You’ve got some mad sewing skills and you’d like to increase your income streams so that you’re not reliant upon just the one or two – but what could you realistically do to increase your income?
One strategy is to come up with a list of sewing projects that you can sell after making them. This does mean that your time is being used, but if sewing is something that you love doing, and you have the tools and resources – as well as a unique idea that could make you some extra cash – then sewing projects that you can sell as custom orders or in multiples is definitely a great way to increase your income.
And if you’d like to know more about other ideas that don’t need you to make and sew items, then check out my article on adding recurring revenue streams into your creative or craft based business!
So, with all of the above in mind, let’s dive into some questions and suggestions!
Can You Make Money Sewing?
First things first. Is it even possible to make money sewing? Absolutely yes! I have been sewing since my Gran and Mom taught me back in the late 80s. While I did go on to study fashion design and gain experience in more professional sewing skills, the basic sewing skills that they taught me back then are still great for sewing projects that can be sold!
What Do You Need To Sew For Money?
You’ll obviously need some tools and materials if you want to sew items that can then be sold. A basic list is:
- Sewing machine *or* hand sewing tools (you should check out my guide on buying a second hand sewing machine if you don’t already have one!)
- Material – this can be fabrics of different types, leathers, vinyls, anything that can be sewn with a needle and thread is suitable
- Thread – seams cannot be sewn if there is no thread to join them together
What Sewn Items Sell Best?
There are a few sewn items which always sell best in my experience, and these are usually smaller items that are fast and easy to make, use scraps of fabric rather than meters, and can have a smaller price because of the above making it accessible for more budgets.
Here’s a list of sewn items that always sell well at craft fairs and on Facebook:
- Aprons – who doesn’t love an apron? Not only are they great for people to use in their home but they also make great gift ideas, so people will always buy aprons!
- Bags – tote bags and fanny packs are always firm favorites
- Clothing – this can be harder to sell as the amount of fabric used and time invested in sewing them can push up the price to more than what people will pay – but more on that further down!
- Hair accessories – items such as scrunchies, headbands and bows
- Home items – pillows, table runners and pot holders are firm favorites
- Purses – small coin purses up to document wallets are winners in my experience
Can You Sew As A Service Instead?
If the thought of sewing products isn’t floating your boat then you can still earn from sewing by providing it as a service.
Sewing can be used to provide paid alterations in your local community or you could create custom orders for people.
If you’re professionally trained and familiar with more advanced garment construction techniques then you could even find work as a freelance sample machinist for local designers – this is what I started doing when I first graduated from fashion school to build up my income streams.
Ideas For Sewing Projects That You Can Sell
Ok, let’s get into the variety of ideas that I have come up with that you can use to start sewing and selling yourself! I’m going to start with the smaller items first which would be great for scrap busting, and then we’ll move onto the bigger and more advanced sewing project ideas!
1. Bow Ties
When I had my design studio in London, there was a fellow fashion designer who made and sold Bow Ties. They were quirky and unique to her, and I even ended up buying one for myself, despite being very able to make my own.
In the photo above, you’ll see three bow ties that I made – I’ll leave a link to the pattern or those who would like to make and sell bow ties!
2. Small Wallet
I have several tutorials here on the website that you can use to create small wallets and then sell.
The larger sized version I made a tutorial for also includes a free wallet pattern which you are able to use to make your own wallets to sell, so do check that out.
Small wallets are great projects to make and sell because they can be made from any material you have to hand, they take very little time to make and they can be priced low enough to offer good value whilst also compensating you more fairly for your time. Win!
3. Padded Spectacles Case
I showed a tutorial on making a padded glasses case during December 2022 and you can of course use the free spectacles case pattern that I provided to create and sell your own.
The great thing about this sewing project is that it is another stash buster, people who don’t use specs will also love them for their sunglasses and they’re relatively fast and cheap to create.
