If you are skilled at sewing and enjoy it, you can use your machine to begin a business using your talent to design fabric provided by clients into finished products. You can use your sewing service to specialize in clothing, draperies, and toys or for tailoring and alterations. Training in sewing, tailoring, and design, as well as knowledge of fabrics is invaluable. Hand-sewing skills like embroidery, smocking, and beading will bring a more specialized clientele to your service. Ability to sew and read patterns is required. Be sure that you are up to the task you have chosen for yourself. Your sewing skills must be excellent. If your work is less than superior, practice your technique, and stay abreast of all the newest methods as you decide what kind of sewing you want to do. • Custom sewing for individual clients from patterns, although basic drafting skills will be useful in the event that your client wants a special alteration or finish for ...