Sewing Commissions: How Do You Handle That?

A Practical and Inspiring Guide for Sewists

Sewing is not just a craft; it’s a way to help others and express your creativity. Whether it’s a simple repair, a unique garment, or a complex project, it’s important to clarify expectations, costs, and your own boundaries.
In this article, I share my experiences and tips on how to handle sewing commissions—whether for family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or online clients.

1. Sewing for Family and Friends: Free or Not?

When Do You Do It for Free?
It can be tricky... Friends and family know you’re good at sewing and often come to you with tasks that might seem easy to them but are far from it. "Just take in these pants," "just replace this zipper," or "just make this a little wider" (which is often nearly impossible). Of course, you want to help, and it’s great for the environment!

And if they don’t ask, you might feel a little offended when you find out they took it to a tailor and paid €50 for something you could have done. So, of course, you do it! And for free!

• Small tasks: Sewing on a button, hemming pants, or a minor repair can be done quickly and seen as a favor.
• Trading is fun: Sometimes, an apple pie, a home-cooked meal, or another form of appreciation is more than enough. It’s about the intention and the relationship.
• Reciprocity: If the person has helped you in the past, it’s a nice way to return the favor.

When Should You Charge Something?

As difficult as it may be... for some jobs, it’s better to ask for something in return. Spending days at the sewing machine for free isn’t always appealing, especially when you could have spent that time on something that actually earns you money.
In these cases, ask for something—more than an apple pie, but less than you would charge a stranger, because you’re doing it for family or friends.

• Time-consuming projects: If a project requires several hours of work, it’s reasonable to ask for compensation. Explain that you want to compensate for your time and effort so you can remain available for others.
  
• Materials: If you need to buy fabric, thread, zippers, or other supplies, it’s fair to pass those costs on.
• Professional level: If you’re creating a high-quality product (like a tailored suit or a complex pattern), be proud of your work and charge an appropriate price.

How Do You Say No?
It can be difficult to say no to people close to you. Try to do it in a kind but clear way:
"I’d love to help, but I have too many projects on my plate right now. Maybe I can help with some tips or a simpler solution?"

From time to time, "horse friends" and "dog friends" ask me to repair horse blankets or dog harnesses, baskets, etc. I now always say no to these requests, no matter how rude it may seem. It’s not pleasant to have horse blankets on your lap or a smelly dog bed. No matter how well they’re washed beforehand, there’s always hair or sand left. Back when I still did these jobs: Hello, sewing machine repairman! The damage sand can do to your expensive sewing machine is no joke. Really, don’t underestimate this. So, it’s a firm NO (with explanation). Often, sometimes not, there’s understanding for this argument.

2. Sewing for Neighbors and Colleagues

Oh, of course, you want to help someone sew on a button, fix a torn seam, or look at a zipper. But what if it turns out to be a difficult job and you don’t feel like it or don’t have time?

What Do You Charge?

Setting Prices:

• Materials + time: Calculate the cost of materials and add a reasonable hourly rate. For simple tasks, think of €10-€15 per hour; for more complex work, €20-€30 per hour.
• Transparency: Give an estimate upfront so there are no surprises later. For the person asking, it might be nice to pay a small amount to avoid any awkwardness in the relationship.

Making Agreements:

• Put it in writing: For larger projects, it’s helpful to record agreements in a message or email. What will be made? Which materials will be used? What’s the expected delivery time?
• Deposit: If you need to buy expensive materials, ask for a deposit. This way, you won’t be left covering the costs.

How to Handle "Small" Requests
That Are Actually a Lot of Work?

Sometimes, someone asks you to "just quickly" sew something, but it actually takes hours. Be honest about the time it will take:
"This might seem like a small job, but it will take about 3 hours. I’ll charge €45 for this project. Is that acceptable?"

3. Online Sewing Commissions: From Quote to Delivery

Suppose you’re asked to make a costume for Elfia, a medieval outfit for a LARP event, or a Chanel-style jacket... Make sure to set very clear agreements, as these projects can take weeks!

How Do You Create a Good Deal?

• Ask for clear information: Have the client specify the sizes, fabrics, colors, and details they have in mind. Ask for photos or sketches if helpful.
• Determine your price: Calculate the cost of materials and add your hourly rate. Don’t forget to include shipping costs.
• Communicate clearly: Specify the delivery time and your terms (e.g., deposit required upfront, no returns for custom work).
• Fittings? Unfortunately, that won’t be possible unless an additional return shipment is made, which will be at the buyer’s expense.

When Do You Buy the Materials?

• After the deposit: Ask for a deposit (e.g., 50%) before purchasing materials. This way, you won’t be stuck with the costs if the client backs out.
• Consult with the client: If the client wants specific fabrics, have them buy and send the materials themselves. This ensures they’re happy with the choice. Warning: This isn’t ideal, as the client may not understand fabrics (stretch? non-stretch? wrinkle-prone? shrink? design? fabric type?). There’s also a risk they’ll buy too little or too much fabric.

What If It Doesn’t Fit?

• Custom work is custom work: Explain upfront that custom work doesn’t always fit perfectly and that adjustments may be needed. Ask for clear measurements and consider making a muslin or sample piece for complex projects.
• Adjustments: Specify how many adjustments are included in the price. Additional adjustments may incur extra costs.

Shipping Costs: Who Pays?

• Customers pay for shipping: Unless agreed otherwise, shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility. Provide an estimate of shipping costs upfront and include it in the invoice.
  

4. Practical Tips for Every Sewing Commission

Check Your Sewing Machine

• Can your machine handle it? Some fabrics (like thick denim or velvet) require a heavy-duty sewing machine. Check if your machine is suitable for the job. Buy extra sewing machine needles or presser feet needed for the project. You can charge these to the client, but keep the amount reasonable.
• Maintenance: Ensure your sewing machine is well-maintained and that you have the right needles and feet for the job.

Time Management:

• Plan realistically: Estimate how much time you’ll need and add extra time for unexpected issues. Consider illness, vacations, sewing machine breakdowns, or fabric problems when setting deadlines.
• Say no if it’s too much: It’s better to do one project well than three half-heartedly.

Communication Is Key:

• Keep the client updated: Send occasional progress updates so the client knows how the project is coming along. However, be cautious—too many updates can backfire. I once had a client who kept changing their mind. The project was halfway done, and suddenly, the color had to change, or they wanted puffed sleeves instead of pleated sleeves, or a more fitted design, etc. So, limit these updates and avoid sending photos.
• Be honest: If something goes wrong (like a delay or a mistake), communicate it immediately. Clients appreciate transparency.
  
  

5. When Is It Too Much to Ask?

But what if you simply don’t feel like doing a particular job or request for family, friends, colleagues, or online contacts? That happens, and there’s no need to feel guilty. Excuses are tricky; it’s better to just tell the truth, but in a kind way.

Recognize Your Boundaries

• Time: If a project takes too much time relative to what you’re getting in return, it’s okay to say no.
• Stress: If a project causes more stress than joy, consider turning it down.
• Financial: If the client isn’t willing to pay a reasonable price, it’s better to invest your time and energy in other projects.

How Do You Say No?
Be kind but clear:
"Thank you for asking! Unfortunately, I can’t take on this project because I currently have too much work. I wish you the best of luck finding another seamstress!"

In Conclusion: Enjoy the Process!
Sewing is a beautiful craft, and it’s wonderful to help others with your skills. Whether you’re doing it for free, charging a small fee, or working professionally, make sure you continue to enjoy what you do. Communicate clearly, be honest about your boundaries, and savor every stitch you make!