Start home sewing classes for small groups

Adult hobbyists, beginners wanting a new skill, and people who want to make or mend their own clothes.

Students pay per class or for a block of weeks. Extras such as patterns, kits and one-off workshops add income.

• Confident sewing and dressmaking
• Patient, clear teaching
• Organising classes and bookings

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance allows paid classes
• Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree to visitors at your home
• Electrical and fire safety for machines, irons and cables, plus sharp tools and pins
• Check the rules on using copyrighted patterns in your classes

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how many machines, tables and supplies you provide and your insurance. Treat this as an estimate and work out what your first small class needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,800, depending on class sizes, how often you run sessions and your pricing. The estimate assumes from about 5 hours a week, so results will vary.

Check you have public liability insurance and whether your home insurance allows paid classes. Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council must agree to visitors. Also check electrical and fire safety for machines and irons, and the rules on using copyrighted patterns.