VirtualVocations Weekly Newsletter

While many work-from-home jobs call for typing, filing, customer service or writing skills, there is a market for work-from-home crafters. In addition, while companies may not readily seek out these services, a little investigating might help you find steady work.

Consider sewing, for example.

Most dry-cleaning services offer button-replacement and other mending help. In about 15 minutes, you could phone a dozen dry-cleaning services in your area to see if they need reliable sewing help.

Likewise for clothing stores. While Nordstrom and other department stores have a tailor on staff, other niche stores offer hemming services. Again, some time with a phone directory of local malls could turn up some work. Focus on higher-end stores that carry more formal and semiformal clothing (banana republic, JoS. A. Banks, for example).

These stores often pay by the job. It could take awhile to build up a client list, but there will always be a demand for pants to be hemmed and sleeves to be shortened.

Another way to find sewing work is on Craig’s List. Look under “Etc.” in the “Help Wanted” section of your local Craig’s List directory. There you will find women wanting to hire someone to sew a bridal gown or prom dress. Payment for these services should be negotiable; feel free to charge a by-the-hour rate in addition to the cost of your materials. Always require a deposit.

Be wary of work-from-home ads for sewing work found in craft or trade magazines. While some may be legitimate opportunities, they often require you to purchase their machines and pay up front for the materials.

If you have a passion for sewing, market yourself. Do you sew baby quilts? Take photos of the quilts and create a bulletin board flier to hang at doctor’s offices or preschools. Do you enjoy working with formal fabric? Advertise near the mailbox area of a college dorm, especially in advance of sorority initiations, homecomings or other formal events.

Be creative — persistence can pay off.