How to Become a Model Stitcher
Who makes those perfectly stitched models you see at needlework shops? Or the beautiful examples photographed for the covers of craft and stitching magazines and kits? Maybe you, if you want to be a model stitcher. Customers and readers want to see how a kit or pattern will look when sewn, so someone has to stitch it with artistry and superb craftsmanship.
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Instructions
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Get Started Becoming a Model Stitcher
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Prepare a database of the names and contact information for local needlework shops, as well as national ones, those who sell needlework supplies and designs on line, and craft and cross stitch magazine and kit publishers. Also, large chain fabric stores display finished needlework, so include them in your database. Follow the links below to find sites listing these shops and sources.
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Contact your local needlework shops in person, bringing a sample of your best work with you. Contact others by mail, and offer to send them actual samples. Refer all your prospects to a blog or website that displays your work.
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Make your samples impressive, showing your best stitching in 3" by 3" or 4" by 4" squares, done on the particular fabric you're qualified to stitch, such as linen or aida. Include several types of stitches in your sample, such as cross stitches, back stitches, and even beading. If you have any specialty stitches, include those.
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Stitch for "stash", such as floss, needles, kits, or fabric. Clarify just how much stash a project is worth. $10? $20? Be sure to ask for your stitched model to be returned to you when it's no longer on display.
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Stitch for cash. Ask national and on line publishers or designers to pay you for your efforts, but don't expect much more than a penny to a nickel per stitch. High end designers have been known to pay as much as $500 per project but this is rare. Be sure to ask for your model back after it has been photographed or displayed.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the deadline for the model to be back to the shop or delivered to the client is workable for you before you agree to it. If you have won awards or prizes for your work, be sure to let your potential clients know.
Don't forget to clarify who pays for shipping the completed model to the client and back and adjust your compensation accordingly..
Resources
- Photo Credit istockphoto
