How to Start an At-Home Sewing Business

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Stitch together a small business on a budget
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If you're a whiz with a sewing machine, or can tailor a suit like nobody else, why not put a little cash in your pocket in the process? Starting a sewing business from the comfort of your home is an easy way to make your skills work for you, and show off your art and talent in the process. We'll help you decide if it's the right choice for you, establish a business, and grow it to fit your dreams

Things You Should Know

  • Make sure you have the time and technical skill to a start a business. Customers will expect quick turnarounds and flawless work.
  • Make a space for your sewing business where you can comfortably and safely work, store materials, and keep track of customer's garments.
  • Acquire a business license and advertise your services with flyers, website ads, or word-of-mouth.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Determining Your Business Viability

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  1. Before you begin planning to establish a home sewing business, you first need to honestly assess your abilities as a seamstress. Taking an objective view of your skills can help you decide if starting a sewing business is the right option for you.
    • An excellent way to assess your skills is to compare your work to other seamstresses in your area. Is your work comparable or better? You can't expect to be successful if you can't compete. [1]
    • Do you frequently have people asking you who sewed your clothing? If so, this might be a good sign that your skills are in demand, especially because word of mouth can be a powerful advertising tool.
  2. Consider how having a home sewing business will fit into your lifestyle and even that of your family. Knowing whether or not the time, emotional, and physical demands of being a seamstress fit in with your lifestyle is important if you want to run a successful business.
    • Are you able to handle the physical demands? Sewing for money may mean you are sitting or hunched over a sewing machine for long hours.
    • Think about if being a seamstress with a home business fits your personality. Client management is a significant part of the job and if you don't like working with people, this may not be the right choice for you.
    • You will need to allot a specific space in your home for your business, especially if you are going to meet with clients. Are you willing to give up space in your home?
    • You may also want to consider your location. If your home is in an isolated region, it may be difficult for potential clients to reach you.
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  3. Seamstresses earn on average about $29,000 per year. This amount can change depending on how often and where you work. Only proceed with your plans if the average pay or below meets your financial needs.
    • The average salary for seamstresses in general works out to $13.85 per hour, which is above the minimum wage.
    • For home seamstresses, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics cites an average annual income of 23,430, or $11.26/ hour. [2]
    • An excellent way to gauge prices is by checking the prices of comparable services in your local area. You want to stay competitive with your prices while making sure you're compensated fairly for your work. A mentor may be able to help you figure out fair prices for you and your clients.
    • One aspect to consider when assessing your prices is how quickly you sew. If it takes you a longer time to sew or you are quick, you'll want to adjust your prices based on your speed to help ensure you're getting paid an amount commensurate to your skills and work.
    • Remember that you will have to pay taxes and other fees for your business.
  4. You'll need to have a high-quality, heavy duty or industrial sewing machine to withstand repeated use. You'll also need a supply of fabrics, threads and needles. If you need to invest significantly in starting your home sewing business, it may not be the right decision for you.
    • You will need a second sewing machine on hand in case your first needs repair.
    • Remember that quality equipment is the core of your business and will allow you to garner income.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Establishing Your Home Business