4. Sleeping Mask
Another DIY tutorial here on my site, a sleeping mask has become an essential for my partner during the brighter summer months, and I’m sure there are many like him who would love a sleep mask to keep the sunlight at bay.
Masks that are deeper, blocking out more of the light seem to be more popular, and in less supply, so this might be an angle that you could take when thinking of sewing projects to sell!
5. Fanny Pack / Bum Bag
I have to share my own very cute fanny pack pattern here because it is such a great one, but they also sell really well. I am always drawn tot fanny packs and bumbags when away as they’re useful, small enough to pack in luggage, and make great souvenirs too of different places I have visited.
They are again stash busting, they can be made with minimal hardware, they’re very popular for summer activities like festivals and park outings and they also make great gift ideas.
All in all, fanny packs and bum bags are great projects that you can sew and sell.
6. Tote Bag
Another great project that you can sew and sell, I don’t have enough fingers on my hands to count the number of tote bags I have paid money for. I refuse to use plastic bags, so if I am out and about and get caught without a bag to stash new purchases in, I will always spend that bit more to buy a fabric tote bag over a plastic bag.
My tote bag pattern can be used if you don’t want to make your own, and it’s the perfect size for rolling up and stashing in another bag or coat pocket to pull out as and when you need it.
7. Pot Holder
Pot holders are another super easy project that can be made and sold in large numbers. They require little in the way of fabric – and if your scraps are smaller than the standard pot holder size, you can always patch them together for a more unique and one of a kind version before quilting them.
I have several pot holders in my kitchen because they do get ntty and need washing, and I’d rather have several than burn my fingers or table top.
8. Bandana
A bandana is little more than a square of fabric with a neat hem finish, but people love them and buy them. The key is to use a fabric with an interesting print, as people are usually drawn more to color and print than plain fabrics.
I have a great and simple bandana tutorial that you can follow if this sounds like a project you could sew and sell!
9. Silk Scarf
Not dissimilar from a bandana, a silk scarf can be made from just a long rectangle or square of silk fabric. The key is in getting a beautiful finish on the hem, which is usually sewn with a rolled hem foot to prevent fraying while keeping the hem very narrow and beautiful.
Silk scarves are great in solid colors and prints, but if you’re super creative you could have a go at digital printing your own silk for more unique designs. These typically sell for more than standard silk scarves made from store bought silk.
10. Hair Scunchie
I hated hair scrunchies for the longest time – and then I grew my hair out and realized just how handy they are. As well as being another stash busting project, they’re also super easy to make and can easily be purchased by those wanting them in various quantities.
My favorite scrunchie is an organza one which is made from a very long tube of organza fabric which measures 100 cm long, 12 cm wide (seam allowance is extra) and has a piece of elastic inside measuring 20 cm long (so ⅕ of the fabric length).
11. Leg Warmers
While most people think og leg warmers as being knitted, I personally like a leg warmer made from a woven fabric that is lined with a warmer layer on the inside, like merino knit fabric.
The main problem with leg warmers that are not knitted is that they often fall down but I have found that making them long enough to sit above the widest part of the calf really does help to keep them up, along with a narrow piece of elastic inserted in the top hem.
Again these can easily be made with scraps of fabric that are patched together.
12. Lace Gloves
I feel like lace gloves are such an easy project to make and sell, especially as there are so many types of stretch lace that work well!
The gloves don’t have to have fingers either – I have a great pair of fingerless lace gloves that I wear occasionally and I love them!
13. Apron
Another easy to make and sell sewing project, the apron is something that I started sewing when I was younger. My gran used to make them – she called them pinnies – and she would trim the bottom hem with a little bit of lace to smarten her pinnies up.
They never had a front bib section, just the skirt part to wrap around her waist and protect her clothing when cleaning or cooking.
I have a video on YouTube that shows the process of making a simple apron that you could follow to make and sell your own!
