E14 The First Steps in Selling
So, you’ve figured out what you love making—now what?
could you actually sell the things you make? Could your creative passion turn into a side income—or even something bigger?
It’s an exciting thought, but—it can also feel overwhelming. Should you do custom work? Sell ready-made pieces? Try Etsy? Set up a website? What about pricing? The options are endless, and if you’re like most fabric creatives, you’ve probably had moments where you thought, I have no idea where to even start.
Well, that’s what today’s episode is all about—taking those first simple, manageable steps toward selling your work without getting lost in all the details. We’re going to talk about the biggest mistakes beginners make, how to avoid them, and where to begin so you don’t burn yourself out before you even get started.
And to kick things off, let me tell you how I accidentally started selling my sewing…
I never sat down and decided to start a sewing business. It just sort of happened. In high school, a friend asked me to make her a Mardi Gras ball gown. She was the queen of her “krewe” and needed something elaborate that fit the club’s theme—roses. So, I designed her gown, we bought the fabrics together, and I made it. Her parents paid me, and before I knew it, people started coming to me with requests.
By college, I was sewing costumes, gowns, sorority outfits, and even winning Derby Day costume contests. After graduation, the wedding dress requests started rolling in. Then it was home décor, period costumes, stage wear—you name it. I was sewing everything for everyone because I didn’t know how to say no, and I thought that’s just what you had to do if you wanted to make money sewing.
Does this Sound familiar to you?
Looking back, I wish I had known how important it was to define what I actually WANTED to sell.
Not every opportunity is the right opportunity, and not every request is worth saying yes to.
That’s what I want to help you with today. If you’ve ever wondered, "Where do I even start?"—this episode is for you.
Okay, so You’ve got your ideas—maybe too many ideas.
One day, you’re dreaming about making custom items. The next, you think you want to do a line of bags instead. Then, you see someone on Instagram making quilted wall art, and suddenly, that seems like the perfect thing.
Choosing what to sell feels like a commitment. It’s that moment where you think, What if I pick the wrong thing? What if no one buys it? What if I change my mind later? And then… nothing happens, because it feels safer to keep thinking about selling rather than actually starting.
But here’s the good news: your first product isn’t your forever product. It’s just a starting point. You’re allowed to pivot, adjust, and refine as you go. The important thing is to pick something and start.
So, how do you decide? Let’s break it down into three simple steps:
1. Go with your strengths.
Choose something you already enjoy making and can produce well without reinventing the wheel. If you love sewing small accessories like bags or scrunchies, start there. If you’re a knitter and hats come naturally to you, go with that. It’s tempting to jump into something new and exciting, but your first product should be something you can make with confidence, you can do relatively quickly, and you’ll like making on repeat.
Caveat – if you LOVE variety, doing custom designs could be your thing – but you may want to stick to a specific genre. That way you develop the skills on that type of product but get variety in the colors, style, or fabric.
2. Start small.
A common mistake is choosing something that requires a huge upfront investment—whether that’s in materials, time, or skill-building. If making a custom coat takes you 30 hours, it’s might not the best starting point. Instead, go for something that’s quicker to produce so you can get a feel for the process without burning out.
3. Test the waters.
Before going all in, see what gets the most interest. Maybe your quilted coasters get more love than your mini quilts. Maybe your zip pouches sell faster than your tote bags. Pay attention to what people respond to. If you’re unsure, post some photos on social media and see what gets the most engagement.
Or you can do what I did. Whatever it is that you get the MOST requests for – start there and then refine and reframe.
Need some ideas?
Here are some solid starting points based on different fabric-related skills:
• If you sew: Small accessories (bags, scrunchies, zip pouches), simple garments, or home décor like pillows and table runners.
• If you quilt: Mini quilts, quilted coasters, wall hangings or even quilted garments
• If you knit or crochet: Hats, scarves, or simple pop overs
• If you do mixed media or fiber arts: Small art pieces, bookmarks, card sets.
• And don’t forget- not everything has to serve a “human” end user!
These types of items let you start selling without feeling overwhelmed. They don’t require massive time investments, they’re easier to price, and they give you a chance to build confidence.
Now, I want to talk about a mistake I see all the time—one that I made myself when I first started out.
Trying to sell everything.
I thought that if someone asked for something, I had to say yes. I made wedding gowns, Victorian costumes, pillows, home décor, you name it. And while I loved the fabrics, the textures, and the creative challenge, I burned out fast.
The truth is, not every request is a good fit. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. The fastest way to burn out is saying yes to every custom order that comes your way.
So instead of thinking, I need to sell all the things!—think, I need to sell the RIGHT thing for me.
So here’s the Takeaway on this…
Your first product isn’t your forever product—it’s just a stepping stone. You can always adjust, refine, and expand later. The key is to start small, choose something that excites you, and give yourself permission to grow into it. Because if you don’t enjoy the selling aspect, your small business won’t last long!
Okay, so you’ve decided, YES, selling is for you! Great!
But what do you charge? Yep!
It’s that time - Let’s talk about pricing. Because if there’s one thing that makes creatives nervous—especially when they’re first starting out—it’s putting a price tag on their work.
