Sewing can be a lucrative hobby if you've acquired that specific skill, and it takes versatility and willingness to seek different work opportunities in your area. From a part-time side job to full-time DIY crafters, sewing projects are very profitable because they yield "a staple product" in the DIY industry. So if your sewing machine is tired of making the same sewing projects over and over again, you have come to the right place.
When you think of sewing projects, your mind might leap to wool threaded knits and intricate quilts for your bedding. While these sewing projects are very popular among consumers, there are tons of other ways to expand your project scope. Coupled with these sewing staples, your fabric crafts can become more versatile and appeal to a wider customer base in the process. In addition, easy crafts like these are a simple way to make some extra money and have fun in the process.
The first thing you want to remember before expanding your sewing project scope is that not all sewing projects are created equal. So take time to do some research on what sewing projects are gaining in popularity for the season. To put it another way, investing your time into sewing a woolen knit sweater in the dead of summer might leave you and that sweater waiting around for a while to find a buyer.
There are some great resources online to utilize for your sewing project planning and can serve as a wonderful tool for creative brainstorming. If you are looking for some creative inspiration for your sewing projects, more often than not, you do not have to look very far for that creative spark.
Where to Start Your Search
With so many project options to choose from for your sewing projects, it can be overwhelming to get started. To make your sewing business easier to manage, we have put together a list of the best places you can find top-selling sewing projects to propel your profits.
Pinterest is a great online website for creatives to collaborate and share ideas. If you do not already have a Pinterest account for your sewing projects, go ahead and make one! While you are looking for your own inspiration for your next sewing sojourn, some of your previous sewing projects might give a creativity boost to others who're struggling to overcome their sewer's block. It is not required to make a Pinterest account to use the digital platform, so it is a great resource for anyone looking for sewing tips and ideas. You do not even have to search for sewing projects specifically. Instead, consider searching for a more generic topic, such as unique fabrics or unique fabric designs. From there, you can explore the different styles and unique sewing patterns used on various fabric scraps to help you refine your style and sewing techniques.
Pinterest operates similarly to a search engine, so the best way to use it is to search for key terms or phrases related to what you are looking for. For example, if you know that you want to create a sewing project for the summer, you can search for something as simple as summer sewing projects to see what pops up. Pinterest will then collect a feed of all relevant images and links related to your search term. So, for example, you might see sewing projects that you want to create yourself by putting your style and spin on them. Alternatively, you might see images of sewing projects that inspire you to create something entirely different.
Etsy
Etsy is DIY crafters central. If you plan to create sewing projects to sell, Etsy is a great platform for developing sewing project ideas and marketing your finished crafts. To find inspiration on Etsy for your sewing projects, you will want to be a bit more specific in your search criteria. Try narrowing down your search by including details on your specific style or running theme throughout your projects. For example, if you tend to cater towards bohemian-style customers, consider directing your project development search to narrow down on that niche theme.
The Etsy marketplace is also a great place to find gift ideas that can be made into sewing projects. You might even consider collaborating with an Etsy marketplace seller to incorporate your own unique sewing elements or features into their existing projects and products.
There are many competing crafters on the site, so it is important to ensure your sewing projects stand out from the crowd if you intend to sell on the digital platform. You can refer to the existing Etsy market if your sewing project ideas are unique enough to fair well in the consumer market. Note that if many other sewing crafters are doing similar projects, consumers might not pick yours over a competitor's version of the project. Refer to Etsy to confirm your sewing project ideas are unique enough so that you invest your time into another creation or simply move to a different marketplace platform.
A standard resource for scoping the market is Google. The search engine empowers you to learn more about the expansive scope that your sewing projects can take. If you have a floating project idea that you have not been able to grow some legs on to get running, then Google is a wonderful tool for learning how to develop the idea into a successful project. Try searching for various sewing tutorials specific to the sewing project idea you would like to try out. Easy sewing projects like bag tutorials are simple to find online through this search engine.
You can also use the search engine to get ideas based on current style trends and themes. For example, last year, when the pandemic hit, many stylists began implementing their own innovative spin on face masks. As a DIY crafter, you can take a similar approach with your sewing projects. Familiarize yourself with up-to-date events and occurrences that might spark your next great sewing project idea.
Local Markets and Craft Fairs
Whether you plan to sell your sewing projects in your local market and at a local craft fair, these environments are another great place to find inspiration for your sewing ideas. Make a note of the creative methods and techniques that other sewing enthusiasts take to their own sewing projects. Local marketplaces are also a great place to collaborate with other DIY creatives to share ideas, tools, and other resources that help communities succeed. This is also a great way to stay on top of what sewing projects sell well and understand why others do not sell well with consumers.
Simple Sewing Project Ideas to Consider
Now that you have a basic understanding of how you can expand your creative development process for your sewing projects, these are the best sewing project products that are great for your DIY business:
- Pillowcases
- Pillow covers
- Crossbody bags
- Drawstring bags
- Tote bags
- Potholder
- Headbands
- Placemats
- Dish towels
- Table runner
- Zipper pouch
- Baby blanket
- Home decor
- Scrunchies
- Sleep mask
- Baby bibs
- Diaper bags
- Bandanas
- Pencil cases
Spend More Time Sewing and Less Time Counting
As a small business owner, your time is valuable. When you are intricately crafting a treasured sewing project, the last thing you want to worry about is your financial records for your business.
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Notice to the Reader
The content within this article is meant to be used as general guidelines and may not apply to your specific small business methods and practices for keeping track of your financial records. Always consult with a professional accountant to ensure you're meeting local and federal accounting standards for your small business.