Made-to-Measure dressmaker at home

Private clients who want a good fit or something unique: wedding guests, brides and bridesmaids, people with hard-to-fit sizes and those marking special occasions.

A fixed price per garment, worked out from your materials, time and skill. Many dressmakers take a deposit up front and charge extra for fittings or rush orders.

• Sewing and pattern cutting
• Taking accurate measurements
• Patience and an eye for detail
• Clear communication with clients

• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council permits business use of your home, especially if clients visit
• Public liability insurance is worth checking, particularly if clients come to your home for fittings
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading
• Time-intensive work: price each commission to cover the hours, not just the fabric
• Agree the design, price and deposit in writing to avoid disputes over fit or changes

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the machines, tools and fabrics you buy and the space you set up. These are estimates, so price each commission to cover your hours, not just materials.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how many commissions you take and what you charge for them. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and made-to-measure work is time-intensive.

Check that your landlord, mortgage lender or council permits business use of your home, and consider public liability insurance if clients visit for fittings. Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading, and agree design, price and deposit in writing.