Patchwork is a form of sewing that involves sewing pieces of fabric together to create a larger and more decorative design. Typically, patchwork creates a repeating pattern that is traditionally geometric.
Not only can patchwork elevate the look of your project, but it can also be a rewarding hobby. If you are looking into getting into patchwork, you probably have some questions.
One question that you might have is in regards to cost:
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How Much Does it Cost to Get Started with Patchwork?
Like all hobbies, the highest cost of doing patchwork is startup costs.
Startup costs that you will have to consider can include:
Sewing Machine:
While it’s possible to do patchwork by hand, a sewing machine can help with speed and efficiency. That’s why most people end up buying one for their patchwork projects.
This will be the most expensive startup cost that you need to begin patchworking. Sewing machines can cost between a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the model you are looking for.
If you are beginning, you can start with a more basic model that will do the job and won’t break the bank.
Singer Basic Models
Singer is a great brand for a sewing machine, and you can get one for between $100 and $500 for a great and functioning beginner model.
Brother Basic Models
Brother is also a great brand for beginner sewing machines.
Prices for these options are similar to the Singer models listed above.
After you get your sewing machine, you will want to invest in extra sewing machine needles. Some machines will come with extra needles, but if yours doesn’t, you can purchase a new pack of them for about $4.00.
Other Equipment
You will need more than a sewing machine and needles to get started.
The other equipment needed can include the following:
- Quilting Ruler: the best-sized ruler for this is 6″ x 24″. The price for this averages about $30
- Rotary Cutter: a rotary cutter is needed for quilting. The price for one averages about $15.
- Rotary Cutter Mat: You will need a mat if you use a rotary cutter. A good quality mat can last a long time, and the price for a good one averages about $60.
- Small Thread Scissors: used for cutting stray threads, small scissors can be very useful when quilting. These can range in price from about $9.
- Iron: if you don’t already have an iron, you will need one. This price can vary, but the average is about $20.
- Ironing Board: if you don’t already have an ironing board, you will also want one. Suppose you invest in a new ironing board. The larger, the better. The average cost of this type of board is about $20.
- Seam Ripper: no matter what sewing project you are working on, a seam ripper is a “must-have” tool. These are inexpensive at an average price of $4.
- Safety Pins: these are important for quilting to hold your pieces together. You can buy a pack of 50 for $3.
Once you have all of the items listed above, you can start to think about your quilting project. This means it’s time to pick fabric!
The next section contains all the information you need to know about your project’s fabric selection and needs.
Is Fabric for Patchwork Expensive to Buy?
The cost of fabric for your project will depend on how much you need and what type of fabric you intend to buy. However, a patchwork project is not as simple as picking out a few colors and patterns.
You will need cotton fabrics in your desired colors and patterns for the two outside layers of your quilt. The average range for cotton fabric per yard is about $9 per yard, depending on where and what you purchase.
In addition to the quilt face fabric, you also need batting. This is what you put in the middle of your quilt to give it some heft and some padding.
This expense ranges based on how large your quilt will be, but you can find batting for as little as $10.
The final item you will need after deciding what fabric you are using is a thread. You will want to buy a thread that matches your patterns, and most thread costs about $4 per spool.
Is it More Expensive to do Patchwork than Knitting, Quilting, etc.?
Patchwork is a type of quilting, so it can cost a similar amount to making a more traditional quilt, depending on what fabric you select and how much.
However, it can be more expensive than knitting or making other crafts with yarn. Knitting only requires knitting needles and yarn, saving you the cost of a sewing machine and most other tools needed to start a patchwork or quilt project.
The highest cost of knitting yourself a blanket would be the yarn or wool you are using and the knitting needles you need, which you can reuse.
This can vary based on the size of the blanket and needles, but there is not as high of an upfront cost.
Do you Need to Take a Paid Course to Get into Patchwork?
You don’t NEED to take a class to get into patchwork, but it could make learning how to do it faster and easier if you did take a class.
Before deciding whether or not you should take a class, ask yourself the following:
- How comfortable are you with sewing?
- Have you made any quilts in the past?
- Do you pick things up with little to no direction?
These questions can help you determine if you should get an instructor or take an online class.
Classes can be as inexpensive as $10 or as expensive as a few hundred. They can be in person or online, and there is a fit for everyone.
However, if those are not for you, the internet has plenty of free tutorials, how-to’s, and other resources that can help you make the quilt you want.
Can you Make Money from Doing Patchwork?
You might wonder if all this work would literally “pay off.” Well, good news, it definitely can!
After spending countless hours, you might want to share your creations with others, and selling them is a great avenue to accomplish this.
Places like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and other online websites offer places for you to sell your creations to others. You can also look into farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and other traditional selling methods.
To make a profit, you will have to make multiple quilts to appeal to a wide variety of potential customers, but it is easier than you think to find a place to sell!
Conclusion:
Once you add up all the essentials you need, you can expect to spend between $250 and $900 on quilting supplies. This is mostly an upfront cost.
After that, you only need to buy fabric, batting, thread, and the occasional replacement supplies for each patchwork quilt you intend to make. You can even make money by making quilts if you want.
That will not only help you make some money but will also help you recoup your original investment.