Money Saving Tips for the Frugal Stitcher (2/7) - Look After Your Tools

Okay everyone, today we're going to talk about your toolkit. If you look after your tools, you probably look after your projects, which means everything lasts longer and you'll probably end up with a better finished project. 

1. Good things come to those who wait

Hold on, as always. do you need to buy that brand new gadget right now?

With classic tools in particular, it's likely that if you wait long enough, somehow you'll find it for free or at a supreme discount. Why? Because dressmakers have been using pattern tracers for decades and tailors have been using shears for even longer. You know those Singers everyone loves? One day All Saints will go bust and *BAM*, free antique Singer machines all over the place.

Example? I've been hankering for pinking shears for quite some time. Look what turned up at a recent family house clearance:

Not only are they free, but I'm going to do everything possible to never buy another pair.

2. Maintain your tools

Clean your machine, get it serviced. It's much cheaper than repairs or new machines. Make sure your threads are dust-free, look after your pens and rulers, don't get interfacing glue on your iron...look after your cutting equipment.

Let's talk scissors and shears: keep them clean, keep them sharp. I'm using this tutorial on Instructables, repainting the handles and sending the shears off to be sharpened. Yes, £20 to be sharpened professionally, but £30 brand new. Come hell or high water, these will last.


3. Look after your materials

Part of me thinks this goes without saying: don't let your stash rot, bleach, dusty, get ripped up. Store sensibly and check it regularly (hey, you might get some inspiration). There is no greater waste of money than letting your stash get ruined without ever touching it.

K