Cozy Fall Hobby: Sewing a Wardrobe on a Budget

At the beginning of September, I shared a blog post about transitioning into the fall season in a more natural, intentional way. That message resonated with many of you, so this week, I wanted to follow up with an activity that I really enjoy during fall (and winter) months, when the weather creates more opportunities for time inside: sewing.

While the garments I made in this post are more suited for warmer weather, the act of sewing — spending quiet and focused creative time indoors — is one of my favorite pastimes.

I first got a sewing machine about six or seven years ago, though I didn’t use it much until recently. What I’ve come to love is how immersive and rewarding sewing can be. It forces you to slow down, focus on one task, and engage with your hands and imagination. Plus, when you’re done, you have a piece of clothing that’s completely your own.

There’s no shortage of beginner tutorials online, but one thing that doesn’t get talked about as often is how to sew affordably. Fabric and patterns can add up quickly. That’s why I recently challenged myself to sew a few items for my wardrobe using only thrifted or deeply discounted materials, keeping the total spend under $20.

Whether you're a beginner or experienced, I hope this post gives you some inspiration and a reminder that sewing doesn’t have to be expensive to be creative or satisfying!

Step 1: Choose a Versatile Pattern

My first stop was Hobby Lobby, where I spent about 20 minutes browsing the pattern catalogs. I tend to go for vintage-inspired dress patterns that offer versatility — pieces that can be adjusted into shirts, tunics, or dresses with a few tweaks.

Luckily, the day I visited, all patterns were on sale for $4.99. If you’re on a tighter budget or don’t have a Hobby Lobby nearby, check your local thrift store or see if any sewing groups in your area do pattern swaps.

Pattern cost: $4.99

Step 2: Thrift Your Fabric

Instead of heading to the fabric store, I went to Goodwil — one of my favorite places to find unique and budget-friendly materials.

I always check:

• The curtains & linens section – perfect for large cuts of fabric, often in cotton or linen.
• The XXL women’s & men’s shirts – great if you want fabric with buttons & interesting prints.
• The bedding/pillowcase section – small but usable cuts of fabric for tanks or shorts.
  
  

Here’s what I picked up:

• A red gingham long-sleeve cotton shirt – $4.99
• A white linen tablecloth with a delicate floral pattern – $3.99
• Two matching green cotton pillowcases – $1.99 each
  
  

Total fabric cost: $12.96
Total cost so far: ~$18

Step 3: Plan Your Projects

Once you have your fabric, map out what kind of garments you want to create. Take note of how much fabric each item will need — tablecloths usually give you enough for a full dress, while pillowcases might only work for smaller items like crop tops or loungewear.

Here’s how I used mine:

• Red gingham shirt → Transformed into a short-sleeve summer blouse
• White linen tablecloth → Sewed into a long, airy dress with puff sleeves
• Green pillowcases → Made into a cute, matching pajama set
  
  

While these pieces are more summer-y than fall-inspired, the process of sewing is one of my favorite ways to embrace early fall days indoors.

Step 4: Make Time to Sew

Sewing takes time, and that’s part of the joy. I try to carve out at least a half-day for any project so I can really get into the flow, problem-solve, and make progress without rushing.

Below, I’ve included a few in-progress photos to show how the garments evolved. Hopefully, it helps illustrate how a small budget can still go a long way when paired with a little creativity and planning.

Final Reveal: My Thrifted Capsule Wardrobe

And here they are—the finished pieces! I used the same base pattern for all three garments, so you’ll notice a consistent silhouette. But by adjusting details like sleeves and fabric choices, each item feels distinct.

Final Thoughts

Sewing your own upcycled clothes is a perfect fall activity — slow, satisfying, and cost-effective. With a total investment of just under $20, I created a mini wardrobe that’s uniquely mine.

If you’ve been wanting to start sewing — or get back into it — this fall is the perfect time! You don’t need expensive materials or a professional setup to make something beautiful. All it really takes is a thrift store find, a good pattern, and a few quiet hours at your machine. Happy sewing! 

I'd love to hear from you — have you tried sewing with thrifted or repurposed materials? Do you have a favorite fall craft or cozy indoor hobby? Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below. Let’s swap ideas and keep the inspiration flowing!