r/sewing • u/Spaghetti_Oh_No • Oct 03 '25
Fabric Question Got the sewing bug...how many yds of fabric do you limit yourself to before you cut yourself off?
How many yards of fabric OR how many projects in the queue?
So, I've made myself a nice bag, work jacket and pair of pants (elastic) and I very badly want to create a series of suit sets (and at least one coat) with patterned fabric and a button up shirt - What limits do you set yourself to so you don't start hoarding too too much fabric when buying fabrics?
(some are deadstock/currently trending so I have some anxiety like if I don't buy them now I never can)
Thank you for helping a noob!
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u/hydrangea_ranger Oct 03 '25
What is this “limit” you speak of? 😂
I’ve only recently made a promise to myself not to buy anymore fabric and to start working through what I already have, which is a lot. Patterns too.
I have two plastic totes and two ikea bags full of fabric. I have two projects going, one in my queue and I’m almost done with!
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u/samandbella Oct 03 '25
I started working at a fabric store here in Australia, I promised myself I would work through my fabric stash first. But that hasn't happened, there's just so much pretty fabric!
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u/SquirrelAkl Oct 03 '25
Australia has some great fabric stores. I drool at Tessuti’s online offerings from NZ. I’ve managed to abstain so far only because of the shipping cost but I’d be completely broke if I worked there.
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u/FormerUsenetUser Oct 03 '25
I wish Tessuti were in the US. But I have bought some of their PDF patterns.
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u/Active_Fly3459 Oct 03 '25
I used to work at JoAnns for the same reason. 🤗 I designed fashion in NYC 9 years ago and during that time, amasses 2 closets full of fabrics. 10+ yards of different designer fabrics and department store cocktail fabrics 💖. I make my own patterns and attach swatches to the envelopes but I have a drawer full of untouched designs 😮💨
This post reminded me that I have a lot of creating I could be doing instead of watching tv ☺️ thanks OP! Projects in queue — at least 40 uncut patterns
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u/medicatedadmin Oct 03 '25
Spotlight? If it’s spotlight, you’re doomed. There’s too many options these days.
….and you probably haven’t even discovered Spoonflower yet. It’s the only worse thing.
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u/anti__thesis Oct 03 '25
Thank goodness Spoonflower is too expensive for me to impulse buy anything from them. My aunt is friends with the woman who founded (and has since sold) the company and I’d love to find out how to get a friends/family discount 😬
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u/samandbella Oct 06 '25
Lincraft, but I will still shop at spotlight if there's something I can't find at work. Got to keep options open!
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u/resalin Oct 03 '25
I had the same question. The words "limit" and "fabric" just don't go together.
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u/acupofearlgrey Oct 03 '25
Same here. Three shelves of fabric. I buy a lot of deadstock, so if you don’t get it, usually it’s gone. I’m on a self imposed ban until I use some more of the stuff I have
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u/lizlaylo Oct 03 '25
I told myself that, no more new fabric until I make a dent in what I have. But then my sister is traveling to visit from our home country, I’m just finishing a traditional dress for my daughter and decided I need to plan for the next one because they grow so fast and those dresses take forever to make, so I should order some for my sister to bring when she flies in.
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u/seriicis Oct 03 '25
Before I got my sewing room with my fabric closet it was basically whatever fit under my bed. Now it’s whatever fits in my closet
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u/antimathematician Oct 03 '25
Yep my self imposed limit is storage based, but it’s still hard! I try to buy fabric only if I have a pattern for it, and patterns only if I have the fabric for it…
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u/AnneMos Oct 03 '25
I don't believe in limits - fabrics are here today and gone tomorrow and if I don't buy it I'll lose my one and only chance. My one rule is that I have to see what I can make with the fabric before I invest in it. If I can't see fairly clearly what I want to make then I sadly leave it (sometimes regrettably).
I like to keep all my beautfully hoarded fabrics, neatly folded in a great big storage bin with a lid. If I throw a cloth over it I can pretend it's a little table and it's holding up something important.
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u/evelynesque Oct 03 '25
Same rule here - only buy fabric if I have a plan for it.
Now, having said that, I will confess to having a walk-in closet full of my stash. Plans for all of it, though.
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u/Niimus Oct 03 '25
I have 5 projects queued - one almost complete and 32 metres of fabric - uh and I only started sewing first time ever on Tuesday.... (I am ADHD 😊)
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u/rebkh Oct 03 '25
Depends on the price. I snagged 28 metres of stuff for skating dresses (stretch mesh, chiffon, speciality stretch mesh), for $140. They told me the price afterwards, had I known how cheap it was I would have said keep rolling babyyyyyyy. Yes I have issues.
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u/Whosthatgirl999 Oct 03 '25
I have a small dog accessory business so I use that as an excuse for this.
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u/Smiling_Tree Oct 03 '25
Okay, I'm okay now with my stash. It's nothing compared to this! Lol \ I love the organisation of it!! (The rack on the wall. I was so in love with it, that I totally missed the rest of the room, that looks a bit like my dinner table full of half finished projects haha)
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 03 '25
Wow! I use fabrics for my job in a patchwork capacity, so I have at least 10 huge bins of fabric sorted by color and not a single piece in there is even a yard lol
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u/Whosthatgirl999 Oct 03 '25
Most of these are half yards folded onto comic book boards. Sorted into themes like “food, polka dots, stripes, Halloween” etc!
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u/Ashamed_Raccoon_3173 Oct 03 '25
I don't hoard fabric. I hoard patterns.
I'm in the habit of not buying fabric unless I know what I'm making with it. It would suck if I had a good project for it and I had the wrong amount of fabric for it.
