Home monogramming and embroidery business

Individuals buying gifts for weddings, new babies and birthdays, plus people wanting personalised bags, kit or clothing for themselves.

Price per item, based on stitch count and the item. You can also add a small mark-up if you supply the blank item, such as a towel or tote.

• Patience and an eye for detail
• Basic computer skills for lettering and layout
• Customer service and clear order taking

• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to running a business from home
• Check public liability and product insurance, especially for baby and children's items
• Avoid copying logos, characters or brands you do not have permission to use
• Check if you need to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader
• Machine noise and thread waste, so plan a quiet, tidy workspace

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the embroidery machine, software and supplies you choose. A single-head machine set up in a spare room is the typical starting point for this idea.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £2,000, depending on how many orders you take and how many hours you work. Revenue is not profit, so allow for blanks, thread and other running costs.

Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to a business at home, and whether you need to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader. Also check public liability and product insurance, and avoid copying logos or brands without permission.