Home studio small-run clothing maker

Independent clothing brands, Etsy and online sellers, local boutiques, and individuals wanting custom pieces.

Price per piece or per batch, based on materials, sewing time and complexity, with setup or pattern fees for new designs.

• Sewing with industrial or heavy-duty machines
• Pattern reading and basic alterations
• Quality control and meeting deadlines

• Check city or county rules and any HOA or lease limits on running a business from home
• Check whether you need a local business license and state sales tax registration
• If you label garments, check federal rules on fiber content and care labels (the FTC publishes guidance)
• Consider general liability or product liability insurance
• Copying brand logos or protected designs can cause legal trouble, so work only from clients' own designs or your own

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the sewing machines and materials you need and how you set up your studio. These are estimates, so price your own equipment list before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many clients you win and the size of their runs. That is revenue, not profit, and only an estimate. Plan for about 10 hours a week at minimum.

Check city or county rules and any HOA or lease limits on home businesses, plus whether you need a local business license and state sales tax registration. If you label garments, check federal fiber content and care label rules, and consider insurance.