Made-to-Order clothing label from home

Shoppers who want something distinctive or a better fit, including people wanting custom, occasion or sustainable clothing.

You sell finished pieces or custom commissions at a price covering materials, your time and a margin. Pre-orders and deposits keep cash flow steady.

• Sketching and design
• Pattern making and sewing
• Costing and pricing
• Customer service

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register your business name with your province and check when you need a GST/HST number
• Clothing sold in Canada has textile labelling rules (fibre content, care and dealer identity), so check Competition Bureau guidance
• Children's clothing has extra safety rules, check Health Canada requirements
• Check that your home insurance covers business equipment and stock, and consider commercial general liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your sewing equipment, fabric, and how much you spend on samples and marketing. These are estimates, so start small and track costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on pricing, how many orders you take and the hours you put in, at least around 10 hours a week. These figures are estimates only.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, how to register your business name and when you need a GST/HST number, textile labelling rules, Health Canada requirements for children's clothing, and whether your home insurance covers business equipment and stock.