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The Sewcial Hour PodcastAuthor: Bethany McCue & Audra Chaimson
A Podcast for Sewists by SewistsHosted by: Bethany of Craft with BethanyCo-Hosted by: Audra of Sew Dreamy Studio Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Episode 43: The Economics of Handmade
Episode 43
Monday, 6 April, 2026
This week on The Sewcial Hour Podcast, we’re talking about a topic that can get uncomfortable real fast… money. 💸✂️Why does fabric feel so expensive? Why do makers consistently underprice their work? And what are we actually paying for when we choose handmade over mass-produced?In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the true cost of creating - from materials and tools to the often-overlooked value of time, skill, and experience. Because spoiler: that “quick afternoon project” didn’t just take an afternoon… it took years to be able to make it that quickly.We’re diving into:What really goes into the cost of a handmade itemWhy time is the most undervalued part of sewingA reality check on what your projects would cost if you paid yourself fairlyWhy handmade will never (and should never) compete with fast fashion pricingThe invisible labor behind every finished pieceWhy makers fall into the trap of underpricing their workThe difference between hobby pricing and business pricingWe also get honest about the emotional side of pricing — how it’s tied to identity, confidence, and the fear that no one will buy - and why underpricing doesn’t make you generous… it makes you unsustainable.Whether you’re a hobbyist, a side hustler, or running a full creative business, this episode will challenge how you think about the value of your work and help you decide what kind of maker you want to be.✨ Join the conversation: DM us what you think your last project really cost (including your time 👀), and share one thing you’re going to stop underpricing this year.🎧 New episodes of The Sewcial Hour Podcast drop every Tuesday on all major platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a maker who needs permission to charge more.Next week: We’re chatting with Karen Wade of Bessie Pearl - you won’t want to miss it! 🧵
