I never bought anything but thread when I first started quilting. I made all the kids quilts out of their old jeans & used old blankets for the batting & pieced clothing for the backing. It is still my DD#1's favorite quilt. I have replaced the backing three times for her & have it back to repair again. It is over 35 years old & has taken a lot of usage. Do need to replace a few of the denim blocks this time around that are getting thread bare. You can also use the old bedspreads that have the thin batting on the backs of them for your batting. You can also use them for the backing on denim quilts. I have done several like this & they have all been loved.