Sewing is a passion that can be expensive if you are not careful. I have compiled for you my little tips to save money or at least not spend too much when you are passionate.

First tip: Choose good quality materials from the start.
When you start sewing, you want to have all the necessary materials, and that's perfectly normal. But given the quantity of supplies available, since you are a beginner, you tend to buy the cheapest and think you'll see if you continue...
Except that if you buy a bad pair of scissors, low-quality thread, ... you will soon have to buy a good pair of scissors (that cuts fabric well, the right size) and throw away your thread that breaks... In short, choosing the cheapest option often does not save money.
This advice also applies to choosing your sewing machine.

Second tip: Buy materials and supplies gradually according to your projects and what you will actually use.
And yes, there is no point in buying that bias tape turner if you always buy pre-folded bias tape.
There is no point in buying needles for sewing leather if you are a beginner and will first make about ten cotton pieces before tackling a leather skirt... maybe one day...

I therefore advise you to buy good quality materials (usually mid-range is very good) as your projects progress. This will allow you to have quality materials and not clutter your cupboards with junk you will never use.

Third tip: Organize your materials and supplies.
Anyone who has never bought the same box of needles, spool, or piping tape meter identical to the one lying around at home, raise your hand. You will save money by organizing your materials; well-organized materials allow you to find at a glance what you have... No more double, even triple purchases of the same material.
To store my supplies, I use compartmentalized boxes. They are extremely practical for storing buttons and quickly finding what you are looking for.

Fourth tip: Ask yourself the right questions before buying fabric.
If you are like me, when you enter a fabric store you are in wonderland. You observe, touch, and... fall for this/these beautiful fabric(s).
This is where you need to ask yourself the questions:
1. Do I have a project for this fabric?
No -> stop

2. Is this project useful for my wardrobe?
No -> I already have 8 purple blouses -> you can go back to the first question if you really like the fabric ;-) or tell yourself that you can never have enough... it's up to you...

3. Does the fabric suit me?
No -> it doesn't suit my complexion
No -> I never wear this color, I wouldn't dare to wear it
No -> I always wear solid colors; I don't like wearing patterns...

4. Do I know the yardage needed to make this project?
No -> surf the internet to check on the pattern brand's website
No -> see if the store sells the pattern of the model you want to make to check the yardage on the printed
No -> Call your husband/wife/mom/your best sewing friend... so he or she can check for you
No -> Go home and come back the next day with the right measurements; especially don't ask the saleswoman unless you are sure she will give good advice.
Yes -> Go ahead, go for it!

So we will remember from these questions:
- You need to have a project to buy fabric
- You need to know yourself a bit (color for your complexion, boldness...)
- You need to know the required yardage.
This third point is important because when your project requires 1.60m and you buy 2m to be sure; you will have scraps of 40cm height that will be hard to reuse... it's a bit of "waste".

Here is a stack of fabric bought in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo), 3 years ago. 9 coupons out of 15 have been used... so I still have 6 projects to find ;-) which matches the yardage I bought.
Now, I think about my project before buying to avoid stockpiling.

5. Fifth tip: Keep your scraps and use them for other projects.
Both small and large fabric scraps can be reused for other projects. I recommend sorting them by color and type (knit vs woven).
Here are my recycling ideas:

For small woven fabric scraps:
- pennant garlands
- toiletry bag
- pouch for school supplies or sewing
- contrasting pocket or pocket lining
- fabric basket
- printed, bento bag
- reusable makeup remover cotton pads (with terry cloth), ...

bento bag

Wonder Mini by Vanessa Pouzet

For large woven fabric scraps:
- sleeveless top
- mini skirt
- clothing for the little ones
- making bias tape

For jersey scraps (depending on the elastane content):
- panties
- bodysuit
- very soft clothing for baby
- cuddly toy...
And there are many other ways to reuse them... I love making ombré effects with my scraps to create Centaurée dresses from Deer and Doe patterns or to make original collars and collar stands for my husband's shirts.

And you... do you have any tips for saving money on sewing?