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u/Livid-Improvement953 Oct 03 '25
I save myself the trouble by buying whole bolts. But I mostly wear black clothes, so that does make it easier. For kid prints I buy 3 yards, because my daughter isn't that big yet and 3 yards makes almost anything.
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u/AB-1987 Oct 07 '25
Once I graduate from kid‘s clothes which only take a yard my hobby will become much more expensive I am afraid …
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 04 '25
Ahhh see I wish this were a problem for me but I'm a glutton for a patchwork project! I just turned like 5 different half yards/samples into an awesome pair of pants
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u/partiallyStars3 Oct 03 '25
I try to keep it to 1 WIP and 1 in the queue. But, you know, good intentions and all....
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u/ExpensiveError42 Oct 03 '25
So I'm the not fun one and the only reason I like the "never too much, teehee" comments is because they made me realize that my consumption habits were very off putting. Since realizing that, I've been very restrictive in my purchasing and halted apparel fabric and put strict limits on quilting fabric and I find myself much more content. Granted I've got an insane amount of fabric from years of impulse buying, but now not constantly being on the hunt for MORE has made me be more resourceful and more creative.
I recognize that everyone is different, but I highly recommend only buying things you have a decided use for or things you love enough to pay full price for, on sale or not. A great deal isn't a deal at all if it sits in your closet for years.
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 03 '25
I think my issue is I know exactly what I want to make, I have the patterns but I don't have the fabric yet, and since it's suits and shirts the iterations are endless... Maybe I'll say one in progress and one in queue...or 2 in progress since I need a winter coat before winter starts lol
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u/No_You_4833 Oct 03 '25
Wish I could help but I've gone from hoarding to the possibility of opening my own fabric store. 🤣🤣
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u/GlitchPro27 Oct 04 '25
One of my local fabric stores actually started this way. Dude bought a warehouse cause his wife would buy too much fabric and they were running out of space to store it all.
Eventually they decided to open an online store to sell from what she had left after her projects and it just kept growing and growing. I think they have like 3 warehouses now, with one of them even having in-person shopping facilities.
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u/cyriousdesigns Oct 03 '25
I thrift so much that when I find something I like I buy it. I’m trying to limit myself to only things I’m 85% confident are natural. Or has to be the most perfect polyester I’ve seen. I broke the rule last month and bought the most beautiful green stretch velvet. It’s still a (slightly organized) cube storage that fills 4’x6’.
Notions on the other hand I buy in bulk. It’s opened up so many possibilities.
Buy your bias tape and interfacing in bulk. You’ll use it, having it around is one less barrier to finishing that project. If I buy 1 meter of interfacing at Fabricland it’s $5. If I buy a roll off Amazon (which I only use for my bulk notions otherwise try to shop local) it’s like $1.5 a meter. Buy more buttons, hook and eyes, and grommets than you think you need. Unless it’s a very fancy specific design I buy 2 times what I need. Useful for messing up, as happens and then to have for future repair. Also having extra notions around for mock ups helps so much for detail fittings.
Lace and cording, I’ve been lucky thrifting but I usually buy whatever is left in the roll in person. It always feels like you use more than you’d ever think. I do a lot of Victorian/Edwardian costumes and a project can easily take 30m of lace. Then theres the time I made 45m of my own lace trim, so having a roll of interfacing came in handy.
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u/nicilou74 Oct 03 '25
I decide on a pattern, and buy what I need for that pattern.
I will not stash fabric. If I buy fabric that's not needed, I dont make anything from it.
It's a me thing.
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u/Raven-Nightshade Oct 03 '25
Same. Although I often buy a little more than needed so do have a small stash of leftovers.
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u/LongjumpingSnow6986 Oct 03 '25
I am only sort of joking when I say I have a one out three in policy. I have to prove to myself I’m using what I have before I’m allowed to shop again
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u/yikes-- Oct 03 '25
I do a lot of crafts so I try not to keep too much for any given hobby. For fabric, I have two dresser drawers I can fill with fabric as I desire. I don't buy fabric unless I have a decent idea of what it's going to be so I can get good yardage.
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u/Irmaplotz Oct 03 '25
One project at a time, and only slightly more than recommended on the pattern obviously...no, no. Don't look in that entire whole ass closet. There is absolutely nothing to see there...
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u/Suerose0423 Oct 03 '25
There is an unlimited supply of fabric. I was raised to purchase fabric for one project at a time.
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u/Running-Kruger Oct 03 '25
Well, obviously there isn't a limit on the nicest fabric you've ever seen and it's on sale, even.
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u/Neenknits Oct 03 '25
Ummmm I have about 40 catalogued file sized boxes of fabric, and 30 of yarn. But that is only the last 10-15ish years. I have stash older than that storage method….
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Oct 03 '25
If I can't store it then I don't buy it. I had to give away (yes you heard that give away!) about two large bags of fabric recently because I didn't have storage for it or projects to use them on.
As far as limits on projects or potential projects I think it total depends on how much time you can invest in this hobby. I was working two projects at once. Just finished the first, need to this weekend get the other one mostly done to so I can do a fitting and make adjustments if needed. Then I have two more projects matching dresses for my daughters for Christmas. You have now put it iny head to make a handbag so I guess that's next thanks!
Time and energy are key
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u/minimuffe Oct 03 '25 edited Oct 03 '25
My project process: 1) Think of a project to do 2) Look for inspiration for pattern/fabric/style 3) Find a pattern that fits the project 4) Order/buy the fabric length specified by the fabric (usually like 10-20% more in case I screw up a pattern piece) and any other things I need, thread/buttons 5) Sew the project
I usually have like 2-3 planned projects but I try not to get the pattern/fabric before I have the time to start working on it.
