How to Start My Own Sewing Business

Sewing is the craft of fastening or attaching objects using stitches made with a needle and thread. Sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts, arising in the Paleolithic era. Before the invention of spinning yarn or weaving fabric, archaeologists believe Stone Age people across Europe and Asia sewed fur and skin clothing using bone, antler or ivory needles and "thread" made of various animal body parts including sinew, catgut, and veins.

Although usually associated with clothing and household linens, sewing is used in a variety of crafts and industries, including shoemaking, upholstery, sailmaking, bookbinding and the manufacturing of some kinds of sporting goods. Sewing is the fundamental process underlying a variety of textile arts and crafts, including embroidery, tapestry, quilting, appliqué and patchwork.


Many people, especially stay-at-home moms, dream of being able to begin their own business from home. Those that already have a trade or skill are one step above the rest when it comes to determining what type of business to operate. Many moms have a skill, such as sewing, that they deem only as a hobby. Consider turning that hobby into profit and beginning a home sewing business.

If you enjoy sewing, creating interesting clothing patterns or performing alterations and tailoring, starting a sewing business may be the perfect business opportunity for you. Depending on your skills, there are many different types of sewing projects available including dressmaking, costume design, special occasion clothing, embroidery and clothing repair. Keeping up with fashion and sewing trends is the best way to attract a variety of customers and maintain regular clients. Referrals from these clients help you build an even larger customer base.

Step 1

Write a business plan to guide you through each stage of business development when starting a sewing business. List the types of sewing services you plan to offer in the first section. List start-up costs, such as sewing machines, thread, patterns, computer equipment and software, in the second section. Outline a marketing plan to attract customers in the third section. List owner and employee responsibilities in the fourth section.

Step 2

Register your sewing business if forming a limited liability company, corporation or partnership with your state's secretary of state office. Contact your local small business administration or county clerk's office to apply for a business license. Purchase home-based business insurance if running the business from your home or general business insurance to cover the costs of a lawsuit, settlement or damage to sewing equipment. Contact the Internal Revenue Service to apply for an employer identification number to use on business documents and tax forms.

Step 3

Create a studio in your home to meet with clients, complete sewing projects and to store equipment and supplies. Contact the local small business administration office or home zoning commission office to inquire about the rules concerning home-based businesses, as some regions do not permit business owners to meet with clients in residential areas. Lease commercial retail space to meet with clients. Contact a commercial real estate agent to locate available space.

Step 4

Purchase start-up equipment such as a sewing machine, thread, needles, embroidery supplies, ready-made patterns, computer software for creating and printing patterns, invoicing and bookkeeping software.

Step 5

Market sewing services in local newspapers and magazines. Display flyers in local dress shops, grocery stores, dry cleaners, wedding shops and other local businesses. List your business in online and print business directories. Create a website to highlight your best work. Include photos, customer testimonials, sewing services, contact information and hours of operation.

Tip 

• Create sample pieces to show potential clients that demonstrate your creativity and sewing expertise. 

Warning 

• Always present clients with your best work. Substandard work may result in lost business and lack of referrals. 

References (3) 

• PowerHomeBiz: Starting a Home Sewing Business
• The "Business" of Sewing: How to Start, Maintain and Achieve Success; Barbara Wright Sykes, 2000
• Own Sewing Business

Resources (2) 

• Internal Revenue Service: Employer ID Numbers (EIN's)
• Small Business Administration: Write a Business Plan

Photo Credit 

• Own Sewing Business;Sewing-242.jpg
• Own Sewing Business;largest_dimension/