Crafting and DIY projects are a great way to express creativity, but let’s be honest—supplies can get expensive fast. If you’re constantly buying new materials, costs add up quickly. The good news? There are plenty of legit ways to get free DIY supplies without spending a dime.
I’ve spent years searching for the best ways to find free crafting materials, and I’ve discovered creative, smart, and ethical methods that work. Whether you’re into woodworking, home décor, crafting, or upcycling, this guide will show you how to get free DIY supplies and save money without sacrificing quality.
1. Join Online Freebie Groups and Websites
One of the easiest ways to get free DIY supplies is through community sharing platforms. Many people give away craft materials, wood, paint, and other supplies simply because they don’t need them anymore. You can find many helpful people especially in the diy lover and dollar tree craft groups on Facebook. We have exchanged products with people from places close to my location many times. I meet new diy lovers and we give away the products we don’t need.
Here are some of the best places to check:
🔹 Freecycle (Freecycle.org)
- A global network where people give away unwanted items for free.
- Search for materials like fabric, wood, glass jars, and home improvement scraps.
- Set up alerts so you’re notified when something new is posted.
🔹 Craigslist “Free” Section
- Look under the “For Sale” section and select “Free” to see listings.
- People often give away wood scraps, old furniture, and leftover paint.
- Be quick! The best items get claimed fast.
🔹 Facebook Marketplace & Local Free Groups
- Search for “Buy Nothing” groups in your area.
- Join crafting groups where people swap and share extra supplies.
💡 Tip: When requesting free materials, be polite and explain how you’ll use them in your DIY projects.
2. Upcycle Household Items Instead of Buying Supplies
Before heading to the craft store, look around your home. You might already have plenty of materials that can be repurposed.
Sometimes I see steps on videos on how to make a craft and my mind goes straight to buying the same ones. However, instead of buying the same ones, finding equivalents at home seems more in line with the spirit of the craft. Therefore, before buying, I definitely check my house and garage or call my sister and ask if she has a similar piece.
Here are some household items that make amazing free craft supplies:
| Household Item | DIY Project Ideas |
|---|---|
| Glass Jars | Candle holders, organizers, flower vases |
| Fabric Scraps | Patchwork, no-sew pillows, wall art |
| Newspapers & Magazines | Paper mache, wall art, decoupage |
| Old T-Shirts | DIY tote bags, fabric yarn, painting rags |
| Egg Cartons | Seed starters, jewelry organizers, kids’ crafts |
💡 Example: I once turned an old wooden pallet into a stylish coffee table all for free!
3. Check Home Improvement Stores for Free Scrap Materials
Big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local hardware stores often have scrap piles or damaged materials they no longer need. Instead of throwing them away, some stores offer these scraps for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
This is a great way to get wood, tile, paint, and other supplies without spending money. You just need to know where to look and how to ask.
What Free DIY Supplies Can You Find at Home Improvement Stores?
- Lumber Scraps – Perfect for small woodworking projects, DIY shelves, or wall décor.
- Paint Samples & Mistint Paint – Many stores sell or give away “oops” paint that was mixed incorrectly.
- Tile & Flooring Samples – Great for coasters, mosaic projects, or home décor accents.
- PVC Pipes & Plywood Pieces – Useful for craft projects, garden structures, or home repairs.
- Broken Pallets – Often discarded behind stores and can be repurposed into rustic furniture.
💡 Example: I once asked a Lowe’s associate if they had any extra wood scraps, and they handed me a cart full of perfectly usable pieces that would have gone in the trash. I turned them into DIY picture frames and wall-mounted storage racks all for free.
How to Ask for Free Scrap Materials the Right Way
Many stores don’t openly advertise that they give away scraps, but if you ask politely, you might be surprised by what they’re willing to share.
✔ Talk to an Employee in the Right Department – Ask someone at the lumber, paint, or tile section about discarded materials.
✔ Go at the Right Time – Stores usually restock and reorganize materials in the early morning or late evening, making it a great time to ask about scraps.
✔ Be Friendly & Explain Your Project – Let them know you’re working on a DIY project or a school craft. Many employees are happy to help if they see a good reason.
✔ Look for Clearance or Damaged Sections – Some stores mark down items that have minor dents or scratches, but are still perfectly usable.
4. Attend DIY Workshops That Give Away Supplies
Many home improvement and craft stores offer free DIY workshops, where you not only learn a new skill but also get free materials to complete a small project. These workshops are a fantastic way to build your crafting, woodworking, and home improvement skills while saving money on supplies.
Where to Find Free DIY Workshops That Provide Supplies
✔ Lowe’s DIY-U Workshops – Free hands-on sessions for both adults and kids. They often include materials like wood, screws, and paint.
✔ Home Depot DIY Workshops – Offers workshops where you can take home the project you build, such as a wooden planter or a mini bookshelf.
✔ Michaels & Joann Fabric Craft Classes – These craft stores occasionally hold free crafting events where you get to use supplies like yarn, fabric, and paint.
💡 Example: A friend of mine attended a Lowe’s kids’ workshop with her child, and they both went home with a free wooden birdhouse kit a great DIY project for zero cost!
5. Find Free Fabric, Yarn, and Sewing Supplies
If you love sewing, knitting, or crochet, there are plenty of ways to get free fabric and yarn without spending a fortune. Many businesses and individuals donate or give away excess materials, especially when they declutter.
Where to Find Free Sewing & Yarn Supplies
✔ Fabric Store Remnants & Scraps – Many fabric stores have a scrap bin with small pieces they no longer sell. Some may give them away for free or at a very low cost.
✔ Sewing & Quilting Community Groups – Join local or online sewing forums where members share excess fabric and supplies.
How to Score More Free Fabric & Yarn
✔ Ask local tailors or upholstery shops if they have fabric remnants they don’t need.
✔ Check college textile programs—sometimes, students leave behind unused materials.
6. Ask Local Businesses for Free Supplies
Many local businesses throw away materials that are perfect for DIY projects. By simply asking politely, you might be able to get supplies for free.
The reason for this is to make room in their warehouses for new season products, as they know that storage always has a cost. If this cost is high, they have to throw away old products. However, this does not mean that these products cannot be used. Generally, all of these products are brand new and can be used for many craft projects.
Best Places to Ask for Free DIY Supplies
✔ Furniture & Cabinet Shops – May have leftover wood scraps, hardware, and paint from custom jobs.
✔ Printing & Sign Shops – Often discard paper rolls, vinyl scraps, and foam boards.
✔ Florists & Garden Centers – May have extra vases, planters, or dried flowers they no longer use.
How to Ask for Free Supplies from Businesses
✔ Be polite and explain your project—businesses are more likely to help if they see a creative purpose.
✔ Visit at the right time—go when they’re cleaning up or after major projects.
✔ Offer to take bulk items—sometimes businesses don’t want to deal with small leftover pieces, so taking more may work in your favor.