From Patterns to Profits: Starting Your Sewing Business

Important elements to think about when starting your sewing business:

1. Niche — Decide on the types of sewing services you will offer, such as custom clothing, alterations, home décor items (e.g., curtains, cushions), bridal and formal wear, repairs, and sewing classes.
2. Equipment — Invest in high-quality sewing machines suitable for the services you offer. Consider having a variety of machines, such as sergers, embroidery machines, and heavy-duty machines. 
3. Supplies — Purchase necessary sewing tools and supplies, such as needles, threads, scissors, measuring tapes, fabric, patterns, and notions.
4. Location — Decide whether you will operate from a home office, a dedicated studio, or rent a commercial space. Ensure the location is easily accessible to clients.
5. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
6. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
7. Online store — Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or your own website. Ensure it is user-friendly and optimized for mobile devices.

You May Also Wonder:

Can I make money from an at-home sewing business?

Absolutely! Your ongoing expenses will be very low, so most of the money you make will stay in your pocket. Jobs can range in price from $20 to upwards of $250, and you should be able to do multiple jobs a day once you get established, so you can make a nice profit.

What kinds of services can my sewing business offer?

You can do simple things like hemming and alterations, but you could also offer custom embroidery, custom-made clothing or even home décor items. Get creative and consider all your option.

Is sewing a profitable business?

Sewing can be a profitable business depending on various factors such as market demand, competition, pricing, and the quality of your work. The profitability of a sewing business also depends on factors like your target market, the types of products or services you offer, and your ability to effectively market and manage your business.

How do I get customers for my sewing business?

Utilize online platforms and social media to showcase your work and attract potential customers. Create a professional website or online portfolio that highlights your skills, services, and contact information. Utilize targeted online advertising or local directories to reach individuals interested in sewing or custom-made products. Attend local craft fairs, community events, or markets to showcase and sell your products. 

What is the most common sewing?

Some common sewing projects include clothing alterations, home decor items like curtains or pillows, accessories like bags or wallets, and custom-made clothing or costumes. 

What is the easiest thing to sew?

The easiest thing to sew depends on your level of experience and skill. However, simple projects that are often considered easier for beginners include sewing straight seams on items like pillowcases, tote bags, or simple skirts.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a sewing business has pros and cons to consider before you decide if it’s the right path for you.

Sewing industry trends 

Industry size and past growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US sewing supplies market, which reflects the sewing industry, is worth $4 billion, after declining 1% annually over the five years to 2021.((https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/fabric-craft-sewing-supplies-stores-industry/)) 
• Growth forecast – The industry is expected to see steady demand in the years ahead.
• Number of businesses – There are almost 30,000 sewing supplies stores in the US.
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 63,000 people.

Trends and challenges

Trends in the sewing industry include:

• Embroidery is currently popular as an embellishment for clothing, but also for home décor such as throw pillows. This presents an opportunity for sewing businesses to earn revenue with services beyond alterations.
• Sustainable fabrics are in demand, as awareness of the environmental impact of the textile industry rises. This offers an opportunity for sewing businesses to offer products such as sustainably made curtains.

Challenges in the sewing industry include:

• DIY projects are growing in popularity, particularly among millennials, presenting a challenge for sewing businesses as potential customers learn to sew things themselves.
• Rising prices for sewing supplies are reducing the profit margins for sewing businesses. 

What kind of people work in sewing?

Among the workers in the sewing industry are sewing machine operators.

• Gender – 84% of all sewing machine operators are female, while 16% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/sewing-machine-operator-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics))
• Average level of education – About half (49%) of sewing machine operators finished high school.((https://www.zippia.com/sewing-machine-operator-jobs/education/)) 
• Average age – The average age of a sewing machine operator is 50 years old.((https://www.zippia.com/sewing-machine-operator-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics))

How much does it cost to start a sewing business?

Startup costs for a sewing business range from around $3,000 to $7,000. Expenses include a website and sewing equipment and supplies. 

If you do not know how to sew, you can take unlimited sewing classes for a year through a site like Tailor Academy for about $700. Courses are offered every two weeks.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your sewing business, including: 

• Sewing machine
• Cutting table
• Full-length mirror for fittings
• Serger
• Iron and ironing board
• Scissors and shears
• Tape measures
• Garment racks

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Setting up a business name and corporation	$150 - $200	$175
Business licenses and permits	$100 - $300	$200
Insurance	$100 - $300	$200
Business cards and brochures	$200 - $300	$250
Website setup	$1,000 - $3,000	$2,000
Sewing machines, equipment, and supplies	$1,500 - $3,000	$2,250
Total	$3,050 - $7,100	$5,075

How much can you earn from a sewing business?

