So I’m walking home with my kids and husband after a visit to the coffee shop and park when I get a phone call from a friend. She asks me if I can make a dress for someone she works with. She needed the dress by this weekend for a ball she is attending; the fabric was already bought and cut out by someone that ended up not being able to make it. My first reaction is to say no. Surely my sewing isn’t good enough to be charging someone for making a garment, is it? I’ve always avoided making clothes for others, especially for money for this very reason. After a little encouragement from my husband I agreed to make it.
The dress was to go under an evening dress to act as a slip, very simple. I made it up in an evening, leaving the hem and straps to be adjusted when she tried it on then finished it off in an hour. So quick and easy and she was pleased with the result. I’m wondering why I was so scared and I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. I may even do it again!
So I have some questions for you.
• Do you sew for others?
• What kind of things do you sew?
• How do you do it, from home, in your job?
• If you don’t but would like to what is holding you back?
• Do you have any advice for those wanting to start?
Oct 9, 2010, 04.17 PMby timisews
I took the plunge and made my first gown for a designer for her fashion show that happened last month. It was an exhilerating experience. I have always wanted to sew and design clothing. However, I never really thought of it as a viable option- I used to move frequently because of my spouses job. Something moved me this summer, and I answered an add for an expert seamstress needed add.
So, now it is official. Yes, I do sew for other besides myself. I sew everything- furniture covers to ball gowns. My favorite is custom clothes. My friends love my jackets and pants that I trot around in.
I sew from home. I am lucky to have a spare bedroom that I turned into a sewing room. I live with a family of all men. It is the only pink room in the house equiped with a sewing machine, serger and supplies. It is my refuge.
I encourage others to just do it! You learn from experiences. If it works for you, then it was the right decsion. I don’t want to look back and say “I wish I would have-.” Listen to those little voices telling you to do it!
If you decide to take the plunge like me. (It was head first into the pool, too!) Check out some good books from the library on starting your own business. I did have a contract. I did make business cards. I did tidy up my sewing room for the models. It was a blast. It was hard work. It was also very rewarding, and I get to do it agian this winter!
Good luck and just do it!
Aug 18, 2010, 08.31 PMby Maria Antonietta Morelli Medaglia
Hello: I’m from Italy. I don’t sew for others…. I sew for myself because i like to sew very much. I started with the skirts and now I I can made a dress!!!!! I started and made all with Burda Patterns …. To sew makes me feel so good. I think that everthing you create is a little masterpiece.
Creativity is wonderful, for me to sew is wonderful!! Best wishes
Jul 21, 2010, 03.30 AMby Lesley Robertson
Jul 19, 2010, 06.34 PMby the-thread-gypsy
• Do you sew for others? – I did for years (more than I want to count LOL!) but as of this weekend I’ve taken the oath and sworn off! Sewing has taken a more creative side for me now as I venture into some new avenues.
• What kind of things do you sew? –Anything and everything from Home Dec to evening gowns.
• How do you do it, from home, in your job? – I’ve worked in bridal salons, men’s tailor shops, women’s wear alterations, fabric stores and from my home. They all have pluses and minuses to consider. One thing I have noticed is that still today the “storefront” commands more respect for your work as a professional than working from your home. Doesn’t really have to be a brick and morter store, but helps!
• Do you have any advice for those wanting to start? I couldn’t agree more with those who have said get a written contract- even for those you consider your closest friends. (Many the time I have worked late into the night to meet a deadline for someone who was “too busy” to come for a fitting in a reasonable time frame- without so much as a thank you!) The theory is horribly prevalent of “why would you charge when you love to sew?”. I LOVE to sew- true- but sewing for others is a whole new ball of thread so to speak then sewing for yourself or your home. Deadlines, supplies, fittngs, and your time committement (and it ALWAYS takes longer than you think it will when you least need it too!) are all aspects to be considered. With that said, in today’s environment I find many people just don’t understand why dressmaking and alteration fees are what they are. There are times you will work just as hard at convincing people you deserve professional payment and respect as you will on the project itself.
