Frugal home sewn clothing?

[JamieCatheryn]

I really wish I could sew and knit some of our own clothes, good ones. I have enough skill for most of it. But the thrift store is such a better deal than patterns and materials! As is wal-mart most of the time (we buy socks, underwear, and DH's dress pants there). Any tricks to make it work? I've read of repurposing clothes for girls' dresses and such, doesn't help me. We have boys, it's pants and shirts they'll need. DH could really use a decent suit if I can manage it, and needs dress pants. I'm going to need leggings and skirts and shirts. Obviously I'd save compared to designer fashions or handmade by someone else but that's not my starting point here. Any tips?

[Chamomile Girl]

There are some cool patterns online for making boy's pants out of old teeshirts and sweaters. Shirts can also be made from larger clothes and from old sheets and such with funky patterns.. I would say though if you are finding everything you need at the thrift store then there is no reason why you need to make your own. I am learning to sew because I find traditional boys clothes unacceptable, and I can't wait to be able to loose the frustration I feel while looking for simple things that apparently don't exist (like basic jersey pants without a sports theme).

[Om Girl]

Anna Maria Horner & Amanda Blake Soule have great patterns for boys pants made from old t-shirts and repurposed mens business type shirts.

You could find a lot of "material" at the thrift store and then make some really cool pants...don't know how old your boys are, but they'd have "individual style"!

Mens dress clothes are hard to make by hand well...at least for me. We spend the money on DH's work clothes, but for myself and the DD's I make or re-purpose a lot of what we have...
I keep all their old clothes that are made of cotton and then rip them apart and make them into new outfits (dresses with patchwork, pants, etc)

I do buy all of our socks/unders new, and I buy all the girls leggings because I don't sew jersey/knit materials all that well yet.

I say find some great books, both the women I mentioned above have great books with patterns for re-purposing old items...scour the thrift store and then make some new stuff!

[FillingMyQuiver]

Originally Posted by Chamomile Girl

I would say though if you are finding everything you need at the thrift store then there is no reason why you need to make your own.

Yes, I sew a lot of my children's clothing b/c I can't find what I need at thrift shops around here. Not to mention the fact that I have 4 small children and a DH who works long hours; repeated trips to the thrift shop looking for what I need are difficult. Sitting at my sewing machine late at night, making 1 trip to JoAnn fabrics or ordering online, repurposing fabric I have on hand is all much easier for me.

Your best for kids' clothing would be sheets. Sheets, sheets, and more sheets. Knit sheets make tees for boys, woven sheets make lounge pants. Your DH's worn dress pants can be cut below the zipper and the legs used for dress pants for the boys.

I agree w/ the pp about your DH's clothes. I've been able to be marginally successful sewing t-shirts for DH, I can't imagine tackling men's dress pants, and I consider myself pretty skilled at sewing.

[velochic]

Honestly, I sew only as a hobby, and not as much as I would like to. You are right that it is just too expensive to actually sew clothes to save $. The sewing I tend to do is just for things that I can't find anywhere else unless I make it myself or something that I want to be out of a very specific material/print. It helps that my mother lives with us and she was a seamstress for 20 years back when I was a little girl, so she sometimes is able to put together a pattern from newspapers. Now she *did* sew all of our clothes. But it's just not worth it anymore!

[BetsyS]

I sew as a hobby, too, because I don't find it saves me any money. But, I live in an area with really good secondhand sources.

A few times a year, I sew boutique style matching outfits for my boys (appliques and the like), and I love doing that. It's not cheaper, but it's fun.

[FillingMyQuiver]

Yes, if every time you were going to sew a garment you had to buy a new pattern, it would get expensive, but if you're reusing multi-sized patterns, for multiple children, or better yet, tracing a RTW piece of clothing to use as a pattern and getting your fabric on sale, it's not that expensive.

Now, if you're the type of person who goes to yard sales, scours the stacks of clothing inspecting each piece, and finds almost new t-shirts for 50c a piece, GREAT!! Sewing your family's clothing may not be for you. BUT, there's a time and convenience factor. It requires time on weekends (typically sans children) and driving around to yard sales. For me, I can't do it. My DH works LONG hours during the week, he has a bad commute (1.5hrs one way on a good day) and Saturday mornings is a special family time, Sunday mornings is church. AND, the yard sales I've been to in our area are NOT that great. It takes A LOT of searching for acceptable clothing.

But, I can order some QUALITY knit fabric online that works out to $4.50/yd (this includes shipping) and use less than a 1/2yd to sew my 6yo a t-shirt that FITS him (he needs a slimmer shirt but more length, difficult to find in RTW) and spend about $2.50/shirt. The pattern cost me nothing b/c I traced a RTW shirt I liked the width of, and added some length. That rivals WalMart clothing for price, but has the thickness and workmanship of say, Gymbo or Children's Place. Is there a time factor, yes. But I don't have to leave my house w/ 4 children in tow to go shopping at the thrift store (which is expensive here and doesn't always have what I need).

And b/c I mostly use free online tutes, trace and modify RTW pieces, or develop the patterns myself, my patterns don't cost me anything but the free newspaper or packing paper I use to make them.

