We love going on shopping trips in the secondhand shops around the country. You can always find something, and fabric, that you can use to sew your new creation. And if you do not feel like buying new fabric for your project, going to the secondhand shop and recycling some fabric is an obvious place to start. As a beginner, however, it can be difficult to know where to start and what is smart to look for. That is why we have gathered our best tips for you here in a mini guide. Now you should be able to know exactly what types of fabric work well for your sewing projects, and what possible pitfalls you need to be aware of before buying the fabric. 

Curtains

If you come across curtains in your secondhand store, you are quite lucky. Here it is possible for you to get a lot of fabric for little money. Often there are also many different beautiful patterns and qualities to choose from. Therefore, you will probably be able to choose from a larger selection, and it’s easier to find what you are looking for. 

Bed linens 

Here you need to be a little careful. Often, bedding in secondhand stores is quite used, which is not that nice to wear. Also, it isn’t always possible to get a nice drape, as bedding fabric often is woven cotton. This type of fabric is best for blouses where the drape is less important.  

Tablecloths 

Here goes the same precautions as for curtains. You might be lucky enough to find some fabric with nice lace edges. These can be used as a hem on your dress, blouse, or sleeve. 

Scarves

You may be lucky enough to find some scarves that are big enough. Alternatively, you can use different scarves, and sew them together into a sleeveless blouse. If you are a beginner, be aware that this fabric can be a bit difficult to sew in. 

Shirts

As with scarves, the same goes for shirts. You may be lucky enough to find some big enough, and maybe put several different ones together for a sleeveless blouse. This type of fabric is especially good for that purpose. 

Scraps

Slowly, more and more secondhand stores are beginning to have fabric scraps. Fabric that has been cut for other purposes, and now there is some left. Here you don’t need to think or worry that much about stains.

Have you found your pattern for the fabric you bought? You can find all Puff and Pencil patterns here, or design it in our pattern designer here.

Follow along on Puff and Pencil JOURNAL, for more tips on buying thrifted fabric and other sewing related topics.