If you are struggling financially but are unable to take on another job you may have some skills you could tap into that could change your future.
As we grow we learn many skills from our parents. We may not have thought much of them then but they could be the answer to our financial troubles.
Now, in this post, I will address how to start a home sewing business at your community level and then I will give you some tips on how to use the internet to promote and grow that business.
What I will not tell you, is how to gain local customers if you were to start a home sewing business. Rather, I will let my experience speak to you.
Note
This article was updated on March 1st 2021.
A little Background here
Now I am a child of two teachers. These weren’t ordinary teachers. My Dad was the headmaster at the Primary School I attended while my mom was a specialist teacher.
Now when they weren’t at school Daddy managed the family farm, worked as a Justice of the Peace, a Regional Councellor and held other public posts from time to time. Mom had a home sewing business and ran the house.
On top of that they had five children. Taking care of our bunch on their teacher’s salary while running their businesses and doing other duties was no easy task.
From these two extraordinary people, I gained many life skills.
Mom insisted that all her children must learn to sew. The boys were no exception. By the time I got to secondary school I was sewing my own clothes.
By the age of fourteen, I was a certified seamstress but to me, that was just a hobby.
Free Business Advertisement – Show Don’t Tell
There came a time when I decided to start a home sewing business, so as to use that hubby to take care of my family. The drawback was that I am a bit of an introvert and hate the idea of approaching others to advertise my business. So, I decided to become my own free business advertisement.
Now on a normal day, jeans and a nice top make the perfect wear for me. Makeup and fluff wouldn’t usually enter the picture, but now I was going to be my own best free business advertisement for my home sewing business. The first thing I decided was that whatever I wore to work would be my own creation and so it was.
My Target Audience – Potential Customers
There was a reason for that. As a teacher, I saw potential customers in my workmates, the parents of my students, and even my neighbors.
Understand that when I am in the mood, I don’t only sew, I design. So what did I do?
I put all that skill/talent to work for me. I changed the way I dressed because now I was dressing to catch the eye of my potential customers. I was promoting my business. 
I got a lot of, ‘Wow, I love the outfit. Where did you get that?’
‘Oh my, I love this.’… ‘You actually made that? Yourself?’
‘Do you have time?’ … ‘Can you make one for me?’
With that simple strategy, I generated more business than if I had taken out an advertisement. It was more business than I knew what to do with.
Opening Other Doors
One time one of my closest friends entered a pageant. Another friend and I decided to be her sponsors. This was a very big occasion in the area where I was living. Even the president was there. So I made her evening wear.
After that pageant, Evadne’s outfit and the way she looked was a major topic of discussion. The question of where the outfit came from, naturally followed. I wasn’t even trying to drum up business at the time but the orders were rolling in.
Now what I have laid out is a simple strategy that you could use to start and grow a successful home sewing business in your own community with ready customers.
Show don’t tell! This strategy can work for anyone!
Design a Small Home Office
Thanks to my first commenter. Your comment has caused me to add this section on how to design a small home office.
Naturally, if you have a home sewing business you will need have a definite space to run your business and welcome your customers.
Where you put that office will be up to you but it’s essential that you have it. I would suggest that if you have a family, you ensure that this is a space that they won’t have to constantly walkthrough.
Your space needs to be clean, comfortable, and welcoming with a seat(s) for your customers. When you sit to design that home office, don’t worry too much about the cost of doing it.
Start by making a list of all you will need, then look at each item and see if there is something that you already own that could be used for the desired purpose. In this way, you will save on your startup cost. In time you will upgrade.
Please Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choosing a Sewing Machine for Your Sewing Business
It is important not to compromise on this since your ability to work uninterrupted is important. Nothing kills a business faster than unreliability. This can be caused by unreliable equipment.
While I have never used this particular model. Singer is my preferred brand for long term work.
I learned to sew on it too. My mother had three singer machines that were more than 30 years old.
She gave away two sometime in the last ten years. I still have the third and it still works well. So I will stand behind this brand.
I will say however that these machines have changed from being predominantly metal to more plastic. My sister has one of the new models. I find that they are not as durable as the older ones but hers has lasted about 15 years so I still say they are a great brand and they are affordable.
