How to Make Quilting Cost Less! 

Quilting community is extremely generous! And yes quilting can be expensive, BUT does not have to be, you need to be able to understand "want" and "need". You can make beautiful quilt and not spend a ton of money. Don't over buy fabric is the single most suggestion I can offer.

"Be Thou Not Influenced!" I love it! 🤣😁 These were great tips! That batting tip (piecing batting together) is a true winner! I was watching another RU-vid channel recently and the woman who owns that channel was making a quilt. Her sewing room is GORGEOUS, and she has TONS of lovely fat quarters and jelly rolls and even small bolts of fabrics, all beautifully organized and displayed. I admit, for just a moment, I wished that my sewing room looked that way and that I could afford to stock my shelves with gorgeous fabric. However, I snapped back to reality and remembered that while I love to quilt, I do not want to go into debt in order to do it. Also, this particular woman is a quilting influencer, so most of the fabric she has was most likely given to her as a means of promoting various fabric collections. So.....I'll just stick to my method, which is: I only buy fabric when I have a specific project for that fabric. Otherwise, I use scraps and left over pieces of fabric. I do not stash fabric. I don't have the space for that, and I believe nice fabric is way too expensive to just let it sit on a shelf or in a drawer for years. Finally, I never begin a new project until I have completely finished my current project. That helps me not be overwhelmed with unfinished projects.

I’m low income and a lot of these sewing channels must spend hundreds on their fabrics they use in their videos, or they show “ look what I bought”, or look at my sewing room where they’ve spent thousands, or advertise expensive notions and devices which are way out of my reach, and show sewing rooms bigger than my bedroom with all the walls full of fabric. I have since removed these types of sewing channels. I take it as bragging “ look what I bought that you don’t have”. I am thrifty because I have to be. I now only watch tutorial channels.

Thank you! I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the fancy quilters. You've given me permission to relax and enjoy my quilting!!!

I recently purchased a TON of fabric (cotton sheets) from a thrift store for $40, that I’m sure would have cost upwards of $300 at a big box craft store and $800 at a quilt shop. While i was excited about my first thrifted fabric haul, i did feel a bit guilty for taking perfectly good sheets out of the hands of someone who could have used them as sheets. I had to remind myself that my use is as legitimate as someone else’s. I have a very small fabric stash as i very very rarely buy any fabric that isn’t for a specific project. I too work on only one project at a time. I didn’t even realize “collecting fabric” and “having a bunch of UFOs” (new terms for me) were a thing until i started watching social media. When it comes to all the sewing/quilting paraphernalia, i ask myself, “is it a tool or a gadget?” “Will this solve a need I’ve had?”

Sorry for a second post........ Another area on which a person could easily spend a lot of money in quilting is rulers! I got sucked into that vacuum early on when I first began quilting because I was convinced (mainly from watching professional quilters on RU-vid) that I needed all these special rulers in order to make precise blocks. After spending the last couple of years quilting, I now realize how untrue that is. I have a 6.5" x 24.5" ruler, as well as a 6.5" x 6.5" square ruler, and they are the two I tend to use the most. Some rulers are nice, especially when making intricate or difficult blocks, because they can help make the process easier. Even so, more often than not, special rulers are not necessary. I have "special rulers" that I never even use, at least not for quilting. 🤷‍♀

I would like to add something I’ve started doing. After I finish a quilt I immediately cut my scraps into the largest blocks or strips I can get out of it. I then store those pieces in plastic containers that I bought super cheap on clearance. Then when I want to start another quilt I shop from my “pre-cuts”. I have made some beautiful quilts from my scraps that actually don’t look scrappy if that makes sense. Bottom line is that I am much more likely to use my scraps if they are already cut up. Great video and great tips!

I started quilting 2 years ago at age 61. I got a lot of free quilting notions and fabric by posting on facebook marketplace that I would like to pick up any unwanted quilting notions or fabric if they want to give it away. I have so much now, I am drowning in stuff and I can't get started really working on my WIPs until I get organized.

My tip is I dont have a lot of money for quilting and I joined two quilt guilds and the ladies in both of the community of sewing groups are always giving me fabric, scraps, rulers, and patterns that they hand down to other ladies in the group.

