How to make money sewing

Want to make money from your hobby? Many people are considering sewing work as an additional source of income. You can make money sewing from any skill level and with no money as long you know the things to sew and sell. And, there are lots of easy sewing projects you can do to launch your small sewing business. 

Here’s a quick guide on how to make money sewing. 

Tips for your sewing small business

You can make a living sewing at home depending on the skills, supplies, and time that you have. You just have to know which sewing skills people commonly outsource. Browse popular sewing services in your location. 

Once you’ve identified what sewing services to offer, gather the necessary tools and materials, such as: 

• A sewing machine
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Thread
• Cutting mat
• Seam gauge (a ruler with a special slider to mark a visual reference point and measure fabric)
• Patterns
• Tracing paper and tracing wheel
• Accessories (zippers, buttons)

Sewing business ideas 

There are a lot of sewn items that sell well. You can choose from countless different easy sewing projects to sell as you start your home sewing business. Here are some common sewing services you can consider.   

1. Clothing repair services

You can start small by fixing clothes when you have time on evenings or weekends. This is a simple service but one of the most common. Offering repairs to ripped garments, lost buttons, and other basics will help people avoid throwing out clothes. Restoring their beloved items will save them money and give you more money.

2. Alteration services

Another popular service is altering clothes. Not all clothes we buy fit perfectly, and that’s why people are willing to pay sewers like you to make some tweaks to their garments. Plus, people's bodies change all the time, thus the need for clothing alteration services.

3. Custom designs

If you have an eye for creativity, you can create a range of original designs and make them to order. You can also sell sewing patterns and passively profit off them or sew to order different garments like Halloween costumes or wedding dresses. 

In some cases, clients may provide you with their fabric of choice. If not, you have to consider the time and extra costs to buy the materials, fitting, and alter when giving a quote. Embroidery services are also a great idea for customers looking for unique gifts or personalised items. 

4. Home décor

You don't just have to sew clothes. Home decorators are always looking to spruce up their cushions, curtains, and other home accessories. Cushion covers are easy to make and are overpriced in shops. Consider offering quilts from old sports shirts, and finding some unique fabrics and trims to set yours apart. 

5. Fabric crafts 

Aside from these ideas, you can also make scrunchies, dolls, zipper pouches, baby clothes, and dog bandanas, then you can have a niche and be above everyone else. You can even make some fabric face masks to sell! 

How to get sewing jobs 

Sewing is a good source of income, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or starting a small sewing business. And thanks to online platforms, you can sew from home and easily connect with customers.

Here are different ways you can get sewing jobs: 

• Referrals - Reliable sewers usually get referred by satisfied customers. 
• Local markets and online stores - You can sell on consignment in local markets, join craft fairs, put up an online store. Some also expand their portfolio on other mediums like blogs and social media. 
• Marketplace platforms - Promoting your services on marketplaces like Airtasker is a convenient option. Such platforms can help sewers like you connect with customers and get sewing jobs.

Find sewing jobs on Airtasker. 

Regardless of what services you want to offer, people will always be glad and appreciative of your talent, while you'll get to enjoy making money doing what you love. Find all sorts of sewing jobs at Airtasker and start your small business journey now!