My other sister also owns a sewing machine. She has a Brother.
While it was cheaper to buy, unfortunately she has had to take it in for repairs due to worn parts twice in the last three years.
Yes worn parts is to be expected for all machinery however her machine is only three years old. The singers, in my experience is much more durable. As the singer is my brand of choice.
Tips For Choosing Your Sewing Furniture – Comfort and Ease of Use is Key
Having a comfortable place to work is important when you wish to have a home sewing business. This is because back and neck pain are typically associated with work as a seamstress. As such having a comfortable work space in the form of a desk and chair is key.
Your Desk
You will also need a desk. This will need to be sturdy since it will need to withstand the weight of your sewing machine and stand up to a bit of rough use.
It would be nice to also have storage space for scissors, threads, pins, tailor’s chalk, and other the basics that form a part of the necessary sewing items for your business. These items need to be close by during the actual sewing process so having a desk with storage space is a must.
Buy a Comfortable Chair
Seamstresses and Taylors spend lots of time sitting while sewing. Obviously, if you need to spend a lot of time in a sitting position you will need to ensure that your chair is comfortable.
An adjustable chair may be best since you will want to ensure you are at the best height at all times.
Additionally have a padded chair but not too soft.
Buying the Right Cutting Table
I prefer the design of this one because it has some built-in functionality that will help to cut styles that require a flair cut or cutting on the bias which can be difficult depending on the type of material being used.
Miscellaneous Items
Preparing Your Environment So Customers Would Want to Sit for a While
Now I would advise, buying very comfortable furniture because you will want your customers to sit and be willing to linger a while. Nothing would kill your business like a terrible environment. After all, you won’t be the 
Be welcoming. Give them that home feeling or better yet, create the type of homey environment they wish they had. They will come willingly. You should however ensure the furniture is easy to clean.
Be relevant. You may have on hand your own designs as well as ideas for things that haven’t yet been created. Always have something new and inspiring for them to look at.
Disclaimer
I am in no way affiliate with the Singer Brand or any brand of furniture/equipment recommended for your home office. These are suggestions based on my experience.
Value Your Customers – Customer Service is Important to Build a Successful Business
Customer Service is key in any successful business, do not overlook it.
Be patient, friendly, and above all efficient in serving your customers. Time is money. Value theirs as much as you value yours.
Set Realistic Deadlines
When you set a date for delivery, be prompt, even early. That being said always allow yourself sufficient time for the completion of any project. If you cannot reach a deadline be upfront about it. You may still land the job by explaining to the customer what you can actually do for them in the stipulated time. Always be ready with an alternative plan.
You may lose that sale but when building a brand having a reputation for reliability, honesty and efficiency is a plus. Added to this you stand a better chance of having a repeat customer by being honest than if you are late and as a result negatively impact your customer’s business.
When Things Don’t Go According To Plan
In the event that something goes wrong try to be upfront with your customer and offer compensation in some shape or form. Mistakes are a part of business, but owning up and making restitution actually works to help build your brand and bring repeat business from customers who are satisfied in spite of your mistakes. However, if the mistake is one you can fix without alerting the customer then by all means go ahead.
Sometimes fixing a mistake may call for you to have help from another source. This is not always what we may wish to do but meeting our customers needs must always be our primary concern.
Preferential Treatment
Try to remember your customers and their likes and dislikes. Offer deals to repeat customers where possible. This is also a good thing to do for customers who buy in bulk.
Remember that while wholesale may reduce your profit margin in the short term you a faster turnover in your stock will give you a greater profit margin in the long term.
Avoid selling the customer things that you know don’t look good on them. Give truthful advice at all times.
If they still choose to buy that outfit and then have others make negative comments about it they are less likely to blame you. You are always the expert.
While your job is to get your customers to buy your creations do not overlook the value of your expert advice. Trust between you and your customers is extremely important.
Additionally do not overlook the fact that serving your customers a cool beverage can have a positive impact on your business.
Take the Home-Based Business on the Internet – Go from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Now to answer the question of how this translates into an online business it’s simple.
