Custom Sewing & Alterations
Sew custom clothing, do alterations, and create handmade garments
Overview
Custom sewing businesses charge $15-$80 for alterations, $100-$500 for custom garments.
Completing 40-120 jobs monthly generates $80,000-$450,000 annually with 65-80% margins.
In 2025, people need alterations for fit and want custom pieces unavailable in stores.
Services include clothing alterations (hemming, taking in, letting out), custom garment sewing, bridal alterations ($150-$800 per dress), curtain and home decor sewing, costume creation, and repair services.
Successful sewing businesses master various fabrics and techniques, provide quick turnaround (1-2 weeks), fit garments precisely, maintain professional pressing and finishing, and build local reputation.
Bridal alterations particularly profitable ($150-$800 per dress, 10-20 hours work).
Can operate from home sewing studio or small shop.
Marketing through local presence, bridal shops, dry cleaners (referrals), Google Ads, and word-of-mouth.
Required Skills
- Advanced Sewing
- Pattern Making
- Fitting & Alterations
- Various Fabrics
- Customer Service
- Time Management
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Steady local demand for alterations
- Bridal alterations very profitable
- Can work from home studio
- Mix of alteration and custom work
- Word-of-mouth referrals strong
Cons
- Managing client expectations challenging
- Precise fit critical (high stakes)
- Seasonal bridal patterns
- Sitting work causes physical strain
- Some fabrics difficult or delicate
How to Get Started
- Master sewing and alteration techniques
- Set up sewing studio with dress forms
- Invest in quality sewing machine and serger
- Set pricing for alterations and custom work
- Market through local presence and Google
- Build relationships with bridal shops
- Develop reputation for quality and precision
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