Start a Quilting Shop with Classes

Local quilters and sewing hobbyists, quilt guild members, beginners looking for classes, and gift shoppers.

Retail margin on fabric and supplies, plus class fees, kit sales and sometimes longarm quilting or machine rental if you add them.

• Knowledge of quilting and fabrics
• Buying and stock control
• Teaching or hosting workshops
• Customer service and community building

• Check your municipality's business licence, zoning and signage rules
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, plus WCB/WSIB if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration
• Stock and rent are big upfront costs, and winter weather can reduce foot traffic
• In Quebec, check French-language rules for signs and customer service
• Respect pattern and fabric design copyright when running classes and kits

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on premises, stock and fit-out. Stock and rent are the big upfront costs, so build your budget around those first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on location, stock range and how many classes you run. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and wages come out of it.

Check your municipality's business licence, zoning and signage rules, GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration, and insurance such as commercial general liability. In Quebec, check French-language rules for signs and customer service.