The largest collection of businesses you will ever find is on the internet. There is a reason for this, the largest customer base is also on the internet.
There are literally billions of persons on the internet and that number is growing daily.
If you wish to make a serious impact and gain financial independence, you need to take the home-based business on the internet, you need to get your slice of that market. Reach beyond your community and sew for the world.
Start with what you have. You could sew a little bit at a time and sell on one of the many eCommerce websites or you could think big. Build your own brand. Take the designs you have tucked away, create your own inventory, and begin your internet adventure.
Related Article: Identify The Target Audience For Your Business
Point to Note:
If you use a link on this site to buy a product or service, I may earn a small commission. However, whether the link is used or not the price of that product or service will always remain the same. View full affiliate disclosure here.
If You Are Going To Try Go All The Way – How to Promote Your Sewing Business
Aim for a collection of a set number, say 100 pieces, your best work.
Firstly you will need a website.
Now if you are waiting for the details of how to go about getting your own business website up and running it’s simple you could pay a web developer his well-deserved hair-raising fee or do it yourself.
Building a website yourself is easy. There are a few places online that will allow you to do so for free. What those places won’t do for you however is make you visible. Being visible on the internet means that when someone searches google there is a good chance they will stumble on your website aka your online store.
Yes, there are loads of websites on the internet that don’t show up in your search simply because they haven’t been able to make themselves visible to search engines. Now to become visible takes time and work. You will need training.
You will need to learn about SEO optimization, writing using niche keywords, understand the needs of your customers, you’ll need access to the many tools used by web developers and you will need to learn the revolutionary marketing strategies that drive the internet traffic. Best of all you will learn to become visible for free.
With the right training, this can be achieved within a few months.
Learn to create, host, and promote a website
One simple platform that has a step by step program that will teach you how to do this is Wealthy Affiliates.
I use Wealthy Affiliates and I will vouch for their service.
They will teach you how to build a website and to make yourself visible to customers. On their platform, they will also teach you marketing strategies that will prove invaluable to your business. Best of all the hosting is part of the package.
Related Article: 9 Practical Steps In Planning And Developing A Website
My Experience
I spent years online searching for opportunities to earn online. I found lots of scams and sites offering gigs that pay so low I consider them busy work because they keep you busy but really don’t pay you what you are worth. As a result, it would be difficult to earn a living from them.
The training offered at Wealthy Affiliate is my number one recommendation for anyone looking into starting an online business.
It doesn’t matter what type of business you are going into as long as it requires having an online presence I absolutely recommend it.
If you are worried about misinformation please understand that it is free to join. That way you will be able to evaluate it for yourself and make your own decision without spending even one dollar.
Before You Go
If you wish to read more about what this program has to offer check out My Wealthy Affiliate University Review where I talk about their package or go directly to the Wealthy Affiliates platform here to learn more. You can remain a free member of WA for life.
Do you have questions about this opportunity? Would you like to run your idea, for your home sewing business, by me? Inbox me at candybenn@benndeleon.com
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Candy Benn.
You will need to have a designated space in your home to run your sewing business. Set aside a room or rooms where you can do your work without interruption. You will need sufficient space to meet with clients, complete your sewing projects, and store your materials. Make the space warm and inviting to your clients.
Helen,
Thank you very much. This is a great addition.
Candy Benn
Wow, you have really shown the details of not only a home sewing business, but also the added value of having a website on WA.
I have a friend who developed great sewing skills at an early age. We were both in 4H but while I was busy with dog training and livestock projects, she delved into the sewing and cooking ones. Needless to say, she learned some incredible skills that have helped her thrive over several decades. In fact, she has an entire sewing room filled with machines–sewing, embroidery, and others. She is always working on projects for others. And it’s been good for her, as her health does not allow her to work and now, with the pandemic, she needs to stay in even more.
Thanks for bringing up a subject that many have not even considered. The handcrafts, like sewing, knitting, and the like, may not seem as critical in these days of mass production. But they truly are still essential!
Hi Diane,
Thanks for stopping by and for offering your comments.
I have to agree with you about crafts still being important.
