Affordable Crafting: How to Knit/Crochet When You Have No Cash!
There’s nothing that breaks my heart quite like hearing “I would love to learn XYZ craft, but I don’t have the budget for it”. While there are many people without any wiggle room in their budgets, there are arguably more people who believe this because they aren’t aware of the resources available to them.
So here I am! Ready and willing to share as many resources as I know of for low or no-cost crafting supplies. Today, we’re focusing on my bread and butter, knitting and crochet.
The Bare Necessities
The best thing about this craft is that you only need 2 items to make it possible: your tool (hook or needles) and yarn. Everything on top of this is a bonus, not a need. Best of all, these are some of the easiest items to find for free or at an affordable price.
Finding Free Supplies
Buy Nothing Groups - These are local groups where members gift items to one another. Gift being the keyword here, there is no selling, buying, or even bartering allowed in these groups. Simply people posting things they’re gifting or posting ISOs (“in search of”). You can often find multiple groups within your area, narrowing down to more specific areas (example: county group, county area group, city group, neighborhood group, etc). In my experience, the best places to find these are on Facebook or Reddit. You can also search on Find Your Group to find groups registered with the larger Buy Nothing Project Organization.
NextDoor/Neighborhood Groups - Similar to Buy Nothing, you could also join an online local neighborhood group. While these groups are typically used for sharing relevant and irrelevant neighborhood happenings (new restaurants, road closures, local gossip, etc), nothing is stopping you from simply posting that you are looking for needles/hooks and yarn that will be donated or are going unused. You’d be shocked at how many people have their grandma’s whole collection sitting in their attic and just haven’t had the time to take it to the donation center.
Finding Low-Cost Supplies
Creative Reuse Centers - If you’ve never heard of creative reuse centers, they are thrift stores for craft supplies. They divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills and bring it back to the community at a fraction of retail price. I often find knitting needles for $1-$3 a pair and skeins of yarn for a similar price or priced by weight (ie. $5/pound). These stores have become much more popular over the last few years, and I see more and more popping up! In Southern California, we have Remainers in Pasadena (which has a sister location in Yucca Valley), OC Creative Reuse in Santa Ana, Lucky Deluxe in Orange, and Nacho Ann’s Fabrics in Riverside. My hometown, Austin, TX, also has a wonderful center called Austin Creative Reuse, which I always make sure to visit when I’m in town.
Estate Sales - This is by far my favorite way to find affordable crafting supplies, though it is much more of a “get lucky” type of situation. I am constantly scouring https://www.estatesales.net/ to find local sales and going through all the photos to see if I can spot any craft supplies. A few months ago, a lifelong quilter’s estate sale popped up, so I dragged my husband out early Sunday morning and found the most gorgeous fabrics for pennies on the dollar. The best part about estate sales is that you’re browsing someone’s personal collection. Each item is curated and kept safe by someone with the same interests as you. Pro tips for the best deals: bring cash and come on the last day of the sale. Typically, there will be a 30-50% discount on the final day of the sale, and many don’t charge tax on cash transactions.
Yarn Swap&Sell Groups - I would recommend these groups to people looking for higher-quality yarn at a discount. Here you’ll find people selling everything from large manufacturers like Berocco and Cascade to indie hand-dyed skeins. While their prices will likely be higher than what you would find at the thrift, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting at typically 20-50% off retail pricing. Since you’re talking to other crafters, it can be easier to bundle more items for a discount or make a reasonable offer. My favorite ones to look at are r/yarnswap and the Ravelry ISO & Destash forum.
Knitting/Fiber Guilds - The world of fiber arts guilds goes back centuries. Traditionally, you had to be a guild member to work in the profession of your choosing (weavers, spinners, knitters, etc). The history of guilds is extensive and fascinating, but for now we’ll focus on their modern form. Today, guilds are groups of people who come together to share their love for the craft and preserve the knowledge of it. The yearly dues are typically quite low (I’ve never seen over $60), and you can find them in most areas of the country. They are a great resource for those who want to learn more, and members often have extra supplies that people trade or gift during their meetings.