Prices for sewing services vary greatly based on the work being done. Simple projects like hemming can range from $20 to $50, while larger custom jobs can be $100 to $250 or more. The below calculations assume an average price per job of $50. After the cost of supplies, your profit margin should be about 80%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and do 20 jobs per week, bringing in $52,000 in annual revenue. This would mean more than $40,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As you start to get referrals and your business grows, sales could double to 40 jobs per week. At this stage, you’d have to hire staff and acquire additional machines, reducing your profit margin to 50%. With annual revenue of $104,000, you’d still make a cool $52,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a sewing business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Having great sewing skills
• Marketing your business to compete with established companies

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a sewing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research sewing businesses in your area to examine their products and services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a sewing business that offers custom embroidery.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

Your services will depend on your sewing skills. You could just offer basic alterations, or you could offer custom embroidery, custom clothing, or curtain and pillow making. Here are different sewing business ideas for your inspiration.

How much should you charge for sewing services?

Prices will vary based on the services you are doing and could be anywhere from $20 for simple hemming up to $250 or more for custom clothing.  After the cost of your supplies, you should aim for a profit margin of about 80%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will depend on the services you offer, but will be broad. If you offer curtain and pillow making, your target market will probably be homeowners. If you tailor suits, your market will be professionals. The alterations and custom clothing market could be any group. You should keep your marketing efforts broad, and target sites including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low, and it may stay that way. However, if you want your business to grow into a larger company that manufactures custom clothing or home décor products, you’ll need to rent out a production facility. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Sewing Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “sewing” or “custom sewing”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Thread & Needle” over “Bridal Sewing Co.”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Sewing Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Highlight the goals and unique offerings of your sewing business, emphasizing custom-made clothing, alterations, and potentially sewing classes.
• Business Overview: Describe the services your sewing business offers, including garment creation, repairs, and alterations for a variety of clients.
• Product and Services: List the specific services such as custom tailoring, bridal alterations, costume design, and sewing workshops.
• Market Analysis: Assess the demand for sewing services in your area, identifying target customer segments like local boutiques, bridal shops, or individual clients.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your business with local tailors and alteration shops, focusing on your unique skills, turnaround times, or specialized services.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy to attract clients, which could include social media marketing, partnerships with local retailers, or showcasing at community events.
• Management Team: Present your expertise in sewing and any business management skills, or those of key team members.
• Operations Plan: Describe the day-to-day running of the business, including sourcing materials, managing orders, and maintaining sewing equipment.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of the financial aspects such as startup costs, pricing strategy, and anticipated income.
• Appendix: Include supplementary materials like a portfolio of your work, customer testimonials, or detailed market research that supports your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to sewing businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your sewing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a sewing business. You might also try crowdfunding if you plan to grow your business into a bigger company.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a sewing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your sewing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Wild Ginger, Geelus, or Sewing ERP, to manage your orders, workflow, invoicing, and supply inventory.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local Collaborations: Partner with local clothing stores or boutiques to offer custom alterations or unique handmade pieces, creating a win-win situation for both businesses.
• Workshop Hosting: Organize sewing workshops or classes to showcase your skills, connect with potential customers, and establish yourself as an expert in the community.
• Social Media Challenges: Engage your audience on social media by creating fun sewing challenges or competitions, encouraging participants to share their creations and tag your business for increased visibility.
• Community Events Participation: Participate in local fairs, markets, or community events to showcase your products and services, allowing potential customers to see and feel the quality of your work firsthand.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program where existing customers receive discounts or freebies for referring new clients, tapping into the power of word-of-mouth marketing.
• Seasonal Promotions: Create special promotions tied to seasons or holidays, such as offering discounts on winter coat alterations or designing custom holiday-themed items, to attract a broader customer base.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local influencers or bloggers who align with your brand to showcase your products, reaching a wider audience through their followers.
• Sew-Along Livestreams: Host live sewing sessions on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, guiding viewers through a simple project while showcasing your expertise and engaging with potential customers in real-time.
• Loyalty Programs: Implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for every purchase, leading to discounts or exclusive perks, fostering repeat business.
• Testimonials and Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave testimonials or reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp, building credibility and trust with potential clients researching your services.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your sewing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your sewing business could be: 

• Custom embroidery to embellish your outfits and your home
• Custom-made clothing for your unique style
• The fastest alterations in town, at great rates! 

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a sewing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in sewing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in sewing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from home, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you might want to start a production facility for your services and custom products. Potential positions for a sewing business would include:

• Sewers – assist with sewing and custom product making
• General Manager – staff management, scheduling, ordering, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Sewing Business – Start Making Money!

Sewing is a hobby that’s easy to turn into a money-making business. It just takes skills and a small investment, and you can run the business from home. You can offer far more than alterations to increase your revenue, from custom embroidery to custom clothing and home décor. You’ll need to get the word out with some marketing, but once you have a client base the business should start rolling in. 

Now that you’ve stitched up some knowledge, it’s time to get that thread and needle going to sew your new entrepreneurial success!