There’s this moment of hesitation: What if it’s too high? What if no one buys it? What if people think I’m being greedy? And so, a lot of fabric creatives undercharge.
And when I say undercharge, I mean big time.
They price based on what feels right instead of what actually makes sense. They look at mass-produced versions of what they make and think, Well, I can’t charge more than that! And before they know it, they’re barely covering costs, let alone making a profit.
Let’s make sure that’s not you.
Here are a few common pitfalls I see over and over:
Mistake #1: Undercharging because of self-doubt.
A lot of beginners set prices based on what they would pay—rather than what the market will bear. But you are not your customer. Just because you wouldn’t personally spend $150 on a handmade bag doesn’t mean someone else won’t!
Mistake #2: Not factoring in time and materials properly.
Let’s say you spend $10 on fabric, $5 on interfacing, $2 on thread, and $3 on hardware. That’s $20 in materials. But if that bag takes you three hours to make and you’re only charging $30… congratulations, you’re making less than minimum wage.
Mistake #3: Comparing your prices to mass-produced items.
This is a huge one. Your handmade pieces are not the same as the mass-produced ones from a big-box store. You’re not competing with factory-made products. You’re offering something unique, custom, and crafted with skill and care. That has value.
So, how do you price your work the right way? Here’s a simple starting formula:
Materials Cost + Time (Hourly Rate) + Overhead + Profit Margin = Price
Let’s break that down with an example:
Say you make a bag that costs $10 in materials. It takes you two hours to make. You decide you want to pay yourself $20 per hour.
That means the base cost for your time and materials is already $50.
Now, factor in overhead—things like a tiny share of your sewing machine, thread, website costs, marketing, and anything else that supports your business. Let’s say you add another $5 for that.
Then, add your profit margin. Because here’s the thing: If you only charge enough to cover your costs, you’ll never be able to grow. So, let’s say you add another $15 as profit.
That brings your price to $70.
And yet… I see so many creatives selling something like that for $25.
That’s not a business—that’s a very time-consuming hobby.
The key to success is making a Mindset Shift Around Pricing
If pricing makes you nervous, here’s something to remember:
The right customers will pay for quality work. The wrong ones will ask for discounts.
You do not need to price your work to be “affordable for everyone.” That’s impossible. Instead, price for sustainability.
Because if you undercharge, you will burn out. You will resent your work. And eventually, you will stop making altogether because it just isn’t worth it.
And that would be a shame.
So, instead of thinking, Will people pay this?—ask yourself, Does this price actually allow me to keep doing what I love?
Pricing isn’t about making your work cheap enough for everyone—it’s about making your business sustainable for you.
And the sooner you embrace that, the sooner you’ll start attracting customers who actually respect your work.
Another mistake I see new sellers make is Jumping in too fast without testing demand.
I totally get it—you’re excited, you’ve got a great idea, and you’re ready to start selling. But before you go all in and make 100 of something, only to find out no one actually wants it… let’s talk about why testing demand is essential.
I’ve seen it happen so many times—someone spends weeks making a huge inventory of a product, only to realize… they picked the wrong thing. Maybe it doesn’t sell well. Maybe people love the idea but want a different version. Maybe it’s too time-consuming to produce at scale.
And suddenly, they’re sitting on piles of inventory, wishing they’d tested the waters first.
Here’s the key: You don’t need a full product line to start. You just need a proof of concept.
So here’s How to Test Demand Without a Huge Investment
Instead of making a ton of something and hoping it sells, here are some smarter ways to test the waters:
1. Start with pre-orders or made-to-order sales.
This is a great way to gauge interest before you commit to production. If people are willing to pay upfront for something, that’s a strong indicator that you’re on the right track.
2. Offer a small batch and see how quickly it sells.
Instead of making 50 quilted tote bags, try making 5 and see how they move. If they sell out quickly, you know you’re onto something. If not, you can pivot before investing more time and materials.
3. Ask your audience or run a poll.
Even if you have a small audience, their feedback is invaluable. Post a poll on Instagram or in a Facebook group and ask: Which of these designs do you love most? Would you be interested in buying this?
You’d be surprised how much insight you can get just by asking.
Now, Beyond pre-orders and polls, here are some other ways to gauge demand:
1. Post samples on social media and watch engagement.
If one post gets tons of comments and shares, while another barely gets noticed… guess which one has more potential?
2. Offer a limited-time introductory price.
Sometimes people hesitate to buy because they’re unsure about something new. A short, limited-time launch price can help drive those early sales and give you feedback in real time.
3. Pay attention to what people already ask for.
Have you had people say, “Oh, I love that! Can you make one for me?” Pay attention to what people are already asking you to create. That’s demand knocking at your door.
The best way to know if something will sell? Test it—before you invest too much time or money.
A small experiment now can save you so much frustration down the road. So before you go all in, take a step back and make sure your idea has legs.
So, you’ve got a product idea, you’ve tested demand, and now you’re ready to actually start selling. But how – and where?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to selling your fabric creations. Some people thrive selling online, while others love in-person events. And then there’s a mix of both, which can give you the best of both worlds.
