Are you a cross stitch addict who dreams of making it more than just a hobby? Maybe you’re looking for a stitchy side hustle to earn a little extra income?
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to make money from cross stitching, we’ve rounded up seven ways to convert those crosses into cash.
With so many options available, there’s something to suit all skills and abilities – even if you’re a newbie on the scene. Your passion for cross stitch will motivate and inspire you to make it a success – so why not take the plunge?
1) SELL YOUR FINISHED ITEMS
Perhaps the most obvious way of making money from cross stitch is to sell your finished items – and this can extend way beyond the usual greeting cards and framed pictures. Think outside the box and turn your stitched designs into coasters, luggage tags, fridge magnets, badges, pocket mirrors, banners, tree decorations, bunting or even jewelry. Confident with a sewing machine? Transform your cross stitched masterpieces into cushions, tote bags or table runners.
Online marketplaces (such as eBay or Etsy) make it easy to advertise your wares to a global audience – remember to take great photos and ask friends and family to support you on social media. Take into account your costs and make sure you’re charging enough to cover your time. And don’t forget to check the Angel Policy – this will specify whether you’re allowed to sell the finished design for commercial gain.
2) DESIGN YOUR OWN CHARTS
Feeling creative? Why not create your own cross stitch charts and sell them online? There are lots of software options now available – from basic free tools to more advanced programs for professional designers.
Selling your own digital charts is one of the most profitable ways to earn money from cross stitch. Unlike producing physical products (such as kits or finished cross stitched items), there are lower overheads and no shipping or storage expenses. Plus, once the design is finished, it can be sold an unlimited number of times for virtually no extra cost.
Find a niche to make sure your designs stand out in the marketplace – there’s a growing trend for quirky, geeky or subversive charts that appeal to a new generation of cross stitchers. Remember to be original and steer clear of licensed characters or anything that infringes copyright law. Start off with downloadable PDF designs and you could progress on to turning these into physical cross stitch kits to sell online, at craft fairs or via retailers.
3) TEACH CROSS STITCH
Are you a people person? Let your love of cross stitch shine by teaching this oh-sew-enjoyable craft to others. Hosting at-home events is a great idea for bachelorette parties, kids’ birthdays or any events where people are looking for a simple, fun activity to keep everyone entertained. Choose small motifs that can be easily turned into keyrings or bookmarks for a cute take-home keepsake.
On a larger scale, you could rent a venue to hold workshops for beginners or organize retreat weekends for more advanced stitchers. Invest in a bundle of basic supplies to get going – you’ll need plenty of aida, threads and needles, as well as a selection of charts. If you’d rather be home-based, how about creating an online course or writing a book? The only limit is your imagination!
4) TAKE ON COMMISSIONS
Want to go pro? If your needlework skills are top notch, you can earn money by taking on commissions from paying clients. A beautifully stitched piece makes a unique gift that’s ideal for memorable celebrations, such as weddings or milestone birthdays, where people are willing to pay for something extra special. Family trees, birth samplers and stitched portraits are also extremely popular, with endless possibilities for personalization to create a one-off masterpiece that’s worth every cent.
Pricing can be tricky for large commissions, so ensure you charge accordingly to reflect the hours of work involved. Start small, and you’ll soon get referrals through word-of-mouth as people see the potential of your amazing talent.
5) GET INTO BLOGGING
If you’re not ready to quit the day job just yet, consider starting your own cross stitch blog or YouTube (aka ‘Flosstube’) channel. As your audience grows, you can earn money from sponsored posts, affiliate programs and adverts. It costs nothing to set up a Facebook or Instagram page, and there are plenty of free blogging platforms available.
Of course, it takes time to build up a following, but your dedication and joy for cross stitching is bound to inspire others and help to grow a community. Eventually, you could even sell your own range of merch, such as branded t-shirts, needle minders or stitchy accessories. Who knows, you could be the next cross stitch influencer!
6) BE A MODEL STITCHER
Ever dreamed of being paid to stitch all day long? The idea of ditching the daily commute to stay home and cross stitch for hours is certainly appealing. Imagine putting your feet up and getting stuck into a long stitching session while enjoying your favorite TV show and earning money at the same time!
If this sounds like your ideal job, why not consider finding work as a model stitcher? Cross stitch magazines and designers are often on the lookout for people with experience to stitch up their designs for photo shoots or trade fairs. You’ll need examples to demonstrate the quality of your work, and it goes without saying that your stitching has to be super neat!
Any downsides? Pay tends to be on the low end of the scale, so it’s unlikely to reap a full-time income. You might also find the pressure of meeting deadlines can spoil the fun of stitching for pleasure!
7) WORK FOR A CROSS STITCH COMPANY
If being self-employed isn’t for you, how about working for a cross stitch company? Suppliers and small businesses need staff to help with packing orders, accounting, customer service, social media marketing or general admin tasks.
From a recruitment perspective, you’re more likely to succeed in the job interview if you’re already a cross stitcher! Your enthusiasm for stitching will make these roles all the more enjoyable. This is a great option for anyone who likes the idea of being immersed in the world of cross stitching without the pressure of running their own business. It also means you can keep your actual stitching time just for fun, without it becoming a chore.