I also use small batting pieces for my threads that I have cut off when sewing. The thread sticks to it and you don't have thread everywhere. I keep a piece by my sewing machine.

Using old cotton mattress pads for the batting might be an option for saving money.

Thank you for this. So many videos I watch appear to have substantial financial investment in their work and I’m by nature thrifty. I don’t buy patterns any more, I create my own no waste block designs using ‘stack and whack’, use thrift store clothing for fabric, buy batting by the bolt at a fraction of the cost, use sheets on sale for backing. I appreciate this discussion and approach very much!! Thank you!!

I’ve found duvet covers at the thrift store a really great way to back quilts. Cute fabrics and it’s 2 layers! Also those throw blankets that are always at the thrift store (the ones that are nice on one side but used to be super soft on the other but got wrecked when they go in the dryer like once) the wrecked polyester makes great batting. It’s fluffy and warm and the one side of the minky throw is usually really nice still. Batting and minky backing for a few bucks!! Pot holders and placemats work great with old towels for batting too! Also a layer or 2 of flannel sheets makes great batting!

I have a friend who had a booth in an antique mall. She used to make the most beautiful quilts out of vintage fabrics or anything else she could find and put together from thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. She always used thin blankets, or flannel sheets and things like that for her batting and always used, whatever fabric she could find for her backing including sheets that she found very cheaply at garage sales and flea markets etc. her quilts would immediately sell out and they washed beautifully. My own first quilt, was one that my grandmother made for her twin boys when they were little and they were scraps of anything they had including flower sacks, it was a beautiful butterfly pattern and from the time I was a child I loved staring at all the different pretty fabrics and prints. Now that I’m quilting I find myself also watching way too many fabric halls and influencers and it’s gotten expensive and I need to get things back in control so thank you for a fun video, reminding me why I quilt and how much fun it is to be creative with what you can find and keep it frugal

If you want to change your bedroom, you don't need a quilt. You need to make a duvet cover. That way you can make your favorite blocks and piece them together. Then just sew it to a back on three sides so that you can cover your old blanket. Then you can make covered buttons, reusing old buttons, and sew them onto the blanket. When you want to change it, just snip off the buttons. To close up the fourth side, zipper or Velcro. Velcro will last through the wash if it's sewn on. If you want to practice your quilting skills, make a couple of pillow shams to match.

Great video! I love my grandmother’s scrap quilts because I remember all the different shirts and dresses they once wore and later incorporated into a quilt. They were poor and used and reused everything!

Brilliant! Thanks for reminding us.

I have made two quilt tops and used one (the slightly larger one) as a backing - reversible quilt! I've also used blankets from thrift stores as batting, just gotta make sure that it drapes well (not too stiff) or you end up with something like a floor mat instead of a nice snuggly quilt. In addition, I adopt orphaned fabric, blocks, and quilt tops.

Danke, danke, danke für diese tolle Video. Dafür sollte man 10 "Daumen hoch" vergeben können. Obwohl ich mir ein Nähzimmer voll Stoff und teure Maschinen leisten könnte - ich tue es nicht. Ich hasse es Geld zu verschwenden. Wozu soll ich mein Haus mit Dingen vollstopfen die ich nie im Leben verbrauchen kann. Soll ich womöglich teuren Stoff kaufen und ihn dann verschenken damit ich wieder neuen Stoff kaufen kann??? Ich sehe keinen Sinn darin etwas nur zu haben ohne es zu nutzen. Auch gefallen mir viele dieser teuren Designer Linien gar nicht. Vor lauter Farben und Mustern bekomme ich Augenschmerzen. Ich mag schlichte elegante Designs und suche mir die Farben selbst aus. Ich möchte auch meine Kreativität ausleben und nicht nach bestimmten Stoffserien und Mustern nähen sondern so viel wie möglich selbst gestalten. Das ist es doch was den Spass an einem Hobby ausmacht. Und wenn ich an den Ursprung des Quilts denke - da wurden aus gebrauchter Kleidung, einer Schere, Nadel und Faden wahre Kunstwerke geschaffen. Nebenbei wurde dadurch auch die Umwelt geschont.

There are many free patterns available on line.

