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How Can I Sell My Duvet Covers?

Craft Selling Advice, Including Online Resources

I have recently taken up sewing and have made some duvet covers so far. I put one on eBay but it is not getting the interest I would have hoped.

Do you have any ideas as to what I could do to make money from my craft selling, bearing in mind that I am a beginner but have lots of time on my hands.

Also I would love to take some kind of course to learn to sew. Unfortunately I am unable to go to college as I have a two-year old son and have to be with him every day. Do you know of any online courses?

Please help.

Regards

Kirsty

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Selling in Online Auctions

Well, I looked for your duvet cover on eBay and found 2093 items in that category! It’s hard to be noticed, much less considered when you’re vying with such competition. No one said craft selling is easy.

On eBay the buyers can barely see, and certainly can’t feel, the quality hand work that went into your creation. Don’t forget you are selling, so this is no time to be modest. Add as many photos as you can and don’t be shy about playing up the benefits of your product in the description box.

Unlike pricing, craft selling is more art than science. You have to pick a good venue for your crafts, one where you will find a lot of receptive buyers for your product. One type of marketplace will work, while another will be a dud.

I think you need a marketplace where you can explain your work and customers can finger the fabric. Also I would consider the different categories that eBay offers.

I again repeat my advice for anyone serious about craft selling in online auctions. Get your free copy of Sydney Johnston´s book, Make Your Net Auction Sell.

Two other excellent books to consider are

Sell Your Crafts on eBay

and

How to Market and Sell Your Art, Music, Photographs, & Handmade Crafts Online: Turn Your Hobby into a Cash Machine

I know you’re pretty much stuck at home caring for your son. I’m surprised you say you have lots of time on your hands with a two-year old. Either he’s not a typical “terrible two” or you are one amazing mom!

But, back to your question … Make some phone calls to local boutiques and consignment shops where your duvet covers would fit in. The store would likely take 50% for their service, but you can put a firm price on the item.

Consider sewing some items to coordinate with your covers, like dust ruffles and pillow shams. Often a pretty packaged set attracts more interest; and can be priced higher because of the coordination you have done. As an artistic person, you might be surprised at how many people have no ability to combine colors and patterns in a pleasing way.

Make hang tags or a small flyer to attach to each set. Explain the benefits of a duvet cover, for example –

“Protect your valuable comforter with Kirsty’s Kovers.

Change your bedroom décor in a flash to suit your mood or the season. No need to dry clean your comforter as often. My duvet covers are machine washable 100% 300-count Egyptian cotton. Sweet dreams, Kirsty.”

Sewing Lessons

As to your second question on how to improve your sewing skills, are you the type of person who prefers to learn by doing or by studying first? The way you jumped right into making duvet covers, my guess is the first.

If so, click here to go to Free projects at joann.com! where you’ll learn how to sew various home decorating items.

If you would be more interested in a formal sewing course, yes, there are many available online. In the search box, type in online sewing courses and check the "web search" box.

You will find over 100,000 to choose from! Sorry I can’t make any recommendations. I learned to sew the first way.

You might also consider learning more sewing techniques from books. Go to Amazon Books. Type in sewing in the search box.

You’ll find a huge selection of how-to-sew books specific to the type of sewing you are interested in. No need to read a chapter on tailoring a man’s suit when your interest is in home decor!

Finally, be sure to visit Sewing Secrets of the Pros where I list some recommended sewing books.

Thank you for writing. We’re “Sew-happy” to help.

Addendum

Kristy has since let me know she's gotten three bids on her cover.

Way to go!

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