Sewing: is it an expensive hobby?

Most people (sewists or not) insists that it is an expensive hobby but I completely disagree with this argument. If you are a beginner, I believe it is probably one of the cheapest hobbies you can actually invest yourself into. The returns and benefits of learning how to sew and improving your skills thereafter, are, to me, priceless. Once you know the basic sewing techniques, it is up to you to manage how far you are prepared to spend depending on what you wish to specialize in at a later stage. For now, I would like to briefly show you that there are many ways you can save money in sewing.

Nowadays, sewing courses are affordable and it is also fairly easy to find private sewing teachers. Alternatively, you can also learn, at your own pace, online and find many free tutorials (ie: Youtube videos on how to fit an invisible zip).
You do not need to buy all the sewing tools at once. As a matter of fact, you need very little when you start and you may already have some around the house. As an idea, sewing tools are perfect birthday or Christmas gifts, although not everyone might agree with me !!!
You do not need to buy straightaway a sewing machine. Most sewing classes for beginners provide equipment and tools on site. To sew at home, you can perhaps borrow a sewing machine from a relative or friend and if you decide to pursue this hobby further, you can also buy a basic second-hand sewing machine from a specialized dealer or someone you know. If well looked after, sewing machines last for decades.
Learn to salvage anything from old or give-away clothes or items: buttons, zips (make sure they are in good order), trims, lace, bags hardware(hooks, buckles, leather handles, etc…).
Set up a small sewing budget every month and try to buy what you need on sale or in bulk. Facebook Marketplace is great for equipment or furniture, for instance. Visit regularly your local fabric shop or haberdasheries for possible Sales. Visit your local and nearby markets. Flee markets are also great! Pop into your local charity shops (vintage clothing, tablecloth, curtains, etc). ‘Treasures hunting’ is as fun as sewing! I often say that buying fabric is sometimes a hobby on its own!
To practice sewing, use second-hand or give-away sheets, curtains… anything large enough to make a toile (mock-up) rather than buying meters of muslin or calico.
Organize your sewing stash in clear plastic boxes or labeled containers from Day 1. It is important to see and use what you have instead of always buying new for your project.
Plan ahead and make a list of projects you wish to create. Note the amount and type of fabric you might need for a specific project. Taking photos of your pattern envelope (recto and verso) is very useful. Be always prepared in case you see some promotions or sales when you least expect it.
If you are a beginner in sewing, invest in an EASY multipurpose commercial pattern so that you can create different outfits with one pattern (tops, trousers, and skirts ), rather than buying a pattern for each specific item. Patterns are quite expensive to buy. Check sewing magazines that are giving away free commercial patterns with their issue. Free PDF patterns can also be downloaded from Youtube tutorials. Trace your pattern in your size to preserve the original pattern, thus saving on your investment.
Most important of all, you do not need to have a dedicated sewing room: a small table/desk as a sewing station is fine. A kitchen counter or dining-room table to cut fabric is adequate (some people prefer to cut on the floor but I would not advise it). A standard iron and ironing board is, however, essential and finally, a couple of clear empty boxes is all you need to start your sewing stash.

Saving money means you can spend more on what matters !!

If you are a beginner, I would highly recommend that you invest in a Beginner sewing class. Whilst online courses and tutorials are very good and versatile, nothing can replace the 1-to-1 teaching by an experienced sewer. They can show you how to thread your machine properly, explain the machine’s basic functions, how to lay and cut your fabric, how to read your pattern, and explain what to do when something goes wrong. They can give you further advice and guide you along. One is often misled about patterns. They are not learning tools and pattern designers assume that you already know how to sew. It is much more complicated than it looks. If you have never sewed before, classes for beginners are undoubtedly a good starting point. Then, following that, it is just a matter of practicing and learning, at your own pace, new techniques as your sewing evolve. You can invest in more classes to improve your skills if you wish but they are not essential. Many techniques can be learned online by watching free short tutorials on specific topics, as you need it, or by reading books in your local library for instance.
Good quality thread, fabric, interfacing, and cutting tools are a must. Only buy good quality matching thread as needed for each project. Because fabric and interfacing can be expensive items, try to counterbalance the expense by testing and practicing everything with regards to your project, using second-hand and cheap fabric options (old sheets, curtains, as explained earlier) before cutting your expensive fabric. It is time-consuming but it is part of the learning process. When you achieve better results, your sewing will be so much more rewarding and enjoyable. Middle-range-priced cutting tools should be more than adequate. Your large and small scissors for fabric should be comfortable to handle and of good quality and used for that purpose only. If well-looked after, they are a long-lasting investment. Rotary cutters are not essential items for dressmaking but should be considered if you prefer quilting.

11 ways to save money against 2 important expenditure are, to me, a good indication that Sewing is not and does not have to be an expensive hobby and I hope that this short article will encourage you to start your own sewing journey or will entice you to carry on even further!.

Happy sewing!