Small-batch activewear maker for fitness brands

Independent fitness brands, gym and yoga studios, personal trainers and online sellers who want small minimum orders.

A price per garment, often with a fee for sampling or pattern work, and repeat orders when a brand's range sells well.

• Sewing stretch fabrics with an overlocker and coverstitch machine
• Pattern cutting and grading
• Costing jobs and keeping to deadlines

• Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to run production from home, including noise and deliveries
• Product liability and public liability insurance, check with a broker
• Labelling and product safety rules fall mostly on the brand but may involve you, so agree who is responsible in writing
• Keep the brand's designs private, and agree ownership of patterns in a simple contract
• Be clear about quality standards and returns before you take on repeat work

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on machines such as an overlocker and coverstitch, fabric stock and insurance. Product liability and public liability insurance are worth checking with a broker.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on order sizes and how many brands you work for. Short runs for small brands suit a part-time start, from around 12 hours a week.

Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to run production from home, including noise and deliveries. Labelling and product safety rules fall mostly on the brand but may involve you, so agree responsibility in writing.