And I really mean I reuse EVERYTHING. My DH had a pair of dockers that he wore the crotch out on. I opened up the inside leg seam, laid my boy's shorts pattern on it, and made DS a pair of elastic waist khaki shorts for the cost of the elastic and thread, less than $1.00. And I could have made them pants had it been cooler weather and DS didn't need shorts I've used DH's t-shirts that are worn in certain spots, to make t-shirts for my kids. You can use 2 tees if they're both worn pretty good, 1 for the body, 1 for the sleeves. Like I said, sheets are GREAT for fabric.

Something else to consider is where the clothing is going to be worn. We homeschool, so my kids clothes can be more laid back, lounge wear for at home. So sheets are okay as pants.

I like sewing my own clothing. I have a hard time finding things I like to wear that fit me the way I like. And altering RTW pieces to fit is sometimes difficult. So I make them, often for a comparable price to new. And the scraps that are leftover from me cutting out my pattern I use for making my kids clothes. Usually they're big enough for at least sleeves or necklines, in some cases I've had them big enough to make shorts for a 4T.

I know this is an area velochic and I have differed on for a while.

[velochic]

Originally Posted by FillingMyQuiver

Yes, if every time you were going to sew a garment you had to buy a new pattern, it would get expensive, but if you're reusing multi-sized patterns, for multiple children, or better yet, tracing a RTW piece of clothing to use as a pattern and getting your fabric on sale, it's not that expensive.

I know this is an area velochic and I have differed on for a while.

I think perhaps that's just because our sewing projects are completely different. I have an only child (use a pattern once), and she's a girl... the clothes my mom and I make aren't usually "traceable" for a pattern, nor do we have another garment to use as a pattern.

I also don't have many options when it comes to where to shop for fabric. I *never* find fabric at thrift or garage sales. Sometimes I find patterns, but not fabric.

So it's just that our lives are completely different, not that we necessarily differ about the benefits of sewing.

[BetsyS]

My deal is that I have great sources for secondhand. I live in a suburban area. Just my county alone has 30+ consignment sales every spring and fall. These are big, 150+ seller events where everything is sized and priced very competitively (maybe $3 for pants, $2 for shirts, up to like $7 for a special occasion outfit). Even with 3 kids, I can get in and out and shop these sales in 30 minutes or so, because the majority are very well organized. They are open on Thurs and Fri (plus the weekend), so it never hits into family time. And, so, I usually hit 3-4 per season, and I have everything I need for all 3 kids.

At those prices, for stuff I like, it's hard to justify spending $10 plus several hours on an outfit, more than one or two per season, you know? At least it is to me.

That's why I transitioned over to sewing as a hobby, not really for saving money. I sew things I like, spend time on doing what I like, and I skip over the utilitarian things (like plain t-shirts).

[FillingMyQuiver]

Originally Posted by velochic

I think perhaps that's just because our sewing projects are completely different. I have an only child (use a pattern once), and she's a girl... the clothes my mom and I make aren't usually "traceable" for a pattern, nor do we have another garment to use as a pattern.

I also don't have many options when it comes to where to shop for fabric. I *never* find fabric at thrift or garage sales. Sometimes I find patterns, but not fabric.

So it's just that our lives are completely different, not that we necessarily differ about the benefits of sewing.

I was just thinking about how you having 1 child would make a difference. But when I was talking about tracing current clothing, I actually meant more utilitarian pieces, like pants, t-shirts, and simple knit dresses and jumpers.

I buy my fabric at JoAnn fabrics and online, but ONLY if it's on sale. And my reclaimed sheets are actually the top sheets from our sheet sets (no one in our family uses them) and from extended family who knows I repurpose fabric. I don't think anyone in my extended family tosses worn sheets, they just pass them along to me

And you are very right about the bolded

[FillingMyQuiver]

As you can see, sewing in the name of saving money differs from family to family and is really dependent on your resources and what you enjoy more

I don't like going to consignment sales w/ my 4 children in tow, it's stressful for me, and even w/ a list I usually end up forgetting something. And to do it more than 1 time per season, I can't imagine doing it. Taking my children to the grocery store zaps all my energy, typically the consignment sales are farther away for me.

I do all my pattern choosing, laying out, and cutting while my kids play around me, but I'm also VERY fortunate to have a studio space.

The heavy sewing happens after they're all in bed. Often times, DH has work to do and we have a shared studio/ office space, so we get to talk and spend time together while we both work.

I also REALLY enjoy sewing. Doesn't matter what it is. I actually prefer to sew basics b/c it's mindless work for me. And I find satisfaction in seeing my kids wearing clothing that I created from something old, even if it's just a simple t-shirt from an old one. Actually, my DD1 is THRILLED that I made her dresses from DH's old work shirts, she feels this special bond with him b/c of it. My sons are the same. They get excited when they can identify their clothing based on old pieces.

And FTR, my children don't wear all mama made clothing. Actually, this summer, they don't have much by way of mama made, but that's b/c they're wearing a lot of hand me downs we were generously given.

