Small-Batch knitwear maker working from home

Independent designers and boutiques wanting small runs, and shoppers buying direct through craft fairs and online shops.

Selling finished pieces at a price that covers yarn, your time and finishing, or charging independent labels a fee per piece for knitting to their pattern.

• Machine knitting and pattern reading
• Finishing, such as linking, washing and pressing
• Costing your time and materials properly

• Fibre content labelling and other product rules for clothing, check the current guidance on textile labelling
• Extra safety rules for children's clothing, such as cords and flammability, check before making baby or kids' items
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Check your lease, mortgage or council rules before running a business from home
• Small orders can be slow to make, so check your hourly return before agreeing prices

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your machines and materials. These are estimates. Also budget for public liability and product liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on what you make and how you sell. This is an estimate. Small orders can be slow to make, so check your hourly return before agreeing prices.

Check the current guidance on fibre content labelling for clothing, and the extra safety rules for children's clothing, such as cords and flammability, before making baby or kids' items. Also check your lease, mortgage or council rules before running a business from home.