Seamstress invoice template
A worked example for seamstresses in the retail, repair and other trades category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A seamstress invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Seamstresses typically ask for payment on receipt and take a 30% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example seamstress invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with payment due on receipt and a 30% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
L. Osei
Seamstress
88 Victoria Road
Manchester
M14 7KL
Bill to
Mr and Mrs D. Walsh
3 Beech Close
Harrogate
HG2 9PR
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- On receipt
- Terms
- Payment on receipt
- Reference
- Seamstress work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding dress alterations: take in bodice, shorten hem, add bustle | 1 fixed | £285.00 | 20% | £285.00 |
| Trouser hems, 3 pairs | 3 pairs | £14.00 | 20% | £42.00 |
| Replace coat zip, including zip | 1 item | £38.00 | 20% | £38.00 |
| Curtains, made to measure, 2 pairs, customer's fabric | 2 pairs | £120.00 | 20% | £240.00 |
- Subtotal
- £605.00
- VAT at 20%
- £121.00
- Total
- £726.00
- Less deposit received (30%)
- -£217.80
- Balance due
- £508.20
Typical rates for seamstresses
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £18 to £35 |
| Typical day rate | Not usually quoted |
| Payment terms | On receipt |
| Deposit | 30% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Repairing personal or household goods (10%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do seamstresses usually invoice?
Seamstresses price alterations from a set list per task, quote bridal alterations individually after a fitting with a deposit of around 30%, and take payment on collection of the garment, giving the invoice as the receipt. Dressmaking and curtain making with the customer's own fabric is priced per item or per hour. Dry cleaners and boutiques that subcontract alterations are invoiced weekly with the ticket numbers listed.
Seamstresses in this example are paid on receipt, after a 30% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £18 to £35.
What should a seamstress put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, seamstresses should:
- List each alteration task and its price; customers compare against your displayed list.
- Take a deposit on bridal work at the first fitting and the balance before the dress leaves.
- State whether the fabric, zip or lining was supplied by you or the customer.
- For trade customers, list ticket numbers and invoice weekly.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do seamstresses charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for seamstresses is usually “Repairing personal or household goods” at 10% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much do seamstresses charge for alterations?
- Trouser hems are £10 to £18 in 2026, dress hems £15 to £40, zip replacements £25 to £45 including the zip, and wedding dress alterations £150 to £450 depending on the work. Hourly rates of £18 to £35 apply to dressmaking. Bridal work is quoted after a fitting.
- Should a seamstress take a deposit on bridal alterations?
- Yes, 30% to 50% at the first fitting, because the work spans weeks and the dress cannot be resold. The balance is paid before the final collection. Put the fitting dates and the work agreed on the invoice.
- Do seamstresses charge VAT?
- Almost never, because a sole trader's alteration income sits well below the £90,000 threshold. Once registered, alterations and dressmaking are standard rated at 20%, except children's clothing which is zero rated. The flat rate sector for repairing household goods is 10%.
More retail, repair and other trades templates
- Tailor invoice template
- Upholsterer invoice template
- Furniture maker invoice template
- Welder invoice template
- Jeweller invoice template
- Phone repairer invoice template
Other trades
Tools for seamstresses
Read next
Cite this page: “Seamstress invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/seamstress