Low-Cost Swaps
While needles/hooks and yarn might be all you technically need, there are plenty of other useful tools that make the crafting process smoother. So here are some easy, affordable swaps you can make.
Stitch Markers → bobby pins, safety pins, rings, hoop earrings
Wool Wash → Baby Shampoo
Cable Needles → individual double-pointed needles
“Try it On” Tubing AKA Barber Cord → Crafting Cord/Pony Bead Cord
Project Bags → Bags you already own OR zipper bags/pouch/organizers
Yarn Swift → Put 2 chairs back to back and use the backs of the chairs to hold the hank taut. Then wind by hand.
Row Counter → tally marks on paper or on your phone
Blocking Mats → Lay out towels or cardboard, pin into them as needed
Free/Low Cost Patterns
Free Pattern Resources
Ravelry - If you’ve never heard of this website, it is a combination forum, pattern library, and personal online notebook. With over 350K free patterns in the library, spanning all garment and accessory categories, you can use their advanced filters to find the exact type of project you’re looking for. Some of these patterns may require your email or newsletter sign-up, but you still get a free pattern!
Independent Blogs - Like the one you’re reading now, there are potentially hundreds of other fiber arts blogs with free patterns in blog posts. On my website, you can find free patterns by filtering the blog section through the drop-down menu and selecting the “free patterns” option. Tin Can Knits, Nimble Needles, and VeryPink Knits are some of my long-time favorite blogs to visit with great patterns and resources.
Antique Pattern Library - This is a digital library collection of antique, public domain, knit and crochet patterns. You can find full books on a large selection of antique crafts, including knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery, beading, etc. These projects are great if you have a bit more experience. Since the terminology they used in 1880 isn’t always the same as today, you may need to make some educated guesses or do some googling to make sure you’re following directions properly.
Public Library - Speaking of libraries, don’t forget your public library as a resource! My local library has dozens of knitting books with hundreds of patterns. You can also request specific books be added to the library’s collection. For example, if you want to knit something out of 52 Weeks of Socks, you can request that your library buy the book for your use! With the advent of digital public libraries, you have more books than ever at your disposal. And if your local selection is limited, don’t forget, anyone can get a library card for the New York Public Libraries ;)
YouTube - YouTube is a treasure trove of free patterns and resources. A simple “xyz free pattern” search is all you need to find free tutorials! Some of my favorite tutorial creators are Emma P, and Very Pink Knits. Not sure what you want to make? Look for “free pattern round-up” videos to get inspired!
Low Cost Pattern Resources
Friends of the Library Shop - Incorporated into many public libraries is a “Friends of the Library” bookstore, where they sell donated books or books that are leaving the library system. I find crafting books every time I visit, including some of my favorite pattern books! I’ve never paid more than $5 a book, which works out to pennies per pattern.
ThriftBooks/AbeBooks - This is the perfect alternative for those without a public library nearby. Online book thrift stores are another great way to source affordable books. The only tricky part is that you won’t get a full preview of the book, and you may need to do some sifting to find exactly what you’re looking for. On the other hand, you’re able to search for specific books, which you can’t do as well in person
Etsy (Vintage Patterns) - While Etsy isn’t my go-to for finding patterns in general (especially with today’s AI slop problems), I always have good luck finding true vintage patterns. VintagePDFShop has a great selection and is one of my go-to shops. I have 3 rules for buying PDF patterns: Must be under $5/pattern, shop should have 4+ star rating, must have a thorough description (include sizing, number of pages, etc)
Designer Discounts - Some designers offer discounts year-round for low-income or in-need shoppers to keep their products accessible. Lydia Morrow, one of my favorite designers, offers up to 50% off. If you’re interested in any of my patterns but cannot afford them, please reach out, and I will set up a discount code for you.
Final Thoughts
The first thing I noticed when becoming involved in the crafting community is how our passion fuels generosity. Those of us who love the craft want to spread the love and knowledge we have; oftentimes, we want to share our supplies too! I often see people talk about feeling awkward or anxious when looking for groups to join, even citing those feelings as reasons for not seeking community. The best community comes from pushing back our own internalized insecurities and opening our minds to new friends, no matter how anxious you feel at first.