In this day of mass production, some of us still want to stand out from the crowd and this is where seamstresses and tailors come in. If you can offer products that are attractive and have that wow factor while still being functional there will always be a place for you.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Thanks for a great article, I loved it. Wealthy Affiliate is an amazing site and is unique in the way it does what it does. First, it offers step by step training that is easy to follow. Secondly, it provides all the tools you need to complete the training and set up your business at no extra cost. Thirdly there is an amazing community that helps and support each other. Finaly the customer service always respond quickly and solve any issues.
Hi Castle,
This is awesome. Sounds like you are a member of WA too. I am glad you are as pleased as I am.
Cheers.
Candy Benn
Thank you so much for sharing this great opportunity with us today. I only wish I could do sewing and make beautiful clothing for my two girls, but unfortuannly I can’t. I did start a website last December though baby-related, and I used Wealthy Affiliate like you, and I am so happy I did. It is hands down one of the best decisions I made in my life.
I love my journey and their step by step training and eight months on my website started really to come along.
I like to thank you for sharing this opportunity as I was so grateful I did find this opportunity myself after trialling out numerous scam schemes. If people are willing to work hard to be successful online I definitely would recommend trying out Wealthy Affiliate, I am so grateful that I did.
Best wishes with your fantastic business. I am excited for your journey ahead.
Jude
Hi Jude,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I’m happy that you found WA useful.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
OMG I felt so motivated after reading your article. I have always had the idea of running my own businesses, but it’s just hard to make my ideas into reality. I admire your ways of thinking and your determination on starting your own business. You gave me a huge encouragement on doing what I always want to do. Besides, I’m also one of the member of Wealthy Affiliate and this program is definitely worth to join.
Thanks for sharing such a motivating article. I wish you all the best in your business.
Hi Jolly,
Thank you very much for stopping by. I am glad my post appealed to you. Take heart, if you wish to own a business go for it. The only failures out there are those who don’t try.
Cheers.
Candy Benn.
We are here with my daughter looking to start a business. I mean a first bracelet business, and some sewing work. And we came to your site and I really liked the idea and the framework that you have given to the idea. It is interesting to be able to work with a limited number of parts or products.
She is already in the “production” phase and now we were very excited about the idea of doing this online with what you have shown us.
She got really excited about this Wealthy Affiliate, and as soon as we finish reading this … I think she’s going to hit the site! : D
Let’s see how we continue, and thank you very much for the contribution
Regards
Jason (and Amber)
Hi Jason,
Thanks for dropping by and for the comment.
Good look to your daughter with her new business. I know you will have
much success with WA.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
I have a sewing machine that my dad got me as a teenager because I enjoyed making doll outfits. I made a few but kind of stopped after I moved from doing needle work at school. From time to time I think back to it and wonder what I can do because let’s face it once the gift or ability is in you it doesn’t just go away. Challenge? Time to even make it a hobby! Thanks for sharing on designing the small home office if I venture back into tailoring I will utilise this information as well as the link you have given to start a website. Online business is very crucial at this stage of life.
Hi Nozipho thanks for stopping by and for your comment. I’m happy that I can motivate you to get back to it.
Cheers
Candy Benn
These start up business ideas are really useful and I know when i first started out with Wealthy Affiliate I found it very daunting but the great people around helped me to get my business the best it could be.
I really liked reading the history of your family and clearly you had great role models in your parents who were not scared of working hard. My tip for anyone looking to start their online business is that you need to work hard to gain the rewards.
I like your idea of a sewing business and I like the way that you changed how you dressed for your business. Detail like this can make all the difference.
Thank you for your tips.
Hi Imelda,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments.
I’m glad you found success at WA.
Regards,
Candy Benn
Hello there! this is an amazing review you have got here, I am sure the information in this post will be of great help to anyone who come across it. I have been sewing at home for 2 years now and never thought of making it a standard business. I will follow these tips here and I hope it helps me.
Thanks for sharing this with me.
Hi Joy, Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I know with some perseverance success will come. If you need any help, tips, or suggestions I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.
Happy sewing.
Candy Benn
Great article that captivates the reader. I like your success story and your brilliant marketing strategy. Anybody who wants to start a home sewing business that’s the way, be your own marketer.
