How to Start a Sewing Business 1-2-3
Start a Sewing Business, Work When You Want
A sewing or alterations business offers a flexible time schedule and a business that can be run part-time or
full time. Take on as much work as you want to handle and schedule work hours that are convenient for you. Take
a week off when you want. Knowing another local seamstress with whom you can refer business back and forth when
needed can give you even greater flexibility.
There are lots of different services you can offer, so the work you're doing will generally change on a
daily or weekly basis. People need sewing work done for a variety of reasons, including clothing that needs to
be altered or tailored, clothing repair, custom-made clothing or items for the home like curtains, bedding,
upholstery, etc.
How to Start a Sewing Business & Make
Money
What do You Need to Start a Sewing Business?
You can create a sewing work space at home with a sewing machine, sewing materials and a phone. You can
start with minimal sewing equipment and materials and then invest in additional equipment as you discover which
services your clients value most.
Contact your local city office to obtain a business license, register your business name with county clerk
and if you choose to, set up a separate phone line for your business. Contact your local telephone company to
get your business listed in the yellow pages.
Order brochures and business cards and get professional
invoice forms to bill clients. You can save money on brochures and business cards by using an online design
service like VistaPrint where you create marketing materials yourself with professional
design templates. See also: Design
Your Own Logo Online
In addition to listing the services you offer to client, use brochures to let prospects know the benefits of
doing business with you. Why should they use you instead of the tailor down the street? Why should they hire
you instead of doing the work themselves - or not at all?
How Does a Seamstress Find Clients?
You can work as an independent
seamstress and take on projects directly through your clients. Alternatively, you can sub-contract with
boutiques and tailors for more work. Either way, begin compiling a reference list. A sewing business can
be built successfully on word-of-mouth advertising, not to mention referrals don't cost you any money in
advertising.
Want to increase your income? Even an
experienced seamstress can benefit from enrolling in advanced sewing classes. Learn new skills so you can
offer your customers more services and grow your business. When you are able to take on unique or
difficult sewing projects where others cannot, you instantly become more marketable.
Offering pick-up, delivery or on-site services can also help attract more customers. Are you able to offer
faster service or evening hours that are more convenient to clients? This can help give you a leg up on your
competition - and you don't even have to lower your prices. 32+ Ways to Get Customers
Sewing Business Resources:
