What to Sew for Additional Income | Profitable Projects

“Profitable Sewing Projects That Sell Online and in Your Community.”

Sewing is more than just a creative hobby—it can also be a profitable way to bring in extra income. Whether you’re looking to sell your creations online or within your local community, there are countless items you can make that people need, want, and love to buy. If you’ve been wondering what to sew for additional income, here are some of the most lucrative and practical ideas for sewists.

👶 Baby & Children’s Clothing

There’s always a market for well-made original children’s clothing. Parents and grandparents are often willing to pay for unique, handmade garments that stand out from store-bought items.

Preemie clothing (especially in smaller sizes that are hard to find in stores).

Baby rompers, bibs, and gowns.

Children’s everyday playwear.

Holiday and special occasion outfits.

🐶 Pet Apparel & Accessories

Pet owners love spoiling their furry friends! Sewing for pets can be a fun and profitable niche.

Dog costumes for holidays and events.

Pet jackets, shirts, sweaters, and raincoats.

Bandanas, bows, and collars.

Pet beds, blankets, and even travel carriers.

🧢 Hats, Headwraps & Accessories

Accessories are quick to make and easy to sell. They also allow you to use fabric scraps creatively.

Chemo hats and headwraps (a meaningful and in-demand item).

Scrub caps for healthcare workers.

Winter hats, mittens, and scarves.

Scrunchies, bows, and headbands.

👜 Bags & Carriers

Bags are always in style, and they make great gifts as well.

Tote bags and purses.

Wallets and zipper pouches.

Diaper bags and baby carriers.

Eco-friendly grocery and produce bags.

👗 Adult Apparel & Specialty Clothing

Handmade clothing never goes out of fashion. Many customers love buying one-of-a-kind pieces.

Simple jackets and vests.

Workwear separates like blouses, skirts, and pants.

Aprons for cooking, crafting, or gardening.

Costumes or cosplay pieces (a growing market with conventions and events).

🏠 Home & Lifestyle Items

Practical items for the home can sell quickly both online and at craft fairs.

Pillow covers and cushion sets.

Curtains, valances, and table linens.

Quilts, throws, and baby blankets.

Fabric baskets, hanging organizers, and storage solutions.

🎁 Seasonal & Niche Markets

Don’t overlook holiday and event-driven items. These often sell well at certain times of year.

Christmas stockings, tree skirts, and table runners.

Wedding accessories like garter belts and ring pillows.

Graduation sashes or stoles.

Matching sets like mother-daughter aprons or doll-and-girl outfits.

✨ Selling Online & Offline

One of the best parts about sewing for income is the flexibility in where you sell.

Online: Payhip, Etsy, eBay, Webstore, and social media marketplaces.

Offline: Local craft fairs, hospital gift shops, church bazaars, and through word of mouth.

Sewing for additional income doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small by making a few items that interest you, test what sells best, and expand from there. From baby clothes to pet costumes, bags, and home décor, there’s no shortage of projects that can become profitable side hustles. With the right mix of creativity and consistency, your sewing machine can be a tool not just for making but also for earning.

✨Looking for sewing patterns and eBooks to inspire your next project? Visit The Needle Market or my Payhip shop for unique finds and resources.

 

Are Alterations and Mending a Profitable Side Income for Sewists?

 

“Turning Everyday Mending into a Profitable Sewing Side Hustle”

For many sewists, alterations and mending offer a steady, practical way to earn extra income. While sewing clothing from scratch or selling handmade items online can be rewarding, sometimes the fastest path to income comes from the people in your own community who need help with everyday repairs.

Think about it: people are constantly in need of someone who can hem pants, take in a dress, repair torn seams, or replace a broken zipper. These are small jobs for a skilled sewist, but they’re often frustrating tasks for those who don’t know how to sew. That’s where you come in.

Why Alterations and Mending Can Be Lucrative

High demand in every community: Many people don’t own sewing machines, and even fewer know how to use them. That means everyday clothing repairs are often outsourced.

Low overhead: Most jobs require only thread, needles, and your sewing machine—supplies you likely already have on hand.

Steady local business: Unlike online selling, this work is tied to your neighborhood. Word-of-mouth referrals, fabric store recommendations, and flyers can bring in consistent clients.

Flexible work: You can choose which jobs to accept and schedule them around your own availability.

How to Promote Your Services

If you decide to offer alterations and mending, let people know you’re available. Some ideas include:

Local flyers: Post at banks, post offices, laundromats, coffee shops, and community bulletin boards.

Word-of-mouth: Let family, friends, and neighbors know. Once people are aware, they’ll start spreading the word.

Fabric shops & dry cleaners: Many do not have in-house seamstresses but are happy to refer customers.

Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or community groups: Great for reaching local customers looking for quick services.

Make sure your advertising is clear and easy to read. Mention specific services, such as:

Hemming pants and skirts

Replacing zippers

Taking in or letting out seams

Mending torn fabric or repairing rips

What to Charge for Alterations and Mending

Pricing varies by location, but here are some competitive average ranges to consider as a starting point. Always consider your skill level, local demand, and the time required.

Pant hems: $10–$15

Skirt/dress hems: $12–$20 (more if lined)

Zipper replacement: $15–$25 (depending on the garment)

Take in/out side seams (pants, skirts): $15–$25

Take in/out side seams (dresses, jackets): $20–$35

Simple patch repair or tear mending: $8–$15

Button replacement: $1–$2 per button (with a minimum charge of $5–$10 per job)

💡 Tip: Always set a minimum service fee (example: $10–$15). Even if the repair is minor, your time and skill have value.

Tips for Success

Be professional: Return garments clean and pressed on a hanger covered with a clear plastic covering. Presentation makes a difference.

Be clear upfront: Discuss pricing, timelines, and what’s possible before taking a job.

Keep records: Track your work, customers, and earnings—it makes repeat business and referrals easier.

Upsell gently: If a customer comes in for a repair, you might also suggest adjustments that improve the fit (such as taking in a waistband or shortening sleeves).

Alterations and mending might not sound glamorous, but they’re one of the most reliable ways for a sewist to earn income. With low overhead, flexible hours, and a constant need in your community, this sideline can grow into steady cash flow—or even a full-time business if you want it to.

If you’re looking for a way to supplement your sewing income beyond selling online, consider starting locally by offering alterations and mending services. Not only will you earn money, but you’ll also become a go-to problem solver in your community—someone people trust with their clothes.

🧵 Love sewing? Shop my sewing patterns and eBooks on The Needle Market or visit my Payhip store today!