How to Find Free (or really cheap) Fabrics for Your Craft Projects

Fabric samples can be yours for the asking

Many beautiful crafts are created from fabric scraps. This article will tell you how to find free fabric, or at least very low-cost fabric, for your craft projects.

Instructions

1. START WITH THE OBVIOUS. Your local fabric store should have a remnant basket you can rummage through to find deeply discounted fabrics. At Jo-Ann Fabrics, look for remnants near the cutting table. You can often find expensive fabrics, like brocade, for a fraction of the cost.

2. CHECK FURNITURE STORES. Ask the designers at furniture stores if they have any discontinued fabric samples. Chances are they do, and they'll be more than happy to give them to you -- for FREE! Many stores get new fabric styles in the spring and fall, so early spring and fall are good times to check.

3. ASK A DESIGNER. Like the furniture stores, interior design firms get new fabric samples on a regular basis. So call around and see if they have any discontinued ones they want to get rid of.

4. SCOUT THE YARD SALES. Check out yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores for fabrics at ridiculously low prices. When you see piles of clothes and old ties, think "fabric" and claim your bargain.

5. DON'T FORGET WAL-MART. Big-box discount stores like Wal-Mart, generally have craft and fabric sections where you can find fabric remnants at low prices.

6. SAVE THE WRAP! Many products we buy, or get as gifts, come wrapped in fabric (think gourmet jelly). Save every bit of it, and ask friends who buy upscale products to save the fabric for you, too.

Tips & Warnings

• If you go to the same store repeatedly for fabric samples, it would be nice to make something from the fabric to give to the people who have been so generous to you.

• Donate any fabric you decide not to use to a thrift store or charity.

• When the designer gives you a bag of samples, take the whole bag. Don't waste her time weeding through it for just the fabric you want.