Seamstress rates are $20 to $50 per hour, on average, depending on their experience and the type of garment and fabric they are working with. Some charge by the piece, with a set range of fees for designing, sewing, alterations, and mending. Most charge a fitting fee every time you come in for a fitting and a separate pressing fee when the garment is finished.
Designing and creating a dress from scratch is more costly than having a dress hemmed or altered. Formal dresses like ball gowns or wedding dresses have added costs for specialized detailed work. Leather and lace are more difficult to hide stitching and require more time, increasing costs. Seamstresses charge by the hour or by the panel for curtains, with higher rates for thick or stretchy fabrics that are more difficult to work with.