Online wool and knitting supplies shop

Hobby knitters and crocheters, gift buyers and people looking for a particular yarn they cannot find locally.

You buy yarn at wholesale prices and sell at retail, with extra margin on curated kits, pattern bundles and own-brand or hand-dyed ranges.

• Knowledge of yarns and knitting
• Basic photography and product listings
• Stock control and packing orders

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC, and check when VAT registration becomes compulsory
• Check distance selling rules, including returns and refund rights for online customers
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with small orders
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender before storing stock at home
• Yarn colours vary between batches and on screens, so describe them carefully

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you build your website or marketplace listings. Unsold stock ties up cash, so starting with small orders helps.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on your range, stock levels and how well you reach hobby knitters. Estimates start from around 8 hours a week, and revenue is before stock and other costs.

Check registering as a sole trader with HMRC and when VAT registration becomes compulsory. Also check distance selling rules, including returns and refund rights, and your landlord's or mortgage lender's view on storing stock at home.