Taking your home business online with Wealthy Affiliate is a smart move that will only increase your success rate even more through the hard work you are doing.
Excellent post with a good business plan clearly laid out. I wish you the best success in your business
Hi PJPretorius,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. If you know anyone in need of some pointers do share.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
There are a lot of things you can do online and also a lot of things you can do offline, what matters is you knowing how to get the best out of whatever you do. Starting a sewing business at home seems very interesting, it’ll earn you extra cash and you’ll be able to work out of the comfort of your house
Hello, Thank you for stopping by and for your comments.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Everything is really possible with the right mindset. Honestly, seeing your efforts here, I cannot help but be gingered and motivated that if you can do it, I can actually pull this off. I have actually wanted to try things out too but lacked the necessary skills of actually get into the business side of it. Probably I would follow though the oath you took. Thanks here
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you very much for stopping by and for your comments. Be sure anyone can do it, all it takes is the right mindset.
Do come back from time to time and let me know how you are getting along with this.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Hi and thanks for sharing this. It is interesting how working as a seamstress has carried such negative connotations over the years. Maybe you remember the dialogue in the movie Titanic between Rose, the Kate Winslet character, and her mother when her mother says that if Rose doesn’t marry the wealthy guy and save the family from financial ruin, then what would her mother do? – earn a living as a seamstress!. Well, I guess that wasn’t the era of the internet and there was a lot of competition in those days. I also learned so sew when I was young(er) and always used to hem my own jeans for example. My mother had one of those wonderful old mechanical Singer sewing machines with a rocking pedal and a huge spinning wheel and a belt that turned a smaller pulley that drove the needle up and down. It was a piece of furniture in its own right. The sad thing is I am sure it was thrown out at some point. It would probably be worth something today as it was in full working order. I guess if there is one piece of advice I would add on setting up a workshop/workspace it would be to make sure it is very bright and have extra good lighting. One of the complaints of seamstresses working in dark conditions was the impact of poor lighting on their eyesight – I am thinking back to the 19th century here. It is particularly important if you are working on dark fabrics. Good luck and best regards, Andy
Hi Andy,
Thank you very much for stopping by and for your comments. It’s funny you should say that my mom also had one of those sewing machines. In fact, it’s the one I learnt to sew on.
I agree with you about the lighting too. Poor lighting is a problem for any seamstress especially when the fabric is dark. I do need to address that.
Thank you for this.
Regards,
Candy Benn
Hello there!
I really love that article as it is very helpful and educative. A lot of people have the desire to start an online business and they also have the right knowledge for it but what they actually lack is the ideas they need to know which business to start in particular. This article has just helped with that, it has helped people with unique business ideas they need to start up a good business.
Thanks.
Hello,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Hello, the first thing that i noticed when i opened this page is the beauty of this website. I am sure you have put much time and energy into creating this article and the details are really clear. i do think that the effect of what is seen is great and people are moved by the sight. engaging more social media advert could prove to be very helpful too.
Hi Lucas,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments,
Cheers,
Candy Benn
This is a very nice and well constructed article, it has a lot of useful stuffs to be gained from it and it makes it easy for people who are trying to get into the online business world know to go about starting because most people thinks it’s a very big step. Thanks for sharing this resourceful piece.
Hi Hanness,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. I do hope that everyone will be able to use what I share to grow their own business.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
This is a very timely article for my wife and myself. My wife has been thinking about an online business, but she had not thought about several items that she makes with her enjoyment of sewing. She is thinking that she could sell her ties and scarfs and also possibly sell as an affiliate marketer the sewing machine, scissors etc. that she uses. This is a great idea.
Hi Anastasia,
Thanks for stopping. I’m happy that the information here has proven useful to you and your wife. I wish you both success going forward in your business. Be sure to let me know if I can help.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Great article!!! It was an very interesting read for of information.
I have learned to sew a few time in my life, but i has been soo long since i tried. After reading your article I find myself thinking if i can actually still can…
I hear Wealthy Affiliate is a great site. I think I’ll have to take a look at that too. So man thing to do!!!
