Quilting on a Budget: How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

March 31, 2025

Quilting is a beautiful and rewarding hobby, but the cost of materials and tools can quickly add up, especially if you're just starting out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the price tags on fabric, batting, and other quilting supplies, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on your quilting projects without sacrificing quality or creativity. In this post, we’ll share some of our best thrifty quilting tips that will help you quilt on a budget.

1. Shop Smart for Fabric

Fabric can be one of the biggest expenses when quilting, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways to score quality fabric for less:

Look for Sales and Discounts: Many quilt shops offer regular sales, especially around holidays or during end-of-season clearances. Sign up for newsletters to get notified about discounts.
Buy in Bulk: If you find a fabric you love, consider buying it in bulk. Buying by the yard or bolt can often save you money in the long run.
Check Out Discount Stores: Don’t forget about big-box retailers or online stores that often carry fabric at lower prices.

2. Repurpose and Upcycle

If you’re willing to get a little creative, you can repurpose old fabrics to create something new. Consider these options:

Thrift Stores and Yard Sales: You’d be surprised at the treasures you can find at your local thrift store. Old sheets, clothing, or even curtains can be turned into beautiful quilt pieces.
Scrap Quilting: Don’t toss out those fabric scraps! Instead, use them in a scrap quilt. Combining various fabrics can lead to some of the most beautiful and unique quilts. How small is the smallest piece you keep? (Honestly, I don't have anything under 2" squares)

3. Save on Batting and Backing

Batting and backing fabric are essential components of a quilt, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. Try these tips to cut costs:

Buy Batting in Bulk: If you make quilts regularly, purchasing batting in larger quantities can be more economical than buying pre-cut pieces. You can get rolls of Loomtex (polyester) from Brits Non-Wovens in Gauteng.
Piece Your Batting: If you have leftover batting scraps, consider piecing them together with a fusible tape to create a larger piece for your quilt. (Also known as Frankenbatting!). Though I stitch mine together, and if I'm in particularly nasty mood, a felting needle creates a seamless look, and stabbing something is immensely satisfying.
Use Wide Backing Fabric: Instead of piecing together multiple pieces of fabric for your backing, use a wide quilt backing fabric to save both time and money.

4. Embrace Free Patterns and Tutorials

You don’t have to spend money on patterns when so many amazing free options are available online. Here at Augusta Quilts, we offer free patterns to get you started on your next project.

Free Patterns: Take advantage of free patterns and tutorials online. Many quilting websites, including ours, offer free downloadable patterns to help you get started without spending a dime.
Adjust Simple Patterns: Sometimes, the simplest designs can be the most beautiful. Try modifying a basic pattern with your unique fabric choices to create a one-of-a-kind quilt. Log cabins can easily be drawn on a sheet of graph paper!

Check Out Our Free Quilt Patterns

5. Join a Quilting Community

Joining a quilting community can help you save money in several ways. Here’s how:

Fabric Swaps: Many quilting guilds or online groups hold fabric swaps, where members exchange fabric they no longer need. This is a great way to get fresh fabric without spending a dime.
Tool Sharing: If you’re just starting out, you might not need to buy every tool right away. Many quilters are happy to lend or swap tools, especially if they’re not using them regularly.

6. Be Creative with Quilting Tools

Quilting tools can get pricey, but there are some budget-friendly alternatives:

DIY Tools: You don’t need to buy expensive rulers or cutting mats. A basic ruler and a self-healing cutting mat can work just as well for beginners.
Use What You Have: Many quilters have discovered that some everyday tools work just as well as specialized quilting tools. Get creative and see what you can repurpose from around the house!

Quilting on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With a little planning and creativity, you can create beautiful quilts without spending a fortune. Whether you’re repurposing old fabrics, shopping smart, or taking advantage of free patterns, there are plenty of ways to quilt affordably and still create stunning projects. Ready to start quilting on a budget? Check out our free patterns and tutorials to get started today!

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