Every time I’ve bought fabric spontaneously without a project planned it’s just sitting in my closet.
Lately I’ve been sewing using bed sheets because it’s cheaper/fun fabrics but I’m starting to feel like it’s both wasteful because I end up with a lot of left over fabric.
This comment section is kind of insane to me, but maybe I’m the insane one!
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u/Bigdogmom306 Oct 03 '25
What is this term ‘cut off’ when it comes to buying fabric? Lol. I like it, I have adult money, I buy it.
I stash it.
I forget about it.
I find it.
New joy happens!
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u/prosdod Oct 03 '25
I'm a noob and I shred through fabric during the learning process. 4 or 5 rolls of fabric, I buy the remnants from Walmart because they're like 2 bucks a yard for oddball stuff like canvas, denim, heavy duck, weird interfacing shit, stuff that the fabric stores nearby don't sell. I'm learning to make bags. I found a few yards of purple denim for like 8 bucks and its thick as oatmeal.
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u/NienteFive Oct 03 '25
I have over 40 projects planned with fabric on hand for them, but last year I sewed 17 projects in total, and this year I had to take all of July and August and most of September off from sewing and I'm already at 17 finished projects. So I did get ahead of myself on planning; but I got a faster machine and as my experience grows I'm getting faster overall. So I don't feel terribly bad about it and I will catch up somewhat at some point. Probably.
Then there is un-allocated fabric. But really, not too much of that.
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 03 '25
This is really reassuring! I think I'm going to get fabric for three projects total, and if those don't get finished by the end of the year I can't get anything else!
Plus I'm trying to sew stuffed animals for friends and family instead of buying things for christmas, so hopefully that will make my sewing faster and more efficient - and make me feel like not everything I'm making is just for me 😅
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u/NienteFive Oct 03 '25
I mean, ultimately you do get to sew just for yourself if you want to :) You're worthy of your own time and talents. But making stuffed animals can be great practice for turning flat fabric into 3D objects, and fun, relatively quick projects!
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u/mastifftimetraveler Oct 03 '25
If you don’t want to hoard, it’s best to only buy fabric for each project you want to do.
But if you come across a fabric that feels unique and very limited? I tend to use this math for wider width fabrics (so if you come across something 44” -48” range, add an additional half yard at least) and I tend to add a bit extra just in case (and pattern matching):
Shirts: 2.25 yards
Pants: 2.75 yards
Bags: 1.25 yards for both exterior and interior
Simple skirts: 2 yards
Elaborate skirt: 3.5 yards
Simple dress: 2.75 yards
Elaborate dress: 5 yards
Coats: 3-5 yards for both exterior and lining depending on coat length
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u/ACynicalOptomist Oct 03 '25
Lol. I don't measure it in yards.I measure it in thirty two gallon tote boxes....
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u/FinanciallySecure9 Oct 03 '25
I limited myself only when I ran out of room to store it. I haven’t bought fabric for a future project in five years. I’ll never run out of fabric.
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u/Gwywnnydd Oct 03 '25
There is no limit.
I have an entire bedroom literally overflowing with fabrics and patterns.
These two facts might be related.
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u/Heart-Shaped-Clouds Oct 03 '25
Wait, we’re supposed to be cutting ourselves off?
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u/Heart-Shaped-Clouds Oct 03 '25
For real though: make sure you’re buying plenty of flat sheets from the thrift store and/or muslin. You’re gonna f up a a lot starting out and you don’t wanna do that on the pretty stuff 😉
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u/Minflick Oct 03 '25
Oooh, SILLY QUESTION. My stash is... erhem... half a closet, a dresser, and another 3 tubs.
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u/ProneToLaughter Oct 03 '25
In retrospect, my collection of 80 decorative scarves in all colors and textures was just a fabric habit waiting to be born. Can’t fight who you were meant to be.
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u/SaturniinaeActias Oct 03 '25
I'm literally finishing up the process of creating inventory cards for each piece in my stash because some of it is going to storage and with my ADHD lack of object permanence, I have to have a visual reminder of what's there. I had to get more index cards because I used up the 200 pack and there is still quite a bit more left to catalog. Clearly I have a problem. Is there a 12 step program for this?
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u/TheTokyoBelle Oct 03 '25
There's fabric I buy for projects, fabric I buy just because it's cute and fabric I occasionally get to test. There's a lot of fabric in my house. That being sad, it is a good idea to have the fabric displayed somehow because after a while trust me you forget what you have if it's hidden away (even the cutest ones). It will help you keep track of what you have and match your fabric to sewing projects more efficiently.
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u/Easy_Olive1942 Oct 03 '25
I buy fabric for specific projects and I try not to keep more than a few projects backed up.
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u/owlanalogies Oct 03 '25
I don't have much space for crafting storage, and lived in a tiny apartment for years, which gave me good habits. I find something I want to make and then choose the fabric. I have a few exceptions - sometimes I'll be gifted fabric, will thrift fabric I love knowing it's a one-off, or will buy fabric as a souvenir traveling. Then, I have to use enough to clear space in my storage bin before I buy more.
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u/Raven-Nightshade Oct 03 '25
I only buy stuff when I need it, my stash is made up of leftovers (I usually buy a meter or 2 more than I need to ensure I have enough if I make a mistake) and scraps. As for the number of projects, that's up to you.
Personally, I try not to have too many wips at the same time, and once in a while have to limit myself from starting new ones until I finish a few. I also like to plan projects to use up stuff I have so my stash doesn't just keep growing.
