Making and selling quilting kits is one niche market. Beginner quilters would purchase quilting kits. They are your target market. As you plan your quilting kits, keep in mind some of the obstacles a beginning quilter would face and strive to overcome them.
For instance, a beginning quilter might be daunted by all the patterns out there from which to choose. If a beginner selects a difficult pattern, chances are that the project will never be finished and the beginner might never try quilting again! To avoid that, select simple quilt patterns for your quilting kits.
Another obstacle beginning quilters face is fabric selection. Your quilting kit will have the fabric pieces with it, taking the guess work out of color coordinating and fabric selection.
Go ahead and cut the pattern pieces for your quilting kits, too. Beginners will especially love this! You could offer intermediate level quilters with another option. For the slightly more advanced quilter, you could print (or trace) the patterns onto fabric and allow the quilter to cut them out. Consider how much time this will take, however.
Don't forget to include threads and even a needle for hand stitching!
There are many different levels at which you could offer quilting kits. You could make quilting kits for pillows, wall hangings, lap quilts or full size quilts. You could also make kits for quilted toys and dolls.
Another niche market for quilting kits could revolve around holiday themes. Offer kits that will make ornaments and other decorations.
How do you plan to sell your quilting kits? Many have dreams of mass market production, but you can sell your quilting kits without a contract from a large chain store! Consider selling the kits from your own website or Internet store. You could even sell them from an online auction site/store.
Small, classified line ads are an inexpensive way to advertise if you choose to advertise in craft magazines. Advertise in the free publications in your area. A lot of newspapers or local tabloid sized magazines offer free classifieds.
Writing an effective classified ad is not difficult. Keep the information short and sweet, and don't forget to include your contact information. A good classified ad might read: "Quilting kits. Perfect for beginners! See designs online at www.mywebsitename.com."
You will also need to consider how to package your kits. The first way that comes to mind (and probably the easiest) is to include the fabric pieces, threads, needle and good instructions in a resealable plastic bag. The idea is to keep the kit simple for your buyer but to make money for your business. So, the less paper you include for directions, the more profitable your kit. But, make sure you include all necessary directions!
For instance, your detailed directions could fit on one side of paper or card stock. Use the other side to display a completed block from your quilt kit. Make sure to include your business name and contact information on that side as well.
Home computers and inexpensive color laser printers make professional printing very affordable. Consider investing in a laser printer if you will be printing your own directions. Copy printed by inkjet method smears and runs if it gets wet.
When you assemble your kit, make sure the sheet or cardstock is inserted in the bag so that the photo of the completed quilt or block faces outside. This will give your buyer a chance to see what they are purchasing and an example of how it should look upon completion.
Quilting Kits For Beginners
How about giving quilting kits for holidays and other gift-giving occasions?
Chances are that friends and family have been admiring your work and have even stated they wish they could quilt. Those are the very people you should give a special quilting kit to this year. Putting together a quilting kit is not hard and it will allow you to share your craft with others.
First, remember to keep your quilting kits simple. A throw pillow, a wall hanging, table runner or placemats are a good start.
Next, pick your designs. Be sure to keep them pretty basic so beginners will not easily be discouraged. Make a copy of the finished design or quilt block so it can be used as a check point throughout the project.
Cut and label the pieces of fabric needed to complete the project. Remember to include directions. Either handwrite them or type them. Remember to include information about the batting unless you plan to include it in your kit as well.
Be sure to include other necessary notions in your quilting kit: a small pair of scissors, coordinating threads and a couple of needles. Your recipient will be delighted!
Quilted holiday ornaments and tree skirts also make nice quilting kits. Find your favorite designs and make holiday quilting kits for your friends.
For friends who have some quilting skills, you could assemble kits to make quilted clothing items or larger projects.
If you are part of a quilting club that is looking for a fundraiser, creating quilting kits would be ideal. Quilting kits encourage others to learn the craft and give a sense of satisfaction upon completion. The fundraiser could be year around since many of the projects could be completed and be given as gifts or holiday ornaments themselves. Keep skill levels in mind when making quilting kits: beginner, intermediate and experienced.
If your club is making quilting kits for a fundraiser, keep in mind to price the kits according to the level of difficulty for which they are designed and on the contents inside the kit. For example, a beginner kit will likely cost less than a quilting kit for an experienced crafter because the beginner kit will be easier to complete. Complex designs will involve more work in putting the quilting kit together. More supplies will also be needed to complete it...which in turn means more cutting of pieces.
Packaging your quilting kits is simple. Use resealable plastic bags to hold the items. Include a copy of the finished product or of the quilt block template. Don't forget detailed instructions, too! Add your phone number to the instructions in case your friend runs across something they don't understand. Zip the plastic bag closed and your quilting kit is complete!
You may soon find that your quilting kits are the hit of the holiday season and don't be surprised if friends and family come to request your quilting kits each year!
