I am looking for a place that will give free fabric samples. I work with preschool children and would use fabric with the children's projects. Any ideas of where to get free samples? I tried asking at a fabric store, but they wanted to sell me small scraps.
dtea
Join freecycle in your area. People are forever offering fabric scraps.
Your first post must be an offer of something you want to give away, then you can post that you need the fabric. You'll have more than you need in a few days.
The bulletin board at school or a note in your Friday take home folders might help also. (12/03/2007)
By Marty Dick
If you can find a curtain workroom (someone that makes custom draperies) in your area, they always have left over fabric. Most fabric stores will give it to you free if you mention you're a teacher and it's for your students. Good luck! (12/03/2007)
No store would give away fabric! Try junior high home ec and high school home ec classes. Try calling alterations people in your area, they always have scraps, and often they advertise at the fabric store, either on a bulletin board or a little book kept at the register. I know because I was a alterations seamstress. I don't know if you live in an area with a college, but any design school would have literally tons of scraps. (12/03/2007)
I found tons of fabric for free at our local decorating store. They have fabric samples for people who are ordering furniture, and when the samples are outdated, they will practically beg people to take them! I've made placemats, tote bags, and potholders from the samples. Good luck with your project. (12/03/2007)
By Patty
You could check with any local upholstery shops. I believe they have swatch books and they might go out of style. We have a few furniture stores around my area that have gone out of business and they probably had swatch books they didn't need anymore. Good luck. (12/03/2007)
By Terri
You could always recycle old clothes, sheets, or curtains. Ask parents to save these for your class and send them in for projects. (12/05/2007)
By Toni
Ask and interior decorator for a sample book. My son works for a textile manufacturing company. He says that is the best way to go. (12/05/2007)
By Carol in PA
I would ask the children to bring an old shirt of their daddy's that can be cut up for this very purpose. Or how about an old flat sheet from their homes. Write notes out requesting these items from the parents and I am sure they will come through for you for their children's sakes. I know I would! Good luck and keep us posted on what you ended up doing for this certain situation. (12/05/2007)
By Paula Jo from Mebane, NC
Try a local architect or interior designer firm.
We get hundreds of samples a year and I donate or throw away a great deal of older ones each year to local senior homes.
Most would gladly welcome the chance to get rid of them. (12/06/2007)
By Concetta
You didn't say what size samples you need, but wallpaper books often have fabric samples. And old wallpaper books will be given away free. (12/06/2007)
By Bess
I get mine at a custom made drapery store. I go in and ask if they have any discontinued books of fabric samples. The sizes vary, but they work great for crafts. They were free, I got about six the first trip and 4 the next trip. (12/08/2007)
By Nancy
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
