Any Market for Handmade Scrubs?

Halinja, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2007

I see people selling them on ebay all the time. So, if they're selling, people must be buying!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2007

Absolutely. Tops in one-of-a-kind patterns.

I sew, so I know what fabrics she used, and a woman made a real little cottage industry by putting out some tops in a basket in different sizes and then little swatches of fabric so you could choose your own fabric and size and she'd make you a top! Or you could buy one from the baset. She used the simple dolman-sleeved top WITH the placketed v-neck and two big pockets. The pattern is Simplicity or another of those carried at Wal*Mart. She bought the $1 - 2 a yard fabrics and sold them at $15. And had lots of buyers.

She knew our ADON so the basket sat in her office.

Maybe you could approach some nursing homes in the area and ask. Easier than E-Bay, I think.

Jo Dirt · Oct 13, 2007

People have asked me to sew for them before though I never did but I've often wondered the same thing: could I earn some extra money sewing? I've even thought of offering a service like custom wedding dresses.

Please let us know if you decide to do this and how it works out. Seems to me you'd get some customers.

jnrsmommy · Oct 13, 2007

I had a friend whose mom was making and selling homemade tops and bottoms. She was able to custom make the pieces for me (I'm plus sized, and having a top that long and big enough to cover the hips and rear, and not be gaping in the front is soooo wonderful). I bought the material (usually the $1-2/yd clearance stuff) and paid her $20 per set.

whiskeygirl, LPN · Oct 13, 2007

I would knock people over to get someone to remake my favorite scrub top!!!!! I have had it for 10+ years.

The scrubs we use for work are all black and this is a pretty floral print, so I don't wear it anyway. But if I could have the top redone in navy blue my whole year would be made. Funny, that is probably the cheapest scrub top I have ever bought. Maybe that is why it is falling apart!

happydays352 · Oct 13, 2007

I would love to get one that's fitted. I'm very busty but I have a smaller waist so I either look like I'm wearing a sack or I'm busting out, literally. Let me know if you do decide to get started!

pickledpepperRN · Oct 13, 2007

I know a man who has his tops made. He wants them with a collar, to button down the front, and with lots of pockets.

I think a lot of people would like to choose the fabric and order their size.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 13, 2007

If you are a good enough seamstress to do some custom fitting you could probably do extremely well!

I think standard sizes would sell also, particularly if people could select their own colors or patterns, but others would be willing to pay more money for something that fits their body size/shape more satisfactorily.

As some people have already posted, there's a marked out there for longer fuller tops, or more fitted tops, longer pants, pants with fuller hips but smaller waist, etc.

Seasonal patterns would probably sell well. If high school or college sports are big in your area, scrubs in team colors and so forth would go well.

You might end up with more to do than you have time for!!

Schmoo1022 · Oct 13, 2007

I think you would do well. Let me know if you get serious about it!

Snugglibumkins · Oct 14, 2007

I think you'd find a great market. I make most of my own scrub tops because I am short and thin, but was very large chested when I returned to work still breastfeeding, so if I wore a small top, I looked like a Hooters girl, and if I wore a medium top it looked like a nightgown. So I created my own top and it has worked well. I also get to use warmed materials or softer materials.

Good luck!

KentuckyRN2Be · Oct 14, 2007

Thanks for all the wonderful answers!! I am very serious about this as I know what it takes to have a sewing business and know I can do it. I love all the fabrics that are out there that would make great scrub tops. I'm glad I asked! Keep the ideas coming :)

Thanks!!!

Sarah