Q: I’ve recently opened my online vintage boutique, where I also sell jewelry I design. I’m looking to start selling my own clothing
line as well, and I plan to do the designing, but I want to hire a partner who will do the pattern making and garment construction. How would I price their work?
A: Salaries and rates for seamstresses and pattern makers vary substantially, depending on your location, their level of skill and experience and sometimes even the time of year, i.e. they get paid more around fashion week when they are more in demand. I recommend you set a price per sample / style, that way you know exactly how much you will be paying in total for the amount of samples you want to develop, plus you are not dependent on their pace of work. In NY, a basic pattern should cost around $250, however if you’re located somewhere else you might be able to get a better deal.
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