15 years ago I was given the best advice:  "discover what you like to do, figure out how you
can sell it to others, then make a living". 
Most people who sew, love it.  Why not take that love and profit?  Starting a sewing business
can be one of the most fulfilling, enjoying businesses one can start and profit from.  I
started my businesses doing alterations.  I told a couple of my co-workers and not long after,
every other day I was taking a co-worker's clothes home for alterations. 

A sewing business can be started in the home or outside the home and start-up costs are
usually low if you already have a sewing machine and serger. 

There are numerous sewing businesses to choose from:
1. Custom Sewing Biz, also called custom clothier or custom dressmaker.  A custom clothier
sews garments for individual clients.

2. Custom Designer.  A custom designer is similar to a dressmaker with the exception of being
a ‘designer’.  A custom designer sews for individual clients using their own designs, rather
than sew from patterns.  A custom designer may also run a small design business (also called
small time operator) and sell their designs to stores and boutiques. 

 For both the custom designer and custom clothier there are numerous areas of specialization
they can enter:  bridal sewing, children’s clothing, men’s wear, dance wear, costumes, choir
robes, women’s wear, high couture clothing, intimate apparel, plus-sized clothing, sewing for
handicapped individuals, and the list goes on…

3. Sewing for Weddings.  The bridal business is big business.  Weddings happen 365 days a year
and the average couple spends thousands of dollars on their ceremony.  The bide to be wants
everything to be perfect, including her wedding gown and wedding accessories – all of which
can be created by a sewing professional. 

4. Sewing for the Home.  this includes custom window treatments, slipcovers, pillows, shower
curtains, and on… 

5. Sewing Crafts – from dolls to toys. 

6. Alterations.  From sewing a seam to replacing a zipper.  Alterations can be a profitable
business as many people have something hanging in their closet that needs repair – and they
have no idea how to do it.   Specializing also increases you profits, such as bridal
alterations because 9 out of 10 retail wedding gowns require some type of alteration.

7. Sewing for pets. 

First determine the type of sewing you would enjoy most.  Then determine your client base –
what are their needs and how can you reach them?  Where and how will you sell your products or
services?  Who is your competition? 
There are two important skills you  must have to start a sewing business.  An ability to sew
well and total knowledge of the area in which you are sewing.  If you intend on starting a
business sewing wedding gowns, you must know everything there is to know about wedding gowns
and the bridal business.    Potential clients will be interested in your skill and knowledge.
Most will look to you for advice from anything to making them look good to planning a wedding.
Other skills include basic business knowledge and people skills.  A sewing business is a
people business as you will be required to have regular face-to-face meetings with clients
and/or buyers.  You will be dealing with all types of people and personalities.   You may be
required to develop a thick skin as now all customers will like your work. 
Advertising a sewing business is usually done by word of mouth, which is usually very
effective.  You do a good job for one client and the word spreads.  Other ways to advertise
are placing a listing in your local phone directory, leaving your business card and/or flyer
in fabric shops, beauty salons and cleaners and/or design your own web site which lists your
services, the benefits of your services and visual pictures of your work. 
Who needs your services?
Anyone who requires quality, custom-made garments, items or home decor accessories. 

Jodi Wile
Start a Sewing Business