Great video! Thanks for reminding us that thrift is virtuous.😊

I make lap quilts for Hospice, and a friend if mine who works at Walmart told me they were closing out all their yardage on bolts. They put it on sale for $1 per yard. I considered myself very blessed to be able to take advantage of that sale. The fabric is lovely and the large pieces make great backing for quilts.

All great advice and suggestions. You can create beautiful quilts and quilted items without breaking the bank.

It's so true about being influenced by design fabrics.They are geniuses are creating the want factor rather than need. I was recently waiting for a delivery of a beautiful new line and the next line was already being promoted. A real exercise in self control. I think I may unfollow for a while .

I always check out the remnants. I got 3 yards of 100% cotton batting for $2.14. Not going to complain.

OMG…you are so right. I was cleaning out my linen closet and ended up saving old pillowcases….deconstructed them and now they end up as the backing for many a quilting project!

I have also zig zagged batting together, it works great and another way to save money!

Your local library may have quilting pattern books. Follow local quilting groups. Some quilters may give away or small fee to decrease some of there stash and scraps.

Thanks for the tips. I use old woollen blankets from the thrift store for wadding . The older the better . The thinner the better . Even if they have stains or holes . These can easily be cut out . $3 per blanket originally . Now increased to up to $20 . Still cheaper this way . Super warm . Cheers Pat nz

Stumbled upon your video and I loved it! At 78 I have downsized to totes, hot pads, mug rugs, table runners and I love scraps! Today I delivered 5 mug rugs to the ladies in our son's office they were happy & It made me happy! Your attitude was awesome!

I think when you first start out, its expensive. Because you have to buy alot of " one off" things. My area has a "creative" reuse store. So people donate fabric, zippers, thread etc. Then they sell it for dirt cheap. I also wait until fabric is on sale and keep basic colors on hand. I also take clothing from a thrift store and cut it up for projects.The biggest quilt i make is lap and smaller. I make quilts/blankets for pets. Only thing I splurge on is thread. My machine doesn't like cheap thread. I use fleece for batting. Also different platforms, search the free sections for sewing supplies.

I actually don’t even like making quilts, lol. I prefer smaller projects like placemats, table runners & toppers. I find I can try out all the cool quilt blocks doing those things. When I do make quilts, I’ve started making summer weight quilts- or using fleece whenever possible as batting. I haven’t had any problems with fleece, but I also hand tie quilts. (Scrappy quilts that look like they came from grandmas linen closet are my faves!) Also, buying off season fabric can save a ton of money- especially just before or after newer lines are released. Sometimes you can find some good purchases when shops are trying to clear out older lines. I’m blessed to have a very large fabric stash, but 90% of it was purchased at a deep deep discount from shops that were closing or buying things like Christmas fabric completely out of season.

I saw a quilt pattern and it needed 36 fat quarters, plus yardage for sashing and binding, I would need a 2nd mortgage to buy that many.

There are SO many beautiful free patterns from most fabric companies. They give free patterns because you are likely to buy fabric. MSQC, Moda, Fat Quarter Shop, and many others have free patterns on their websites.

Great tips!!! I really need this reminder from time to time as I work in a quilt shop. Its so easy to get caught up in the newest fabrics and patterns! My husband came into my sewing room just before thanksgiving to help me move something and was shocked how much fabric I had accumulated. He challanged me to see how much I could make with out buying fabric for a year. Did I mention I work in a quilt shop!? We compromised on I could buy fabric if it was for a gift I was currently working on. ( I make 90% of our gifts to family and friends). So far I have spent less this year than I used to spend each month. And it has not stiffled my creativity at all!!! If anything I have made MORE by limiting myself mostly to what I already have. Its like finding old friends going thru the stacks. Sometimes we have so much we forget what we have.

Cute shirt and yellow cover.

I like to use fleece for my batting. It is on sale a lot and you can join pieces of that together too.

I’m going to be taking an older comforter of mine that is no longer my style apart for the batting and the style. I can use the fabric for backing and also really interesting squares for different future quilts. I’m excited to get creative!