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  1. You may need to found a legal entity to legitimize your business. Starting your business as a legal entity, including having a marketing strategy and billing structure, can help show potential clients that you are a serious businessperson.
    • If you have any questions, consult the Small Business Administration, which was set up to help smaller companies. [3]
    • Check with local authorities to ensure you have all of the correct licenses, certificates, and any insurance you need to start your business. The Small Business Administration can also help if you have any questions. [4]
    • In some cases, you may not have to set up a legal entity for a home business. However, it may be advisable to establish a proper business to limit your potential personal liability if problems with your business arise. [5]
    • Make sure to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other tax authorities.
    • You may want to hire a local accountant to help you navigate the financial side of your business, from registering with the IRS to budgeting.
  2. Write out short and long term plans to guide your business. This is important to help develop your business and accommodate for any contingency such as an illness or a lawsuit.
    • Be as detailed in your plan as possible. List owner and any employees' responsibilities. Create a working list of services and prices that you can tailor to demand. Finally, make sure to calculate any costs you may have to take on for supplies and payroll.
  3. You will need to have a designated space in your home to run your sewing business. Set aside a room or rooms where you can do your work without interruption.
    • You will need sufficient space to meet with clients, complete your sewing projects, and store your materials.
    • Make the space warm and inviting to your clients. It should be clean and tidy. You will also want to make sure that potential clients have privacy to try on garments.
    • If possible, set up a separate entrance to your sewing studio for your clients. Otherwise, you will have customers walking through your home, which will require you to have it tidy, clean, and presentable at all times.
  4. You should have listed your various sewing supplies in your business plan. Once you've established your company, purchase any additional supplies you may need to get started.
    • In addition to having a high-quality sewing machine and a backup machine, make sure you have sufficient thread, needles, and embroidery supplies. It's also important to have a high-quality pair of scissors that will not damage fabric.
    • If you have a computerized sewing machines, you may want to purchase additional software for making patterns.
    EXPERT TIP

    David Reeves

    Bespoke Tailor
    David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest.
    David Reeves
    Bespoke Tailor

    Choosing quality materials and skilled talent pays off in the long run. Investing in high-quality materials and workers with skilled craftsmanship really pays off in fashion, even if it costs more upfront. Superior materials paired with expert tailoring lead to garments that look and feel luxurious and last. This commitment to excellence builds customer satisfaction and brand reputation much more than short-term savings.

  5. Seek an experienced mentor who understands either small businesses or the sewing business. She will help grow your business and guide you through difficult times or situations. [6]
    • This person can offer invaluable advice on everything from pricing to dealing with difficult clients or continuing your education as a seamstress. [7]
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Building Your Business

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  1. Most seamstresses will offer different services such as repairing clothing, hemming, and sewing new garments. The more diversified your services, the more likely you are to be successful.
    • If you decide to offer additional services, you'll need to make sure you're aware of different clothing trends and sewing methods. You can find this information by reading trade publications and fashion magazines.
    • Even if you offer several different services, it's a good idea to have a type of sewing on which you specialize to help attract clients. For example, maybe you work very well with delicate fabrics such as lace. Consider specializing in sewing wedding dresses. [8]
    • It's important to not be too diversified. Offer several different services that you do well instead of dozens that you do marginally. [9]
    EXPERT TIP

    David Reeves

    Bespoke Tailor
    David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest.
    David Reeves
    Bespoke Tailor

    Focus on current clients before seeking new ones. When first starting out in the tailoring business, it's really important to focus on taking great care of current clients rather than seeking out new ones. By providing existing clients with excellent service and high-quality work, you build up repeat business and a stellar reputation over time. Satisfied clients often come back again and again and will recommend you to others. Building on that solid base of repeat customers leads to natural growth.