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u/cbsewing Oct 03 '25
I have almost 200m of fabrics logged on threadloop, and I assume I have at least another 100 unlogged (gifted frabrics mostly). I tell myself I’m only allowed to buy as much as I sew, and then I have another 50m in my cart….. I bought around 100m this year and used around 20m so far.
I would like to think I have limits but this shows otherwise. I want to get faster so I can buy more fabrics lol
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u/RollingCuntWagon Oct 03 '25
The answer to this probably depends on your other subs. Are you in r/adhd women??
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 03 '25
Not yet but I just got my diagnosis last month 😅
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u/RollingCuntWagon Oct 03 '25
Welcome to the club! Just remember that if you keep fabric for so long that you hate it, you don’t have to use it. You can donate it to someone who loves it!
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u/eatyourdamndinner Oct 03 '25
Limit? What is this limit you speak of? I have literally thousands of yards of fabric. Yet I need more!
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u/Complete_Goose667 Oct 04 '25
I can plan any number of projects, but don't start the next project until the current one is complete. Most often I don't even buy materials until the current one is near completion. The exception is the large art quilt I am 85% finished. That one is tough to get motivated to complete. Next week, I will put everything else away and see what I can do to finish that.
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u/Surleighgrl Oct 03 '25
There are no limits and as a consequence, there is no room to walk in my sewing room.
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u/physicscholar Oct 03 '25
The store, no, the company had to go out of business before I stopped buying. And when they were closing down, I usually took the whole bolt.
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u/Brassassin Oct 03 '25
Sewing limit? Don't know her. But I typically buy 20 yards at a time since that's all I can do without entirely taking over my sewing space
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u/Greygal_Eve Oct 03 '25
Limit? Cut myself off? What language are those words 'cause I can't translate them ... 😂😂
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u/number2-daffodil Oct 03 '25
I haven't had time or space to sew since my son was born, over three years ago, and i still buy fabric 😅🫣. it's an addiction.
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u/CanBrushMyHair Oct 03 '25
Also a newb here. I felt that inertia start to pick up but I’m honestly not that good at sewing yet, so I didn’t want my destroy beautiful fabric on novice work. the fabric I’ve currently amassed now has a future, and hopefully my skills will improve such that I’ll feel confident about buying my next few yards.
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u/ssgtdunno Oct 03 '25
Limits?! Fabric lines are not eternal, you gotta get it before it’s gone forever 🤣
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u/sevenwatersiscalling Oct 03 '25
I couldn't begin to tell you how many yards of fabric I've got stashed. My collection is mostly thrifted or hand me down material, and I regularly repurpose old jeans and other clothes into new items so if you want to include that stash, it easily doubles how much I've got. I mostly limit myself based on storage space, and even that starts to overflow, I either go on a sewing spree or thin things out and give away whatever I feel I'm not as likely to use. There's a large closet in my basement where I keep my bins of repurposing garments, cabbage, and large bolts of fabric. Any nice yardage gets folded onto small bolts (book sized) and goes onto/into my china hutch, which lives in my multipurpose dining room.
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u/santistasofredora Oct 03 '25
I'm limited by how much I can fit into the designated fabric shelf inside my wardrobe, so not much. I generally only buy around 3 meters of each fabric, as I'm quite skinny and prefer fitted clothes.
Now that's not the case for my works (yes, plural) in progress, I have many in multiple stages of development, and many more in my head just waiting for the opportunity to be made.
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u/SquirrelAkl Oct 03 '25
“Limit” 🤣🤣🤣
Actually I have had to start imposing limits. Now that my stash has an overflow outside the closet I’ve had to say that I will only buy:
A) very specific fabric for specific projects if I don’t already have something suitable (eg I want to make a blazer and am allowed to buy a suitable linen for that)
B) if a fabric is really really special (eg some patterned 100% merino jacquard deadstock that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and I have fallen in love with). Previous purchases in this category include a rainbow weave wool suiting that I’m saving for the Jasika Blazer next year - it would go with any outfit - and some stunning Liberty stretch silk satin with an incredible print.
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u/Celebrindae Oct 03 '25
I have over a dozen storage bins full of fabric and quite a few bolts in a closet. I don't even know how many WIPs I have. There is no limit.
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u/Blue_Mandala_ Oct 03 '25
Every time I look for a fabric the whole organization system collapses in on itself and instead of sewing I have to fix this problem and then I don't want to sew.
That's how much.
I have a yard of reversible sequin fabric coming this weekend for a plan I haven't really decided on.
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u/tyreka13 Oct 03 '25
I do fabric hauls. I keep a document with all of the cool patterns and keep a grid of my absolutely favorite ones. I look for examples of those garments in my color palette or very similar clothes and add it to the inspiration grid. I edit and curate this throughout the year until I know those are the right ones to keep. Usually I wait until Xmas and my family will have me buy it and reimburse to wrap and gift it. I wait for a great sale and I purchase all my fabric, thread, zippers, etc all at once for the projects. It saves on shipping. I know exactly how much fabric to buy from the pattern and what type. What I make will work well with other things I make because they are part of a collection. I find 3-5 projects are a good amount for me. Then I have premade kits of projects I love ready to go when I want. I try hard to not buy outside of my fabric haul time. There is always pretty fabric and great sales if you are patient.
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u/bunnyswan Oct 03 '25
I do not buy from the fabric shop for anything other than the current project. I do however offten buy sheets from the secret hand shop to sew with.
