2006-09-30 11:17:30 · 4 answers · asked by shrtsh_t30 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
There's a balance between cost and quality. For the necessary equipment, buy the minimum you need, then add to it as money becomes available. I strongly recommend you find out when your local sewing and craft stores are going to have quilting supplies on sale (they're regularly on sale for 40 - 50% off, you just have to be patient). Buy a 45mm rotary cutter, an 18" x 24" self-healing rotary mat, a 6" x 12" ruler, and a 6" x 24" ruler. Make sure at least one of the rulers has angles marked. With that, you can cut anything you need. You need a sewing machine and an iron, but for piecing you really don't need anything fancy. Books and magazines aren't necessary when you have the computer (although they are great splurges). Check out the Quilter's Cache website for block patterns.
As for the fabric and the thread, spend as much as you can afford. You can buy decent fabrics at Jo-Ann's and Hancocks, and cheap fabric at Wal-Mart, but frankly you can get better quality stuff for less if you shop your local quilt shops' bargain shelf. Many of them offer older fabric at 40 - 50% off. It also forces you to explore using fabrics you wouldn't normally pick, which can improve your creativity. Also check out the sale fabrics at Hancocks of Paducah online. Even with shipping added, you'll pay less than $5.00 per yard.
The best way to save money when quilting is to buy for a project, and not just because you like the fabric. Don't maintain a huge stash - buy what you need, finish your project, then move on to the next project. Save your leftover fabrics, and use them in scrap quilts. Of course, this suggestion falls into the 'do as I say, not as I do' category, because I have WAY too many fabrics and I keep buying more. It's a self-control thing.
2006-10-01 07:32:31 · answer #1 · answered by swbiblio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wal-mart is about the cheapest on fabric and basic supplies.
2006-10-04 16:32:54 · answer #2 · answered by BBdiddily 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start making regular trips to your local thrift store, Salvation Army or Goodwill.
I get most of my knitting and tatting supplies that way.
2006-09-30 18:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by blueprairie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Joanns and sign up for their flyer. They will send you coupons. Use the coupons to buy your supplies.
2006-09-30 23:58:03 · answer #4 · answered by momandkids 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