How to Start a Drapery Sewing Business

Start your own drapery business.

Maybe you were the star of your home economics class at school, or maybe you just love to sew. You may have what it takes to start your own drapery sewing business. A business suitable for stay-at-home-moms because of its flexible hours and ability to work from home, the sewing business has become one of the most widespread service businesses, according to Power Home Biz. With preparation, you can turn your hobby into a lucrative business.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Needles
• Thread
• Business cards

Instructions

1. Find out what the best drapery materials are and what is currently in fashion regarding styles and fabrics.

2. Brush up on your sewing skills if you think they are not up to par to work professionally. There may be new methods that you could learn.

3. Write a business plan. Research and test your product to see if there is a market for what you do. Writing down your plan will help you to focus on who your possible clients will be and who your competition is.

4. Find out if there are any local business permits or sign regulations in your area. You might want to hang a sign in front of your house; however, restrictions might not allow you to do that.

5. Get the right equipment. You will need a good sewing machine, measuring tape, rulers, cutting scissors, needles and thread.

6. Figure out what to charge. Look at what competitors charge for a similar product.
   Determine how much time it will take to complete the job and the cost of the materials. As of 2008, average income for a home-based sewing business ranged from $20,000 to $60,000 per year, according to Power Home Biz.

7. Create business cards that you can hand out to your friends and family. Whenever you are out and the subject of decorating or window treatments come up, you can hand out your card.

8. Get referrals from friends and family. According to Angie Riley, of Angie's Window Treatments, a successful home-based business for eight years, there is no need to take out advertisements in this business. You should get enough work by networking and referrals, but if you are not getting enough referral business leave your business card at fabric stores, beauty shops or your neighborhood dry cleaner.

9. Find a decorator whom you can work with by asking your friends and neighbors who they use. You can get many design ideas from a professional decorator.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to branch out from draperies, other items in the home décor field include bed covers, slipcovers, specialty pillows and shower curtains.

• Before beginning any work, discuss the price with your client. Explain that different types of fabrics vary in cost. Draw up a contract.

• Accurately measure the area for which you are making the draperies.

• This business can be stressful when there are deadlines that you must meet.

• Some customers are extremely fussy and difficult to work with.

References

• Power Home Biz: Starting a Home Sewing Business
• Angie Riley; Angie's Window Treatments; Atlanta, Georgia