Selling online is often the first thought for creatives because it gives you a global audience and lets you run your business from anywhere. But it also comes with some pros and cons.
The advantages to having an online presence is that You’re not limited to local buyers, you can sell year-round, not just at events, and It’s more passive once it’s set up.
The disadvantages are that There’s a lot of competition, so you need to stand out; Online platforms take fees from your sales and Shipping and handling logistics can be a challenge.
Now let’s look at Etsy vs. Your Own Website
If you’re just starting, Etsy can be a great place to test the waters because it already has built-in buyers searching for handmade goods. But the downside? You don’t own the platform. They can change fees or policies anytime.
That’s why many sellers eventually move to their own website (using Shopify, Squarespace, or another e-commerce tool) so they have full control.
But you don’t have to choose one or the other—you can start on Etsy and move to your own shop as you grow. Personally, I use both.
Now, what about Social Media Sales?
Not ready for a full shop? Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can be a great place to start. Try selling via Instagram Stories or a simple “DM to purchase” post. Join Facebook groups where handmade goods are allowed to be sold. Use short videos on TikTok or Instagram Reels to showcase your products. Don’t forget that “DM me to purchase” line!! You can then send a venmo or paypal request and exchange shipping info via email.
Some sellers start by posting pictures of what they’re making and seeing if people ask, “Where can I buy that?” before committing to an official shop.
If you love meeting customers face-to-face, selling in person might be your best option. Of course, There are pros and cons to that too!
One big advantage is Immediate sales—no shipping required! Customers can touch and feel your products, which boosts sales, and You get direct feedback on what people like. And what other things they might be looking for.
The disadvantages are that Booth fees can add up and you pay them whether you sell anything or not. You need inventory ready ahead of time. It takes time and effort to set up at events and you must be present at all times during the show.
If you’re considering craft fairs or markets, here’s what you need to know:
• You’ll need a display setup. Think table covers, racks, or shelving. And if you’re outdoors, a tent! You’ll want to practice the set-up at home to make sure it looks good before committing.
• Bring more inventory than you think you’ll need. It’s better to have too much than too little. But should you run low, make sure you have handouts like pamphlets or cards so people know how to find you to buy when you have additional inventory. And have them sign a visitors log and provide their email address so you can alert your fans when and where you’ll be showing again.
• Accept multiple payment options. Many people don’t carry cash anymore—make sure you have a card reader like Square, or display your Venmo links
Craft fairs are a great way to get visibility, even if you don’t sell out. Some customers will take a card and buy later from your website or social media.
Another low-risk way to start selling in person? Local commissions. If you sew custom work, you might find customers through word-of-mouth, local boutiques, or even small business collaborations.
Pop-up shops are another option—some coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques or even hair salons allow artists to set up for a day or weekend to showcase their work.
And don’t forget about consignment. There are several “consignment” style shops that take inventory on consignment, not just clothing resale shops.
Some makers only sell online. Others only sell in person. But many successful fabric creatives do both—a mix of online and offline sales.
For example:
• Selling made-to-order products online while also doing occasional craft fairs.
• Using Instagram to take custom orders, but also having a presence on Etsy.
• Selling locally, but using a website as a portfolio for commission work.
There’s no one right way to do this. The key is to start where you feel most comfortable and expand from there.
You don’t have to have it all figured out today. You just need to pick a starting point. Whether that’s listing your first product online or booking your first craft fair booth, the important thing is to start somewhere.
Because the only way to build a creative business is to put your work out there and see what happens!
So, now that you’ve got the foundation in place—how do you actually start? The answer is simple: Take small, manageable steps. You don’t have to launch a full-fledged business overnight. You just need to start.
First, pick one product to test. Just one. Something you can make quickly and confidently. It doesn’t have to be your ultimate masterpiece—just something that represents your skills and style.
Once you’ve got that, set a price. Use the pricing formula we talked about earlier to make sure you’re covering your costs and actually paying yourself. And here’s the key: Your price isn’t permanent. It’s just a starting point. You can adjust as you go.
Now, how do you actually sell it? Choose one simple way to test the waters. Will you take pre-orders? Post it on social media and see if there’s interest? Maybe offer it to a few friends first just to get some feedback? The point here is to start small and see what happens.
And once you’ve done that, give yourself a 30-day challenge. Set a simple goal, like, “I will try selling three to five of this product in the next month.” Not a hundred, not a full-blown collection—just a few. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is learning. Testing. Figuring out what works.
This isn’t about overnight success—it’s about movement.
When you break it down like this, selling your work doesn’t have to be overwhelming. One product. One price. One selling method. That’s it. No need for a complicated business plan. No pressure to “get it right” immediately.
The hardest part of selling isn’t the technical stuff. It’s not setting up an online shop or figuring out the taxes. It’s getting over the fear of starting.
So, pick a product. Put it out there. See what happens.
And in the next episode, we’ll talk about what happens after you take that first step—how to turn this into something sustainable, so you don’t burn out or underprice yourself. Because once you start selling, the next challenge is keeping it going—without letting it take over your life.
So stay tuned for that one. But for now? Take that first step.
