If you have ever tried to save money on fabric, there might just be one place you haven’t looked: the thrift store. Maybe it sounds a little odd, but first think about all of those used linens they sell: sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and even throw pillows. For a miniscule cost you can get the fabric you need to create something entirely your own. Consider some of these ideas for secondhand linens:
Uses for old sheets…
Tablecloths or table runners: Simply cut sheet into desired size and re-hem. You can use leftover fabric to make matching cloth napkins or placemats.
Quilting: While sheet fabric is too thin to use for some projects, it can be just perfect for quilt squares. In addition, you can use a sheet as the entire backing to a quilt, saving a lot of money compared to purchasing the fabric by the yard.
Uses for old pillowcases…
Clothing: Believe it or not, when I was a teenager one of my first sewing projects was making a skirt out of a pillowcase. It was easy because the fabric was already sewn together into a tube. I simply cut off the top, sewed in a drawstring and re-hemmed the bottom with a thinner hem. It actually turned out to be a pretty cute skirt. The only drawback was that the fabric was so thin that I had to wear two slips underneath it.
Laundry bags: Use pillowcases to hold dirty laundry or to line stand-up laundry hampers. The pillowcases will provide for easy transfer of clothes from the hamper to the washer.
Uses for old tablecloths…
Curtains: Old tablecloths or bed sheets can easily be turned into curtains. All this requires is cutting the fabric to size and re-hemming it. Make sure to check the tablecloths for stains before you buy them.
Other uses: Because tablecloths generally come in thicker fabrics than sheets do, you can use the fabric for a multitude of things: crafts, children’s clothing, etc.
One more item to keep your eye on…
Don’t dismiss all of those ugly throw pillows you can find at the thrift store. Although they might not fit your home decor, remember that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. If you have ever shopped for throw pillow forms, you might be surprised at how expensive they are. If you want to make your own throw pillows, check a thrift store for cushions that are the size you want. You can remove the pillow form from the inside and recover the pillow with the fabric of your choice.