I appreciate all of your tips! Especially the one about the social influencers. I think sometimes it’s easy to get sucked in to making their project, not yours. Not to mention, you already know what it’s going to look like! I’d much rather have a delightful surprise as it comes together! And I know it’s not everyone’s vibe, but I like all the colors! Of course, nothing like a navy and white 9 patch… 😂

I learned the arithmetic to create quilts the size and design I wanted early on in my quilting career. Two of my favorite books that help with that process: Fons & Porter The Quilter’s Complete Guide and Mary Ellen Hopkins’ The ‘It’s Okay to Sit on My Quilt’ Book. I highly recommend these to new quilters and you can buy them used. They will dramatically expand your quilting experience and expertise. You can curate your own fabrics. You don’t have to buy a complete line already curated for you. Stretch yourself. It will save you money, expand your natural creativity, and make you a better quilter.

Love your channel ❤ Thank you for sharing!!!! Such good advice!! ❤

By not buying new fabric and thrifting you are also doing the planet a favour. Reusing fabric means it doesn’t end up in the garbage. Also buying less new leads to companies not producing more material which means less pollution. Quilting used to be away of saving money and resources, the fact that it has become an expensive hobby kind of makes me sad.

Great advice!! Thank you for this video 😊

Lots of good tips here, and as a person who's always HAD to be frugal, it's good to see so many here who "get it" that quilting doesn't have to be a rich person's game. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet (could have missed it), is that you don't have to have a fancy, expensive machine with ALL the bells and whistles, including even saving you the effort of having to (oh, the EFFORT--somebody bring me my fainting couch!) snip the threads when you finish a seam! I have acquired several old sewing machines from back when they were made with all metal parts, instead of plastic, weighed about 40 lbs (ok, exaggeration), and if yours was REALLY fancy, it did a zigzag stitch. For the most part, these older machines from shortly after WWII up into the early 90s, were really well built and a lot of them will outlive us as long as somebody gives them a few drops of oil from time to time. Since everything is mechanical and they often don't have a slew of different decorative stitches, they're usually really very simple to work on and have very few problems, and are incredibly durable. AND they're often pretty cheap. I've had several given to me ("Oh you sew? I've got this old machine that my mother learned to sew on...I don't sew...can i give it to you?"), and I've bought a few at thrift stores and yard sales for as little as $5. They generally need to be cleaned up and oiled (take tons of photos as you begin dismantling so you can remind yourself how to put it back together), but as long as you can turn the hand-wheel and the electrical cord looks un-fried and un-damaged, odds are good these machines can be made to do the job without much trouble or expense. And I've always been allowed to try plugging them in at thrift shops to see if they do, in fact, run. Since most of quilting is just straight stitching, there's really no need at all for a fancy machine, or even one that's new.

Just thought of something I learned in a stash-busting group I used to belong to. Only buy the legal "B's" (whatever is required to complete a quilt in progress. They are: 1) Background 2) Batting 3) Binding, 4) backing, all of which you can buy thriftily.

My tip is to only buy the rulers you absolutely need, don't go buying them in case you need them, or because they are reduced in price, and save leftover bindings in a bag, when you have enough for a quilt you can join them all up and you have instant scrappy binding ❤

My husband is a flea market freak who is well trained in spotting quilting and sewing items for extremely low prices. I've finally had to tell him to stop buying quilting books because I'm just out of room. The retail prices ranged from $18-$50 for hardbacks. He never paid more than $2. He's found rulers, fabrics, trims, ribbons, etc for pennies. I sew with a lot of fleece for family during the winter. After the holidays, he buys up the clearance fleece throws at various stores. Some I've used in children's clothes and some for quilt backing, eliminating a need for batting depending on fleece thickness. I also keep an eye out for flannel at thrift stores (in addition to sheets and linens). PJ's are just the best for soft scrappy quilts.

Thank you for the tips.

Shop estate sales or garage sales for cheap fabric hauls! Free/gifting FB groups often give away fabric from people who passed away or are moving/paring down. Agree with not letting the fabric snobs beat you down! I am a newer quilter and on a tight budget. Almost everything I have made was bought on sale with coupons, or made with donated fabric A lot is scrappy and I love it! Also ask for gift cards for fabric stores for bday or Christmas!

