27 Business Ideas For Quilters [2024]

Updated: September 26th, 2024

If you're a quilter looking for new business opportunities, 2024 presents many exciting possibilities. With your skills and creativity, you could turn your quilting passion into a profitable venture. From teaching classes to selling handmade quilts, the potential is vast.

You could explore selling custom quilt patterns online, providing a source of passive income. Crafting personalized memory quilts is another idea, allowing you to create lasting keepsakes for customers. The upcoming year offers various avenues for you to showcase and monetize your quilting expertise.

Partnerships with local craft stores or online platforms could also broaden your market. Offering repair and restoration services might cater to a niche yet steady clientele. With strategic planning and dedication, 2024 could be your year to shine in the quilting community.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other quilter businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent opportunity for quilters looking to supplement their income or create a lucrative side business. Subscription boxes are highly in demand because they offer exclusive, niche products on a regular basis, providing continual value to your customers. By curating a selection of high-quality materials, patterns, and tools, you could create a unique monthly offering that caters specifically to avid quilters.

Why consider starting a subscription box business?

  • Subscription boxes provide a reliable, recurring revenue stream.
  • You can showcase your expertise and creativity by curating unique and valuable quilting supplies.
  • This business model allows for direct engagement and relationship-building with your customers, fostering loyalty and community.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,439 founders

2. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business can be an excellent way for quilters to supplement their income or transition to a full-time entrepreneurial venture. By leveraging the dropshipping model, you could easily sell quilting supplies, tools, and even quilt-themed merchandise without the stress of managing physical inventory. All you need is an online store, reliable suppliers, and a solid marketing strategy to reach a broader audience interested in the quilting niche.

Why consider a dropshipping business?

  • You minimize upfront costs by not needing to hold inventory.
  • You have the flexibility to focus on marketing and design, rather than supply chain logistics.
  • You could target a niche audience with specialized quilting products, enhancing the chance for higher profit margins.

For more detailed guidance, you might find this page on Starter Story helpful: /ideas/dropshipping-business/success-stories.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,762 founders

3. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Starting an eCommerce reselling business is a fantastic opportunity for quilters to supplement their income and even turn their passion into a full-fledged business. As a quilter, you could purchase high-quality quilting fabrics, tools, and supplies at wholesale prices and resell them online, saving you from having to worry about production costs. You don't need a website immediately; a social media-based reseller business can get you started, with expansion possibilities as your business grows.

Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?

  • You could capitalize on your deep knowledge of quilting supplies to curate the best products for your customers.
  • Starting requires low initial investment since you can initially sell through social media platforms.
  • This business model allows for flexible working hours, fitting perfectly around your current quilting projects and other commitments.

For more inspiration, check out these success stories from others who have started eCommerce reselling businesses.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,379 founders

4. Become an IT consultant ($27.4K/month)

For entrepreneurial quilters looking to diversify their income, starting a side business as an IT consultant can be a practical and rewarding venture. Quilters with a background in IT can leverage their technical skills to evaluate and improve company IT systems, designing solutions that align with business objectives. This career offers flexibility, allowing you to continue quilting while also pursuing a well-paying profession in IT consulting.

Why consider becoming an IT consultant?

  • You could supplement your quilting income with highly paid consultancy fees.
  • Your analytical skills in quilting can translate well to solving IT problems for companies.
  • This role offers flexible hours, allowing you to manage both your quilting business and IT consulting projects effectively.

To learn more about the pros and cons, success stories, and initial startup costs, consider reading this article on IT consulting.

How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,518 founders

5. Become a travel photographer ($394K/month)

For quilting enthusiasts with a bit of wanderlust, diving into travel photography could be an inspiring side hustle or primary business. As a travel photographer, you could capture the mesmerizing places, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes you visit, showcasing them on a photojournalist website or selling them to diverse clients. Your eye for detail and creativity, honed through quilting, may help you see the world in unique ways that others might overlook, making your work stand out. Plus, you can supplement your income by selling your photos as prints, possibly even getting featured in esteemed outlets like National Geographic.

Why consider becoming a travel photographer?

  • Diversify your creative portfolio by blending quilting and photography.
  • Gain potential clients from various industries, leveraging your unique artistic perspective.
  • Turn your travel experiences into income by selling prints or collaborating with outlets.