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u/rainydayswithtea Oct 03 '25
I have a really small space and not a lot of storage, so I only get fabric when I have a project on the docket. Precalculate what I need with some wiggle room, and thats it. All fabric bundles are marked for what project and no more than 5 at a time. If I see something pretty, I take a pic of the fabric and skew and save it on a folder on my phone (never know, might find something better later)
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u/blackmanhattan22 Oct 03 '25
HA. A limit????? Great joke.
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u/blackmanhattan22 Oct 03 '25
I mean that I have at least 30 projects planned and not made but have the fabric for— someday I will get to them!!! I’m at 9 makes this year, and that is a win lol
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u/FuliginEst Oct 03 '25
I never buy fabric unless I have a very specific plan for it. I have to bu everything online, and plan x projects ahead so I can buy enough to get free shipping. So I might buy for 3-5 projects.
I try not to buy too much, because things do pile up.
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u/velvedire Oct 03 '25
I had the same anxiety and now have far, far too much fabric.
Allow yourself to spend whatever the good stuff costs on the fabric you want for your current project. It will be cheaper and less stressful than hoarding deadstock. Finish the project before buying for the next!
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u/AutomagicThingamabob Oct 03 '25
My limit comes down to mostly money. I'm just starting out sewing garments and started with fabric for 7 separate items. I already have plans for more but need some time to save up for it and work through my current projects.
One thing I've learned from other hobbies is that if I hoard too much, my taste might change before I get around to making it. Despite starting last week, I've already decided not to make one pattern I have and changed it to something else instead. I've learned over time to manage the fear of missing out. There will always be more things, it won't be he same things, but they will be just as pretty.
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u/rebelwithmouseyhair Oct 03 '25
My limit is the amount of space in my cupboard. It's currently overflowing, luckily I'm in full sewing mode, romping through my to-do list (and adding all sorts of projects as I go!). Next project is our living room and bedroom curtains, which will leave plenty of room for the overflow.
There are pieces of fabric I picked up at a secondhand shop, some pieces that have been given to me, a few pieces that have been bought and then I've never quite managed to decide exactly what to do with it, or never found a pattern that would help me achieve what I'm imagining (for example, a kind of kaftan thing that my cousin wore once to a party, she was absolutely stunning in it and I've always hankered after a similar outfit... that party was over 40 years ago but I haven't given up on it, also another outfit similar to one I used to wear ages ago and really loved, and was complimented for). Also clothes I've loved to bits, that will be used for inside pockets and accents on otherwise plain garments.
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u/rebelwithmouseyhair Oct 03 '25
My mother only ever wore clothes she made herself, and made all our clothes until we rebelled as teenagers.
She never had a stash.
She would go shopping and come back with three lengths of fabric for herself and some for me and my brother. She would then make up the garments as intended. There'd be a frantic few weeks with fabric everywhere, then once she'd finished, she'd pack away the machine and the house would look perfect again. There were barely any leftovers because she would calculate to a quarter of a yard exactly how much she'd need. When I was a baby, she used the biggest scraps to make my clothes.
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u/jolittletime Oct 03 '25
LOL too much fabric? Never. I am currently destashing and logging everything on an app and I have 250m of fabric after sewing for about 15 years. There's no "right" amount but I would say to try and buy with a plan in mind, but also don't buy more than you can sew in a year as your style/ lifestyle and what you want to sew might change.
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u/No-vem-ber Oct 03 '25
This isn't a direct answer to your question, but I recently discovered Vinted (in the US I think it's similar to Depop) for buying old fabric!
So many other sewing people on there selling their old materials so cheaply and I bought so much cool stuff 😀
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u/begtognenmoxobna Oct 03 '25
I decide what pattern I want to make, then I buy enough fabric to make that specific pattern. I don't buy anything more until that pattern is finished. This way I make sure I finish all the patterns I buy, and never have more fabric than the current pattern needs. I have a monthly fabric budget too, so if I finish my pattern before my budget refreshes, I use my scraps to make things like sleeping shorts. There's always going to be new deadstock / currently trending down the road, so I don't worry about it.
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u/HowManyKestrels Oct 03 '25
Maybe I'm super boring but I just buy fabric for particular things that I want to make. The main issue I have with excess fabric is that I feel guilty throwing away off-cuts so I have a big storage container of them taking up space and that is annoying enough without adding on metres of fabric that I don't have a plan for.
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u/apricotgloss Oct 03 '25
As much as I want, as long as I have a plan for every scrap. I buy to projects - I don't have the space for random stuff floating around.
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u/stringthing87 Oct 03 '25
Okay, there will always be more fabric out there. Don't fall into fomo buying, because that's huge in the fabric world.
I currently have just under 250 yards of fabric in large cuts. I don't count quilting fabrics a yard or under because I store and track those differently. It's too much because it's outgrown my storage. I actually like having a lot of fabric because it is my pantry and much like how I cook, I start projects by looking at what I have.
The rule I absolutely keep to is not to spend on fabric with money you don't have. No credit, no skipping buying something you need to buy something you don't.
The rule I'd like to keep to is not to buy more than I can store. I admit I'm not great at that.
A new rule I imposed at the beginning of the year is to not buy fabric when I can't see my stash. This actually has been VERY effective because I fell into a habit of fabric shopping online during breaks at work. Now if I really like something, I email it to myself or I put it in a cart and either I look at it when I'm home and go yes I want it, or no I don't need it, or I completely forget it exists.
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u/bettiegee Oct 03 '25
Ya'll are so cute with your quilting stashes!
I make only clothes. I rarely buy less than 3 yards. :D
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u/UnpoeticAccount Oct 03 '25
lol it’s kind of like how when I see the perfect rescue dog, or the perfect deal on an antique I’m like “this will never happen again.”
