I suppose that the first question to answer is why would anyone want to sew things out of bedsheets anyways? The short answer is that I can’t think of a single other place that you can get that kind of yardage of fabric at that price. There are also a ton of print choices! Lots of solid colours of course, but stripes, florals, plaids and even characters are common. They are also nice and wide, usually wider than fabric off of a bolt at the fabric store. This is especially nice if you are like me and like a lot of volume in your skirts! I also prefer to work with natural fibers so I like being able to browse fun cotton prints that aren’t as heavy duty as quilting cotton.

Now this isn’t the perfect source for every project. As I mentioned, sheets are a bit thinner in general. They are also more likely to be made in lighter colours, so make sure you hold that cute sheet up to the light and check that it’s not going to be see-through! If you share my preference for cotton you also need to remember that you might need to do some ironing, depending on what you make and how stiff the fabric is. (If that is not your cup of tea, don’t panic! There are lots of flannel sheets that will drape better, or synthetic/blends to choose from. You are even more likely to find fun prints in those.)

So why thrift these magical sheets? Why not just buy them new if you find a good sale? Honestly there is nothing stopping you from doing that. You will pay more, but if you just can’t get past the thought of thrifting then do what works for you. Price is a major difference between the two options though. I can buy sheets from between $3-$10 at our local thrift stores. I also believe very strongly in trying to use the items we have already produced before buying something new.

So, you have bought some fabulous sheets to start your own sewing adventures with. What now? Just like with fabric from the store be sure to wash it very thoroughly with hot water. (Many machines have a cycle that sanitizes which is an easy extra precaution with thrifted items if you prefer.) I also like to run it through the dryer at least this once, just like with new fabric. You don’t actually know if anyone has done that before and if your lovely new garment shrinks and warps the first time you dry it, it is going to be a very bad day.

Nothing complicated yet right? Same as sourcing any fabric, and the same prep. The only other step is if you have a fitted sheet in your thrift haul. Then you just take a second to cut off the elastic and the corner seams. It will look like there are little squares cut out of the corners and will lay flat. I like to keep the long bits of fabric I cut off the tie up my raspberries. And that’s it! have fun sewing!