For more entrepreneurial tips and insights on starting a travel photography business, check out some success stories on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $1.8K/Month Travel Business While Traveling Around The World

Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.

Read by 7,625 founders

6. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Starting a stock investing business could be an intriguing way for quilters to diversify their income streams. Much like the intricate details and pattern planning in quilting, stock investing requires careful analysis, strategy, and precision. By leveraging your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, you could navigate the complexities of the financial markets to generate substantial returns.

Moreover, educational resources and trading platforms are readily available to help you get started and expand your knowledge base, making this a viable option if you’re looking to supplement your income or embark on a new entrepreneurial journey.

Why start a stock investing business?

  • You could use your analytical skills from quilting to effectively analyze market trends and make informed investment decisions.
  • Stock investing offers potential for high returns, providing a substantial supplemental income.
  • With dedication, you could translate your passion for creativity and detail into a profitable financial venture.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,787 founders

7. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

Starting an AI writing tool could be a highly profitable venture for quilters looking to diversify their income streams. As a quilter, you are already familiar with creativity and intricate patterns, skills that can be seamlessly translated into creating a sophisticated AI-driven content creator. By leveraging your unique perspective, you could develop an AI writing tool that caters specifically to the crafting community, providing valuable content for patterns, tutorials, and blog posts. For more information on how to begin this journey, visit Starter Story's profitability page.

Why start an AI writing tool?

  • You could create a niche product that serves the unique needs of quilters and crafters, filling a gap in the market.
  • Automated content creation could save you and your users hours of manual writing, boosting productivity.
  • Developing an AI tool allows you to combine your passion for quilting with cutting-edge technology, unlocking new business opportunities.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,756 founders

8. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool business as a quilter opens up a realm of opportunities to supplement your income. With a robust platform to send bulk emails, you could keep your dedicated followers up-to-date on new quilting patterns, tutorials, and exclusive offers. This tool could enable you to build a loyal subscriber base, ultimately driving sales and enhancing engagement with your fabric-loving community. For more insights, read these tips on launching an email marketing tool.

Why consider starting an email marketing tool?

  • Email marketing is a proven method for generating leads and driving sales, giving you a reliable revenue stream.
  • You could create a personal connection with fellow quilters, fostering a community while monetizing your expertise.
  • The initial investment is minimal compared to the potential earnings from a growing, engaged subscriber base.

How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,133 founders

9. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a rewarding way to share your passion for quilting while supplementing your income. By discussing quilting techniques, sharing interviews with other quilters, and reviewing quilting products, you could attract an audience that shares your interests. Building a dedicated listener base means you could monetize through sponsorships, ads, or even listener donations.

Why start a podcast?

  • You could establish yourself as an expert in quilting, offering valuable insights and advice.
  • A podcast could connect you with a wider community of quilters, potentially leading to collaboration opportunities.
  • With relatively low startup costs, you could reach a global audience from the comfort of your own home.

For more practical tips and inspiration, check out these success stories and tips for starting a podcast.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,196 founders

10. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

As a quilter, you could leverage your understanding of niche markets and community engagement to start a niche investment platform. This platform could focus on alternative assets, providing an exclusive space for collectors and enthusiasts to trade items like handcrafted textiles, specialty fabrics, and artisanal artworks. The unique appeal of niche investment platforms lies in their ability to offer diversified asset options beyond traditional markets, attracting specialized investors who are passionate about specific asset classes. For more insights on starting a niche investment platform, check out these startup costs.

Why start a niche investment platform?

  • You could create a transparent trading ecosystem that caters to specialized investors with unique interests, enhancing their trading experience.
  • The platform could provide a recurring revenue stream through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, contributing to financial stability.
  • Offering flexibility in portfolio combinations could attract a dedicated user base, ensuring long-term engagement and loyalty.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,320 founders

11. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Starting a social media automation business as a quilter might seem unconventional, but it provides an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or even become a full-time venture. Imagine effortlessly managing multiple social media accounts while driving engagement and growth for clients ranging from small businesses to influencers. By creating tools and services that schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could offer immense value while maintaining your creative quilting pursuits.

To explore how starting such a business could benefit you, consider the following:

Why explore a social media automation business?

