Specialized & Niche Services
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Home-based sewing business
1) Skills neededSewing fundamentals: straight stitching, seam construction, finishing methods (zigzag/overlock-style finishes), pressing/ironing techniqueAlterations & fitting: taking accurate body measurements, pin fitting, understanding garment balance (hems, waist/seat adjustments, sleeve length)Repair techniques: mending tears, reinforcing stress points, replacing parts (zippers, buttons), hand-sewing for invisible fixesFabric knowledge: how different fabrics behave (knits vs wovens, denim, delicate fabrics), choosing correct needles, thread, and stitch settingsPattern/garment reading: understanding seams, facings, linings, waistbands, cuffs, and how garments are assembledCustomer & business skills: quoting jobs, setting expectations, time management, basic bookkeeping, clear communication, and quality control2) Common sewing repairs and duties includedTypical services:Hemming: pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, sleeves; keeping original hems on jeans if requestedZipper work: replace/repair zippers on pants, skirts, dresses, jackets; zipper sliders sometimesButtons & closures: sew/replace buttons, snaps, hooks/eyes, Velcro; buttonholes (if machine supports it)Seam repairs: split seams, ripped areas, re-stitching seams, reinforcing underarms/crotch seamsPatching & mending: patches on jeans/workwear, fixing small holes/tears, visible or invisible mending depending on fabricAdjustments/alterations: take in/let out waist, shorten/lengthen straps, simple tapering, elastic replacement in waistbandsBasic custom items (optional): tote bags, simple curtains/hemming drapes, pillow covers, aprons, scrunchiesBusiness duties (non-sewing):Intake and tagging items, scheduling fittings, photographing before/after (optional)Pricing estimates, invoicing, payment collection, tracking suppliesMachine maintenance (cleaning, changing needles), pressing and final inspectionPackaging and customer pickup/delivery coordination (if offered)3) Equipment neededCore sewing setup (recommended):Sewing machine (reliable, with straight and zigzag; heavy-duty helpful for denim)Iron and ironing board (pressing is essential for professional results)Cutting tools: fabric scissors, small snips, seam ripper, rotary cutter + mat (optional but useful)Measuring & marking: measuring tape, clear ruler, tailor’s chalk or washable marker, pins/clipsHand-sewing tools: hand needles, thimble (optional), threaderThreads & notions: assorted threads, replacement buttons, snaps/hooks, elastic, zippers in common sizes/colorsNice-to-have / expand later:Serger/overlock machine for clean interior finishes and knit workDress form (helpful but not required)Steam press/garment steamer for faster finishingGood lighting and a sturdy work tableStorage bins for customer items and supplies, plus a label system