Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Online Fabric Retailer

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.


Job Description: An online fabric retailer is one who sells fabrics through her own website or on other fabric websites.

Education: None necessary.

Skills: Knowledge about fabrics and sewing a must.

Job outlook: Growth in this niche industry is hard to pinpoint, but anecdotal evidence points to modest increases, especially for those fabric retailers who cater to a specific niche, such as children’s or wedding fabrics.

Possible employers: National organizations related to the industry can be great places to mine contacts for sales. Also, monitor social media sites or groups related to your specialty. Consider joining with other fabric sellers to develop an online store.

Preparation: Join the Fabric/Quilt Trade Association, National Association of Decorative Fabric Distributors or the Decorative Fabrics Association. Attend conferences to learn more about the industry.

Get your foot in the door: Talk to an online fabric seller to learn the ins and outs of the business. Try selling a few things on Etsy or other craft sites before launching your own to gauge interest.

Testimony: “I love the creativity of my business. It is taking something I love to do and hopefully making money at it. I also get to interact with wonderful people. Sewers are creative, fun and kind,” says Lisa of Trumbull, Conn. Her law degree laid the groundwork for the legal side of setting up a business and her extensive sewing knowledge helped with fabric choices. “I have always wanted to have my own business. I enjoy controlling my time, and wanted a creative endeavor for my business,” says Lisa. “When starting a business there is so much to learn. Most importantly is the willingness to educate yourself about the different issues that come up.”

Until next time,

Sarah