  • The skillset overlaps: Your creativity and attention to detail in quilting translate well to creating engaging content and managing social media.
  • Flexible income stream: Automating social media for yourself or clients offers a lucrative avenue to earn extra income without sacrificing your quilting time.
  • Constant demand: With the ever-growing need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for such services, ensuring a steady flow of potential clients.

For more insights on making this a profitable venture, check out Starter Story’s tips on social media automation businesses.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,242 founders

12. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business is a great way for quilters to complement their income, create additional revenue streams, or even build a thriving side business. By leveraging your skills in creating visually appealing quilts, you could capture high-quality photos of your work to sell as stock images. This not only allows you to diversify your projects but also provides a passive income as your photos are purchased for various marketing and advertising purposes.

To kickstart this venture, you might want to invest in good photography gear and learn the essentials of taking professional stock photos. Building an impressive online portfolio could help you sell your photos more efficiently and at profitable margins. Learn more about achieving this here: /ideas/stock-photography-business/startup-costs.

Why start a stock photography business?

  • There is a constant demand for high-quality visuals, and quilt photography offers unique and vibrant imagery.
  • Turning your quilting passion into stock photos allows for a new stream of passive income.
  • It requires a one-time effort for long-term earnings as businesses and individuals purchase your photos over time.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,472 founders

13. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Starting a niche website as a quilter offers a unique blend of creative expression and revenue generation. By focusing on your quilting expertise, you could create a platform filled with engaging content, tutorials, and product recommendations specifically for quilting enthusiasts. With your specialized knowledge, your site could attract a loyal following, allowing various monetization methods like affiliate marketing, digital product sales, and ad placements to thrive.

If you're passionate about quilting and ready to dive deep into your niche, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project. Learn more about successful niche websites here.

Why start a niche website?

  • You could turn your passion for quilting into a consistent income stream.
  • A niche website allows you to share your expertise and build a community around your craft.
  • Once established, it can provide a reliable source of passive income.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,615 founders

14. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Creating and selling online quilting courses can be a rewarding way to share your passion, earn passive income, and establish yourself as an expert in the quilting community. By leveraging your skills to create detailed, engaging tutorials, you can attract quilting enthusiasts worldwide who are eager to learn the craft. Establish a presence on popular online learning platforms, and you'll have the potential to reach a global audience while doing what you love.

Why start an online course sales business?

  • The initial effort can provide long-term rewards, turning your quilting expertise into a continuous income stream.
  • You have the knowledge and skills already; now you can monetize it by teaching others.
  • Helping others learn a new skill offers personal satisfaction beyond just monetary gain. For more details, check out online course sales business success stories.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,027 founders

15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. As a quilter, you could leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy, allowing you to focus more on your craft and less on administrative work. With the demand for AI solutions growing rapidly, launching an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost your competitive edge in the market.

Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?

  • AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up more time for you to devote to quilting.
  • Integrating AI tools can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, helping you tailor your products more effectively.
  • AI solutions can help predict market trends, giving you a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry.

For more information, check out these AI-based business solution profitability tips.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,992 founders

16. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

As a quilter with an eye for detail and a creative spark, launching a cold email service business could be a savvy way to supplement your income. This venture involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns, leveraging your knack for engaging storytelling to help businesses connect with new clients. With the rise of digital marketing, businesses are increasingly looking for experts to handle their outreach efforts, creating a high demand for your services.

To get started, you could focus on small businesses initially, offering tailored email campaigns that capture their unique brand essence. As your portfolio of success stories grows, scaling up to larger clients would become a viable option. For more detailed success stories and tips, you can explore cold email service business ideas here.

Why start a cold email service business?

  • You already possess the creativity needed for crafting compelling emails, a skill honed from your quilting designs.
  • Diversify your income by tapping into the growing demand for digital marketing services.
  • Enjoy flexibility: handle email campaigns from your home studio, allowing you to balance quilting projects and business efforts.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.

Read by 13,705 founders

17. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

Creating a mobile app can be a game-changer for quilters looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Imagine developing a mobile application that helps fellow quilters manage their fabric inventory, track project progress, or discover new patterns and techniques. With the growing reliance on smartphones and tablets, your app could quickly attract a dedicated user base, providing a steady stream of income through app purchases, in-app ads, or premium features. For inspiration and tips, you can check out some success stories on Starter Story.

