Home embroidery studio: start from a spare room

Local sporting clubs, tradies, cafes, schools, small businesses and individuals wanting personalised gifts or workwear.

Price per item based on stitch count, plus a one-off digitising fee to turn a logo into a stitch file. Repeat orders from clubs and businesses add steady work.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Basic design and computer skills
• Learning machine setup and thread tension
• Clear quoting and customer service

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Get an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Consider public liability and product insurance, and check your home insurance covers business equipment
• Logos and brands may be copyrighted or trademarked, so only stitch designs customers have the right to use
• Machine noise and storage space for stock and customer garments

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending mainly on the embroidery machine you choose, plus thread, stabilisers and blank garments. These are estimates, so compare machine options against the type of work you want to take on.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many customers you find, how big their orders are and how many hours you put in. Small runs for clubs, tradies and local businesses are a common starting point.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business, and get an ABN and check when to register for GST. Also check insurance, including cover for equipment, and make sure customers have the right to use any logos.