Small-Batch lingerie maker from a home studio

Independent lingerie labels, boutique owners, bridal and swimwear designers, and online sellers who need short runs.

A set price per garment or per batch, quoted from sewing time and materials. Sample making and pattern adjustments can be charged separately.

• Industrial sewing machine skills, including overlocking and stretch fabrics
• Pattern reading and basic grading
• Careful quality control and consistent finishing

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as well as cover for your equipment
• Check labelling and fibre content rules, and any product safety requirements that apply to the garments you make
• Check how much you can charge once you count unpaid time on samples and fixing mistakes
• An ABN is needed, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the machines you buy, your fabrics and supplies, and your insurance. These are estimates only, so price your equipment and materials before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your batch sizes and the labels you sew for. That is revenue before costs. Check what you can charge once you count unpaid time on samples and fixing mistakes.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home business. Also check public liability and product liability insurance, labelling and fibre content rules, any product safety requirements for your garments, and ABN and GST registration.