Contract knitwear studio for independent labels
Rent a small unit, run flat-bed knitting machines and produce short runs for fashion start-ups and independent brands.
- £12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
326 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 14390 “Manufacture of other knitted and crocheted apparel”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small workshop with second-hand industrial or semi-industrial flat-bed knitting machines, plus linking and finishing, producing short runs of garments or fabric to other brands' designs.
Your first three steps
- Learn on industrial machines through a course, a job or a placement at a knitwear mill or college
- Price up second-hand machines, a unit and running costs, then build a simple quote template
- Make a sample range and pitch it to local and online independent labels
Who pays
Independent fashion labels, designers, small retailers and brands that want UK-made knitwear in smaller quantities than large mills accept.
How it makes money
A price per garment or per metre of fabric, set to cover yarn handling, machine time, finishing and overheads, often with sampling charged separately.
Skills that help
- Industrial machine knitting and programming
- Quality control and finishing
- Production planning and quoting
- Working with designers on samples
Watch out for
- Used machines can be costly to move, repair and service, so check condition and spare parts
- Check the planning use class, business rates, fire safety and electrics for your unit
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you take on staff
- Brands may pay late or cancel, so consider deposits and clear terms
- Fibre labelling and children's clothing safety rules may apply to what you make, check with the brand and current guidance
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: contract knitwear studio for independent labels
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to set up a contract knitwear studio?
Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on your unit and machines. These are estimates. Used machines can be costly to move, repair and service, so check condition and spare parts.
How much can a contract knitwear studio earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the runs you take on. This is an estimate. Brands may pay late or cancel, so consider deposits and clear terms.
What do I need to check before renting a unit for knitwear production?
Check the planning use class, business rates, fire safety and electrics for your unit. Also check public liability insurance, employer's liability once you take on staff, and fibre labelling and children's clothing safety rules with the brand and current guidance.
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