Jun 1, 2010, 01.34 PMby joanofpark
I’m only 17, and when I sew for others, mainly friends and family, it tends to be for special occasions such as birthday presents. These presents originally started with customised t-shirts before my skills expanded to encompass dressmaking. I’ve gone on to make dresses, playsuits, tops, jackets, waistcoats, and even a silk tie for my grandad’s birthday! One of my friends is pregnant and I recently made her a maternity maxi dress in printed jersey because she was struggling to find anything to fit with her changing shape. I only sew from home as I’m studying for my A Levels full-time, and I love the satisfaction that making something original to one’s own design gives me. The possibilities are endless! I hope to make a career in fashion or textile design in the future, so then I would be able to do this sort of thing all day long. The trouble is, I struggle with the idea of charging people for my work. Up til now I haven’t charged anybody for anything I’ve made, but people have suggested this to me on several occasions, that I could charge if I wanted to. It’s difficult then too, because with the money comes the responsibility to create something satisfactory and professionally finished. Maybe in time I’ll get the confidence to take the plunge and start charging for my work!
May 24, 2010, 07.02 PMby jaimesews
• Do you sew for others? – I am currently recovering…eh…taking a break from sewing for others. But I have for 8 or 10 years now.
• What kind of things do you sew? – I’ve sewn wedding dresses, bridesmaid & other formalwear dresses, flowergirl dresses, home decor, alterations, quilts…
• How do you do it, from home, in your job? – I did it from home in addition to my full time job.
• Do you have any advice for those wanting to start? – charge for all aspects of the project including your labor. Mainly I am taking a break because I realized after inputing all my expenses and income, I was only making a couple hundred dollars in a year and it wasn’t worth all the stress and time away from my family. Write up a contract with clear business policies to avoid getting burned. Always consult with someone before agreeing to take on their project – I can’t tell you how many times people would tell me “I just need a hem” and it turned into a full dress re-design, or the “basic hem” was not basic due to the original dress construction, etc.
Feb 10, 2010, 06.34 AMby numedezyne
I have made something for a friend before. I was very nervous as I have not been sewing long at all. I didnt use a pattern, and basically just winged it the whole way through. We did however work closely together meeting up regurlarly to discuss changes and things. She just recently started to do some modelling shoots and had seen some footage on youtube I showed her of a victorias secrets show (WOW THAT STUFF IS AMAZING, WOULD LOVE TO SEW SOME OF THAT) as it was close to christmas we had looked at the season outfits and she saw something she liked so we drew inspiriration from it. I didn’t charge her as she is a friend and It was a huge challenge she gave me only 3 or 4 days notice, as i was using an old dress I had fabric was also a huge issue at one point i didnt think I would have enough. but in the end I pulled it off and she used the outfit in the shoot. Now I have been asked to make my “white mini” for a girl that works at my DD’s nursery, and she said she would pay, but i do not feel totally comfortable as I do not yet have an overlocker/serger but so far its going well. I do not have any idea what price to ask for but just the thought of somebody wanting that dress makes me happy and if i was able to draft patterns myself I would sell it on ebay or etsy but I am not experienced enough for that. I would some day like to have a little shop for custom made clothes as I have a designer streak in me to and love to come up with ideas and sketch them out. So anybody out there willing to help me with pattern drafting please do
Jan 22, 2010, 02.57 AMby passthepins
I have sewn for others, and had both good and bad experiances. The experiance that stands out in my mind as the best was a customer who had such a great time in the costume that i made him, I recieved both a thankyou letter detailing the comments he recieved, as well as a hand made book with photos of him in the garment. The worst was a wedding dress that was a last minute job I took on out of pity ( Her other seamstress had left her in the lurge at the last moment.. now i know why!) It was a silk bias cut dress with a “Deconstructed” overlayer. I charged far too little, and after hours of work on the overlayer , she decided not to use it after all. Dont ever believe someone who tells you its “simple” ( ie shouldnt cost alot) and try not to pin yourself to a quote until the job is done.. especially if it is something new to you, or you are designing/patternmaking also. I charge anywhere between $25 and $35 an hour depending..Its up to you though depending on experiance, training, specialty experiance,etc. I try to stay away from doing jobs for friends, as in my experiance it just feels uncomfortable asking for the money, and I feel obliged to sell myself short, then feel kinda resentful. I LOVE making gifts for friends though, or trading stuff. Then its no money, and a different set of rules. I find I do a much better job when I make clothes for others than for myself, since I am impaitant to finish them and wear them when they are just for me…
Dec 10, 2009, 04.33 PMby cherrylane
I took the Norm and Sue Morris Dressmaking and Design Course back in 1968. I really enjoyed it and I did sew for others then. However as life happened, I was no longer able to follow my dreams. It was all I could do just to survive. Now, however I am retired and 2 1/2years ago moved to Immanuel House, a retirement community, here in Hartford, CT and now I can follow my dreams again. I started sewing handbags again and crocheting and now I am sewing clothes for myselfagain. I made my friend May a clownsuit for Halloween and she loved it. I don’t think I will ever get back to charging for my work. It is enough right now to give. Everything I make i end up gifting one of my friends with it. It makes me feel so good to see their eyes light up.
