Today we’re going on another field trip. We’re continuing with our series on unusual places to find sewing supplies. Last month we kicked off the series with IKEA. Now we’re headed to the hardware/home improvement store. You might be surprised that you can find lots of items at the hardware store that you can use for your sewing. Here’s what I found.
Let’s begin with measuring tools. You can find measuring tapes and all different types of rulers, in all different sizes, metal, wood, T-squares, and some of them are as inexpensive as $1.
A sewist always needs scissors.
You’ll also find cutting knives and replacement blades, exactly what you need for cutting out images for freezer paper stencils.
Brown painter’s paper is great for drafting patterns. Several different sizes are available.
These metal 3/4” washers make great pattern weights.
You’ll need tape to tile together your PDF patterns.
Most types of spray adhesive can be used on fabric.
Canvas drop cloth comes in several sizes. They are great for lining bags/totes, outdoor pillows or cushions, and super cheap window treatments.
Parachute cord can be used for drawstring cords and for making your own piping. You’ll also find thicker rope for bag handles.
Try a magnetic bowl (meant for nails and screws) for sewing pins. It looks like a dog dish!
A telescoping magnetic wand is the perfect tool for picking up those dropped pins. Just run it over the floor to pick up stray pins that have dropped.
Here are some metal rings and clips that can be used for purse hardware.
Larger storage bins work well for storing your fabric stash.
Smaller plastic storage boxes with compartments are perfect for storing bobbins and for storing odds and ends.
Hooks galore can organize your sewing space.
A magnetic knife holder can store all of your metal sewing tools.
Have you picked up anything to help with your sewing at the hardware store? If so, share what it was.
When quilting, lots of my friends like to use grippy gloves. These can be picked up very inexpensively at a hardware store.
I’ve picked up all sorts of things too! Like Olfa serated scissors with these wonderful big round handles. I keep a couple of pairs by my machines for cutting thread and trimming. They are perfect for trimming because they have blunt, squared off tips so you can get close to your stitching without fear of cutting through it. I’ve also picked up weights, magnetized steel bowls and clear, plastic tubing that you can cut to wrap around your bobbins to keep your threads neat. All sorts of things!
I buy carabiners there to use on pouches with grommets.
These bargains are in UK stores, for notions which are expensive here.
Rolls of clear plastic tubing for fish ponds are way cheaper than the ‘craft’ tubing for making bag handles, and indistinguishable. Plastic rope makes a good innard for bag handles too, and hopefully drier than real rope in the rain. Real rope makes inexpensive handles for nautical style bags. Thin string can make a cheap alternative inside piping, on garments too.
The best buy for me was very strong scissors with short, deeply serrated blades. They can be used on carpet, so you can imagine how good they are on thick fabrics like faux leather, when other tools fail, and with the serrations they stay on track for accurate cutting. (Excellent on fish, too, and cheap enough to have a separate pair!)
My favorite are the wood dowels, which can be used for so many things like pressing seam allowances open on skinny tubes. And, of course, the puppet show theater in the Little Things to Sew book!
I get dowels like Leisl, but also corrugated plastic for bag bottoms, and my pattern weights are tiles — granite/glass ones that are so pretty!
Home Depot also has upholstery material of course, and i use a spray bottle from there when ironing.
Peg boards and peg board hooks–so essential to my sewing room organization!
I like many of the ideas. I do not, however, recommend buying an L square from a hardware store. They are heavy, too wide, and they lack the special markings of a tailor’s square. An L square from Lance or Fairgate is preferable.
Thank you