What are the cheapest fabrics I can buy to practice my sewing skills on?

Question

I want to start a hobby of clothes making. I want to learn how to sew and I want to make simple gowns like this one

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=XG-152446&page=4&cgname=OSSLPWEDHON&rfnbr=977

I was wondering what are some of the cheapest fabrics I can use to start out with to learn how to sew and to practice on. I don't want to start out on expensive fabrics like silk.

How much do they normally cost per yard?

those cheap fabrics I mean

Answer 1

Muslin is very inexpensive, it is often used by professional designers as pattern test material and can be purchased for very little cost. I really think this will be your best bet.

It also pays to look for discount fabric outlets. For example in AZ we have one called SAS Fabric Outlet that actually sells fabric by the pound. They have discontinued fabrics and fabrics from manufacturers at really cheap prices. What is great about this is when you are ready to venture into better fabrics you can find them for a lot cheaper than most fabric stores. Most people will never know it was last years fabric.

Good luck. There are also some discount fabric places online. But Muslin should be relatively cheap even in retail fabric stores. It's also pretty durable, yet thin. So if you mess up go ahead and get out the seam ripper and start over, this fabric can take it.

Muslin can usually be found for less than $2 a yard.

You can also look at Walmart. They usually have a table that is stacked high with fabric that is $1 to $2 a yard.

BTW that really is a beautiful gown.

Answer 2

Alot of these costumes look very easy to make. For instance, the first two, you can get a track suit and some orange felt or fabric(felt is easier to work with as it doesn't fray). Cut the orange felt in where needed and either run a straight stitch or hot glue the pieces to the track suit. The third costume can be made from gray shorts. The top can be a cowl necked shirt with the sleeves cut down. The cape can be purchased at a Halloween shop and you just have to put the designs on it. Again, this can be done with felt or fabric. And the last costume is pretty obvious as you stated. Hand stitching can be tedious and time consuming. Can you borrow a sewing machine? It's really not too hard running a straight stitch. Try going to thrift stores to find some of these pieces.

Answer 3

To begin practicing your stitches, start on cheap muslin or even buy scraps from the local fabric store.

Until you get the hang of it, stay away from very heavy materials (denim) and stretchy materials (polyester or knits). Stick with your basic cotton fabric. Since it doesn't stretch a lot, a wayward stitch can be removed and the fabric will be pretty forgiving.

Answer 4

all fabric stores and hobby stores that sell fabric have remnants for just a fraction of the cost. also check out second hand stores or even your own closet for fabric to practice on.

Answer 5

I use any fabric that is on sale. Like curtains or table cloths. Really it saves a lot of money! Good luck!

Answer 6

I would start out with either a muslin or a plain cotton. I would guess, depending on your area and the selection, that they would run you under 2 dollars a yard.

Answer 7

Go to your closest Freecycle group in Yahoo groups and ask for material to practice on. Someone is bound to be giving some away...

Answer 8

i use old sheets or blankets from yard sales to try new stitches on. if I'm really desperate I'll use an old towel or wash cloth.