10 Easy Sewing Projects You Can Start Selling TODAY

More than 10 years ago, I started my journey online with a dream of building an audience around my interests. It was not easy, and I had to overcome many learning curves, but eventually, I was able to build this blog.

There were many ups and downs, but I was able to express my creativity and learn so many different crafts. 

From sketching to painting to interior decorating to sewing. I’ve been doing them 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 genuine source of income. I sell my designs online, but I also sell them in person locally.

Through this rewarding journey, I have come to realize that the sewing niche offers ample opportunity for most people to establish themselves and generate income.

If you’ve got a sewing machine and a few hours a week, you’re sitting on a serious income opportunity.

Gone are the days when you can really make money online through ads or dropshipping. People care about real 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 material, you can start your own side 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 that you can make and sell today.

1. Fabric Keychain Pouches

Tiny, cute, and addictive to make—keychain pouches are compact and sell well because most people have keys for their homes or cars. What would separate your keychain pouch from any other keychain pouch is the design, material, and style.

It just so happens that I have some uniquely shaped keychain pouches that have been best sellers for enthusiasts who like to sew.

Examples include:

• Diamond pouch keychains
• Mini zip pouches

These are perfect impulse-buy products and are often made as quick sewing projects

Sell for: $8

Tutorial available on Etsy.

2. Zipper Pouches

There’s not a person in this world who would ever claim that a zipper pouch is useless or unnecessary. Whether it’s for storing keys, coins, cars, makeup, first aid, or miscellaneous items, they’re useful in the same way purses and wallets are.

If you were to sew custom-made zipper pouches with material choices that are boujee, cute, functional, or floral, you could appeal to loads of people.

Projects like triangle pouches and keyring pouches are super popular because they’re:

• Beginner-friendly
• Quick to batch produce
• Highly giftable

My tutorial will teach you the fundamental principles of sewing a zipper ‘bag’ pouch, and with some creative material and different size options, you could have an awesome product that takes about 15 minutes to sew!

Sell for: $12

Tutorial available on Etsy.

3. Fabric Bookmarks

I am obsessed with books. My first foray into blogging was with a book-reviewing blog, and I worked with many publishers and authors. It was so much fun, and I have a huge collection of bookmarks.

As you all know, paper or cardboard bookmarks are prone to damage, wear and tear, and discoloration over time.

Conversely, you have none of those problems with a fabric bookmark. I’ve shared several different bookmark tutorials, such as the following:

• Corner bookmarks
• Patchwork bookmarks
• Ruffle bookmarks

These are also insanely popular with people who just love to sew because it’s super quick to sew, functional, and cute. You can also sew a ton of them for very little money.

If you were to bundle 3 together, you could sell for a higher margin.

Sell for: $5 per bookmark or $10 for 3.

Tutorial available on Etsy.

4. Fabric Coasters

When I was younger, 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 can be about cleanliness and the pristine nature of my home.

Coasters are always going to be a useful item for any homeowner, especially if you have visitors or kids.

Alternatively, for coffee show owners, coasters could be the factor that determines how long your tables remain undamaged.

Instead of boring old coasters or corny coasters with printed logos, why not sew some beautiful coasters with material choices that are standout or elegant?

• Folded coasters
• Ruffle coasters
• Patchwork styles

They’re all functional, aesthetic, and cheap to sew with a good profit margin if you sell in packs.

Sell for: $6 per set

Tutorial available on Etsy.

5. Tote Bags

Instant bestsellers! Believe me, as a woman myself, I always buy tote bags, and I noticed most moms do as well.

They’re so fashionable and long-lasting. Also, most grocers charge for plastic bags that look like crap. This is why most people choose to buy some tote bags once and use them for years.

I have made a couple of tote bags like the following:

• Patchwork totes
• Simple canvas totes
• Crossbody bags

These are slightly more advanced projects but worth it.

Sell for: $15 – $20 each depending on design and material used

Tutorial available on Etsy.

6. Pencil Cases & Roll-Up Organizers

Whether you have kids or if you’re studying or working a typical corporate job, stationery remains useful and essential. Even though technology has come such a long way with tablets and notebooks, most people prefer the convenience of a pen on paper.

There’s a constant need for pencil cases or roll-up organizers for creatives who love to sketch. I have made a couple of these, but I have linked to a popular one below.

Sell for: $8 – $15 depending on size and material used

7. Needle Books & Sewing Kits

As someone who spends countless hours sewing or experimenting with various projects, I always need storage for my sewing accessories.

I’ve made my fair share of needle books and sewing kits that have lasted me a long time. Whenever people view my setup, my stunning needle books catch their eyes. 

These are niche items but very profitable if designed properly and created with high-quality materials.

Sell for: $5 each

Tutorial available on Etsy.

8. Fabric Mouse Pads

Does anyone not have a mouse and keyboard at this point? Sure, gamers have mouse pads and keyboard mats designed for their interests, but what about us who are more into creative designs?

There’s a gap in the market for cottage-core or cute decorative desk pieces that are also functional for our tech items.

Due to scarcity, you could sell them at a higher price, and they’re going to resonate with many people if you also offer to embroider their name into each pad (easy with high-end sewing machines).

Sell for: $5 – $15 depending on the extent of customization or embroidery option

Tutorial available on Etsy.

9. Book Sleeve

Here’s another item for book lovers! I can almost assure 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 have put together a one-size-fits-all book sleeve with a bow that was an instant hit with people. It does take quite 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 customizations

Tutorial available on Etsy.

10. Custom Orders (ADVANCED MONEY)

Once you gain confidence and have the ability to sew anything, as long as you have an idea in mind, that’s when you can enter the custom order space.

There’s huge money to be made with personalized gifts that have unique patterns for the following items:

• Custom bags
• Dresses
• Gowns

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 tutorials above, distribution is prohibited. You can use it to make your own items and sell and you may share these links.