You might know the charity shop as the place for second-hand furniture, crockery or a cool vintage lamp. But did you know that you can also find plenty of cheap sewing supplies there? Buttons, embroidery floss, wool, zips, you name it. DIY expert Melanie dived into the charity shop for us and shares her favourite craft materials from the charity shop for anyone who loves sewing, knitting, spool knitting or embroidering.
You can also find craft supplies in the charity shop
Many hobby supplies end up in the charity shop sooner or later. For instance, because someone stops a hobby, has a clear-out or empties an attic. And that is good news for anyone who enjoys sewing, embroidering, crocheting or crafting. Because anyone who has ever walked into a haberdashery knows how quickly costs add up. A few zips, a spool of thread and some ribbons and you are easily tens of pounds worse off. In the charity shop, those exact same items are often together in a little bag for just a few pounds.
Almost every charity shop has a craft corner, even if it is rarely in a prominent place. Sometimes a small rack at the back of the shop, sometimes a basket in the clothing department. But it is almost always there. And once you know where to look, you might just walk out with a bag full of materials for a few pounds.
Cheap sewing supplies such as zips and buttons, as well as amazing fabrics, can simply be found in the charity shop!
10 sewing items you can easily find second-hand
Our DIY expert Melanie regularly rummages around there and has by now built up a fair stash. Her tip: don't just look in the hobby corner. Many cheap sewing supplies are scattered throughout the shop.
1. Knots
Buttons are perhaps the most common craft find in the charity shop. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, are waiting there. In some shops they are neatly sorted by colour, but more often you will find little bags or tubes with a colourful mix of all colours and sizes. If you are lucky, there might be a bag with a large quantity of identical buttons, which is handy if you want to use them functionally. But buttons are not just for clothing. You can also make fun craft projects create. Think of paper chains, lists or small decorative works of art.
2. Merging
Anyone who has ever been in a haberdashery knows how expensive zips can be. Especially the larger sizes. In the charity shop you can often find them for a pittance. Sometimes individually, but also regularly in a little bag together. For small projects such as a pencil case or wash bag they are ideal. Long zips are also handy to pick up, as you can easily shorten them. That way you naturally build up a handy stash.
3. Fabrics
For fabrics, you don't only need to look in the craft corner. Take a look at the bedding, curtains, tablecloths and cushions too. You can regularly find large pieces of fabric with a fun print there for a song. Wool blankets are also interesting. And embroidered pictures too, by the way, you can make surprisingly nice bags out of those. On social media, you increasingly see clothing made from vintage tablecloths or blankets (like Good Time CharlieSomething to bear in mind the next time you walk past the linen.
Embroidery thread
Embroidery thread often turns up in bags of various colours. Sometimes it is sold individually, but usually there is a mix of skeins together. It is way cheaper than in the shop and you often come across colours that you might not readily choose yourself, but which later turn out to fit a project perfectly.
5. Crochet hooks and knitting needles
Crochet hooks, knitting needles, spool knitters: items like these also regularly turn up in charity shops. And embroidery hoops can often be found there too. Handy for the embroidery itself, but also nice as decoration. Stretch a pretty piece of fabric in one and you immediately have a simple wall hanging.
Haberdashery
Ribbons, lace, elastic, small labels: these kinds of trifles can also be regularly found in charity shops, often in assorted bags with a mix of everything. Perfect for customising clothing or neatly disguising a hole in a jacket. It is often precisely the small details that really finish off a garment.
7. Storage boxes
Perhaps not the most exciting item, but incredibly useful. Plastic boxes with compartments are ideal for keeping buttons and embroidery thread neatly organised. And large tins are perfect for ongoing projects or loose materials. Practical and a lovely way to give items a second life.
8. Inspiration and patterns
The book corner of the charity shop is a goldmine for crafters. Almost every shop has a shelf of hobby books. Old macramé booklets from the nineteen-seventies, for example, are a lot of fun, because macramé is making a complete comeback. But sewing patterns and embroidery books can also yield surprising ideas for your next project.
9. Wool and yarn
Wool and yarn in charity shops are often in bins or baskets. In all kinds of colours and thicknesses, and almost always for a song. Whether you knit, crochet or make something else: it pays to have a rummage. Sometimes there is a ball amongst them that new would cost three times as much.
10. Sewing machines
And then the big find: the sewing machine. That too crops up regularly in charity shops. Old machines are often surprisingly sturdy and can take a knock. Furthermore, for most projects you don't need a complicated machine. With a straight stitch and a zigzag you already get a long way. Do look into the make and model before you take one home. A quick google and you usually know fast whether you've got a good find.
The coolest cheap sewing supplies and craft materials can be found in the charity shop!
The charity shop is an underestimated treasure trove for crafters. Cheap, sustainable and you never know what you'll come across. That is also precisely the joy. Next time you walk past, take a moment to look beyond the furniture and tableware and check out the craft corner. There's a good chance you won't go home empty-handed!
You might also find this interesting
- Second-hand clothing: how to find the best outfits in the charity shop.
- Handy hack: taking in too large trousers with darts.
- Are your trousers too long? Then check out our DIY trouser shortening here.
Photo credits: main image: thegreenlist.nl, other photos: thegreenlist.nl Melanie de Oliveira (fabrics).