I am thinking about taking another dressmaking course to catch up with old and new skills.
Sep 23, 2009, 05.05 PMby dmw
Right now I just sew for myself. I feel like so many others do when it comes to not feeling like my skills are good enough to get paid for. Then again, sometimes when I am shopping and I look at a piece of clothing I think I could make this and probably do a better job. Lately, I have been thinking about going back to school for fashion design. I would love to open my own boutique and be able to sell pieces that I have made, as well as vintage and other local fashion designers pieces. What is holding me back? Probably fear especially in the bad economy. Being broke and in debt doesn’t help. I guess it just takes baby steps. But that is where I am at.
Now that you have accepted your first sewing commision. I hope that you won’t say no, at least not as often.
Sep 1, 2009, 08.02 PMby sokkenmonster
I never sew for other people, for I don’t think I’m good enough to ask any money and while I wouldn’t ask money I probably don’t have enough motivation to do it well. What I do do is sewing with friends. If they ask me to do something I usually say: ‘I won’t do it for you, but I can help you doing it’. Of course I’ll do this with friends only. It mostly ends up with me doing most of the work ;) or supervising everyting they do, and for this reason it does take longer than when I do it myself. But then again, they will be quite proud of what they made and also happy with how I helped them.
Jan 13, 2009, 11.23 AMby burdastyle
Nikkishell.
Congratulations on your first custom endeavor! I have been doing this sort of thing for some years now and I must say I get nervous every time I have a new project even though I’ve done it dozens of times. I think it’s because we care so much about the end product, so nervousness is good- it means you’re facing a challenge you’ll learn from. I live in a loft which also serves as my studio and I do a lot of my custom projects there if I am not using my factory. I invite my clients into my home and take the initial measurements there if they are local, or I have them submit them via email. My most useful piece of advice is to take on these assignments little by little, soon you’ll see there’s a whole market out there for you to tap into! -Alisondahl, Burda team member;)Dec 17, 2008, 06.22 AMby ecdsau
Good on you for giving it a go! The slip dress looked great, and I love what you did to the strapless LBD. Now, if you dont mind me asking – did you use a pattern for the slip dress? If so, which one? Cheers Estelle in Aus
Sep 16, 2008, 07.09 PMby lucelu
I have started to do some one-offs. I found out the hard way to have a contract ahead of time— and that was on a barter deal! I lost money and my time & effort for that and have learned my lesson.
I am doing some work for a friend now that I am heavily discounting as it is a learning experience for me and I am taking a very long time doing it (and redoing it). I made a ren fair bodice for the first time which is kind of like a corset and a bodice /vest in one. It was three pieces with bound edges and lots of boning. I put grommets in it for the lacing as it is a costume but not truly a period one. It is reversible. It took forever. I plan to charge a nominal fee for my work with materials added. Once I am comfortable and feel I can turn these out more quickly, I will definitely be raising my prices for custom costume work.
So far I have made two pair bloomers (one was a refashion that i neglected to photograph and post) and one bodice. I have one more bodice to design and make. Then my other friend wants a bunch of costumes but I am teaching her to sew as she has too many creative ideas, she should author their 3D and properly have credit. She just started last week and already has made a sewing machine caddy/apron, and a costume apron.
I am very cheap when it comes to custom sewing. My hourly is $15/hr. A pair of bloomers takes me about 30 – 45 minutes, so long as I cut up to 4 at a time. I don’t charge for my time hand sewing the binding while watching tv (although I should) but I am investigating a way to do the binding by machine). I explain to my customer that while $15 sounds high, it is what I consider a liveable wage (here minimum wage for unskiilled labor is $7.15 I think, but that is not counting the entitlement taxes which are not represented like FICA). I don’t charge for the consultation and measurements which can take up to two hours (or more if I let it). I have done some charity prom dress alterations but will no longer take them home as the young girls bring new ones when they come for their final fitting.
I am a bit slow with my sewing so I cannot see taking very much of this on. I am thinking about making one offs and auctioning them or starting an etsy store with them. I guess I’ll post my map black bodice.
1 Reply
Dec 9, 2010, 02.48 AMby limer
You seem to be more than fair. If others bother you about your pricing, you could tell them, in an upbeat nice way, that they should always shop around and see other sewers first, or something like that.
