Clothkits/All included Sewing Kits for Childrens Clothes - HELP!

[letsmakecupcakes]

Hi all, I would really like some advise on whether there is a demand for All Included Sewing Kits. After a career and kids ect I decided to go back to Uni to study Fashion Design. I am now thinking of setting up a business selling sewing kits for childrens clothes that have been beautifully and thoughtfully designed in fantastic considered fabrics for boys and girls. The kits will contain everything for the sewing project including step by step instructions. Im thinking ages 4-9 just to start with. Included will also be surface embellishment that you can sew on with your child to make it really unique. I have had a good look at existing kits on etsy ect and still feel I have something to add because of my design background and I have lots of workable ideas. Does this sound like a good idea or should I jump ship before committing myself to a project that could sink the ship!! Any advise would be most welcome.

[TheHouseOnTheLane]

Well I like the idea....I've learned to sew basic children's clothing so I wouldn't buy one myself but others would I am sure.

[letsmakecupcakes]

Hi TheHouseOnTheLane, thanks for your reply. I have spoken to a few parents and there seems to be an interest. Would you consider purchasing it if it was perhaps a beautiful design in unique fabric with beautiful trim and embellishment that you could finish with your child? Im asking because I want to be sure because the upstart will be quite costly. Thanks

[TheHouseOnTheLane]

Well...no. But only because as a seamstress I enjoy choosing my own trims and embellishments and also making appliques from fabrics I've sourced myself. That's a big part of the pleasure for me because I love textiles...I love print and colour...the actual putting together of the garments is probably my least favourite part. I SORT of enjoy it but am always happy when it's over and the garment is made.

Also I wouldn't fancy allowing my child a hand in it either! I am a pedant...and children generally aren't skillful enough to manage it!

Making clothes is MY thing...I share the process with my DC to some extent..ie I let them help to choose colours etc but I don't want them buggering it up by "helping"

I buy mine cheap t shirts which they customize with sharpies and trims...stick on gems etc. My older child (11) has learned to use my machine and she makes herself little bags and beds for her bears etc but that's it.

[letsmakecupcakes]

Hi HouseOnTheLane, thank you so much for you reply. I think you are right it is definitley more for the beginner/intermediate skill level.

[Iamnotloobrushphobic]

I wouldn't buy a kit because for me the joy of sewing and making clothes is to produce something totally unique which it wouldn't be if I used a kit.

[Optimist1]

That triggers fond memories of the original ClothKits, OP! I used to buy them even though I was reasonably competent at sewing. The attraction for me was the very attractive patterns/colourways combined with good quality material that washed well. I see that the company has resurrected now, with very similar offerings, so your business might not be as unique as you had hoped.

[mydutifullaunderette]

I was just about to post the same as PP - clothkits exists, based in West Sussex, selling in store and online with a range of clothing kits for children and adults (as well as a schedule of sewing classes and workshops in store). They are also a fabric/haberdashers. Given the range of their offerings, I would question whether you could make a profit purely from the kits, especially when you need to make yours somehow distinct from what's already available.

[letsmakecupcakes]

Hi, thanks all for your feedback. Much to think about and how to make it different to the Clothkits model. Thanks