Looking for easy things to sew for a craft fair? Here's a list of 10 easy items to sew that I like to sell at craft shows. I'm also giving you the links to my free tutorials to show you how to make them and pricing suggestions too! This post title could also be '10 Easy gifts to sew' because all of these items are intended to be pretty and useful and would make the perfect handmade gifts!
10 Easy Things to Sew for a Craft Fair and How to Price Them
When selling at a craft fair it is a good idea to have a range of differently priced items so people can support you even if they don't have a lot to spend. I've compiled a list of easy-to-sew small to medium items you can make to sell. Scroll down to check out my suggestions in the list below!
BUT FIRST, here are a few things to consider when selling handmade items at a Craft Fair...
How to Price your Items to Sell
Calculate Expense and Labor
This is ALWAYS the trickiest thing for me. I myself want a good deal when I buy things, so I have a hard time listing items at the top of the realistic price range. But, I do believe we should get paid a realistic wage for our work and expertise. Do you have trouble with this too?
In my experience, there seems to be a sweet spot between pricing it high enough to make a profit and low enough to actually make a sale. That sweet spot takes a bit of trial and error and knowing the population coming to the craft fair you are selling at. So if your first craft fair is a flop, don't give up until you've tried again a few times, adjusting things a little each time.
In order to price my items for sale, I generally try to tally the cost of my supplies and the time it takes me to make something and then pay my self about $20-25 per hour of labor. This doesn't take into consideration all the hours of set up and actually sitting at the fair but that is a discussion for another day.
Here's a pricing example: when I make key chains I can sew up about 5-6 in an hour. The supplies are about .50 -$1.00 (if you buy the swivel clasps in bulk and depending on how pricey the fabric was to buy, I shop sales) So I price these about $5-8 depending on my selling location and how nice the finished look is. I have seen some people sell really nice versions for $10 but they don't sell for me priced that high.
Market Research
Check out Etsy to see what like items are being sold for. Go to craft fairs and take a look at what your competition is selling their items for. I like to pretend each Craft Fair that I sell at is a 'market research' opportunity. I watch what people pick up, what their reaction to the price is, what is creating a buzz, etc., and use that info for my next craft fair adventure.
Poll Your Friend Group
I also like to ask around to friends and family to find out what they would pay for the type of item I'm selling. People who don't sew do not have any idea the effort required to make something. It's good to get some input from no-sewers about pricing so you can know if your calculations are realistic.
Truthfully some items that take a long time to make are not worth selling at a craft fair, in my opinion, since it is sometimes hard to get someone to buy them at the price you think it should sell for.
That being said, I have had MANY times when a customer comes up, sees an item they like, and says they'll buy it before even looking at the price tag. This happens more often on large, stand-out unique items, like one of a kind handbags or quilts.
Consider How You Will Display Your Items?
Need help with your craft fair set up! I have a whole blog post with tips on how to make a beautiful display that will be sure to get you shoppers and compliments. To read it, click the button below.
10 Things to Sew for a Craft Fair
Now for the list you've been waiting for... Here are some suggestions for items to sew and pricing suggestion based on what I've sold them for at a real craft fair.
Soft Sunglasses Case
Pretty padded protection for your oversized sunglasses. Price suggestion: $12-15
Little Travel Pouch
This little pouch is the best travel! Load it with a toothbrush and tooth paste, markers, and hearing aid accessories, or power cords to stay organized for travel. It's also the perfect go-to gift pouch. These always get a lot of interest at a craft fair and are fast to sew. Use leather on the tabs, a nicer zipper, and a D-ring on the zipper tab for a high end looking item. Price suggestion: $14-18.
Grow Pouch
Perfect boxy zip pouch that is great for makeup and travel. Skip the piecing and make the front and back out of one fabric to save sewing time. Price suggestion: $13-16
Wristlet Key Fobs
Sew these up out of all one fabric for a cheaper quicker version, or add a leather trip for a high end look. Great gift for anyone! Price Suggestion: $5-9
Crayon and Colored Pencil Rolls
A great gift for kids or artists. I've sold many sewn up in beautiful fabrics as a gift for coloring enthusiasts. Instructions to make a 8ct or 16ct roll included. Pric Suggestion: $12-18 (depending on size)
Girlfriend Clutch
A pretty version of a simple wristlet zipper pouch. The perfect gift for anyone to easily hold a wallet keys and a phone on the go. Skip the gathered front panel to save time. Price suggestion: $14-18
Flip Zip Wallet
This small but mighty wallet is so cute but a little time consuming to sew. So many great features make it a real gem. This design is the wallet I use everyday and it's perfect. A free pattern if you sign up to my newsletter. Price suggestion: $18-22
Tie Scrunchies
These are fast and fun to make and great to have in a basket sew low for all the little girls who come to shop. Price suggestion: $4-6
Perfect Purse Handle Tote
This is a more medium priced item that stands up very nicely on its own for display and gets a lot of attention and try ons in the booth. is perfect for everyday use. It has a boxed bottom that makes it stand up all on its own.
It has an easy to insert magnetic snap and a set of pockets on each wall. I love that the handles are long enough to throw over your shoulder with one hand too! The pattern to make this is for sale in my Etsy shop and is easy to customize. Price suggestion: $35-$45
Super Simple Tote Bag
Sew this up with a lining for a sturdy and simple tote. It's just the right size for a library bag or project tote. Price Suggestion: $25-35
And there you have it! I hope you find these tips helpful! I want to know your best tips for selling at a craft fair. Leave your input in the comments below!
If you liked this post please Like and Share it! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook @bluesusanmakes for more free sewing tutorials and inspiration!
Happy Sewing!
