How to Build a Fabric Stash

A fabric stash is a great thing to have ready for any sewing project. A good stash will be there for any sewing emergency years to come, and provides the fabric needed for quilting, clothing needs and any other sewing need that comes along. A good stash must keep a steady intake of fabric or risk shrinking away to nothing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep old clothes when they are outgrown or stained. Cut out any stained portions and keep the usable fabric.

2. Add old towels to the fabric stash, which can be used to make new towels. Keep old scraps of towels to use as quilting squares.

3. Buy used clothing at the thrift store, which can go for a dollar or less. Use the old clothes for their parts or cut them up and use them in smaller projects.

4. Go to store closing sales to stock up on fabrics, sewing notions and clothing that can be used in a fabric stash. Watch for end of season sales as well, when fabric and clothing bargains can be just as good as at store closings.

5. Hit the yard sales to pick up fabric and clothing at some of the best prices around. Negotiate for lower prices when you buy items in bulk. Buy out a yard sale's entire stock of clothing for one small price and sort out the usable fabric at home. Keep the buttons and zippers from items that have unsuitable fabric.

6. Use Freecycle to pick up fabric that people are getting rid of. Sign up with a Freecycle group in your area and wait for someone to post fabric. Post your own request for fabric if an offer is not forthcoming.

Resources

• Find a Freecycle group near you to build your fabric stash.