Discount Fabric – Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Fabric
Buying fabric is almost a hobby on its own. I buy WAY more fabric than I could ever use. It is just so pretty. With a fabric addiction you have to know the best ways to get discount fabric. Here are all my tips and tricks for getting cheap fabric!
Discount Fabric – Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Fabric
Finding a great deal on fabric can take some work. But if you love fabric and are on a limited budget then learning all the tips for finding cheap fabric are a must. Looking for things to make with the fabric once you have it, here is a list of over 50 easy projects.
How do I find discount fabric??
Check the Remnant Section-
The remnant section at Joann is one of my favorite places to browse. These fabrics are almost always 50% off. You never know what you will find but they always have a LOT of remnants to pick through. This is a great way to find blenders and stash building fabrics.
My local quilt shop also has a remnant bin where all the fabric is 5$ per yard (that is more than 50% off the normal yardage price.) So always ask if they have a remnant or clearance section where they place end of bolts, returns, and outdated fabric. Most fabric isn’t out of style but they have to make room because there are always new lines waiting to take the shelf space.
Etsy Clearance –
I have a list of all of my favorite Etsy fabric shops, HERE. There are so many great shops on Etsy and most of them are small businesses who often need to clear out their inventory to free up capital to buy MORE fabric! So checking the clearance sections. They don’t always call them clearance though so be sure and read carefully, for example THIS shop has a flash sale, AND “skinny bolt bargains” both of which are discounted fabric.
The inventory in these shops is sure to change frequently so check back often.
Sign up for Newsletters –
Many fabric stores, both brick and mortar and online, have a newsletter. Handing over your email address and signing up for the newsletter will usually give you an initial discount code to use. Then reading those emails that they send will usually result in even more discounts. This is where you will find out about the sales and specials and they often throw more coupons into that newsletter. Signing up is free and easy and having a few extra emails never hurt anyone.
Use Coupons –
When they email you those coupons, use them! When you get a coupon on your receipt use it! Download the app for Joann and check the coupons! This is a sure way to get 40 – 60% off all your fabric. Wait for that Joann coupon that is 20% off including sale items and go stock up! Sign up for texts to get awesome coupons. They will usually text you with sales too!!
Wait for Sales –
If you wait long enough everything eventually goes on sale. If you don’t need something right this moment, wait until it is on sale. Each year there are several big sales so take advantage of those sales and stock up. The key to this is to get only what is on sale and don’t get drawn into buying anything else. When you go in for a sale just get those items that are on sale (or that you have a coupon for) then wait it out for the non sale items until they go on sale. Patience is key to getting the best deals!
Grab the end of the bolt discount –
When you are in the store look for those bolts that are close to the end. Choose those (when possible and appropriate) to get the extra discount on the end of the bolt yardage. This is a great technique for solids and blenders that will give you lots of use. This is also great if you don’t need a specific fabric but are making things in bulk like pillowcases for charity or Christmas gifts.
Etsy Grab Bags –
If you are wanting to build your discount fabric stash for a scrap quilt an Etsy grab bag is an awesome way to get a wide variety of fabric scraps at a great price. I frequently order grab bags because I love getting a ton of different prints that I probably never would have purchased myself. These are great for fun scrap projects or for adding variety to a rainbow project. These are typically sold by the pound. Be sure to read the description to be certain of what you are getting. I like to look for the bags that contain entire WOF scraps which tend to be larger and have more functionality. This is also a great way to try out lots of different fabric designers as they typically mix all the different designers in together.
Yard and Estate Sales
This one is hit or miss. I know I have sold lots of fabric through the years at yard sales. And I am constantly seeing people post in sewing and quilting groups about the fabric they scored at a yard or estate sale. If you are willing to put in the work you can definitely find some great fabric for building up your stash. If this one isn’t for you that is ok too, you can still give all the other options a go.
Giveaways –
Ok this one is a long shot. But head over to Instagram and follow all your favorite fabric companies and designers. There is literally a giveaway on the daily and entering to win doesn’t take much time. so why not give it a shot? When you are sitting watching TV before bed check your feed and get those entries!
Do you have any tips for getting discount fabric? Share with me in the comments below.
Shirley says
Every night I go threw the internet for fabric sales…you’d be surprised how many fabrics u can find when your not really looking…I have found more margins that way….also when you can’t afford fabric that’s the best sales times….
Valerie Bernard says
This is a very good article with loads of information.
Thank you
Mindy says
For small projects, I often head to our local Goodwill store.
There’s lots of material in an XL men’s shirt or a $2 bedsheet or tablecloth!
(Great for masks!)
Mel says
Check furniture manufacturing store’s websites as nearly all of them offer anywhere from 6 to 20 free fabric swatches. The freebies typically range in size from 6×6 to a square foot and the fabric selection usually includes standard cotton, linen, suede, velvet, wool, tweed and leather. Each fabric square will have an array of colors and patterns to choose from as well. While these won’t be near big enough for most sewing projects, they are fantastic if, like me, you love the patchwork or quilted look. My favorites thus far are Discounted Designer Fabrics (HUGE selection and a plethora of patterns) and Interior Define (large swatches of high quality material).