  2. Set up pricing structure for your services. Knowing how much you want to charge in advance can make you appear more professional when you meet with potential clients.
    • You may want to set base rates and tailor them according to how much work each individual job will cost. [10]
    • Looking at what other seamstresses or companies charge will give you a point of reference. [11]
    • Make sure your prices are commensurate with your experience and the location in which you're offering sewing services. For example, sewing jobs in places such as Michigan won't cost as much as Nevada.
  3. Once you know your price structure, install an invoicing and payment system. Consider the types of payment you will accept and how you will write receipts, which will help legitimize your business and make it easier to report income.
    • Make sure to have a separate bank account for your business than you do for personal finances. [12]
    • Likewise, have separate credit lines for your business than you do for yourself. [13]
    • Make sure every aspect of your pricing and billing is transparent to clients and vendors. Maintaining fair business practices is vital to your success.
  4. This will be one of your many calling cards that you can show potential and actual clients. You can also use your portfolio to advertise on the web and social media.
    • Having a special or signature style that distinguishes you from other seamstresses will attract clients to your business.
    • Take pictures of any services you complete and consistently update them on your web presence.
    • Make sure to include a different types and styles of sewing jobs to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and budgets clients may have.
  5. Ads are often the first impression potential clients have of you and you'll want to consider different media to attract clients. Hooking your potential customers and keeping the message simple and concise can help attract a wide array clients.
    • If you decide to design your own ads and website, research local businesses advertising to guide your design. You want your brand to be simple, distinctive, and attractive to your clients and potential customers.
    • Design your ads to complement your brand. Use similar color and design schemes so that clients and potential customers associate these elements with you.
    • Small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Build clientele through referrals and maintaining strong business relationships with your clients.
    • Partner with other businesses to advertise your home sewing business. You can work out a system where other local businesses display your business cards in their office in exchange for putting theirs in your home studio.
    • Getting involved in community activities is a type of free marketing. Donating a service or making a contribution to a charity gets your name out in the public you want to serve.
  6. Guarantee the quality of your products and services. If you believe in them enough to guarantee satisfaction, potential clients may be more likely try out your business and current clients may be more likely to keep coming back.
  7. Clothing and other garments are a very trendy business. Staying abreast of current sewing methods and clothing trends can help your business succeed.
    • Read trade publications, attend sewing conventions, and network with other seamstress to help you stay current in your skills and styles.
  8. If you sew original pieces in your home, consider selling your products in different sales venues. There are options to sell your products at festivals and online, which can help increase your profits.
    • Online venues for craft projects including sewing are one good place to get broader exposure for your sewing talents.
    • Local craft fairs, farmer's markets, and festivals may also provide an option for you to sell your products and increase your profits. These venues will also increase your exposure to potential clients in your area.
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How Do You Manage Customer Relationships As a Tailor?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the advantages of a home-based sewing business, and what should I be aware of?
    Ira Lysa
    Fashion Designer
    Ira Lysa is a Fashion Designer based in Hoboken, New Jersey. With over 15 years of industry experience, Ira is the founder of Imperial Alterations, a tailoring business. She also started the fashion brand iralysa.com and Ira’s Bridal Studio, a boutique that specializes in bridal wear. She specializes in alterations for suits, dresses, outerwear, and luxury brands.
    Ira Lysa
    Fashion Designer
    Expert Answer
    Initiating a home-based sewing business is advantageous when you have an established list of customers. This business model offers flexibility, allowing you to manage your time efficiently, from visiting stores for fabric selection to discussing design concepts. However, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of such a venture. The scope of work can be restricted, and at times, you may find yourself working late into the night to meet deadlines for a growing customer base. As you embark on a home-based business, it's crucial to consider strategies for expansion, such as hiring employees to assist with the workload. This precaution is vital because the business is inherently limited, and relying solely on individual efforts can become taxing.
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  • Question
    Is it feasible to start a home sewing business at age 52?
    Community Answer
    Yes, entirely feasible. I would recommend developing a business plan, which you can learn about by searching the internet or consulting a business plan template book at your local library.
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  • Question
    Is it possible to grow a home sewing business into a big business? For example; make it become a factory or retail outlet or become a well known designer.
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's possible, but only if you are determined and have a positive attitude towards growing your business. It will be a long road and a lot of work.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      2. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes516052.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.sba.gov
      4. ↑ https://www.sba.gov
      5. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/81180
      6. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      7. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      8. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      9. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      1. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      2. ↑ https://www.wahm.com/articles/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-starting-a-sewing-business.html
      3. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/204862
      4. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/204862

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Starting a home sewing business can give you more freedom over your work hours and projects, but it will take some effort and knowledge to set up properly. Before you start your business, you’ll need professional-level sewing skills, a dedicated space for sewing and meeting clients, and high quality sewing equipment. You’ll need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service to start trading. Then, decide on which services you’ll offer and how much you’ll charge for them. Research what other local seamstresses offer to help you plan this. You’ll also want to create a portfolio of your work to highlight your style to clients. For more tips, including how to attract new customers to your home sewing business, read on!

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