For many retirees, embroidery starts as a way to relax. It fills quiet afternoons, keeps hands busy, and brings a sense of calm. What surprises a lot of people is that the same hobby can also become a steady, low-pressure source of extra income — without turning into a stressful job.
Embroidery works especially well in retirement because it’s:
Low cost to start
Easy to do at home
Flexible with time and energy
Highly valued when personalized
The secret isn’t creating museum-level art. It’s focusing on simple, repeatable designs that people want customized for gifts, milestones, and everyday use.
What Actually Sells
People don’t usually buy embroidery because it’s “beautiful.” They buy it because it’s personal.
These are embroidery items that consistently sell well:
Monogrammed towels or napkins (weddings, housewarmings)
Baby name hoops for nurseries
Wedding handkerchiefs (names + date)
Holiday ornaments (Christmas is especially strong)
Pet portraits (simple outline or name-only styles)
Hats and tote bags
Kitchen towels with sayings
Pillow covers
Framed floral hoops
Bookmarks or small keepsakes
Why personalization? Adding a name, date, or short phrase can double or even triple the price — because buyers aren’t comparing it to store-bought items anymore.
What Kind of Money Is Realistic?
Embroidery is not a “get rich quick” idea — and that’s actually its strength. It’s about steady, enjoyable income that fits retirement life.
Many small embroidery sellers report:
$15–$35 for small personalized items
$40–$100+ for framed hoops or pet portraits
$8–$20 for ornaments or bookmarks
$200–$600/month working casually
$1,000+ per month during holidays with steady orders
This kind of income can cover groceries, utilities, travel, or help delay dipping into retirement savings.
Where Retirees Commonly Sell Embroidery
You don’t need a fancy website to start. Many retirees do well using places they already know.
Popular options include:
Local craft fairs or church bazaars
Etsy (great for personalized items)
Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood groups
Senior center holiday sales
Local consignment shops
Small gift boutiques
Farmer’s markets
Crazy Tip: Start with one platform. Master it. Then expand if you want.
How Much Time Does It Take?
One of the biggest advantages of embroidery is that you control the pace.
Typical time commitments:
5–10 hours per week = a few hundred dollars a month
15–20 hours per week (seasonal) = strong holiday income
There’s no commute, no boss, and no fixed schedule. You can stitch in the morning, afternoon, or evening — whatever fits your energy level.
How to Keep It Simple
Many people burn out because they overcomplicate things. Retirees who succeed usually start small.
A smart starter setup looks like:
3–5 product types only
One or two color palettes
Clear pricing
Simple order forms for names/dates
A holiday-focused collection (ornaments, gifts)
Repetition is your friend. The easier it is to repeat a design, the more relaxing — and profitable — it becomes.
What Does It Cost to Start?
Embroidery has one of the lowest startup costs of any side hustle.
Typical beginner costs:
Starter kit: $15–$30
Fabric and floss: $20–$50
Hoops and simple packaging: $15–$40
Most people can start for under $100, often much less if they already have supplies.
A Smart Retirement Check-In
Before turning embroidery into income, ask yourself a few honest questions:
Do I enjoy doing this for hours at a time?
Can I repeat the same design without getting frustrated?
Am I comfortable with light deadlines?
Would this income meaningfully help my budget or lifestyle?
If the answers are mostly yes, embroidery can be an ideal retirement side hustle — creative, calming, and financially helpful.
With care,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report