So you like to quilt, but wince when you pay for your basic quilting supplies? Not cheap, are they! Sure, it's nice to have the "latest and greatest", but wouldn't you rather be able to put that money toward the ideal fabric? Fortunately, there are some little known ways to cut down on the cost of your quilting supplies.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes everyday products are also packaged as for a special use and the price goes up? They do! A lot of things that are also sold as quilting supplies are cheap when you get them in their original format.

Containers For Quilting

If you want a special box to hold your quilt squares, a box the right size is a pizza box! Most pizza stores will give you a clean box for free (don't try to use one that used to be clean…), just ask. They might ask a small fee (usually less than a dollar) to cover their cost. A pizza box works great to keep your quilt squares smooth and flat, and no more having so pull them out of a bag and try to get them all back in order. In a box, you can leave them in order – they'll stay put.

Cheap Quilting Template Supplies

Quilting templates for drawing around to cut out shapes can be expensive! If you buy them already made, they are the most expensive, because someone else has done all the work. But you can only get them in the shapes and sizes available. If you want to buy quilting template material – a thin plastic – you can buy a kit. This is a bit less expensive, but still nowhere near free. Want it for free? Use the smooth portions of the sides of a milk carton! It's close to the same thickness of a template set, and all you need to do is wash it out and cut it apart. It is usually clear enough that you can see through the plastic to draw the shape. Because it is free, don't be too concerned about mistakes in drawing the shapes or cutting them out. It works well to use an exacta knife to cut them out, or use a pair of scissors – the plastic is thin enough that either will work just fine. What a cheap quilting supply choice!

Appliqué Paper

Appliqué paper can be bought at the quilt or fabric store. It isn't cheap – which quilting supplies are? Instead of using true "appliqué paper", get some freezer paper at the grocery store. You can draw the shape right on the paper side, and cut it out easily. It will also adhere to fabric (like appliqué paper), by using a hot iron briefly. Once they are together, cut out around your shape – a bit bigger to allow for that tuck-under edge. Then you can remove the appliqué paper and sew the appliqué onto your fabric.