around and be aware of what's out there, and what might be offered in the near future. Fellow quilters always seem to have their ear to the ground on this front and can help give you a heads up.
6. 

    Go to garage sales and estate sales.
   Go to garage sales and estate sales. You can find some of the most wonderful fabric and quilter's notions at simple estate sales. Estate sales are like garage sales on steroids, and the prices are generally similar. You may see some amazing vintage quilts that people are just itching to get rid of. The holy grail of garage sales, of course, is one that your quilting buddy is having.
   • Garage sales and estate sales are one place to find a starter sewing machine. Or, visit local auctions where estate goods have been added to the auction lots. Charity stores are another inexpensive source both for sewing machines and some tools. The sewing machine may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest model, but you can do a lot of sewing even on a very old machine. The basic technology really hasn't changed, and many old machines are nearly indestructible.
   • There is a huge surplus of used clothing available at garage sales and charity shops for next to nothing. For some quilts, you may want set amounts of certain fabrics. For others, try getting creative with as much fabric as you can chop out of an old shirt—or an old evening gown. Quilting used to be a way of reusing old fabrics, and it still can be, which is a lovely way to uphold the original spirit of quilting.
7. 

    Keep a list.
   Keep a list. Make sure you have a list of the items on your wish list when you're out and about. You never know when you're going to run into a deal on batting, but if you forget that you're going to need it for your current quilt project, it does you absolutely no good.
8. 

    Keep a stash.
   Keep a stash. Provided you have a bit of space to store it, accumulate a selection of fabrics you can use in any project you want. This is ideal for sales purchases which were such a bargain but you're not sure what to do with just yet.
   • Don't overdo it. There's always a potential use for a given fabric. Buy according to your tastes and preferences, and have in mind what sorts of things you might do with a particular fabric before you buy. Be realistic about what you just know you won't ever use.
   • Work out of your stash; don't just collect it. This is a real temptation, so don't fall for not using it!
9. 9
   

    Make smaller projects.
   Make smaller projects. Make wall hangings,vests, or bags rather than giant bed quilts, especially as you begin. They're easier to manage and they require less fabric. Smaller projects can also help to use up odds and ends.

• You'll discover quilting can be an adventure. Anyone with the proper directions can create an heirloom quilt that will stand the test of time.
• Use your creativity rather than your money to make your quilts great. You may even find that you prefer the serendipity of working with found fabrics.
• Membership of a quilting club or guild might open up more discount possibilities if the organization has done deals with certain stores and suppliers. Be sure to ask.

• Using inexpensive, recycled, and found materials should not mean using low quality ones. Learn what good materials look like and how poor ones handle, and be selective about what you collect.

• Sales
• Coupons
• Stash
• Garage sales