Find a Side Hustle

There are so many potential side hustles! Here are a few that might work for you:

Create and Sell Sewing Kits

These are often released by pattern companies to go along with one of their new patterns, but they don't have to sell with specific patterns. For instance, jeans have almost the same notions regardless of pattern, the main difference being a zipper or button fly. A jean kit might consist of 3 yards of good quality denim, matching all-purpose thread, contrasting topstitching thread, rivets, a high quality zipper or buttons for a fly, a waistband button, rivets, and a rivet installation tool with instructions. You could even sell stamped leather patches for the back waistband or colorful tabs (think of the red Levi's tabs) for that really authentic look. You could also sell patterns for back pocket embroidery.

Other types of sewing kits might be for making bras, Chanel-style jackets or skirts, tailored jackets, spring windbreakers, winter coats, or even a self-embroidered peasant top. Get creative!

Create and Sell Dye Kits

Dyeing has really taken off over the last few years, but it can be confusing to know what tools, techniques, and ingredients you need for different types of dyeing. Research the techniques, write up meticulous instructions, and sell it with all the consumable supplies. Consider dye kits for tie-dye, shibori, ice baths, ombre dip dye, batik, fabric painting, and even fabric yardage or yarn dyeing.

Create and Sell Shoe-Making or Purse-Making Kits

Shoe making is taking off in popularity and purse-making has been popular for a while. You could sell starter kits with basic supplies, or kits for specific items. 

Create and Sell Your Own Custom Fabrics

  • Wouldn't it be great to have a few yards of high quality heirloom batiste that already had insertion lace, entredeux, and pintucks sewn in? Just cut out the pattern pieces, sew them up, and enjoy that incredible heirloom blouse.
  • What about embroidering a yard or two of fabric, either by hand or machine? Add a custom sugar skull to white jersey knit or create a border of flowers on a length of cotton for a peasant skirt.
  • Read The Art of Manipulating Fabric by Colette Wolff and brainstorm about what amazing textiles you can create and sell.
  • Collect or buy scraps of similar fabrics and sew them into yardage. It's been done with quilting cotton, but think about the same idea in silk, cotton jersey, or linen for one-of-a-kind garments. If you have an eye for color and combining fabrics, the result could be stunning textiles.

Visit Thrift Shops, Craigslist, and Estate Sales

Think of all the overflowing pattern and fabric stashes out there. Often those goods end up at thrift stores, Craigslist, or local estate sales. You can buy them inexpensively and sell them for more if you are willing take the time to post them online individually.

Create a New Notion, Tool, or Pattern

Do you ask yourself, "Why hasn't someone created _______?" It's time for you to do it. It's never been easier to design your own patterns, manufacture your own notions (thank you, 3D printers!), market them to a wide audience, and sell them online.

Source Hard to Find Fabrics, Hardware, or Trim

Are there a few fabrics that you love but can't find very easily? Think about cashmere knit, enormous florals, or your favorite fabric in its most eco-friendly form. Maybe it's fabric from your home country or the country of your ancestors. Think about Scottish plaids, Indian sari fabric, kimono silk, African wax prints, Indonesian batik, Irish linen, Guatemalan wovens, or Chinese mud silk. Whatever you love, make it your mission to find a source for it and share your passion for these beautiful textiles. If you don't know where to start, watch this great video on sourcing fabrics, surf fashiondex.com, or even visit a trade show such as MAGIC. 

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