How To Turn The Thrift Store Into Your New Go-To For Fabric

Cheapskates and treehuggers have plenty of reasons to love thrift stores. For low prices, you can bring home something new-to-you that didn't take any additional energy or resources to become what it is. Plus, you're reusing something that might otherwise go to a landfill. Eco-minded crafters have even more reasons to hit their local thrifts. These outlets can be a boon for DIY supplies like yarn, wreath frames, sewing patterns, and pillow forms. However, hitting them up for fabric is a lesser-known practice. It's not uncommon to find actual fabric yardage that people donated, either because it was extra or they bailed on a project that needed it. What's even more common is unearthing curtains, bedsheets, or shower curtains in great shape, just waiting to be reborn into something lovely. After all, when they're thrifted, all materials become sustainable fabric options.

While each store is different, get to know the layouts of your favorite thrift stores. Fabrics are often hung on coat hangers near housewares, like tablecloths and blankets, but your particular shop might have them folded and bagged near patterns and crafting books or rolled and stacked like you sometimes see scrap pieces at fabric stores. But don't stop at this section. Nearly any part of the store could present you with an amazing bit of material, along with inspiration for its reuse.

Seasoned thrifters know not to be thrown by flaws like small stains, tears, or even a mildly unfortunate odor on second-hand finds. With certain patterns, you may be able to cut out the pieces in a way that avoids problem areas. Dyeing, appliqueing, or adding trim or other detailing camouflages snags, tears, and stains on larger pieces you want to keep intact. A heavy pour of white vinegar added to your wash cycle can remove foul smells from your laundry, too.

Seeing past an item's original purpose also opens up endless possibilities. Clothes in the right colors, patterns, and fabric types could convince you never to buy new cloth again for decor projects, large and small. With nothing more than a wash, a twin sheet or a floor-length curtain is just the right size to stand in for a tablecloth on some tables. Filmy scarves become curtains with a few stitches, while thicker ones can morph into cozy throw pillows. Large button-up shirts, skirts, and dresses can all be sources of material.

Larger thrift stores often have a travel bag section, and here you might spy a soft-sided bag that would serve you better once it's stitched into a laundry bag or to upholster an ottoman. Check out the towel selection for bright beach towels to make cushions full of summer spirit for a cozy outdoor living room. Start leafing through those stacked wall hangings, because framed tapestries and even oil paintings are an unexpected source of usable fabric.