Every dollar counts when sewing handmade items!
Are you waiting for a sale to happen? Are you trying to figure out where to buy discounted sewing supplies or what you are going to use that ONE coupon on that the store is offering? Are you searching the ETSY pages hoping to find a seller that won't charge you an arm and a leg while you are trying to create a reasonably priced product??? Don't! Grab your notepad and write these down! Quality products from a variety of sources. I'm telling you some of my favorite places to purchase supplies at a reasonable price! You may not want to purchase from some of these places BUT if you are thinking of starting a sewing business, consider how fast your products will arrive to you for use, costs and profit margins. If you are making a load of items for friends and family, or a fundraiser, this is also where you may want to consider purchasing supplies in bulk. There are some big name stores on this list as well as small businesses, each with different items to offer. No, I have not been offered a referral fee for these sites.... I am simply sharing good info with you. We don't need to be greedy and keep secrets to ourselves annnnnd if you found this page, you did your work of looking further so.... let's get to it...(then you can watch my You Tube channel where I DO get pennies for making the lovely tutorials you learn from. : ) 
Don't be mad at Amazon! Think about this.... there are hundreds of thousands of small businesses selling a variety of products on this platform; people like you and I. Don't hurt the sellers because the platform is ran by individuals that you differ in opinion yet. This platform, like many, offers some access to bulk items such as zippers, swivel hooks, snaps and more!
Sewing supplies such as glue, grommets, scissors, seam rippers and more are offered here on Wawak's page. The site offers monthly specials and has a clearance section with discount prices. I enjoy browsing the packaging section because it helps with business needs as well if you are placing an order for common sewing supplies anyway; one stop shopping! Locations in
Though many of the businesses on this platform are located overseas, we have to remember, our stoves, TVs, clothing and other items around our house are also from overseas! If you purchase parts from any of these suppliers, it is fine! You will be making your product in America, for people who like to shop small. You owe it to yourself to get what you need the best way you can.
ULINE - Bags, shipping supplies such as poly mailers, tape, plastic bags and more. (Not to mention, if you start a business, they offer Net 30 accounts! This is important to start to establish business credit! (More on that in a later post).
Now to the smaller retailers that are still a bit reasonable!
JOANN - Located in many cities throughout the United States, this establishment is a "go-to" to get fabric and supplies you need right away. Often, novelty fabrics are 30% off a yard. This means you can get a yard of fabric for around $6. Batiks and premium cottons are always on sale as well. You have to love this store because they offer coupons, let you use competitor coupons AND offer rewards if you use the app!
SPOONFLOWER - Look here for unique, hard to find, special fabric. Yes, this site is expensive; around $19.95 for a yard of fabric but the experience of being able to turn your own design into a fabric pattern, or purchase a fabric to use for a pillow and as a wall paper are exceptional compared to another site! Pay for quality and uniqueness - not to mention, the artists that create the designs get royalties for their artwork when you make a purchase.
FABRIC.COM - General site where you can select your fabrics based upon your budget or project.
FABRICMART - Buy supplies, take a sewing class, browse different patterns, etc. This site is a one stop shop for your needs. At times, you can log on and shop for bundles of fabrics which could save you a lot when paying $2 for a yard of fabric!
CRAIGSLIST
It is still around! This use to be a popular option before Facebook started the "Marketplace" options however, you may be able to find Estate Sale posts on there in your area. Estate sales are a way for family to clear our items that they will not use.
LOCAL - GARAGE SALES/THRIFT SHOPS/FABRIC SWAPS/FB MARKETPLACE -
People just want to clear our their "junk." The saying is true, "One person's junk is another person's treasure! Swap with friends, swap with a sewing group, visit your local thrift shop where gems are found as you help the environment upcycling and don't forget about the monster social site FB marketplace. Hey, I just listed bags of fabric on my local FB Marketplace and within 20 minutes, they were taken! You never know what deals you will come across. Be safe.... meet in a public place to swap/buy/sell.
There you have it - 10 ideas on where you can buy supplies for a reasonable price before you head out the door and go to a retailer working on 35% or more! Sales, sales and more sales will always ensure you are creating your product for not just the creativity - but the cost as well!
Get to sewing!
Nikki WO
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