Why I love thrifting for craft supplies

This year, I have falling back in love with sewing my own clothes. But what’s made it even more exciting is not just the act of sewing, but where I find my materials. These days, I’m not heading to a high street craft shop or ordering online. I’m heading to the charity shops instead.

Thrifting for craft supplies is changing how I approach my projects. It’s not just about saving money, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about the thrill of the hunt, being sustainable, and creating things that are one-of-a-kind.

Reigniting my passion for sewing

For a while, my sewing machine gathered dust. I spent time on other projects, like my cross stitch. Browsing fabrics wasn’t doing it for me. Then I chanced upon a beautiful blue and white tablecloth in a charity shop. I could see it as a Dolce and Gabbana inspired dress, and that’s exactly what it became.

Since then, I’ve been sewing again! Not out of necessity or habit, but with genuine excitement. That one find reminded me the pleasure that can be found from taking something and creating with it.

Fabric costs are climbing, and shops are disappearing

The price of fabric and craft supplies in traditional shops has gone up significantly in recent years. It’s becoming hard to justify spending £12 to £20 a metre on fabric for something that is purely a hobby.

Add in the fact that, many craft shops and fabric suppliers are shutting their doors. I miss being able to browse haberdashery sections and have a feel of the materials before buying. So now, I’m more reliant on what I can find secondhand.

The charity shop advantage

Charity shops have become my go-to for supplies. I’ve picked up everything from rolls of ribbon to unopened cross stitch kits. I’ve found embroidery hoops, vintage buttons, linens, and even Aida fabric, all for a fraction of what I’d pay elsewhere.

One of my best finds? A beautiful embroidered tablecloth for £4.00! Which will become a skirt, when I can be brave enough to cut it up!

Sustainable and creative

Thrifting also fits in with how I want to live. Crafting for pleasure, can be wasteful if you’re always buying new, but sourcing pre-loved materials helps reduce that impact. Giving new life to discarded items feels good. It also forces me to be more creative.

This year, I’ve sewn dresses from curtains and tablecloths, a skirt from 60 year old sheets and a reversible jacket from an old quilt

It’s all about the thrill

There’s also the simple joy of the hunt. Charity shops are full of surprises. Some days I leave empty-handed, and others I come home buzzing with inspiration. It’s not about having a shopping list, it’s about spotting the treasures!