Here on Home Life Abroad, we adore all kinds of crafts. Now even more, when I have my baby to make things for. When I moved to Spain, I had to leave behind all the materials I had gathered over the years. So here, I had to start collecting crafting things all over again.
I’ll share with you tips on how to get some FREE fabric for your crafting materials collection.
Recycle your old clothes
Clean your closet. Separate the clothes you actually wear and the ones you haven’t worn in a long time. Also, revise your baby’s/kid’s closets and save all the clothes they don’t wear anymore. Doesn’t matter if they are stained, torn, small, or worn-out. Any garment can be used for your crafting projects. I have used Sofia´s small baby clothes for different projects. Check your towels, sheets, and curtains – maybe you find something to use in your projects. Recycling your old clothes not only gives you free fabric, but it’s also eco-friendly.
Ask family and friends
Let your family and friends know, that you are looking for fabric. They may have clothes they don’t use anymore and be happy to get rid of them for a good cause. My mother-in-law has brought me some of her clothes she isn’t using anymore and I’m really grateful for the free fabric. Do your friends craft and sew too? Organize a scrap exchange – it’s a great way to get new fabrics and at the same time spend some time with your friends.
Recycle fabric samples
While searching for curtain and bedding fabrics for my new home, I saw that different online companies send out free fabric samples for you to get a feel of the fabric before ordering. When not needed for their purpose anymore, these samples can easily be recycled into different crafty projects.
I have asked for samples from Bemz, Marvic Textiles, Fabric-Dreams, Curtains and Blinds 4 Homes, Litmans, Modelli Fabrics, Andrew Martin, and madaboutfabrics.com. Samples arrived about 1-2 weeks after placing the request.
Search from social networks
Look for different Facebook groups in your area that may donate used clothing. Join Craigslist and Freecycle – let people know, that you are searching for material for your craft projects. Tweet!
Ask from fabric and upholstery stores
Decorating stores, interior designers, and fabric stores have a lot of books of samples and fabric swatches. You may ask if they have any out-of-style, discontinued, or outdated samples and swatch books they no longer need. Those samples are not big but will be perfect for smaller projects. Alterations people should have plenty of fabric scraps too doesn’t hurt to ask if they are willing to donate you some.
those are all great ideas! I’ve turned one of my husband’s old shirts into part of a baby blanket for my daughter, and have also made them into grocery bags.
Great ideas! I LOVE free fabric samples! 🙂
I have a BUNCH of clothes that I need to recycle… I wish I was more talented with a sewing machine 🙂
Love it! I like to go around fabric shops and go through their discount pile. It tends to be bits and pieces under a meter long for super cheap. Not technically free, but a great price, so I can’t complain. 🙂
Great ideas! I never realized you could get free samples! thanks for sharing!
I use old clothes for my fabric all the time 🙂 My fiance gets frustrated when he sees me NOT throwing away something that is too little or tore a bit LOL But he normally gets over it! Love your post, wonderful tips!
Love these ides – I always try and save any fabric I can for a friend as she likes crafting with it 🙂 x
Great tips! I sew as well and love using recycled fabric! I never considered calling for fabric samples! Thank-you for that idea!
what great tips… I am so not crafty, but love your ideas
Great ideas on getting fabric for crafting – thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing these ideas! I had never thought to look on Craigslist or websites like that! For most of my sewing projects so far I have upcycled old pants, gotten fat quarters on sale, and remnants. Remnants are my new best friend!
Never would have done this one. Love the idea and will do it today. Love to upcycle old things that can’t be uses as is any longer, lastly I use all old clothes & towels as rags and skip most uses of paper towels. TFS.
I’m a crafter, but I no longer have a working sewing machine. When I did, like most of you, I had more material than I would ever use.