[doubledutch]

i get fabric, thread, elastic (not big on buttons/zippers here! i have pretty basic sewing skills) etc at the thrift store or rummage sales. i can often find pieces of fabric that are 1.5 to 2 yards, sometimes more like 4 yards. the biggest single length of fabric i ever thrifted was, like, 10 yards! it's crazy.

i agree that thrifting the clothes themselves is cheapest, but if you want to sew and knit on the cheap, you can definitely get the stuff "used". yarn is harder to find good quality at the thrift store, but i have had some luck. it probably helps that i go to the thrift store all the time. we have about 10 in the area, and i go to one or two stores in a week, sort of on a rotating basis. rummage sales & craigslist can be good sources too!

[artzy_fartzy68]

If you could find a decent Ottobre design magazine, one issue, there are REALLY good boys pants patterns.

I have used plus sized denim dresses from the thrift store for jeans. I just take them apart and use the fabric as yardage. Any leftover knit stuff can make underpants...I never buy underpants for kids! They're so easy.

The plus-sized clothing is amazing!! I have also made kids jeans from the legs of men's jeans, but I put an elastic waist on those. If you have many under 5 y/o, this is a REALLY good option. I'm sure you can pull it off with a zippered fly as well, if you take the old pants completely apart at the inseam and cut each leg separately. You can take of the existing back pockets & belt loops, and re-use, and cut the yoke from the scraps. Even the zipper and waistband (buttonhole and button) can be shortened to be re-used.

You can cut down sweaters, men's dress shirts, anything really!

So: the thrift store is a great fabric store!

An investment in some Jalie patterns for basics would be well worth it: most of them are for size 2T up to size 22 (for women) or XXL (for men) in ONE pattern.

Check out ottobre design mag for an issue w/ nice pants/jeans (maybe $22ish) on Ottobre web site, purchase on eBay. Otto also has a free undershirt pattern.
Jalie patterns for basics, they have a website, too.
Another one that gets tons of re-use for its basic pants and tess is Kwik Sew's Sewing for Toddlers (or sewing for children). Amazingly useful.
for free tutorials and patterns, check out Craftster.org and SewingMamas.com

I've been sewing my whole life, have a blog about sewing, and sew for my entire family (including adults) and have been poor for the majority of my life. I'm very resourceful.
I hope that helps!

Oh yea, I forgot to mention! Let everyone know that if they are cleaning out their crafting stash, you're happy to take their leftovers! Garage sales and thrift stores are also great for accumulating a stash of buttons, zippers, binding, thread, etc. That can save TONS of money. I NEVER have to buy buttons or zippers.
I just made my boy's school uniform polo for about $2 and dress khaki pants w/ zippered fly for less than $3 (supplies only, not my labor). These are BRAND new, fit well, and are made from quality lasting materials.

and more: I NEVER cut my patterns!! I trace them on the cheap non-fusible tracing paper: more durable than the tissue for reusing, and it keeps the pattern pristine for re-selling. I've also used cut apart grocery bags (taped together) for tracing patterns, too.

[FillingMyQuiver]

Originally Posted by JamieCatheryn

I really wish I could sew and knit some of our own clothes, good ones. I have enough skill for most of it. But the thrift store is such a better deal than patterns and materials! As is wal-mart most of the time (we buy socks, underwear, and DH's dress pants there). Any tricks to make it work? I've read of repurposing clothes for girls' dresses and such, doesn't help me. We have boys, it's pants and shirts they'll need. DH could really use a decent suit if I can manage it, and needs dress pants. I'm going to need leggings and skirts and shirts. Obviously I'd save compared to designer fashions or handmade by someone else but that's not my starting point here. Any tips?

I realized I haven't answered your question. I don't know what the thrift store prices are for adult clothing. I'm still wearing clothes I bought new 10yrs ago, so I haven't been shopping in a while. I also don't know what size you wear, that's going to determine your fabric needs. Obviously smaller mamas are going to have it easier b/c they can buy used clothing in a larger size and repurpose the fabric for something their size (like buying a 2X skirt and using it to make a size 5 skirt). Larger men's shirts can be repurposed into women's t-shirts, and if you like patchwork, you can use all kinds of fabric pieces from different clothing to make patchwork skirts and tops.

Leggings are going to be tough, b/c you really want a good cotton/ lycra, and you're going to need about 1.5yds of fabric. I've found cotton/lycra regularly priced for $6/yd, so a pair of leggings would be about $10 to sew from new fabric and elastic. Obviously if you could get the fabric and elastic on sale they would be cheaper. (I've found the fabric on sale for $3/yd, so a pair of new leggings could be as little as $5).

[honeybunmom]

As for knitting, getting your yarn through co-ops is the best way I know how to get it for a low price - aside from someone's destash or amazing sales (Jimmy Beans Wool Watcher is a great place. I've purchased 100% wool and 100% alpaca for $2.99 and $2.50/skein). I live in a city with decent thrifting options, but, I still don't think I can match or beat the quality of yarn (I prefer natural fibers) and what I can do with the sizing to make a piece last more than one season by thrifting versus making it myself.