I once backed a quilt for a child with a pretty fleece blanket. It was soft and warm. I skipped the batting. Another option depending on where a quilter lives is to make a summer quilt. That's a quilt with no batting. It doesn't have the puffiness, or warmth of a quilt filled with batting but they are cute. A summer quilt can be tied instead of quilted too. I think it has an old fashioned charm to it. A quilter can always ask family and friends to send cotton shirts your way instead of pitching them or donating them.

I’ve heard that you can also use an older blanket or comforter for the ‘batting’ in your quilt as long as it is clean and such. Just another idea for some. If you go to yard sales and such…sometimes you can get sheets and such cheap since maybe the bottom sheet is ripped, but they are selling the top one. You never know! Great ideas!

Great advice. Thanks!

Thank you Nikki-great advice. No new tips to add and do all that you suggest and I am enjoying my quilt building adventures tremendously.

To join batting you can use iron on interfacing cut into 1 inch strips. But it together, lay your strip down and iron it. Less fuzz in your sewing machine that way.

One more suggestion. Look for quilting magazines/books at yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, etc. I have found some great finds at these places! Lots of patterns that cost pennies!

This is all good advice, and for feelings of discontent I'll go a step further: once you're not feeling discontented any longer go right ahead and subscribe to the fancy channels again. You're in charge now, not your emotions, and you can certainly derive enjoyment out of watching luxury work without feeling compelled to follow suit. Some of the people whose sewing channels I follow have five-figure 10-needle embroidery machines and other lovely, desireable, but very expensive equipment. I can watch and drool and even spin fantasies, but when I snap myself back to reality I don't feel bad because I refuse to keep up.

Quilting doesn't have to be expensive. It can cost less. It depends on what you want. I'm happy with retail fabric. I'm happy with thrifteted supplies. I'm happy with *polyester blends. I'm an advanced beginner. I can sew different techniques, but I'm by far not advanced advanced. I know and accept my limitations. I like scrapy. I like using things I have on hand. I also like trying new. I like to mix it up. I'm aware that there are some advantages for higher end materials if you can afford them. Because I'm it as a hobby, and I don't plan on entering contests, nor am I selling my quilts, less is more. I won't feel as bad as making a mess out of discount fabric. If I messed up $22 per yard fabric, it would sting. I like your relaxed style. You make beautiful quilts. I've seen a few of your videos. My favorite is your wonky houses quilt. I even bought your pattern (booklet). It is on my to-do list.

Not a quilter . . . yet 😂 But one thing that came to mind was to visit your local library for quilt books. I thrift those from time to time but hey, the library is free! There also might be notions, like rulers, machines, etc. that may be available to either use there at the library or to check out. There might even be groups that meet on a regular basis at the library to quilt and people are usually willing to share. My local quilt shop has a whole section of cast-off books, patterns, etc. that are really cheap. Like, 50¢ each. Proceeds always go to charity. Great way to contribute.

I've been collecting from thrift stores; I've found lots of bits and bobs. It might take longer to get what I want, but I refuse to make this be an expensive hobby.

Wonderful! So helpful! Thanks!

I save a ton of money by never buying patterns. There are so many free patterns out there that I utilize.

Your video is so timely. I am a fairly new quilter and got sucked in for a bit to all the new and shiny. That FOMO was real. I have since unfollowed and unsubscribed from a lot of influencers and following my own heart and could not be happier. Love your content and thanks for your candor

My picnic denim quilt also holds all my old and newly collected patch’s from girl scout events, trips to fun and special places. The one I made for my son-in-law has been all over the world in his navy travels. Next step is to put all his collected patches on it. Very fun and helps keep your memories alive.

You can always repurpose things around your home for quilting. You can use old clothes, blue jeans and old sheets. Use what you have is a great idea! You can repurpose old towels for cotton batting. The public library has free quilting / sewing books and patterns.

I love this video. It’s so easy to get sucked in by thinking you have to constantly buy the newest fabric. Or the newest tool. It’s overwhelming and expensive. Thanks for the ideas. And I love all your videos! 😃

One thing that I find very irritating is that those quilting influencers alway talk about how they give their finished quilt top to their longarmers to be quilted. It's so easy to complete a quilt if someone else does the tedious work of quilting for you, but it costs a lot. Here in Germany fabrics, batting, and thread are almost double the price of what they are in the US, and a longarmer will charge you at least the same amount you spent on those materials. And lets not talk about the price of a longarm machine...

