If you’re new to secondhand shopping, you might be intimidated by all of the options! We’ve got you covered with some tips to help you become a savvy secondhand shopper in no time!

Know What You Have

The first step is to assess your own stash. Knowing what you currently own is the key to avoiding buying more than you need. If you already know that you have something, it will prevent you from buying a duplicate just because you can’t find it!

Know What You Want

It’s great to have certain designers and fabric brands that you gravitate toward. And that’s not to say that discovering new designers isn’t an important part of your artistic journey. But knowing yourself and your style will help you to stay on task when hunting for secondhand fabrics.

Know What You Need

Having a clear idea of what you are looking for will prevent impulse purchases. If you have a project in mind or a color that you are searching for, this can be your north star as you wade through all of the options.

Savor the Hunt

At the end of the day, shopping second hand is as much about the process of finding great fabrics as making your quilt or garment itself. We sew because we are looking for a way to slow down and savor the process of making something with our hands. Searching for secondhand fabrics can be an integral part of that process if you learn to savor the hunt! 

What are some of your favorite parts of second-hand shopping? Share them in the comments below!