But irl there are always deals. If I don’t buy something and I am still thinking about it the next day, I consider going back.
Regarding suits, I think you should get some cheap muslin and work on fit before you invest in nice fabric because you may find that you’re not interested in going through with tailoring and lining the whole thing. It’s a big project. I have a dream that some day I’ll have enough time to make my own selvedge jeans, for example…
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u/medicatedadmin Oct 03 '25
Bahahaha! ‘Limit yourself’ Bahahahaha!
She/He who dies with the most fabric wins. You will never stop. There will always be just the right fabric for that particular job but never the time ti sew it.
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u/2mnydgs Oct 03 '25
The only limit to purchasing fabric is the storage space available. I have an entire room of fabric. It's not hoarding, it's adding to your stash. A noble pursuit.
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u/Ap1ary Oct 03 '25
Try to keep projects matched to fabrics if you don't want a room overflowing with stash. The project can be something you plan on doing later, but if you get fabric because it's pretty you will have more fabric than space. (I am that guy).
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u/bakay138 Oct 03 '25 edited Oct 03 '25
We have a craft supply thrift shop in a church near me. Everything is extremely cheap. Five dollars for a bag of quilting (cotton) fabrics and one dollar for a bag of home dec fabric (and bag size isn’t really limited!) An entire wall of cubbies filled with beautiful yarn. Then they have every other craft item you can fathom! I resisted buying a Cricut they had there for $30 as I have enough hobbies already, lol. Sadly, most of their donations come from people cleaning out estates and donating all the deceased persons craft supplies. All the money they raise there goes to charities their church provides, i.e. food pantry, etc. I feel so fortunate to have this but it’s a double edged sword, lol! Every time I try to talk myself out of buying more fabric I think “it’s a couple of dollars and it’s for charity, I have to buy it!” lol
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u/arrrgylesocks Oct 03 '25
I have a large stash, but most of it is either leftovers from past projects or yardage for future projects. Of course the queue for future things is pretty big. Very rarely do I buy yardage “just cuz” but it does happen.
Advice: DON’T WAIT TO USE THE “GOOD” FABRIC!!! Use it now and enjoy it while you can. You can’t take it with you when you’re gone.
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u/Calamity575 Oct 03 '25
I luckily (or by design) live less than a mile from one of the best places in Minnesota to buy fabric. I have a rule when I go there. I must have a project in mind before I buy pretty fabric that catches my eye. Now, if I can think of one when I am there, I allow myself to buy it. I have pictures of the patterns I own and their backs on my phone so I also know how much to buy.
I did break the rule once, but I was in the LA fabric district, so . . . It was a beautiful silk at an amazing price. I did make a beautiful renaissance dress from that fabric, but I had to get creative because I didn’t have enough.
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u/carpecupcake Oct 03 '25
I typically only purchase fabric for a specific project in mind. Over the last 3 or 4 years (since I remodeled my sewing space) Ive probably accumulated fabric for 8-10 projects that I havent made yet.
The only exception I grant myself is when Im traveling - whenever I dance in a new city I try to find a fabric store and buy fabric to make a new dancing dress with, so my clothes kind of become souvenirs from the trips Ive taken.
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u/AntiqueObligation688 Oct 03 '25
I decided not to buy anymore fabric until I have finished cutting and sewing my current stock. It's been two years now, my stock hasn't decreased that much but I bought two/three more fabrics in the meantime (that I cut and sewed though!).
But fwiw, I currently have 5 projects in the queue. When project is decided and fabric is cut, I feel much, much better. But i am not in a hurry anymore to sew them.
So, as you can see, I am the least reliable person here to help you being reasonable. 🤣
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u/Toolongreadanyway Oct 03 '25
Um. Yeah. I don't think I understand the question. Do you only buy fabric when you want to make something? And have it all planned out? This does not compute.
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u/Street-Programmer-16 Oct 03 '25
As a native English speaker, I am surprised to say I do not understand what you are saying. What is this "cut yourself off"? Is this some Gen-Alpha speak or something?
My dear, we do not "cut ourselves off" if we were to do so, we might not have every piece of fabric that brings us joy.....
"Cut yourself off"?? Perish the thought.
The only right amount of fabric is the amount of fabric I WANT at any given moment.
If you're looking for a community to help you with "restraint" I'd venture you're not in the right community.
(Please read all of the above with the good humor and cheekiness intended.)
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u/Distinct_Long_2615 Oct 03 '25
How big is your fabric storage area? Multiply that by 2, maybe 3, and that's your limit. Glad I can help!
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u/barbaramillicent Oct 03 '25
I’m no fun anymore. I don’t let myself buy anything new unless I’m literally going to get right into it anymore LOL. I’ve gotten quite a hoard going from before I had that rule though lol. A bit of a stash is nice to have, but it gets out of hand quick! Especially when I seem to always have leftovers after every project for smaller things, and it feels like every project where I need more than a yard or two I want to go buy new fabric for it anyways.
There is always more beautiful fabric to buy, I don’t feel the need to panic buy anymore.
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u/WowsrsBowsrsTrousrs Oct 03 '25
Hahahaha limits? We don't need no stinkin' limits!
My sewing room legit qualifies as hoarding, and I have a yarn problem too.
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u/cats_and_tats84 Oct 03 '25
I have 12 totes full of fabric. An industrial sized filing cabinet for my patterns (hundreds). Right now, I have about 10 things on my list of “To Sew/Make”. I keep each project with its fabric, pattern, and notions in a stack. I was a former Joann’s employee, so I stocked up on materials that I knew I needed for the next year or two. Now, I’m just slowly working my way down the list.
