How to Cut Your Quilting Costs

Has your quilting budget imploded? Does your wallet tremble in fear when you drive by your local quilt shop? Have you ever hid bags of fabric from members of your family?

If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, it is time to take control. With a little planning, you can stay within your budget and still enjoy quilting.

1. Say Good-bye to Your Stash
Learn to shop by project. Cultivating your fabric-holic tendencies will only lead you to trouble and a busted budget. Instead, only shop for what you need. Make a list of quilting projects and then go down that list buying fabric specifically for those projects.

The lie we sometimes tell ourselves is that if we do not buy this one particular piece of fabric, we'll never see it again. This may be true. More likely, however, is that we will see another piece of fabric we like just as well and will fit well into our quilting projects.

2. Shop By Sale
When you choose your projects, choose your fabrics by what's on sale. My local quilt shop regularly has sales on certain fabrics for each month. I decide what fabric I'm going to use for that month by what's on sale. This is where a list comes in handy. Plus, if you have a plan, you can buy what you'll need in the future.

You can also get in trouble with your batting and notions. Be on the look out for when batting is on sale at your local fabric stores. Get on their mailing lists so that you will be sent coupons and you'll be notified of future sales.

3. Recycle Old Clothes
Think seriously before tossing out another pair of worn-out jeans. That's material for a jean quilt! If something can not be patched up, set it aside. Use the material for a specific quilt made of worn clothes. If it is of sentimental value, you may want to incorporate it into a wedding quilt.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that only 100% cotton fabrics can be used. Wouldn't your daughter love a quilt that contained pieces of her prom dress or the various club uniforms she's worn throughout her high school career as a graduation gift?

4. Use Simple Designs
Simpler designs require less fabric. As quilters, we want to make a magnificent quilt for the recipient. What we sometimes forget is that we are giving quilts to people who do not quilt. They are just impressed with a log cabin quilt as they are one with a radiant star. As long as it is made with love, it will be accepted.

5. Make Smaller Projects

If you usually make full size quilts, consider quilting a throw or quillow. If you quilt throws, consider quilting handbags, totes and accessories. Go down one step down in size. You can experiment with patterns and you will save on fabric costs.

6. Make Scrap Quilts
With a quilt, nothing is wasted. If you're a strip quilter, save the strips to make a tote bag or a mini quilt. Use up those scraps.

You can bring your quilting costs under control. It just takes a bit of creativity, which is exactly what is needed in making a quilt in the first place.