Patchwork and quilting shop
Run a small high street or village shop for quilters, with fabric, patterns, tools and advice.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,072 UK companies in this field, 29% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 47510 “Retail sale of textiles in specialised stores”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small shop stocking quilting fabrics, wadding, patterns and tools. Many also run classes, sewing groups and a website alongside the shop.
Your first three steps
- Visit quilting groups and guilds to find out what local quilters want and can't easily buy
- Price up small units and compare rent, rates and footfall, then work out how many sales you need to cover costs
- Open trade accounts with wholesalers and plan a first range, with a few class ideas to bring people in
Who pays
Local quilters, sewing hobbyists, beginners wanting classes and people buying gifts.
How it makes money
Fabric sold by the metre or bundle, plus tools, patterns and kits. Classes and workshops can add steady extra income.
Skills that help
- Quilting or sewing knowledge
- Buying stock and managing cash flow
- Friendly, helpful customer service
Watch out for
- Rent, business rates and a lease: check the terms and any rates relief you may qualify for
- Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
- Large stock costs, as fabric ranges change often and slow sellers tie up money
- Check planning and change of use for the premises with your council
- A shop only earns while it is open, so plan opening hours and cover for holidays or illness
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a patchwork and quilting shop?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on your premises and how much stock you buy. Fabric ranges change often, so slow sellers can tie up money.
What should I check before opening a quilting shop?
Check the rent, business rates and lease terms, and any rates relief you may qualify for. Also check planning and change of use with your council, and public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire.
How much can a quilting shop earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, range and any classes you run. A shop only earns while it is open, so plan opening hours and holiday cover.
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