Home » UpMarket

How to Start a Quilting Business

Quilt_Business by Quilt_Business
Last updated: 08/23/2009

Turn Your Passion Into a Thriving Business

If you are passionate about quilting, it may have crossed your mind that you may in fact be able to turn your passion into a business. Well, let me tell you now that it is not only possible, but it is possible to have a business that is highly profitable. But where do you start? There are so many things to consider, especially if you do not have much experience at running your own business.

Get this guide to starting your own quilting business.

What Items to Sell Through Your Quilting Business

Your first consideration is what to make and sell through your quilting business. There are, of course, so many different possibilities - apart from the usual bed quilts, there are bags, cushions, wall-hangings and various other decorative items. There is no reason why you should limit yourself to one sort of item, but it helps to know where to concentrate your efforts. There are four issues to consider before you come to a conclusion.

  • What do you enjoy making and what are you good at making? Usually, but not always, the same thing.

  • What are your potential customers looking for?

  • Where do you intend to sell your finished quilted items? If you are looking to sell your items through websites such as Etsy then you will need to think carefully about postage and packing costs.

  • What price bracket are you aiming at?

    • Should My Quilting Business be Based on Making Items to Order, or Should I Make Stuff Then Try and Sell It?

    The next decision for your quilting business is whether you should limit yourself to items that you are commissioned to make by your customers, or whether it is better to make up several items in advance and then seek out potential customers. The big money is in large commissions, but actually getting these can difficult and depends on establishing your reputation.

    You may find it worth making up some smaller items that you can produce quickly at low cost that you can sell to family and friends. You may want to consider selling such smaller items through Etsy or other such craft based websites. Making up large quilts and then hoping to sell them can be a costly mistake unless you have already established reputation.

    How Much Time Should I Give to My Quilting Business

    How much time you give to your new quilting business depends entirely upon your particular circumstances. If you are not currently working then you can obviously devote as much time as you like. If, however, you are currently working and you want your quilting business to be your main source of income, then don't expect to instantly start bringing in a decent income. This will take time. You will need to build up a portfolio and establish your reputation before you can expect to have regular commissions and have a substantial income. So to begin with, you will need to work your quilting business around your day job.

    More About Starting a Quilting Business

    Here is some more information about starting a quilting business.
    Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

    Find out more about starting a quilting business

    More Lenses About Starting a Quilt Business

    Loading

    What Do You Think About Starting a Quilting Business?

    submit
    • Reply
      marsha32 Aug 31, 2009 @ 6:26 pm | delete
      My boyfriend is just sure now that I am into making quilts that once I get the ones done for Christmas that I should make and sell them online. I, on the other hand, am really unsure about it!
      I need to do more than just plain squares for one thing.
    Show All

    This UpMarket page written by

    Quilt_Business

    If you are a quilter, then why not turn your passion into your career? Find out more about starting a quilting business. more »

    Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?

    Connect with UpMarket

    This author recommends...