Sep 9, 2008, 06.17 PMby claireokc
It’s really hard to step out of your comfort zone. But you were REALLY brave to sew after someone else’s cutting. THAT is hard. I sew professionally and I do not take on garments that are cut by someone else. I make muslin template and that’s what I cut from. In addition, doing something on the rush is also something I don’t do – unless I’m paid extra. Workers in US are paid “over time” and that’s what I figure I will be doing in doing a rush job. I think how the dress turned out was marvelous, and you should be commended.
For everyone who doesn’t know how to sew – everything looks easy and simple, and the easier and simpler a garment is the harder it is to make. Fitting on those “easy” garments can be a nightmare and if they are worked with too much, the freshness of the seam and line is totally lost.
If you do plan to do this in the future, a contract is really the way to go. Get a down payment on the fabric, or if they bring you the fabric, get a down payment on half of your fee.
The next thing is to decide if you want to do more mass work or custom work. I do the later. I’m expensive and that is my reputation, but I have less than 1% of my clients who have not been satisfied, and there have been times that half way through the process, I have had to increase the fee. I explain what has happened and what I’m doing in detail. But usually I build in a little extra into my original estimate that way when I come back with less than what I estimated, my client is not only pleased with the garment, but the price.
Sewing for others has afforded me the opportunity to do things that I wouldn’t dream of doing for myself, and it also helps keep me pushing my own envelope as far as stlyes, fashions and trends. I love it and will always do it.
Sep 7, 2008, 08.27 AMby fashion1
congrats nikki for doing this!
at first I was also afraid to sew for others, and thought I´m not enough competent to sew for someone else. I began to sew for friends and my family and they were statisfied with the things I sewed for them. and when I sewed the first time for someone I don’t know I was very nervously. But then she was so happy and so I’m glad too ;P. That’s a really great feeling to do what I love and make other people happy and earn money by the way. Now I’m at fashion school and get more competence. I have not much time yet to sew for me and for others (by the way I will sew my wedding dress for the next year…), but I hope after the two years at fashion school I can make a lot clothes for others :)!
Sep 7, 2008, 01.53 AMby Angela Ashley Chiew
Looks great! I’ve been getting a few requests from friends ever since I let on, via a photo album on my Facebook entitled ‘Creations’, that I can sew! It’s flattering to be asked but I’ve been saying no to commissions to sew items for people who want to pay me because I just don’t think my skill level is up to that task just yet.
BUT it has made me think of sewing some items for friends. So next week I’m going back to my home town and I’m going to take my Dad’s measurements to make him a shirt as a belated father’s day present, my sister’s measurements to make her a top out of the left over fabric she liked from my 50s dress, and take the measurements of a friend to make him a cowboy shirt in time for Xmas. Baby steps!
Sep 6, 2008, 05.56 AMby missb-1
Congrats on accepting the challenge! I don’t feel comfortable sewing for others, I don’t think I’m good enough and I’m afraid they wouldn’t like the result. But that way I have more time to sew for myself. :)
Sep 6, 2008, 05.53 AMby glshowlin
It looks great! I sew for others as well. Not a lot, but every time I’m asked, that little voice says “Am I competent to do this?” And it always seems to turn out just fine. I made my sister’s wedding dress, a 1920’s style tea length dress and she loved it. So, I guess I am somewhat competent. Just don’t ask me to make one that is too big and fancy.
Sep 6, 2008, 05.53 AMby glshowlin
It looks great! I sew for others as well. Not a lot, but every time I’m asked, that little voice says “Am I competent to do this?” And it always seems to turn out just fine. I made my sister’s wedding dress, a 1920’s style tea length dress and she loved it. So, I guess I am somewhat competent. Just don’t ask me to make one that is too big and fancy.
Sep 5, 2008, 11.11 AMby ruby
I really like the sequins, especially for an evening look! I have sewn for other people, mostly family and friends. I’ve made a lot for my best friend because she is the least picky customer, and she always helped me out. She even ended up buying her own sewing machine! I’ve made things for my dad and brother, except they are very picky and have more than once not liked the things I made for them. However, if it’s a hat or something they don’t wear (like a custom laptop bag), they love it. Right now I’m working on a project for someone at work AND I offered to make my cousin’s wedding dress… My biggest problem is I say “I can make that!” and next thing I know I’m sewing for everyone but myself. All I can say is make sure the person knows that custom clothing is NOT cheap. And definitely don’t get overwhelmed with a lot of projects at once.
