Thrifting textiles is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to reduce waste and give pre-loved fabrics a second life. Whether you’re joining our Black Friday challenge or just looking for unique materials for your next sewing project, thrifting is the perfect place to start!
Here are 5 simple tips to help you find the best thrifted textiles for your creations.
1. Think Outside the Bolts
When thrifting, you won’t always find fabric rolls or craft supplies, but don’t let that stop you! Instead, look for:
-
Bedsheets and tablecloths: These are often large, inexpensive, and made from durable materials like cotton or linen. Perfect for dresses, skirts, or even outerwear.
-
Curtains: They’re sturdy, often have beautiful prints, and can work well for jackets or tote bags.
-
Clothing: Oversized garments like maxi dresses, coats, or men’s shirts can provide plenty of fabric for smaller projects.
- Smaller items like place mats if you are sewing a style consisting of many pattern pieces, like our HALTER Top.
Pro tip: If you find a garment in a fabric you love, but it’s not your size or style, imagine it deconstructed.
2. Feel Before You Buy
Your hands are your best tool when thrifting for fabric. Feel the texture and weight of the material to decide if it’s suitable for your project. Some things to keep in mind:
- Lightweight materials like bedsheets are great for summer tops or flowy skirts.
- Heavier materials, like denim or upholstery fabric, work well for structured pieces like vests or jackets.
- Avoid fabrics that feel brittle, excessively worn, or prone to fraying—they may not last through the sewing process.
3. Check for Wear and Tear
Always inspect your finds carefully. Look for stains, holes, or areas of excessive wear. While small imperfections like a tiny stain or frayed edge can sometimes be worked around, larger issues might limit how much usable fabric you get.
If you love a piece of fabric but it has a flaw, consider if you can cut around it or use it in a smaller project, like patchwork or quilting.
4. Look for Natural Fibers
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are not only easier to sew but also more breathable and durable. To test for natural fibers, check the tags on clothing or linens. If the label is missing, try this quick burn test at home (safely!): Natural fibers like cotton and wool will smell like burning paper or hair and leave fine ash, while synthetics melt and form hard beads.
5. Embrace the Hunt
Thrifting takes patience, but that’s half the fun! Visit multiple stores, check back regularly, and be open-minded. You might stumble upon something totally unexpected that sparks your next project idea.
Don’t forget to dig through the bargain bins—sometimes they’re full of hidden gems waiting to be transformed.
Bonus Tip: Pre-Wash Everything
Once you’ve found your fabric treasures, give them a good wash before starting your project. This ensures any dust, stains, or odors are removed and helps you see the material’s true condition.
Ready to Thrift and Sew?
Thrifting textiles is a creative, sustainable way to make your sewing projects unique. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also help reduce textile waste. So grab your shopping bag and start the hunt—you never know what treasures you’ll uncover!
Join the Movement
Are you joining Puff and Pencil’s Black Friday challenge to sew something from thrifted fabric?
Share your finds and creations on social media using the hashtag #BreakingUpWithFastFashion and #WhyBuyItWhenYouCanCreateIt. Let’s inspire each other to make thoughtful, beautiful clothing <3