Sewing, Fabric & Textiles | Collectibles & Collectors Items

The sewing and textile trade has long been one of the most lucrative and popular trades to be in. Not surprisingly, many people today are now starting to collect antique sewing accessories and other associated paraphernalia, with a view to making money. A small number of people however still enjoy collecting sewing, fabric and textile items simply because they have a genuine interest in the craft.

There are literally thousands of second hand and antique items for sale on the internet and in specialist shops around the country. Many are very pretty or interesting, but only worth a few pounds. Even so, they are still well worth picking up as you never know when you may have found a hidden treasure.

Sewing Collectibles
Possibly the most common sewing collectible is the thimble. They can be made from a range of materials including sterling silver, gold, ivory and porcelain. Some are understandably worth a lot more than others, however those with quirky shapes or odd appearances make great additions to a collection for a reasonable price. Similarly, thimble cases are also very popular, especially those in the shapes of figurines.

Other collectible items include scissors, hand decorated or beaded needle cases, antique needles, pin cushions, tape measures, complete sewing sets bound in leather cases, sewing clamps, bobbins and sewing baskets. When items such as tape measures and pin cushions have unusual shapes, they are generally more collectible and may have higher price tags than ordinary items that are equally as attractive. The material from which certain items are made also has an effect on their price. For example, needle cases can be made from fabric with lace trimming, or in the form of a thin box made from ivory or silver. Generally the rarer the material is, and the more detailed the finish is, then they more expensive the piece will be.

Some sewing machines are also collectible items today. Singer hand powered sewing machines are becoming quite rare, so if you can find one that is in good working condition then it may be worth buying as an investment for the future.

It is possible to buy rare sewing collectibles for very reasonable prices when the seller isn't aware of what they have! By researching the items you're interested in and doing a thorough search on the internet, you could find some very nice collectibles that won't break the bank.

Fabric and Textiles
The art of sewing is not as common as it once was, however thousands of people still enjoy making their own clothes and items such as bed spreads and patchwork quilts. Buying the fabric for such items can be expensive if bought brand new, however second hand fabric is often a lot cheaper. If you don't mind looking around then you can normally find fabric that is referred to as 'seconds'; fabric which wasn't perfect enough to be sold for full price in fabric shops. It may be that a large piece of fabric has a very small fault which can be worked around, and buying it may save you over 50% on the retail price.

Collectible fabrics such as antique silk and satin are also worth looking for. Lacy table mats and napkins are very collectible, and finding a good quality set at a decent price could earn you a healthy profit.

Other Collectible Items to Consider Purchasing
Buttons have always been a favourite with collectors of sewing accessories. Those that are made from materials such as glass, semi-precious stones, mother of pearl and quality metals like silver and gold are very sought after, especially when there is a set of between four and eight buttons. The quality and condition of the buttons must be very good and the back side of the buttons should be closely checked as well as the front side. Buttons with unusual shapes or patterns are again more collectible than plain, regular buttons. This doesn't mean they will necessarily look better on the garment you're making though, should you intend to use them rather than store them away.

Patterns are another favourite with sewing enthusiasts. There are literally hundreds of second hand patterns available to buy for very reasonable prices which will allow you to make clothing, patchwork quilts and even fabric toys for children. Patterns from the 60s and 70s will probably have measurements and instructions in feet and inches rather than metres and centimetres, so if you intend to use them this needs to be taken into account. Any patterns you buy should be in good to perfect condition with easily readable instruction sheets and clear outlines.

Conclusion
Whether you want to collect sewing, fabric and textile items as investments or because of your love of sewing, there is certainly plenty to choose from. You can easily put together a complete, usable antique sewing kit for a few hundred pounds if you shop around. Or if you prefer, you can buy the best and have a potential retirement fund in another 30 or 40 years!