Why consider a mobile app?

  • There’s a growing demand for niche apps: Quilters are looking for tools that cater specifically to their needs.
  • Passive income potential: A well-made app can generate revenue through ads, in-app purchases, or subscriptions.
  • Expands your reach: Your app could be downloaded by quilting enthusiasts worldwide, significantly increasing your audience.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,006 founders

18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

As a quilter, you could leverage your creative skills and attention to detail to develop a unique health and wellness app. Imagine an application that not only provides personalized fitness and nutrition plans but also incorporates stress-relief techniques like crafting and quilting exercises. By combining your passion for quilting with the growing demand for health and wellness solutions, you could create a niche app that stands out in a crowded market.

This business idea involves market research, collaboration with health and craft experts, app development, and strategic marketing to reach your target audience. The potential to positively impact lives while turning your quilting hobby into a lucrative business makes this an exciting opportunity. For more details on starting a health and wellness app, check out this page on Starter Story here.

Why starting a health and wellness app?

  • You could combine creativity and wellness. Leverage your quilting skills to offer unique, stress-relief activities that differentiate your app.
  • There is high market demand. The health and wellness industry is booming, giving your app a vast potential user base.
  • You could achieve meaningful impact. Helping people improve their health and well-being offers both financial rewards and personal satisfaction.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,607 founders

19. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

Starting a lead generation tool as a quilter can open a unique revenue stream that leverages both your creative and tech-savvy skills. By developing software that helps businesses capture potential customer leads more efficiently, you could assist a wide range of industries, including other creatives. Such a tool can automate the tedious process of finding new clients, allowing businesses to focus on converting leads into paying customers.

The demand for efficient lead generation is continually increasing, with businesses craving ways to streamline their marketing efforts. If you're comfortable with technology and have a knack for marketing, creating a lead generation tool could become a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. For more details, check out this insight on starting a lead generation tool.

Why invest in a lead generation tool?

  • You add value by solving a common pain point, making client acquisition easier for businesses.
  • You can diversify your income beyond quilting, tapping into the lucrative tech market.
  • The tool can lead to passive income, as businesses continually use and subscribe to your service.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,917 founders

20. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

As a quilter, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time venture. You could identify common challenges faced by the quilting community, such as pattern organization, fabric inventory management, or tutorial sharing, and develop plugins that provide solutions to these problems. By offering niche-specific tools, you could tap into a dedicated audience willing to invest in tools that make their quilting projects easier and more enjoyable. If you want to explore this idea further, check out tips on how to start a WordPress plugin business.

Why consider a WordPress plugin business?

  • Developing a plugin that solves a specific problem in the quilting community could quickly attract a dedicated user base.
  • WordPress plugins provide a recurring revenue stream if you offer subscriptions or premium features.
  • Selling plugins through marketplaces like CodeCanyon or your own blogging website allows for flexible income opportunities.

How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.

Read by 18,981 founders

21. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move if you have a knack for creating compelling video content. As a quilter, you could share your expertise in quilting techniques, review quilting tools, or even document the process of your latest quilting project. This platform can not only help you earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise but also connect you with a global audience who shares your passion.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. Regularly planning content, shooting and editing videos, and engaging with your audience are essential steps. Despite the hard work, the potential payoff, both in terms of community building and financial rewards, can make this venture worthwhile. Learn more about starting a YouTube channel here.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • You could transform your quilting passion into a global brand, reaching an audience far beyond your local community.
  • Monetizing your channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise provides multiple income streams.
  • Sharing your knowledge and connecting with a community of fellow quilters can be both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,318 founders

22. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business makes sense for quilters because it allows you to leverage your expertise and passion for quilting to earn a passive income. By partnering with brands and manufacturers related to quilting, you could promote products that you genuinely believe in and earn a commission on each sale. This creates a seamless integration with your existing quilting activities, turning your hobby into a side hustle or even a full-time business.

Becoming an affiliate marketer is a low-cost venture that requires minimal upfront investment. To get started, you'll need to find the right products and brands to partner with, such as eCommerce stores or quilting material manufacturers. This could be the perfect business idea for quilters in 2024 and a fantastic opportunity to diversify your income streams. Check out these success stories for inspiration.

