Sewing

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From my studio last week: March 14, 2011

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I only got one thing actually sewn last week, and I hesitate to show it here because it’s really not exceptional.  But given that I don’t have anything else, it’ll just have to do.

It’s a tunic for my daughter.  I made it to test the theory that I could make a shirt using the Peek-a-Boo Shoulder Shirt pattern, but out of a woven instead a knit.  I used foldover on the edges even though the woven won’t let it actually stretch. 

As you can easily see, it’s made from an old dress-shirt.   I cut it off center to make the button placket asymmetrical.  Of course, doing that also made the hem asymmetrical.  I had planned on cutting it straight, but I got lazy.

It’s plainer than what I typically like.  In fact, when I got it done and put it on a hanger, I was immediately struck with how much it looks like an smock apron instead of a shirt.

  But then the little girl put it on, and the too-plain lines became clean and crisp.  The sloppy off-kilter hem became kind of cool.

I think I’ll definitely make another version of this some day, though next time I’ll probably put more a little more detail at the neckline. 

The only other photos I have are not of anything that came out of my studio.  Rather, it’s a whole bunch of stuff that came into my studio by virtue of the “fill a bag for $5” rummage sale at a local church.  I stuffed that bag full, y’all! 

See what all I got for my $5!

 It’s mostly t-shirts that I plan to cut into to make panties for myself, shirts and dresses for my daughter, or various other random sewing projects.

There’s also a pair 100% linen pants that will become pedal pushers for the little girl.  And a pair of gray twillish denimy that I’ll use to make a pair of spring  pants for her as well.

I am sooo going to turn that WOW! shirt into a pair of panties.

But wait, there’s more!!  Not pictured:

–Hot pink wool sweater, because my “to be felted one day” stack isn’t near tall enough.

–New vest for myself.  From Talbot’s and fits me beautifully.

–Dark kelly green dress shirt for sweet husband.

–Knee-length full skirt that’s 5 sizes too big and may or may not get sized down for me.

–Polyester yellow polka-dotted blouse with neck tie.  Also too big but I’m going to see if I can size it down and take away some of it’s poofiness.  If not, it’ll make a beautiful party dress for Liv’s American Girl doll.

ALL of that for $5.   Oh, and also half a box of old dot matrix address labels, now sitting on the little girl’s art table.

 I’m feeling a little bit like Queen of the Rummage Sale.

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Comments

  3. Oh!!!!! I love the tunic and the stash. You know me, that $5 bag you got is gold. I just the love tiered knit dresses in Hannah Andersson’s newest catalog. They’d look awesome made of patch work ts….
    I’m going to go back to my men’s shirt pile for Spring girl…and mama clothes. Thanks for sending me back there.

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.