50+ Sewing Crafts That Sell Well
Thinking about what things to sew and sell on Etsy, craft fairs, and other places to make money? This page has info, tips, and lots of free projects.
We could all use a little more money in our pockets, right? Well, if you sew, then you already have the skills needed to create items to sell.
This page is focusing on sewing crafts that sell well. Not only are we offering helpful tips and suggestions regarding sewing for profit, but we also rounded up over 50 sewing ideas, projects, and patterns that you can use for your own new side business.
Whether you want to set up an Etsy account, sell elsewhere online, or take your sewn items to your local craft fairs and shows, you're in the right place.
This guide has the hottest sewing crafts to sell but will also help you excel and avoid common pitfalls novices face when trying to sell in a saturated market with the tips and suggestions included.
Even if you are a beginner, you can still discover sewing ideas to make money with the information and DIYs on this page. If you've been sewing for a while, then you'll be able to expand your project arsenal and refresh your plan.
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What Sewing Crafts Sell Best?
The keys to sewing for profit involve crafts that are:
- ...quick, inexpensive sewing projects that are desirable.
- ...small and/or easy-to-transport items (both for you and the consumer).
- ...unique enough to attract consumers.
Not every item on this list is a unique sewing project but that's where your creativity and customization come into play. If you're selling a product that can be found elsewhere, you need to either add something special (think a gift card pocket on a coffee cozy), use unexpected or attractive fabric, or price it lower.
By planning and thinking outside of the box, you can make a profit. Be on the lookout for fabric or notion sales, use coupons often, bust your stash, and get creative to keep your profit margins in check.
Best Selling Sewing Crafts in General:
Before we get into specific items, the below list includes the type of items that do well in general online or at craft shows and fairs.
- Baby items
- Bags and accessories
- Gadget holders and accessories
- Home and kitchen items
- Pet items
- Small gifts and stocking stuffers
- Seasonal and holiday items
- Travel accessories
If you're thinking this is vague, don't worry. We're going into detail about all of the above and providing as many free patterns we can find to help you out.
The True Cost of Sewing to Sell
Anyone trying to sew to sell also needs to keep in mind the time they are putting in. We don't usually pay ourselves outright but, when you sew to sell, you will need to think about the total cost before proceeding.
You have to calculate an hourly rate to make the item(s), the time it takes to create the sales page or time at the craft fair, the cost of materials, and additional costs. Missing any of the obvious or hidden costs and you could accidentally put yourself in the red without realizing it.
How to Make Money Sewing: Resources
We, along with our friends at FaveCrafts and CheapThriftyLiving, have several helpful guides that go over must-know info including copyright, making your own designs, setting up and improving your Etsy account, and more. Take a look:
- Selling Your Sewing Resource Guide
- Your Copyright Questions Answered
- Selling your Crafts in an Online Store: What Matters
- Can You Sell Licensed or Trademarked Works?
- 7 of the Most Useful Tips for Growing Your Etsy Shop
- Tips for Etsy Sellers: How to Use Etsy Conversations
- How to Promote Your Etsy Shop with Instagram
- 5 Easy Tips for Putting Your Etsy Shop on Vacation Mode
PLUS! Not sure how to price the items you make? Sewing Society has a helpful guide, Guaranteed No Stress Formula for Pricing Handmade Products.
Sewing Projects Ideas and Easy Sewing Projects to Sell
All of the categories we mentioned earlier involve lots of ideas and projects as subcategories, so scroll down to see what each category involves. Use these exact patterns or use them to inspire a unique product that you can sell the way you want.
Baby Items to Sew and Sell
No matter what, there will always be babies to make and give gifts to and it's one of the most popular categories for sewing.
The best baby items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Bibs
- Blankets
- Burp cloths
- Headbands
- Hats
- Nursing and diaper accessories
- Onesies
- Pacifier holders
- Pillows
- Teething, educational, and general toys
Best Baby Sewing Projects:
Bags and Bag Accessories to Sew and Sell
Who can't use more bags? From tiny coin purses, crossbody bags, reusable grocery bags, purses, and pouches, there are a seemingly neverending number of bags to make and sell.
Most bags do well but zipper pouches and foldable reusable produce bags are some of the most popular when it comes to sewing crafts that sell well. To stand out from the crowd, choose unique fabric patterns and embellishments.
The best bag items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Clutches and purses
- Coin purses
- Crossbody bags
- Drawstring bags
- Foldable grocery bags
- Lunch bags
- Makeup bags
- Tote bags
- Waterproof and wet bags
- Zipper pouches
Best Bag Sewing Projects:
Gadget Holders and Accessories to Sew and Sell
Cell phones, laptops, iPads, Kindles, chargers, and charging cords are some of the hottest sewing projects to sell. We all have them and need to keep them protected. Gadgets are expensive and fragile, which is why people are always looking to protect them.