14. Tailors Ham
This one is a firm favorite. I have had ‘make a tailor’s ham’ on my to-do list for the longest time, but there are always more pressing projects to make, so I ended up buying a generic one.
I’m sure there are many more people like me who are eager for a tailor’s ham but lacking in time to make their own!
15. Cushion Cover
Another easy to create project, especially if you use up stash scraps too. I love a patchwork or quilt style cushion – it’s a great way to add a more unique and quirky detail to your home. And they can be made in different fabric types, shapes and sizes so there’s plenty of scope for making and selling these!
16. Tool Roll
Who doesn’t need a tool roll? These are great for people like you and I who sew, quilters, weavers, painters… so many people keep a variety of tools for their various projects or hobbies and a tool roll – also known as a tool wrap! – can be a great seller for those who just cannot be bothered to make their own!
17. Washbag
Another simple project to sew and sell, everyone needs a wash bag. It could be a simple boxy zippered type with a waterproof lining on the inside or it could be a fancier washbag ‘roll, with a hook to hang from a vanity mirror.
The latter are especially good in more masculine colors as they make great gift ideas for the dads, husbands, brothers and boyfriends in our lives!
18. Lace Bralet
I love a good lace bralet, and they’re also something that can be made relatively easily. They don’t require a lot of lace fabric, and can be made in multiple sizes to accommodate most people.
There are quite a few bralette patterns available online (though you should of course check whether commercial usage is allowed) but you can also create one based on an existing bralet that you have and then grade the pattern up and down accordingly.
19. Colonoscopy / Ileostomy Bag Cover
My Mom had an emergency Ileostomy in the summer of 2020 which saved her life but was also the beginning of the end for her.
One of the things she struggled with was the heat of the bag against her skin. She had no control over the waste output, and was nervous about leaving the house too, so we decided to try out some ileostomy bag covers.
While not great for getting the bag off in a hurry, they do help to keep the heat of the bag away from sensitive skin.
If you were going to go down this route, you would want to look into buying a specific pattern or speak to someone who has an ileostomy or colonoscopy for their guidance and suggestions.
My mum used bags and I have this pattern that worked well for them.
20. Gathered Skirt
This is a very simple project that you can sew and sell. It’s probably best to make smaller versions for children to start with, as they take less materials, but if you’re creative with digital printing and fancy designing your own fabric this can be a great way to test the market.
21. Ballerina Skirt
Tulle, tulle and more tulle is the order of the day when it comes to ballerina skirts! And I’m not talking about the real deal, but more the floaty long versions that periodically come in and out of fashion.
22. Elastic Waist Circle Skirt
Circle skirts are one of the easiest skirts to make after the basic gathered skirt, but it does take a little work to get the hem nice. And you need quite a bit of fabric too.
But don’t let that put you off, as an elastic waist circle skirt is great for small and big, young and old and make a great project to make and sell!
I’m actually working on an elasticated patchwork leather circle skirt. It’s a long and slow process, but it will be gorgeous when complete. Will I sell it? Possibly, but at the moment it’s more tailored to my taste.
23. Patchwork Backpack
Another easy one for using up scraps in your fabric stash, and backpacks are easy to make for children too, making them a great gift idea that people will buy.
You could visit thrift stores / charity shops to pick up the necessary hardware second hand as well – I recently found a lot of fasteners used in bags at my local thrift store for mere pennies.
24. Button Down Shirt
One of the more complex projects on my list, but a button down shirt is popular with most people. Smart and solid colors for those who have to wear them to the office – you could add a little piped flourish to the cuff as a hidden detail – or oversized with some fun prints for those who love a more casual button down shirt. The options are endless!
25. Floor Pillow
I have a floor pillow that I bought for sitting on when guests come over (we have limited chairs) but also because the cat quite likes to curl up on it too. It also works for some pilates and yoga sessions I follow online.
They’re another project that you can make and sell and you could even make them deeper and sell them as handmade footstools!
