Setting up a clothing repair business
Three Years of Running a Clothing Repair Business
I've been running a clothing repair business alongside my workshop, where I make all the products I sell here at Thread Pegs. Repairs turned out to be a great way to put my sewing skills to use beyond my own sewing hobby — and if you're thinking about doing something similar, here's what three years in has taught me.
How it all started
I was looking for a part-time job alongside my online shop, something that would fit around young children. I struggled to find anything (surprise surprise), so I took the plunge and made myself a sign to pop outside our house. Within minutes I had my first customer.
Here are my top tips if you want to start something similar:
Find your best way to advertise your skills
I chose the sign outside the house because I didn't want the admin of running another website, email address, or social media account. I wanted something I could put out when I wanted work and take in when I was away or when my Thread Pegs work was busy. It works perfectly — I get a lot of passers-by and cars driving past, which helps with visibility. I did add my phone number to the sign, which worried me a little at first, but I've never had a problem with it being on display. I only ever get genuine enquiries, which is reassuring.
Be clear about what type of work you want
I only do repairs and taking up trousers and dresses. I don't touch curtains or alterations. I've said yes to the odd alteration project in the past, but they panic me too much — I don't need that stress. Advertising exactly what work you want makes it clear what you don't do, and it protects your time. Find other sewers local to you who do take on those jobs, so you can easily pass on their details if people ask.
Pricing jobs
I was worried about pricing work before I started, but I became more confident once I got going. I always give a broad estimate, which gives customers a good idea of what they'll be paying. My hourly rate is £30, but here's a general guide to what I charge:
- Taking up jeans/trousers: £15
- Taking up suit trousers with invisible hem: £20
- Replacing a coat zip: £30–£40
- Sewing on buttons: £8
- Patching denim (small): £15 / (large): £25
- Wool darning: from £20
I always price a job in person rather than from photos — it's hard to judge how long something will take from a picture, so I get people to come to the door and show me.
Overheads
I don't have many overheads, as I work from home. You could argue there's an electricity cost, but that's hard to monitor in any meaningful way. I have a big stash of fabrics, thread, and notions built up over the years, which I top up now and again. Zips are probably what I buy most, since they're so specific to a garment that you can never keep them all in stock. Our local sewing shop has recently closed, so I now have to order online, which is frustrating.
Sewing machines I use
My desk has a Bernina from 1988, which sews beautifully through heavy denim — crucial for this work. My modern Janome couldn't manage that neatly, so when I found the Bernina on Facebook Marketplace, I jumped at the chance to give it a new home. I also have an overlocker, which I don't use as much for repairs but is still handy to have.
Tools I couldn't do without
A good quick unpick/seam ripper is essential. Mine is from Beyond Measure — it has a replaceable blade and a wooden handle that's really comfortable to hold, and it's easily the tool I reach for most. I also use a seam gauge a lot, handy for taking up hems.
I keep track of names, phone numbers, and job details in a Moleskine notebook. I chose this deliberately over an app or something like Trello, because it doesn't add extra admin, and it means I'd never lose customer details to a lost phone or tech malfunction. Pen and paper just works for me.
Finally
It's been a lovely way to connect with the wider community. I've got to know so many new people through this work, and there's something really nice about a chat on the doorstep — even if I still haven't quite got used to hearing the full life story of everyone's garments.
If you're weighing up starting something similar, I'd love to hear your questions in the comments — happy to share more of what's worked (and what hasn't) over these three years.