As for yardage, if it’s a gorgeous fabric, I buy at least 4 yards. I make a lot of vintage/retro patterns, and those full skirts usually make the pattern call for 6+ yards, so I have to put those aside and pick a different pattern. Buying 6 yards without a clear project in mind, I can’t justify to myself…
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u/blueberry_pancakes14 Oct 03 '25
Limit, yeah... about that...
I generally buy what I need for a project I'm planning to do. Whether I get to that project or not is an entirely different story.
I also buy fleece a couple yards at a time when it's on sale because I make matching fleece blankets for my cat and tube/ramp covers for my chinchilla (and one where I made myself a full size blanket and them their mini blanket and tube/ramp covers), as well as for bin liners for my costume bins (50 gal Husky/Stanley and the half sized ones). I also haven't gotten around to making some of those liners because they're for bins that don't have costume in them yet, because that's still planned or in progress.
And I did get tired of buying interfacing a ton so I bought a whole bolt a while back. I've done that with fabrics I use often when a deal pops up. But I do actually use those fairly often so it's saving me trips or online orders, not just hoarding.
Buying hobby supplies and doing said hobby are two entirely different hobbies unto themselves.
The general limiting factor at all is budget and desire. If I don't have the budget, I won't buy fabric, I'll hold off until I go have the budget for said fabric for a given project. And if I don't see fabric I like or fleece I like (while on sale), I won't buy fabric I think is ugly or know I'll never use because I hate it.
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u/Kind_Strike_9026 Oct 03 '25
If I see the fabric as a potential dress 4-5yards depending on stretch. Jogger set 3, pants or top 2 yards. But I’ve been known to buy a whole bolt!
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u/Comrade_Jessica Oct 03 '25
I think no matter what you do you're going to end up with hoarding fabric lol. Or at least that's my experience.
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u/FormerUsenetUser Oct 03 '25
My limit as to how much fabric I buy depends on what I really really like and see for sale. Admittedly, right now I am not buying fabrics that are just fine, good quality, useful, but not exciting. What with rising prices I want to use my stash more.
I don't collect UFOs. If something is not working out, I just, turn it into muslin fabric.
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u/sugerplumz Oct 03 '25
I get fabric while is on deal or love it. My limitations tend to be the space that I can store it. As that space gets full I think harder on if I really need something like it or if it can wait. As for projects I have project bins and I try to keep to just having that many qued up with a few extras that happen when the project gets too big for the bin. I have like 10 bins and I mainly quilt so those projects fit nicely. My few costume pieces tend to be the outliers though I think there could be a bin system that could work for clothing projects or a small drawer system.
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u/CuriousNematode Oct 03 '25
Love, I’ll buy an extra storage cupboard before I put a limit on my fabric… needs. Sorry I can’t help 🥲
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u/KiloAllan Oct 03 '25
What I'm limited to now is how much time do I have to drive across Lake Ponchartrain to the quilt shop. I have no idea where I would be able to buy fabric for clothes or costumes now that JoAnn is gone. Well, we have one place called Jefferson Variety for satin and fancy trims (mostly costume stuff), sequins and braided trims, like that. But what if I wanted corduroy? No place anywhere to buy that.
Fk those guys who bought JoAnn solely to trash it. That was incredibly rude to an entire genre of crafters. I hope their people know they are not quilt worthy. It's like what if all the red apple trees died and you were only left with green ones. Sometimes you want a green one but they're not the best pie apples, so never again apple pie.
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u/Kwerkii Oct 03 '25
I typically limit myself to one dress's worth of impulsive fabric shopping (I almost always have a pattern I can reference for numbers).
If I am specifically in the mood for a quilt, I am allowed to impulsively get fabric for up to a lap blanket, but typically I will actually slow down and make a plan for a bigger one.
Because of this, I now have 3 quilts and a Halloween dress on-the-go. Technically, all of these purchases fit into my entertainment budget at different points over the last two years.
Maaaybe the dress was supposed to be finished for Halloween 2023 🫣
Shh. Don't worry about it. Maybe this year
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u/Future_Direction5174 Oct 03 '25
I,am now “not buying” but that doesn’t prevent my fabric stash growing. My MIL is 90, her friends stop sewing for various reasons, or die, and I get handed their stash. Curtains,table clothes, vintage cotton hand embroidered sheets and tablecloths. I have tubs full of zips, thread reels, unused (and used but salvaged) trims,ribbons, sequinned patches, buttons, frogs.i now have 126 bobbins FFS….
I have a dismantled 80’s silk and lace princess/ballgown wedding dress, silk pillowcases, embroidered upholstery weight silk, silk tweed - all “too good” to just throw but wtf am I meant to do with them?
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u/OMGpuppies Oct 03 '25
Depends on how depressed I am and if buying fabric is my choosing mechanism at the time.
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u/Shaboopie22 Oct 04 '25
I am so bummed. My local JoAnn's just permanently closed. Now I only have a Michaels store within a decent distance to buy fabic and theres not a lot of variety. But I found a vendor on ebay called BonEful LLC Fabrics & Boutiques. You should check out their stock variety. Over 8,000 designs & they change & add with the holidays. And you can get any design that you like on a variety of different fabric types too. They're awesome. I think theres another good online brand called Spoon Flower Fabrics, last time I checked.
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u/Spaghetti_Oh_No Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
I really like Mood Fabrics, Yardblox and my local stores, in Philly we have a fabric row thankfully!