Best regards,
Jordan
Hi Jordan,
Well, I think you should actually create a business out of something interesting to you. If you haven’t done any sewing recently, maybe this one isn’t for you. But be sure to check out Wealthy Affiliate they certainly have other options available. Also, stop back soon for more ideas to start an online business.
Regards,
Candy Benn
That is just amazing that your mother passed down her sewing skills to you. I first learned how to sew when I was in school in Thailand. I have to say that it is not my cup of tea, but I can get away with sewing my clothes here and there. When it comes to sewing machine, no luck at all lol. But, I have found my joy in sewing lately so I am getting back at it.
I love your quote about show them don’t tell, I am practicing that right now. I also agree that internet is the best yellow pages and literally you can find all the information about that business as well and even reviews. It may sound challenging at first but I believe that if you have your mind set, go all the way. Have your “WHY” ready when the time gets hard and take it one step at a time.
Wealthy Affiliate seems like a great place to start, I will check it out.
Hi Nutanee,
It’s always to rediscover old skills. Sometimes with time, we find that we have a new outlook on them. Wealthy Affiliate is also a great place to work. I hope you find much to interest you there.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Much appreciated for an incredible article, I cherished it. Wealthy Affiliate is an astonishing location and is interesting within the way it does what it does. To begin with, it offers step by step preparation that’s simple to follow. Secondly, it gives all the instruments you would like to complete the preparation and set up your commerce at no additional fetched. Thirdly there’san astonishing community that makes a difference and back each other. Finally, the client benefit continuously to react rapidly and fathom any issues. I also like the fact that WA accommodates beginners.
Hi Ezra,
Thanks for stopping by. All those are great points for WA and I have to agree with you. Newbees will find it a great place to learn and grow a business.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Some rather interesting tips you have given here. Well! I would say that I value the things you shared here and definitely worthy to see. I feel the most important thing here is that one should be more focused on displaying your works rather than doing the telling that everyone else does. Rather great to see here
Hi Nauth,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comments.
Cheers,
Candy Benn
Hello Candy, seeing is something I find really interesting and I have actually learned that from my mother who does hand sewing a lot and makes some really nice designs from it. Looking at sewing as a means of income is really a great idea and and I would love to give a trial since it’s something I find interesting, I should easily blend with it. Thank you
Hi Justin,
I’m happy that this post appeals to you. I hope you will stop by again as I look at other ways to earn online. Cheers,
Candy Benn
My mom and a few others I know have a small side buisness sewing masks for people with custom prints on them and it’s been a fairly lucrative buisness for them from my understanding and they seem to be enjoying doing it I know they are staying very busy. This is a great article I realy enjoyed reading it keep up the great work and keep sharing all these wonderful opportunities.
All the best ,
Jonathon
Hi Jonathon,
That sounds great. COVID has opened up many opportunities for people if only they would embrace them.
My older syster also makes masks and sell. If we could stop focusing on the issues being touted daily on the news we might spot the boundless business opportunities COVID has opened up.
Candy Benn
Hello there Candy, it was really nice learning about your parents and they seemed like amazing people. It is important to impart life coping skills on your kids so that they grow up to be self dependable or in your case, they make it an earning hobby. Your article really showed that you are well informed about sewing. It was well detailed and explanatory enough.
Hi Beesean,
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comments.
Candy Benn
Hello there, Before you begin planning to establish a home sewing business, you must firstly validate your skills as a seamstress. Taking an objective view of your skills can help you decide if starting a sewing business is the right option for you. Once this is done then you can start making the others step as the major step has already been taken.
Hi,
I have to agree. Recognizing that your skill is of some value is definitely important.
Candy Benn
The idea of me starting a business like this is very wonderful. Since the lockdown, it has been really hard for me and I have learnt a great deal of sewing from my mum in the past so I used the time to brush up my knowledge through online classes and other videos from YouTube. Now I think I can kick of sewing from home and it will also help me take care of my kids too.
Hi Suz,
Yes, this lockdown has opened the door to great business opportunities. We just need to ask ourselves what skills can I offer and may very well find direction for an online business.
Cheers,
Candy Benn