It’s been widely acknowledged that mainstream fashion trends only cater to a small demographic, with many people feeling that current high street trends don’t quite reflect their own personal style. As such, many talented home sewers are now turning their hand to creating small runs of their own handmade clothing for discerning customers. This is something you might like to try yourself if you are a talented seamstress with a creative vision that others admire. However, there are certain essential items that you shouldn’t forget if you are setting up your own clothing range.
Sewing machine
Chances are if you are a keen home sewer you will already own a sewing machine. However, if you are planning on sewing professionally, you might like to consider investing in a new machine that is designed for industrial use. Industrial sewing machines are able to withstand heavy use and have a lot of different stitch types to complete most types of sewing. Look for one that is in good used condition to keep costs down. Remember to get your sewing machine regularly serviced to ensure that it remains in top condition. You could also consider investing in an overlocker as well to cleanly finish seams without the risk of them unravelling.
Mannequins
Mannequins allow you to properly show off your clothing so that customers have a better idea of the fit and how the outfit will look when worn. Mannequins are an essential tool whether customers are browsing in-person in your retail space, or studying photographs on an online shop. The Retail Factory has a selection of mannequins of different body types and genders to suit your clothing range; whether you are selling plus-size fashion or clothing for teenage boys, there is a mannequin out there to properly show off your creations.
Social media
Social media is a powerful marketing tool for any small business. As an independent clothing designer, you can harness its power by sharing beautiful photographs from modelling shoots of your clothing on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, to create a buzz around your brand and snag the attention of potential customers. Furthermore, social media provides you with the ideal opportunity to interact directly with your customers, gathering vital feedback to inform your future collections.
Inspiration
Though you might only be creating an autumn/winter collection and a spring/summer collection each year, it is important that you stay alert to inspiration so that you are energised to create new and beautiful designs. Start by creating a collage of inspirational images for each collection; Pinterest is a great interface for this. Consider different colour combinations and fabric textures. Furthermore, don’t ignore trends that are not part of your style, as they might just add a fresh twist to your designs — a punk fabric design could add a fun, unexpected update to your favoured vintage tea dresses, for instance. You can find inspiration in the most unexpected places.
*Collaborative Post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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