St. Louis bi-state area · By appointment

Clothes made to your measurements, not somebody’s average.

“Perfecting the Fit!”

Custom dressmaking Alterations Body slopers Pattern modification


About the basement

A privately owned, home-based seamstress service.

Clothing is a primary need. We recognise the benefit of owning well-fitted clothing that flatters each unique body shape and style — so every garment that leaves the basement is built around one person’s measurements.

Our primary focus is women’s clothing. We also take on alterations, children’s clothing, men’s wear, modifying commercial patterns, accessories, totes and more.

Read our story →

We construct clothing that fits well, flatters, and reflects who is wearing it.

Our mission
How a garment comes together

Five steps, start to finish.

  1. 01

    Consultation

    We talk through the garment, the occasion you need it for, your timeline and your budget. Pricing is individualised and competitively set, so you get a real quote rather than a guess.

  2. 02

    Measurements & your sloper

    A full set of measurements, drafted into a personalised body sloper — the master block that every future garment can be cut from. Draft it once and every piece after it starts closer to a perfect fit.

  3. 03

    Fabric & pattern

    Bring your own fabric and pattern if you have them — we encourage it. If a commercial pattern is close but not right, we modify it to your sloper rather than asking your body to meet the envelope.

  4. 04

    Fittings

    A muslin first where the garment calls for it, then adjustments marked and made on the real fabric. This is the part most off-the-rack clothing skips, and it is the part that makes the difference.

  5. 05

    Finish

    Seams pressed, hems set, closures checked. You leave with a garment that fits and a sloper on file for the next one.


Practical details

Local, by appointment, competitively priced.

We service the St. Louis bi-state area and beyond, on an individualised basis. Tell us what you need and we will quote it honestly.

  • HoursMon–Fri, 12:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Area servedSt. Louis bi-state area & beyond
  • BookingBy appointment
  • PricingIndividualised & competitive
  • Emailinfo@seamstressbasement.com