Sewing Business

Perhaps working in the form of doing alterations is for you. The steps to start are easy, you just need a place to meet with your customers and a few simple supplies. Invest in a full length mirror, or a three-way mirror would be ideal, a sewing machine, a variety of threads and flosses, and all the other accessories needed for sewing.

Types of work you might consider:

+ Hemming
+ Alterations
+ Bridal fitting or alterations
+ Altering draperies, curtains, ...
+ Embroidering and personalization of items
+ Customize cloths

Getting Started

Working from your home, be certain you are comfortable allowing strangers in your house. Check with your insurance company to see if you need to add liability insurance, in the event someone hurts themselves while in your home. If you do this part-time it will not be as big an issue, but if you plan to do this as a business find out if you must collect and pay sales tax on your services.

Markets

Would you rather make things? Here are some markets you might want to consider:
+ Dresses, design or alter
+ Stylish maternity clothes
+ Baby clothes
+ Oilcloth items
+ Plus-size clothing
+ Hand bags or totes
+ Household accessories: throw pillows, blankets, embroidered towels, table linen sets, and so on
+ Buy second hand cloths which you mend or embroider and sell on consignment at local stores

If you plan on making items to sell, you will have to find identify places you can market them. Make a list of places in your community that might be good outlets for your sewing business.

Further ideas

Furniture stores may be able to display your pillows on their sofas and chairs. Ask the owners if they would take coordinating items on a consignment basis. Bring along a digital camera so that you have some ideas for fabrics, and take notes to go along with your photos as to the true colors and type of fiber used.

Check out local boutique clothing stores to see what styles and fabrics they carry. Set an appointment with the buyer to show samples of handbags, totes, and clothing you make, and be sure to ask about next season's lines and colors.

Have your own show at your home or a friend's. Send out invitations, and have some beverages and snacks available to encourage people to linger and check out your wares. Display as creatively as you can.

Take your sewing business show on the road. Attend crafts fairs in your area, and think about making one-of-a kind items, as people will purchase for themselves and for gifts, especially if they know there is not another tote bag available.

You might consider doing a little of both types of sewing alterations and creative sewing. You can take alteration work to keep cash flowing, and invest some of the income in materials for your production work.

No matter how you proceed with your business, you will be doing something you enjoy, the profits will belong to you and you work when you want to as long as the work is done.

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