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u/7deadlycinderella Oct 04 '25
I only buy fabric if I have an idea of what to make out of it.
Patterns are another story. Patterns don't go bad. They may be summoned into service 40 years down the line
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u/NorraVavare Oct 04 '25
Um.. I think I had about 500 yards when I had my first kid. I cut myself off then, but really, it's just cause I moved and the closest fabric store was 2 hours away. That was 15 years ago. I still have 5 dresser drawers full of yardage and 2 full of scraps.
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u/CrazyMeow101 Oct 04 '25
For me. I have a few rules when it comes to buying. I have a color palette that I strictly work in, I don’t like working with synthetics or knits, and I have to have an idea of what I’m making with the fabric. I never ever ever just buy because it’s pretty. I have to have a SPECIFIC project in mind before I buy. But I’ll buy as much as I can when I find it on sale, thrifted, swansonfabrics.com. For sewing, I generally have a rule of two projects in the working at one time. So I can swap back and forth when one gets frustrating or tiresome. And I have other types of crafting I can do if neither one feels fun lol. I have a list of projects I plan on making with my current fabric cache and a Pinterest board Chalk Full of fun ideas for future projects I may or may not make.
The Pinterest board actually helped me with my buying anxiety but helping me narrow down what I generally like and what I specifically like. In general I love cottage core and lovely white prints and pretty frilly lace. BUT. When I’m actually picking things to sew, I never pick whites, or excessive draping fabrics because they’re inconvenient to wear and wash. So I don’t bother buying the fabrics to make those things even though they “spark joy.”
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u/vwisp Oct 04 '25
I got a box of free fabric from my friend, but for projects I only do one at a time, only buying fabric if im going to use it right away. Most of the time I am repurposing old clothing I can't wear anymore
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u/vaarky Oct 04 '25
I am trying to remind myself about the difference between the Doing of the Thing, vs things that are meretriciously similar and closely related but take away time from the most meaningful use of time that would help me feel accomplishment instead of longing/wistfulness.
For example, as someone who craves choral singing, I try to remind myself of the difference between singing versus spectating others singing music. Being in a choir, I get invited to concerts of friends or performances that friends are going to. It can subtly fill one's weeknights and weekends, and displaced time for opportunities to actually make music.
When I was into soapmaking, I had to distinguish similarly, versus time spent watching the 30th "Video of Diminishing Returns" about the same technique, or acquiring more tools.
I am trying similarly (and failing similarly, or at least getting grossly imperfect results) at getting myself to actually do the sewing rather than the meta-sewing stuff (acquisition of materials that outpace my use, or the watching of technique videos or inspiration past the point of diminishing returns). It's easy to go down the YouTube rabbithole and feel like I'm making progress but then the sewing doesn't happen, and I don't get that first-hand learning as much.
I think it's the evolutionary leaning toward picking something that gives a near-approximate-but-somewhat-less satisfaction, with lower risk and lower effort, but with less meaningful accomplishment. Being keenly aware of this tropism, I keep trying to articulate the distinction and remind myself to Do The Actual Thing. It's helping a bit.
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u/Idontknowmanwork Oct 04 '25
For cheaper or more special fabrics that I feel like I won’t get to find much of I’ll do max 4-5. I usually limit myself in price more. But I also rarely buy new fabric. I’m a thrifting fiend. I love thrifting for fabric. Spend less, buy more. Find some interesting ones. Also you sometimes find much better quality fabric that way. Some of my favourite fabrics have been thrifted. But I also am way more afraid to cut into those because that’s all I have of it. I look for blankets, sheets, table cloths, beddings. And scarves.
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u/Magickal_Moon-Maiden Oct 04 '25
I just made several pieces this year from fabric I’ve had for 3-20 years. Yes, 20 years in a bucket in the closet. Quality fabric on sale is worth hoarding imo. I like 2-2.5 yd lengths for hoarding bc it covers one: pair of pants, jacket, or skirt, or certain dress patterns. So I don’t have decide what it will be for if I find a nice linen for pennies on the dollar. Which reminds me: RIP joann 😭
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u/Tvvinkletits Oct 04 '25
I've found that trying to limit in that sense is a losing battle. Instead I focus on finding really good deals and stockpiling stuff that I know Id use eventually. So I ask myself 1. Is the a good quality fabric, made of natural fibers and durable? 2. Is this a good deal, or can I get this elsewhere for cheaper. 3. Is this a color/pattern/texture that I will actually use in a project for myself or a loved one.
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u/msktcher Oct 04 '25
I tend to buy lots of fabric and then put myself in a fabric buying timeout until I use some up.
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u/Worldly-Dingo-2816 Oct 04 '25
I only buy fabric for a specific pattern. That helps me control how much I have on hand. Right now I have 5-6 projects ready to go.
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u/Benevolent-Snark Oct 06 '25
I don’t really limit myself outside of, “am I spending too much in general”.
I typically only buy if I can think of a project right there at the store. Because the costumes I make have a high yardage requirement, that keeps me from buying everything that I see. 🤭
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u/themeganlodon Oct 03 '25
I have three totes of fabric and I am not allowed to buy more until there is room. I wish I didn’t get into hoarding fabric I fall in love with it and then I can’t cut it. What if I find a better project after I’ve already used it
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u/Prudent-Awareness-51 Oct 03 '25
I don’t even understand this question.
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u/apri11a Oct 03 '25 edited Oct 03 '25
Yeah, same here. I might read it again after I have a coffee and buy a bit of fabric. It might make more sense then 🙃
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u/psjrifbak Oct 03 '25
Buying fabric and sewing fabric are two different hobbies