How to Make Money at Home Utilizing Your Sewing Skills
Forty-three percent of tailors and hand sewers were self-employed in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hand sewers, or seamstresses, provide an invaluable service to consumers who value their clothing -- but making a living utilizing your sewing skills requires intricate knowledge of fabrics, stitching and many other garment-related components. A combination of skills, education and business acumen can prepare you to develop and start a home-based sewing business. Hand sewers earned approximately $12.11 per hour, or $25,200 annually, in 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a seamstress program to increase your knowledge and skills. Most seamstresses complete a high school education, but working with fabrics and textiles requires a high level of skill. The Association of Sewing and Design Professionals offers the Master Sewing and Design Professional Master Certification Program (see Resources). The program provides an education in design, garment construction, fit, pattern development and other components.
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Develop master skills in a specific area. Solid craftsmanship and a unique style can improve your chances of building a solid customer base. Seamstresses must possess basic skills in constructing pockets, repairing zippers or tears, altering garments, using specific fabrics and creating hidden seams. But you can identify a skill you execute well, such as embellishment or embroidery or working with draperies, gowns or pet clothing, and experiment with developing your own style or signature.
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Write a business plan. Even a home-based business needs a plan that lays the foundation for business goals and growth. Include a company overview, market research, customer profiles, an analysis of the competition, financial requirements and a marketing and advertising plan. The business plan should also further define the niche, or specialized area of the market, you plan to target. Define your niche by identifying an area of the market that lacks substantive representation. For example, if your community does not offer reasonably priced tailored clothing for children, explore applying your skills to fill the void. Go to the Small Business Administration's website for information about developing a business plan (see Resources).
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Complete the state and local requirements for registering your business. Research the legal structures available in your state by contacting the secretary of state or visiting the Internal Revenue Service's website (see Resources). If you plan to have customers visit your home, contact your local zoning authority to inquire about visits to the home and regulations regarding business activities in a residential area.
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Develop a pricing plan for your services. Determine the amount of money you would like to earn per hour or per project. Pricing should include materials and equipment, such as fabrics, threads, needles and other items, in addition to your time. Create an invoice and accounting system to keep track of your time and projects.
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Market your business. Develop business cards, sales letters and other collateral to distribute to the public. Visit dry cleaners and alteration shops to discuss your services. Donate your time to facilities, such as nursing homes and clothing closets, to gain attention. Submit press releases to your local media when you have a newsworthy story to share. Provide excellent customer service, discounts and guarantees to keep your customers satisfied.
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Tips & Warnings
Always hand out business cards...preferably magnetized to be on the refrigerator!