I’m obsessed with getting scrap bags from mods it’s how my daughter and I have gotten started

Love your common sense approach. You are one smart cookie!

A serpentine stitch, if your machine has it, is good to sew batting pieces together. It’s not as dense as zigzag.

Thank you for this very practical video! Lots of good tips! I have a question about using thrifted sheets for backing. When you use a thrifted sheet that you know has been washed, do you need to be careful to only use washed fabrics for the blocks so that shrinkage isn't a problem?

Estate sales and flea markets are also possibilities.

As a relative newbie to sewing, this hobby can be fun, therapeutic, exciting, etc. but it can also get overwhelming and expensive. Through time and projects, I’ve learned to look through the fluff and find the stuff that matters. However, I must confess, I buy a lot of fabric and supplies at Joann when they are on sale. Sometimes I look at my stash and think “2 more yards and I’ll be a hoarder!” and then I knock out a bunch of fun stuff so the pile doesn’t look so big. The batting joining tip and the pattern breakdown makes perfect sense. That gives me some ideas!

What was the block book you mentioned

Good tips😊

I actually LOVE scrappy quilts the best! Can I use leftover apparel fabric too?

I'm a beginner quilter. I check out patchwork and quilting books from the local library to practice on my blocks. The designer patterns are pretty but i get overwhelmed by them.

Love your tips!

I'm a make do quilter as in the old days. Sheets are Like $2.50 at Goodwill. Great for backing or cut into pieces or strips. Old dress shirts, torn dress etc.Not sure I have ever made a quilt from new fabric yet. 😂. I use cotton poly 50/50 fabric also. No one knows

Just ordered 2 Moda Scrap Bags from Amazon. Thank you for the information. Texas

Nikki awesome ideas you have AND according to the comments they also have some awesome ideas👏👏👏 I too have always been a frugal person, but I really think mom and dad taught us that as we were growing up! We have since taught our adult children the same thing! There are just sooooo many things to learn in life😝. My husband has always been a wood worker, carver, handyman just to name a few. He also says “ya it’s nice, I would use it, but do I really need it OR do I want to spend my $ on that?!?” Also there is another Etsy shop that sells those scrap options, I’ve not ordered yet but I understand you really get your moneys worth🤑 My fabric addiction 1 Anyway-- thank you for all that you do, I really enjoy your cheerful demeanor 🥰 ❤️😀

I just bought that book that you had in one of you other videos. I found it used on Amazon. I'm excited to try some of the quilt blocks. 😊

I agree with you. I absolutely refuse to pay huge amounts for fabric...I always buy when it's on sale. Otherwise I just wait until it is. I'm never in that big of a hurry.

My tip is use flannel sheets for wadding. I thrift fabric mostly

I quilt with a lot of solids. They tend to be cheaper, and if you run out, the colors are always available and consistent.

Also, there are so many free pdf’s out there too! You might not need to buy one at all :)

Local public library! Lots of books there to borrow for FREE

Great suggestions! Question, did you make your lovely floral top, is there a pattern for it?

Thanks so much for the tips. They can save me a lot of time as well as money.

Old second hand flannel sheets make excellent binding material.

Why avoid Poly? I’ve made quilts out of poly/cotton with no problems. I’ve made quilts out of all poly. To get batting contact a local long arm quilter. They have large pieces they might even give away. I know because my daughter is a long arm quilter.

I have to disagree with only using 100% cotton. When I started quilting in the 70s, lots of fabric was poly or poly/cotton.

This reminds me of Dana K. White's container concept. Once I started thinking of my sewing room as a container that could comfortably only hold so much, it became easier to pass on fabric to others.

I have heard people say time and time again not to use polyester in quilts but never why.

Q

I love your videos. Very real and down to earth! I'd NEVER thought to zigzag batting scraps together. THANK YOU! The tape to connect them is as expensive as buying more batting. LOL

You make some very valid points regarding social media and utilizing available resources. ✂️🧵🪡