With some pretty fabric, padding, and embellishments, you can create desirable covers, holders, and more for sale. Add helpful details like waterproofing, extra pockets, and unique shaping, and you've got a best-seller.
The best gadget items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- E-Reader covers
- E-Reader holders
- Gadget cozies
- Laptop bags and sleeves
- Phone cases
- Phone holders
Best Gadget-Themed Sewing Projects:
Home Items to Sew and Sell
We have a few sections involving items in the home, but we're starting with the general sewing projects that can be made for any room in the home. Particularly trendy at craft shows is organization.
Once you get the handle on sewing baskets and bags, you won't believe how streamlined the process can be. Especially when you find an easy-to-follow pattern.
The best home items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Bags
- Baskets
- Fabric sachets
- Laundry bags and baskets
- Pillowcases
- Rag rugs and scrap rugs
- Reusable dryer sheets
- Reusable duster cloths
- Throw blankets
- Wall art
- Wall organizers
Best Home Sewing Projects:
Kitchen and Dining Items to Sew and Sell
Even more popular than general items for the home are things for the kitchen. Add in the dining room, and you've got your whole booth ready for selling at any craft fair.
In particular, sewing up reusable products that people spend a lot of money on, can sell well at any craft event. Saving money and focusing on eco-friendly things in the home is important to most people. You can help.
The best kitchen and dining items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Aprons
- Coasters
- Hanging dishtowels and reusable towels
- Kitchen boas (towel scarves)
- Microwave bags and bowl holders
- Mug rugs
- Pan protectors
- Placemats
- Pot handle covers
- Potholders and hot pads
Best Kitchen and Dining Sewing Projects:
Pet Items to Sew and Sell
Is there anything cuter than a fluffy pet? Nope! Most people have an animal at home. When it comes to sewing crafts that sell, pet-related products are some of the best. A lot of pet projects can be made using scraps and other inexpensive supplies, which makes them desirable for crafty sellers.
Cats, dogs, and other small animals will love receiving these items and their parents will appreciate having unique and stylish accessories for their furry friends.
The best pet items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Bandanas
- Blankets and costumes
- Cat hammocks
- Collars and leashes
- Food and water mats
- Sweaters
- Toys
- Waste bag holders
Best Pet-Themed Sewing Projects:
Small Gifts and Stocking Stuffers to Sew and Sell
Although this section can involve a lot of different things, there are so many little gifts and stocking stuffers to make for the holidays or really any time of the year when you need a quick gift to make (and sell). We love these types of sewing projects for profit because they fit all of our requirements.
They are small and easy to transport, unique, trendy, and stylish. Plus, they are inexpensive to make and simple to price. You can make them in a short period of time, which is perfect for selling. An added bonus is that small sewing projects for craft fairs are ideal because they are easy for consumers to carry around.
The best gift items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Bookmarks
- Bracelets and jewelry
- Gift bags and boxes (reusable)
- Gift card holders
- Hair clips and bows
- Makeup removing pads
- Scrunchies
- Sleep masks
- Small plushes and stuffed animals
- Wallets
Best Gift Sewing Projects:
- Burlap DIY Gift Bags
- DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
- DIY Wallet (...and find more here)
- Embroidered Felt Bookmarks (shown below)
- Fabric Wrap Bracelets
Seasonal and Holiday Items to Sew and Sell
We all know that Christmas is a crafter's favorite time of year. It's also the most popular holiday for gift-giving. That makes it ideal for when you're searching for sewing crafts that sell well. However, every holiday has amazing sewing projects related to it and you can make whatever works for the time you're selling.
Keep in mind that people both like to get their gifts ahead of time and last minute so making these things early is always best, but having them when a holiday is quickly approaching is smart, too. Along with holidays, having seasonal accessories is a fantastic idea for any craft show.
The best seasonal and holiday items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Buntings and banners
- Draft stoppers
- Fabric flowers
- Gloves and mittens
- Hand warmers
- Hats
- Headbands
- Ornaments
- Outdoor and indoor decor
- Scarves
- Table toppers
- Wreaths
Best Seasonal Items Sewing Projects:
Travel Accessories to Sew and Sell
Everyone needs to get away and having helpful travel accessories and on-the-go items can help alleviate the stress of getting ready for your trip or having things on hand as you're out and about.
This section doesn't focus solely on vacations but any time you're leaving the house and want things handy. Most of these items are small and popular and all of them make impressive gifts. We guarantee that you'll want to have any of the following in your list of DIY sewing projects to sell.
The best travel items to make and sell include but are not limited to:
- Coffee cozies
- Hand sanitizer and lip balm holders
- Lanyards, keychains, and fobs
- Lunch bags and reusable food bags
- Masks
- Mask holders
- Purse organizers
- Sunglasses holders
- Tissue holders
- Wine holders
Best Travel Items Sewing Projects:
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What are your best picks for sewing crafts that sell well?
Let us know in the comments!