Cheaper thread for hand sewing

If you're hand sewing and need a certain color, buy embroidery thread instead of spooled thread. It's cheaper and the colors are easier to match your project. You can separate the threads and there's actually quite a bit of single ply thread on a skein of embroidery yarn!

Save that thread

Have you ever taken out a hem or seam that was commercially sewn and had the thread come loose in one long piece? The stitch was interlocked and the thread is perfectly good for hand sewing. The next time that happens, wind the thread on a piece of cardboard or empty spool for use when you need it.