Made-to-order clothing designer

Individuals wanting something that fits and is unique, such as wedding guests, brides, or people who find high-street sizing difficult.

You charge per commission, covering your design time, fabric and making time. Alterations and repeat clients add steady work.

• Pattern cutting and sewing
• Fitting and measuring clients
• Design and sketching
• Pricing your time fairly

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a business from home
• Consider public liability insurance, especially if clients visit for fittings
• Custom work can take longer than expected, so quote clearly and take a deposit
• Check labelling and safety rules that apply to clothing you sell, with Trading Standards if unsure

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your sewing equipment, fabrics and how you set up a fitting space at home. Your costs will vary with the type of garments you make.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your prices, the type of garments and how many commissions you take. Custom work can take longer than expected, so quote clearly and take a deposit.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a business from home. Consider public liability insurance if clients visit for fittings, and check labelling and safety rules for clothing with Trading Standards if unsure.