Why start an affiliate marketing business?

  • You could monetize your quilting expertise by promoting products you already use and love.
  • It requires minimal upfront costs, making it a low-risk investment.
  • You could create a passive income stream, earning money even when you're not actively working.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,623 founders

23. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for quilters to share their specialized knowledge and connect with a passionate community of fellow quilting enthusiasts. By creating unique and informative content, such as how-to guides, product reviews, and video tutorials, you could build a loyal following while generating supplemental income through different monetization strategies like affiliate links and brand collaborations. This path not only lets you establish yourself as an authority in the quilting world but also provides a platform for potential growth into a full-fledged business.

Why consider starting a niche blog?

  • You could leverage your quilting expertise to create engaging and valuable content that attracts a dedicated audience.
  • With a niche blog, you could easily monetize your content through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and online courses, providing multiple income streams.
  • Starting a blog allows you to build an online presence and community, which can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.

To learn more about the profitability and steps to start a niche blog, check out this guide.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 78,126 founders

24. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm might seem unconventional for a quilter, but the analytical and meticulous skills you’ve honed in quilting can be advantageous here. The process of identifying valuable properties, negotiating deals, and managing renovations involves a keen eye for detail, much like selecting fabrics and patterns for your quilting projects. Moreover, the real estate market offers substantial profit potential and stability, which can complement your creative endeavors financially.

Why consider starting a real estate investment firm as a quilter?

  • You could leverage your attention to detail in scouting and renovating properties, leading to higher returns on investment.
  • This venture provides a diversified income stream, allowing you to financial stability while you explore your quilting passion.
  • The flexible nature of real estate investment means you can balance it alongside your quilting projects without compromising either.

To learn more about the pros and cons, and read success stories in real estate investment, visit Starter Story.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,320 founders

25. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print on demand business could be an excellent opportunity for quilters to diversify their income streams and leverage their unique designs without the hassle of maintaining inventory. By utilizing dropshipping services, you could transform your quilt designs into a wide range of products such as apparel, home goods, and phone cases, all sold through online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay. With minimal startup costs and the flexibility to manage operations from home, you could monetize your quilting creativity and build a scalable business at your own pace.

Why start a print on demand business?

  • You could turn your quilt designs into customized products without upfront inventory costs.
  • You could reach a global audience through established online marketplaces.
  • You could run the business from home, making it a flexible side hustle or full-time venture.

For more detailed insights and success stories, check out print on demand business success stories.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

Read by 29,963 founders

26. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

Starting a SEO & lead generation service as a quilter could offer a unique opportunity to blend your creativity with technical skills. By learning the fundamentals of lead generation and digital marketing, you could help other craft-related businesses attract and convert customers. This service could be a substantial side income, providing a way to leverage your existing quilting network while offering valuable expertise to others in the crafting community. For more ideas on the profitability of SEO & Lead Generation Services, visit Starter Story.

Why start a SEO & lead generation service?

  • You could tap into a growing market with your unique understanding of the crafting niche.
  • It's a scalable business model that provides flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere.
  • You could diversify your income streams by offering a complementary service to your quilting business.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $35K/Month Agency Specialized On Link Building

A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.

Read by 14,475 founders

27. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

As a quilter with an entrepreneurial spirit, developing an online survey tool could be a creative way to supplement your income or even establish a whole new business. Quilting is all about attention to detail, problem-solving, and understanding intricate patterns—skills that can be incredibly beneficial when building and refining an online survey tool. This type of business not only diversifies your income stream but also taps into the growing demand for data collection, aiding other businesses in better understanding their customer base.

Consider how these tools, like Typeform, streamline customer feedback collection and significantly impact business decisions. With the right approach, your survey tool could achieve similar success, and you can learn more about marketing and startup ideas from existing success stories on Starter Story.

Why create an online survey tool?

  • You're already detail-oriented and skilled at patterns, making software development a natural next step.
  • Demand for customer feedback tools is growing, opening up a lucrative market opportunity.
  • It offers a flexible side business that can complement the seasonal nature of quilting, ensuring year-round income.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.