Yes, your sewing can make money for you.

There are companies that hire seamstresses for specific tasks and you may be able to find work with one of these companies locally. You can also do alterations for people and will find work for this primarily at shops and cleaners.

But sewing is something you can do for people at home as well and make some money. In many localities there are craft shows, not just at holidays but year around. Look for them in trade magazines or on the Internet or those that are advertised locally. Prepare some samples and quick products for sales, and plan to take orders if you sign up for one of the shows.

You can also look for places to teach sewing or create seminars on your specialties. You’ll be amazed at the interest if you advertise well.

One thing to remember is that you should diversify if possible – but don’t take on too many tasks at once. Also, consider creating a catalog and an online sales outlet. There are many websites that you can utilize or create your own web page. This will still need advertising, but it may be worth it!

Be especially careful not to take on too many orders, as with the classes. You have to make the products and sell them! Also, don’t expect too much at once with any of these options. Most business have to grow, and they don’t always grow as fast as their owners want. Create a plan for yourself, a checklist of what you need to do to make money by sewing. Then just make money sewing!

Tweet This Post

Are you thinking about starting a sewing business from home, but how do you go about turning your skill into a successful business?

There is no point in ignoring one of the most basic steps – that is a business plan as you need to know where you are going, what to do if things go wrong and what your aims are.

If you are working from home, the only extra finance you may need will be for a heavier duty sewing machine, perhaps one with all the ‘bells and whistles’. However, your existing machine should do to start with.

You will need insurance if you work outside or inside the home. Just think about the possible consequences if you spill paint down a wedding dress on th eve of the wedding! Liability insurance is not always that expensive, but could prove a lifesaver.

Contact your local government offices to check to see what licences you need to work from home. These may differ dependant on where you live. Make sure you always keep financial records of everything safe, and try and get in the habit of doing your accounts regularly so you don’t get a build up.

An important consideration is to set your pricing correctly. You need a realistic but competitive pricing structure that allows you some flexibility. Make it clear up front that this is a price for the work they have asked for and that if anything extra is done, you reserve the right to charge accordingly. People will try these things so be aware.

If you are starting a sewing business you need to consider your marketing plan. There is no need to pay out thousands of dollars to launch a home-based sewing business but you really should invest in some business cards to give out to everyone. Have some flyers printed and get them out locally so people know you are in business.

Although it may not get you a lot of work, an Internet presence these days is almost an essential to display your work. Most people know someone who is good at putting together at least a basic web page so just ask. However, word-of-mouth will be the most important way to get business so make sure you treat your clients properly and they will refer you and keep coming back.

Changing your hobby into a business and starting a sewing business from home is a good way to exploit your skill. Business may take a while to take off but hold on, word-of-mouth takes time to populate. Good luck!

Tweet This Post