Home sewing alterations and repairs

Local people, wedding guests, parents of school-age children and busy professionals who want clothes to fit or last longer.

Fixed price per job, such as a hem or zip replacement, with higher prices for formal wear and more complex alterations.

• Confident machine and hand sewing
• Accurate measuring and fitting
• Clear pricing and customer service

• Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows business use of your home
• Public liability insurance and cover for customers' garments in your care
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of income
• Risk of damaging valuable items, so agree what you will and won't take on

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the machines, equipment and supplies you already own and what you need to buy. You work from a spare room or corner of your home.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on how many hours you work, your prices and how many local customers you attract. Treat it as revenue before costs such as supplies and insurance.

Check your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows business use of your home. Also check public liability insurance and cover for customers' garments, and register as a sole trader with HMRC, keeping records of income.