We live in the age of the side hustle. With quitting smoking quietly, the great resignation, Zoom fatigue and burnout all factors in the new world of work, more and more people are looking for a way to make money outside of their 9 to 5 life. It has been reported that a whopping 93% of working Americans have a side hustle in some way, while 37% of those people pursue a passion through their side hustle.
Many of these side activities are creative endeavors. From making candles to photographing portraits, people have all kinds of ways to turn their creative ideas into profitable businesses. One of the most popular and profitable side hustle available today is customizing clothing with an embroidery machine.
Henry Ma, CEO of Ricoma, a leading manufacturer of embroidery machines and custom garment embellishing equipment, has helped thousands of people launch their side businesses and achieve financial independence. His message to anyone considering starting an embroidery business or starting a side hustle is that the time has never been better.
“In recent years, we have seen the demand for custom-made clothing grow exponentially,” Ma explains. “As technology continues to improve and access to quality on-demand custom clothing becomes easier, I believe we are on the cusp of a golden age for professional and part-time embroiderers.”
A low barrier to entry
With the availability of affordable home embroidery machines and a wide range of online resources offering tutorials and inspiration, people can quickly learn the craft from the comfort of their home.
“Embroidery is not a plug-and-play skill,” Ma explains. “It’s an art; As with any art, it takes time to master. That’s why Ricoma is committed to helping every customer succeed by providing free training, lifetime technical support and free educational tools to help them every step of their journey. With practice and patience, new embroiderers will be amazed at how quickly their skills improve.”
A world of possibilities
Embroidery is one of the most versatile decoration methods. From patches to personalized clothing and home decor, the creative possibilities an embroidery machine offers are virtually limitless, as is the earning potential.
Here are some side hustle ideas that can be built with an embroidery machine and some creative thinking:
Personalized clothing
From classic cotton shirts and denim jackets to delicate silk blouses and cozy fleece blankets, an embroidery machine allows you to create intricate designs and vibrant patterns on a wide range of fabrics and garments. It excels at adding flair to hats, creating intricate monograms on shirts and even embellishing sportswear with team logos.
Whether it’s a custom logo on a polo shirt or an intricate floral motif on a denim skirt, a multi-needle embroidery machine allows people to infuse their wardrobe with unique and expressive designs.
Home decor
In addition to personalizing clothing, an embroidery machine is the ultimate tool to take your interior to the next level with personal touches. It effortlessly embellishes items such as throw pillows, cushion covers and table linens, allowing intricate patterns and monograms to be woven into the fabric.
From elegant curtains and custom drapes to cozy blankets and stylish bedding, the machine’s adaptability allows for creative expression throughout the home. It also excels at embellishing items such as towels, napkins and wall hangings, giving individuals a seamless way to infuse their living spaces with unique embroidery designs.
Custom patches
Embroidered patches have become extremely popular due to their timeless appeal and versatility. From fashion to branding, these patches provide a customizable and tangible way to add personality to clothing, accessories and even business items.
With the rise of niche markets and online platforms, companies specializing in embroidered patches have found lucrative opportunities, catering to diverse interests and carving out a profitable niche within the broader custom apparel industry.
Repair and restoration of clothing
Of course, embroidery is not just about creating something new. It’s also an incredible way to revive and repair something old. By adding intricate embroidered designs to used garments, individuals can breathe new life into old pieces, giving them a unique and personal touch. This combination of environmental consciousness and creativity has led to a growing market for upcycled embroidered clothing, offering both aesthetic appeal and profitability for artisans and entrepreneurs alike.
Side jobs with your embroidery machine can be a fun way to stretch your creative muscles and earn some income on the side of your day job. From personalized gifts to home decor and more, the versatility of an embroidery machine opens doors to a wealth of earning opportunities.
As technology evolves and the market for unique, personalized items flourishes, embroidery will continue to provide remarkable opportunities for individuals to turn their creativity and passions into profitable ventures.