Last Updated on 7 months by Susan Mayrich
Sewing can be an excellent way to make money from home. Especially in the digital age, many people are looking for ways to earn money using their creative talents. Making things to sell is a good way to supplement your income and keep busy when you have some free time. If you’re just starting out, you might wonder what things to sew and sell that will be easy enough so that you don’t give up and yet still profitable enough to cover your costs and make a profit.
There are several ways to make money with your sewing skills. You can make clothes, furniture, jewelry and other fashion accessories, household items, toys, etc. In addition to the products themselves, you can also sell sewing patterns that can be used by others to sew similar items.
Here are some of the best things to sew and sell in 2020 for beginners. You don’t have to be an expert in sewing to make money by sewing. And you don’t need a ton of fancy or expensive equipment either. All you need is a good quality sewing machine, some fabric, and your creativity!
Aprons
Aprons are easy to make and can be made from all kinds of materials. Cotton aprons are probably the easiest and cheapest to make, but you can get more creative with this idea and use vinyl, leather, etc.
Pillows
Another very easy thing to sew and sell for beginners is pillows. You can choose from many different types of pillows such as throw pillows, neck pillows, seat cushions, and more. You can also use all kinds of materials for this project such as cotton prints, old t-shirts, or even faux fur!
Plastic Bag Holder
A plastic bag holder is one of my favorite things to sew because it’s something that almost everyone needs and it only takes minutes to make!
Hat
There are many different types of hats that you can make such as baseball caps, beanies, or even sun hats. This is another simple project that only requires a few materials.
Tote bags
Tote bags make really great gifts! You can use them for grocery shopping or carry your laptop. They’re very versatile and people love them.
Scrunchies (and hair ties)
Scrunchies are soft elastic bands used to fasten hair in a ponytail or bun. Scrunchies were popular in the years the 1980s and 90s but came back into fashion a couple of years ago, so now there’s a market for them again.
Learning how to make scrunchies is easy you can find tutorials online or even YouTube videos showing exactly how to do it.
Bandanas
Bandanas are easy to make and can be worn by humans or their pets. You can even make bandanas that double as fashion accessories by sewing on beads or other decorations.
Travel Pouches
These are becoming more popular as people want to carry around their essential items in small pouches instead of large, bulky bags. These travel pouches can be sewn out of canvas and can come in a range of colors and sizes. You can also add personalization onto them to make each pouch unique.
Purses
This is one of the most popular items that you can sew and sell. People will always use purses so there will always be a market for them. There are so many different types of purses – small coin purses, long wallets, leather wallets, etc. So determine which type of purse you would like to make and then start designing.
Pet Collars
People love their pets so it’s no surprise that pet accessories are very popular. If you have an animal lover on your hands this might be the perfect gift to sew for them.
Fabric Bins
Fabric bins are another common project that beginner sewists start with. They’re quick and easy to sew and there’s not much fabric required. They’re also very useful and useful things always sell well.
Remote Organizers
I don’t know about you, but every day I find multiple remote controls in the strangest places. A remote organizer is a great thing to have on hand if you want to keep your remotes in one place. It’s an easy sewing project too.
Fabric Planter
Fabric planters are easy to make and very attractive to buyers. This is another project that can be customized with embroidery or other features, but it’s just as nice using basic fabrics that complement the existing home decor.
Purse Organizer
If you’ve ever had trouble keeping your purse organized, you’re not alone. There are a lot of people who would love a little help in this area, and this is an easy product to make for them. You can make a customizable purse organizer that includes pockets for credit cards, business cards, cell phones, makeup — even a small umbrella.
Zipper Pouch
A zipper pouch is a great beginner project, even if you don’t plan on selling them. You can use it as a gift bag, or to fill with other small gifts.
Once you’ve mastered this basic pattern, you can make any size of a pouch with whatever materials you want. The design options are nearly limitless, so get creative.
Makeup Bag
This makeup bag makes the perfect gift or even a bridal party favor. Use fun prints and fabrics to give it some personality. You can also put a monogram on it if you want to make it more personal.
This tutorial shows how to sew the bag together by hand, but you can also use your sewing machine if you feel comfortable with that technique.
Laptop Sleeve
A laptop sleeve is another great thing you can sell to beginners and professionals alike. Again, it’s something that will take less than an hour to make.
Tea Towels
Tea towels are my favorite thing to sew because they’re quick projects that can use up all the leftovers in my stash. I love making them as hostess gifts and housewarming presents because they’re so useful, but I also keep some on hand to sell at craft fairs — they always sell out.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are always handy to have around the house. This one is made from repurposed jeans pockets and is a great way to recycle old clothes.
Yoga Mat Straps
With so many people doing yoga these days, yoga mat straps are super simple but still useful projects that can be sewn quickly and easily.
Baby Items
Diaper bags, diaper covers, burp cloths, drool bibs, pacifier clips, onesies, binky blankets, and baby blankets are popular choices for homemade baby items to sew and sell. A few sewing projects you might want to consider include soft blocks for babies, diaper stackers, and quilts.
Toys
Soft toys like stuffed animals, dolls, and plushies are great options if you’re looking for a marketable item that’s fun to sew. Other options include pet beds and dog toys.
Clothing & Accessories
Shorts and skirts are easy to make and very popular in the summertime while scarves are always a hit during the winter months. Other ideas include reusable makeup remover pads, necklaces, and earrings as well as clutches and zipper bags.
