More than 10 years ago, I started my online journey with the dream of building an audience around my interests. It wasn’t easy, and I had to go through many learning curves, but eventually, I was able to create this blog.
There were many ups and downs, but I was able to express my creativity and learn many different crafts.
From sketching to painting to interior decoration to sewing. I’m doing it all. Of all my interests, sewing is my true love.
My mother is a qualified designer and dressmaker, so I learned a lot about the craft from her.
Over time, what started as a passion project turned into a real source of income. I sell my designs online, but I also sell them locally in person.
Through this rewarding journey, I have realized that the sewing niche offers ample opportunities for most people to establish themselves and generate income.
If you have a sewing machine and a few hours a week, you’re sitting on one Serious income opportunity.
Gone are the days when you can actually make money online through ads or dropshipping. People care about genuine products that are unique, qualitative and popular.
I prefer small start-up businesses or side hustles that require very little capital to get off the ground. Thankfully, with a sewing machine, some cotton and materials, you can start your own hustle that earns you real cash.
I have shared many sewing tutorials, and some of them have even gone viral. But, for the sake of today’s topic, I want to share what I consider to be the best and easiest sewing projects you can make and sell today.
1. Fabric Keychain Pouch
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Small, cute and addictive to make—keychain pouches are compact and sell well because most people have their house or car keys with them. What will set your keychain pouch apart from other keychain pouches is the design, material and style.
It just so happens that I have some special shaped keychain pouches that are best sellers for sewing enthusiasts.
Examples include:
- Diamond Pouch Keychain
- Mini zip pouch
These are perfect impulse-buy products and are often made this way Quick Sewing Project
Sell for: $8
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
2. Zipper pouch
There is no one in this world who would ever claim that zipper pouches are useless or unnecessary. Whether for storing keys, coins, cars, makeup, first aid or miscellaneous items, they are just as useful as purses and wallets.
If you want to sew custom-made zipper pouches with boozy, cute, functional or floral material choices, you can attract many people.
Projects like the Triangle Pouch and Keyring Pouch are very popular because they:
- Beginner-friendly
- Faster for batch production
- Extremely gifted
My tutorial will teach you the basics of sewing a zipper ‘bag’ pouch, and with some creative materials and different size options, you can have an amazing product that takes about 15 minutes to sew!
Sell for: $12
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
3. Fabric bookmarks
I am fond of books. My first foray into blogging was with a book-review blog, and I worked with many publishers and authors. It was a lot of fun, and I have a huge collection of bookmarks.
As you all know, paper or cardboard bookmarks are prone to damage, tearing and discoloration over time.
In contrast, you don’t have any of those problems with fabric bookmarks. I have shared several different bookmark tutorials, such as the following:
- Corner bookmarks
- Patchwork bookmarks
- Ruffle bookmarks
These are also extremely popular among people who simply love to sew as they are very quick, functional and beautiful to sew. You can even sew a ton of them for very little money.
If you bundle 3 together, you can sell at a higher margin.
Sell for: $5 per bookmark or $10 for 3.
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
4. Fabric coasters
When I was a kid, I didn’t really bother with coasters. It wasn’t until I got older and invested in my own furniture that I realized how OCD I could be about cleanliness and the original nature of my home.
Coasters will always be a useful item for any homeowner, especially if you have visitors or children.
Alternatively, for coffee show owners, coasters can be the factor that determines how long your tables will remain undamaged.
Instead of boring old coasters or corny coasters with printed logos, why not sew some beautiful coasters with material choices that are stunning or elegant?
- Fold Coaster
- Ruffle Coaster
- Patchwork styles
They are all functional, aesthetic and cheap to sew with good profit margins if you sell in packs.
Sell for: $6 per set
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
5. Tote bags
Instant bestsellers! Trust me, as a woman, I always buy a tote bag, and I’ve noticed that most moms do the same.
They are very fashionable and long lasting. Also, most grocers charge for plastic bags which seems like crap. That is why most people prefer to buy a few tote bags once and use them for years.
I made two tote bags like below:
- Patchwork totes
- Simple canvas totes
- Crossbody bag
These are a little more advanced projects but worth it.
Sell for: $15 – $20 each depending on the design and materials used
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
6. Pencil cases and roll-up organizers
Whether you have kids or are studying or doing a normal corporate job, stationery remains useful and essential. Although technology has come a long way with tablets and notebooks, most people prefer the convenience of pen over paper.
Pencil cases or roll-up organizers are in constant need for creatives who love to sketch. I’ve made two of these, but I’ve linked to a popular one below.
Sell for: $8 – $15 depending on size and materials used
7. Needle books and sewing kits
As someone who spends countless hours sewing or experimenting with different projects, I always need storage for my sewing accessories.
I have made my fair share of needle books and sewing kits that have lasted me a long time. Whenever people see my setup, they see my stunning needlepoint books.
These are niche items but are very profitable if designed properly and made with high-quality materials.
Sell for: $5 each
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
8. Fabric mouse pads
Doesn’t anyone have a mouse and keyboard at this point? Sure, gamers have mouse pads and keyboard mats for their tastes, but what about those of us who are more into creative design?
There is a gap in the market for a cottage-core or beautiful decorative desk piece that also works for our tech items.
Because of the scarcity, you can sell them at a higher price, and they will resonate with many people if you even offer to embroider their name into each pad (easy with a high-end sewing machine).
Sell for: $5 – $15 depending on extent of customization or embroidery option
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
9. Book sleeve
Here’s another item for book lovers! I can almost guarantee you that people who are willing to spend money on paperback books in this day and age are also willing to spend money on book sleeves that protect their items.
I put together a one-size-fits-all book sleeve with a bow that was an instant hit with people. It takes a bit more time to sew, and you may need some experience, but I have designed a step-by-step tutorial that even beginners can follow.
Price: $15 – $25 depending on fabric and customization
A tutorial is available at Etsy.
10. Custom Orders (advance money)
Once you gain confidence and have the ability to sew anything, as long as you have an idea in mind, you can enter the custom order space.
Big bucks to be made with personalized gifts with unique patterns for the following items:
- Custom bag
- put on clothes
- robe
I hope this list of easy sewing projects has inspired you to start sewing and selling your hard work because it can turn into a serious side business. If you purchase any of the above tutorials, distribution is restricted. You can use it to create and sell your own items and you can share these links.