Sep 5, 2008, 08.05 AMby motozulli
great job, and good for you for stepping into new sewing territory. But now you’re done for, everyone will descend on you like a mass of hungry locusts! Do you sew for others? -I sew for friends, acquaintances, and occasionally jobs from Craigslist • What kind of things do you sew? -Usually reproductions for civil war reenactors, special occasion gowns (Prom, wedding), or costumes. I just finished my first designer’s line. That was fun! • How do you do it, from home, in your job? I sew from home. I recently set up a studio in my matchbook-sized NYC apt. my poor wife has to step over piles of patterns and fabric just to get to the bathroom! • If you don’t but would like to what is holding you back? I only take jobs that interest me, since I’m doing it primarily for fun and experience, not money (I can make more money hourly at a day job). I’ve had to learn to say no, which is hard, but I always give an alternative. For example, people are always asking me to alter suits. Not only am I bad at it, it’s boring and a professional can do it better for the same price. So I send them to the nearest dry-cleaners. • Do you have any advice for those wanting to start? Go ahead and warn the person that you’re still learning. Show them examples of similar work you’ve done. If someone asks for something totally new to you, make a version of it first for yourself to practice (like this girl recently asked me to make a leather corset, eek!) Don’t undercharge (it undercuts the status of artisans!), but be fair with your price. I always quote a set price for labor (e.g. $150 for a dress) plus materials Alter and re-alter until it’s correct, on your own time. if you go professional, the rules all change! But more of that when the time comes.
Sep 4, 2008, 03.03 PMby oonaballoona
i’ve tried sewing for free for a couple of friends…and every request begins with, “i don’t know anything about sewing, but this should be really easy.” i hate that opener. i would like to sew for money… but i think i’m a on-size-fits all kinda gal, though. i like the idea of a contract for more tailored work. and kudos for breaking the comfort zone!
Sep 4, 2008, 10.49 AMby sewsewhotnaz
I tried this a few years back and it worked – for a while. I found that in the beginning (the first couple of outfits for a customer) they were quite gracious and generous, but as we went on they tended to get pickier and wanted to get more and pay less. I did have a couple of good customers who treated me well, but overall, I found that helping in emergency situations and for special occasions was the only worthwhile sewing for others – they appreciated it and weren’t so fussy. If you DO want to start this – I suggest a contract. Some people didn’t want to do this – others found it comforting knowing what to expect. I put our names on the top. What they wanted in detail (cut material, sew according to pattern, add embellishment, make adjustment here….). Yes, detail!! Then when the garment was to be ready for first fitting (second, third – whatever it needs) and completion date. Lastly, what the fee (if desired) is to be with a statement on the bottom that any changes to this agreement may result in further charges. Both sign and date it. This was especially helpful in very elaborate or tailored situations.
1 Reply
Jan 22, 2010, 03.01 AMby passthepins
A contract is a very good idea.. it would help clarify the steps involved too, so you can make a better estimate for the cost. Thanks for the helpful advice. i am going to do this in future.
Sep 4, 2008, 09.22 AMby mirela
Waw those dresses look amazing! I’d like to sew for others but I’m afraid to because of fitting, alterations and picky customers…I do sew and sell the clothes through my etsy store, but I’m afraid to do custom pieces, had a bad experience once with a friend that chose the wrong fabric or maybe we chose the wrong pattern for it and we ruined it with a horrible invisible zipper that usually I have no trouble with when I do it for myself. I’m afraid because for others everything should be perfect…that’s what I think and I stress out about it instead of having fun with sewing… I would like to make more clothes and sell them on etsy…just time is an issue.. Salut Raluca si eu sunt din Romania :)
Sep 4, 2008, 08.55 AMby elegantmusings
Wow—bravo at stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new! :) I’ve been approached before to do sewing work for others, and so far every opportunity hasn’t worked out (for various reasons). But I’d like to try my hand at sewing for others in the future. I think my biggest fear is that my work isn’t good enough (the usual one! lol), and that the fit won’t be right on other people. :p I’m also sometimes unsure of how much my skills are really worth, dollar-wise. Tips on that kind of thing would be fantastic!
Sep 4, 2008, 07.22 AMby Raluca Iosub
Hi.my name is Raluca and i am from Romania.I too sew for others and i am known for making evening dresses beaded and handpainted.It took me a little time to make courage to sew for others.But when my friends saw my evening dresses,they came to me to sew for them,for special occasions(wedding,cocktail party).With every dress i make ,i became more strict with myself.So i wish you good luck and get to work with no fear.