Craft Supply Pouches
With the popularity of sewing and craft supplies, these pouches are cute, useful, and easy to make. You can use different-sized bags to hold everything from thread and needles to scissors, crochet hooks, and rulers. If you have a Cricut machine, the possibilities are endless with the ability to cut vinyl letters for customizing the bags.
Curtains
If you want to try something a little bigger, curtains are something that almost every home needs. You can use simple fabrics or use more expensive fabrics for more decorative curtains. One thing to keep in mind when selling curtains is that they need to be standard sizes in order for them to fit most windows.
Cloth Napkins
Cloth Napkins are a good project if you’re looking for something a little bigger than just a small pouch but that still has room for creativity and lots of fabric options. Cloth napkins can be made out of everything from linen to fleece, but they’re best when they’re made out of something washable, so you’ll probably want to avoid using fabrics like velvet or silk brocade.
Window Valances
There’s nothing like a beautiful window treatment to add style to any room. They can be made with all kinds of fabrics and trimmings, in any color or pattern you choose. Window valances can be sewn quickly and easily, making them an ideal project for beginners.
Table Runners
Table runners are often used at weddings and other events that host long tables full of food and items. By creating custom table runners with different colors, patterns, materials, and themes you can create new ways for people to celebrate their special occasions.
You can also create table runners that are great for everyday use with matching placemats and napkins.
Market them by showcasing them with different centerpieces to show buyers how they can use it in their own homes. Take care when sewing with delicate fabrics and remember that cotton shrinks when washed.
Maternity clothes
Pregnant women are usually willing to pay good money for comfortable maternity clothes.
Leggings
Leggings are one of the most popular items to sew and sell because they are comfortable and easy to make.
Kid’s clothes: Kids grow out of their clothes very quickly. You can make a lot of money selling kid’s clothes online or in boutiques.
Costume clothing
Halloween is only once a year but costume clothing can be made all year round. Making costumes can be more profitable than sewing traditional clothes because they’re less time-consuming.
Pet clothing
Pet owners will pay good money for cute pet clothing, especially if it keeps their pets warm during the winter months.
Scarves
A knitted scarf is an easy thing to sew that’s perfect for the cold winter months when everyone needs a scarf.
Sleep Masks
If you are looking for things to sew and sell, sleep masks might just be the perfect project. They’re easy and quick to make, they’re inexpensive, they make great gifts and nearly everyone could use one at some point. Consider making them in several different fabric patterns or colors so that there is something for everyone.
Place Mats
Placemats are one of the most popular items to sew and sell on Etsy. They also make great gifts! For quick sewing projects that are easy to sell, consider making placemats. You could make them in a set of two or four. You could also make matching napkins if you want to add another item to your listing.
Pajama Pants
Pajama pants are an easy sewing project to sell. You can use fun fabric patterns and customize them for different sizes and lengths for men, women, and children.
Dog Coat
Dogs of all shapes and sizes wear coats so the possibilities are endless when it comes to selling dog coats. Pockets, zippers, buttons, hoods, and collars are just a few ideas of how you may customize dog coats while still keeping it simple enough to create many in a short period of time.
Easy Oven Mitt
This is a beginner-friendly sewing project. You can make it with or without the pocket. The pocket is great for holding small hot items like a spoon when cooking. Make one for yourself or as a gift for family and friends.
Potholder
A potholder is another great beginner project that can be a quick thing to sew and sell. It’s easy enough that anyone can make it and it only takes about 15 minutes to sew one potholder, so you’ll be able to make several in just one afternoon.
Cosmetic bag
I love to make cosmetic bags because they’re so easy to sew, and women are always in need of them. They’re great for travel, or even just to keep your purse organized. I like to use oilcloth because it wipes clean, but you could also use any fabric you have on hand.
Fabric Memo board
This is an ideal project for using up some of your larger scraps of fabric. I like to have one of these on my desk to keep my most important notes visible throughout the day. It’s a quick and easy project that doesn’t require much sewing at all.
Drawstring Backpack
Drawstring backpacks are very popular right now (at least where I live), and they’re relatively inexpensive to make yourself. You can experiment with different fabrics and designs to see what sells best in your area. I love making mine out of oilcloth.
Portable First Aid Kit
This clever and cute first aid kit is so simple to sew, it would be ideal for a beginner sewer. The only sewing involved is making a basic bag shape, sewing on the applique, and adding a zipper closure.
Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag
This crossbody bag is perfect for fall, but it would work year-round with the right fabric choices. This beautiful plaid fabric has autumnal tones that are perfect for fall, but you could keep the same design and choose different plaids to make it more versatile as well.
Leather Tablet Case
I love the look of this leather tablet case. It would go very well in a store that sells electronics or in a boutique that offers tech-related items. You could also carry it as a clutch if you don’t have a tablet.
Circle Zip Earbud Pouch
Earbuds seem to slip out of every pocket imaginable — which makes them a great product idea for crafts sellers. One of the things I love about this circle zip earbud pouch is its size. It’s not too big and not too small. It’s just right! Plus, it’s super easy to sew. You could easily make a half dozen of them in an hour or two.
Cell Phone Wallet
What makes this cell phone wallet so great is its versatility. You can use it as a phone case by attaching a wrist strap or you can just slip your phone into one of the pockets to use it as a wallet. Plus, with all of these different fabric options, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
Final Words
There are many ways to make money from sewing. You can sell your own personalized clothing designs, you can offer simple alterations to worn-out clothing, you can make custom garments for people looking for something different, and there are many other creative ways to get started. The options are only limited by your imagination.
