Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

Comments

  2. Well, I have to say . . . sasseey! Very sassy. I am the mother and Auntie of 4 young college students who love to bake in their spare time. It is nice to see a cute apron that they would enjoy wearing. I especially like the band below the halter, this gives the apron a very retro look.

  6. I would love to have this pattern! I love this apron, been looking for one to make for my daughter-in-law for her first Thanksgiving dinner (as a cook!) and this is perfect!!!

  7. I love this apron! I have been looking for something like this for ages, so please send me the pattern. I want make it for my future sister in law and give it to at her kitchen tea!!!!

  11. Such a cute apron, love it! Please email me the pattern, I’ve got four sisters and three sister in-laws that I would love to make these for. Maybe I could even make them for my mom and mom in-law later… Thanks and again, Love the apron!

  13. Sorry I thought the pattern was yours. I’m new to blogging and hope I am doing it right. Do you happen to know her email address so I can ask her for the free pattern? I tried going to the website but I’m not sure where to look or what I am looking for – for that matter. Thank you for your assistance.

  14. Love this!! And would love it ifi could get a copy of the pattern! Thanks and props on an awesome design!

  16. I love this! Could I please get the pattern? I want to make one in pink and zebra print fabric for a friend’s birthday!

  17. This is a very cool idea, and I’d love to get the pattern. Could you send it to me? Thank you —– Betty

  18. I love your halter apron! Looks great.

    I am a widow (size 16) and I would love to
    have your pattern.
    There are some real great ones out there but
    not for $12.00 up.
    Thank you for offering a free pattern!!

    Blessings,
    Lynda

  19. I am looking for a pattern closest to the the Heavenly Hostess design–can you send yours?

  23. This is so cute. Would love to make some for christmas gifts. Pattern would be lovely, thanks for sharing 🙂

  25. Just what I have been looking for, 3 pages sent me here for free pattern for the apron. Such a awsome item I want to make some. Can you let me know where to get the patter.
    Thanks … 🙂

  28. I just read the article about Cynthia Wadell in the Guideposts magazine from July 2009. I was given the books by my niece two years ago and I’m just getting around to reading them! I’m 81 yrs old and do a lot of sewing for the homeless vets..ditty bags, lap quilts for their wheelchairs etc. I have been buying used aprons and using them for patterns, I have 7 children, 14 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren and they all have quilts made by me. My adopted daughter Esther Last has. Most have been just opened up a diner in Saquache Co. called the 4th St. Diner and I have been making aprons for her and her waitresses. Most are the old fashioed Granny Aprons. I would appreciated your free pattern”Gloria” or any one that you could spare. Thank You so much. Girlie…Feb.14,2012 Caledonia, Mi.

  29. I have 2 daughters that have just brought their own homes, both of them love to spend time in the kitchen baking and cooking. Would love to make them this gorgeous apron – please help me with the pattern 🙂

Have you read?

Pricing Handmade Sewing Items Without Undervaluing Yourself

If there’s one topic that makes sewists uncomfortable faster than sewing zippers, it’s pricing. Not how to sew the item — but how much to charge for it once it’s finished.

Most people don’t struggle with making handmade items. They struggle with putting a price on their time, skill, and effort without feeling awkward, guilty, or worried they’ll scare buyers away.

If you’ve ever thought:
 “I’m not good enough to charge that much,”
 “People won’t pay handmade prices,”
 or “I’ll just price it low until I get better,”

you’re not alone. But you’re also not doing yourself any favours.

Let’s talk about how to price handmade sewing items in a way that’s fair, realistic, and sustainable — without undervaluing yourself.

Why Undervaluing Your Sewing Hurts More Than You Think

Underpricing doesn’t just affect your income. It affects your motivation, your confidence, and how seriously buyers take your work.

When handmade items are priced too low:

  • You burn out faster

  • You resent the time spent making them

  • You struggle to restock

  • Buyers assume “cheap” equals “low quality”

Ironically, pricing too low can make selling harder, not easier.

Handmade sewing items aren’t competing with mass-produced factory goods. They’re competing with thoughtfulness, quality, and care — and those have value.

Start With the Real Cost (Not Just Fabric)

One of the biggest pricing mistakes beginners make is charging only for materials.

Fabric, thread, zips, interfacing, labels, packaging — these are your base costs. But they’re only the starting point.

You also need to account for:

  • Cutting time

  • Sewing time

  • Pressing and finishing

  • Packaging

  • Listing, photographing, or selling time

Even if you enjoy sewing, your time still counts.

A simple rule:
 If someone else had to make this for you, what would you expect to pay them per hour?

The “Straight Line” Trap (And Why It’s Not a Problem)

Many sewists worry that because their items are “simple,” they don’t deserve higher prices.

Straight seams, basic construction, minimal shaping — these are often seen as beginner skills. But from a buyer’s perspective, simplicity is often a feature, not a flaw.

Simple items are:

  • Practical

  • Durable

  • Easy to use

  • Less intimidating

  • Often more giftable

A well-made tote bag, table runner, or pouch doesn’t lose value because it’s simple. It gains value because it works.

A Simple Pricing Formula That Actually Works

You don’t need complicated spreadsheets to price handmade sewing items.

A beginner-friendly formula looks like this:

Materials + (Hourly rate × Time) + Fees = Price

Your hourly rate doesn’t need to be high — but it does need to exist.

Even a modest rate acknowledges that your time matters.

And remember: pricing isn’t permanent. You’re allowed to adjust as you learn.

Why “Charging Less Until I’m Better” Backfires

This mindset feels sensible, but it causes long-term problems.

When you price low “for now,” you:

  • Attract bargain-focused buyers

  • Set expectations that are hard to raise later

  • Undermine your confidence

  • Train yourself to accept less

Your skill will improve through repetition, not through underpricing.

Selling handmade items is a skill too — and pricing fairly is part of learning it.

What Buyers Are Actually Paying For

Most buyers don’t analyse your stitching technique.

They’re paying for:

  • Convenience

  • Thoughtful design

  • Quality materials

  • Handmade care

  • Supporting a real person

They want something useful, well made, and ready to use — not a bargain-bin price.

When you price confidently, buyers feel more confident too.

Comparing Prices Without Panicking

It’s smart to look at what others charge — but don’t use comparison as a weapon against yourself.

Instead of asking:
 “Why are they charging more than me?”

Ask:

  • Are they targeting the same customer?

  • Are they selling the same type of item?

  • Are their materials similar?

There is room for different price points. You don’t need to be the cheapest to be successful.

Pricing for Sustainability, Not Just Sales

Selling handmade items should feel rewarding, not exhausting.

If your prices don’t allow you to:

  • Replace materials

  • Restock without stress

  • Enjoy sewing

  • Take breaks

…they’re too low.

A sustainable price keeps you sewing longer — and consistency is what builds sales over time.

The Confidence Shift That Changes Everything

Instead of asking:
 “Is this worth what I’m charging?”

Ask:
 “Would I be proud to sell this?”

If the item is:

  • Well made

  • Useful

  • Finished with care

Then it deserves a fair price.

You don’t need permission to charge what your work is worth. You just need to believe that your time, effort, and creativity matter.

Because they do.

Book Review – Sewing to Sell – The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Craft Business

Selling your handmade items? Here’s how to figure a fair price.