Are you considering starting your own crochet and/or knitting business, or any creative business,for that matter? If so, you’ll want to read this! These are honest lessons I’ve learned through my own journey of turning my love for yarn into a crochet and knitting business. Like many others, I initially thought my role would simply be to create, write patterns, and then relax while selling them. However, I was in for a big surprise.
Crochet and Knitting Business – The Unexpected Journey
When I was contemplating starting my crochet and knitting business, I conducted some research and explored a few options. Before making a final decision, I wanted to ensure I was financially stable, especially since I had just finished graduate school. During this time, I began listening to Dave Ramsey, and through his podcast, I discovered Christy Wright. She inspired and encouraged women to make money doing what they loved, which resonated with me deeply. As I listened to the stories of women featured on her podcast, who had turned their passions into profitable businesses, I started reflecting on what I truly loved to do.
Discovering My Passion for Crochet and Knitting
After much contemplation, it dawned on me that my passion was crochet and knitting. Although I had taken a break from it due to a busy family life, I now had the time to pursue it again. With this realization, I decided to delve deeper into the business side of things.
The Path to Becoming a Crochet and Knit Designer
I started researching the business aspect of crochet and knitting and eventually decided I wanted to become a designer. Although I had never designed before, I was confident in my ability to read patterns well. I researched what was needed to start a business and initially thought it would involve creating patterns, writing them, and selling them on platforms like Etsy or Ravelry.
Spoiler alert: it was far more complex than I ever imagined.
Lessons Learned in my Journey as a Crochet and Knit Designer
During my research, I picked up a few useful tips, but nothing truly prepared me for what it meant to run a handmade business. I couldn’t find any articles that thoroughly explained what to expect.
Most articles I found focused only on what to sell or where to sell, not on what to expect. No one warned me about the many hats I’d need to wear—marketing expert, photographer, customer service rep, accountant, and social media manager, just to name a few.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list to help others understand the realities of running a crochet and knitting business.
So, if you’re considering turning your craft into a business, I want you to feel prepared—not overwhelmed or blindsided. This journey is deeply rewarding, but it comes with challenges too. Knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
By sharing my experiences, I hope to provide you with a clearer picture of what lies ahead, so you can be better prepared for the exciting journey of starting your own creative business.
Let’s dive in as I share the top things I wish I had known before starting my crochet and knitting business, including tips on mindset, business strategy, marketing, pricing, and much more.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Similar Posts
1. Focus on Building Relationships Before Selling
(Build it and they will come” is a Myth)
It’s tempting to focus on making sales immediately, but the heart of your business is the relationships you build. Share your journey through storytelling, whether it’s why you started crocheting or knitting, the challenges you’ve faced, or the inspiration behind your designs by actively promoting your business to reach potential customers. This means:
- Social Media is Your Marketing Playground: Engage with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok. Share photos of your work, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, and connect with other crafters.
- Email Marketing is Gold: Building an email list is crucial for nurturing leads and driving sales. Offer a discount or free pattern in exchange for signing up.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is Your Secret Weapon: Learn the basics of SEO to help your products rank higher in search engine results.
- Respond to comments and messages to show you value their engagement.
Pro Tip: Focus on building customer relationships, not just selling them your products. When people feel a personal connection to you, they’ll be more likely to support your business.
2. You Don’t Need Everything Perfect to Start your Crochet and Knitting Business
(“Perfection is the Enemy of Done!”)
Perfectionism can hold you back. It’s easy to feel like you need the perfect logo, a professional website, or polished product photos before you launch. While these are important, they’re not necessary to start.
- What I Thought: I needed the PERFECT logo, the PERFECT website, the PERFECT lighting setup, and the PERFECT product photos before I could even think about selling anything.
- The Reality: I spent months tweaking things that honestly didn’t matter in the beginning. My first logo was…questionable. My initial product photos were taken on my phone with terrible lighting. Guess what? I still made sales!
- The Lesson: Launch NOW, refine LATER. Start small, get feedback, and improve as you go. A “good enough” website launched today is better than a “perfect” website launched six months from now.
- Example: -Don’t wait until you have a professional photographer. Use your smartphone, find good natural light, and learn some basic editing skills. You can always upgrade later.
–Start with simple tools like Etsy, Ravelry, or even Instagram to showcase and sell your work.
-Update and refine your branding as your business grows.
-Remember, progress beats perfection every time and the most important step is to start, even if it feels messy.
3. Pricing Isn’t Just About the Yarn
(and the Hours!)
Pricing your work is one of the most challenging aspects of running a crochet and knitting business. Early on, I was so focused on the cost of materials and the time I spent on each piece. I’d calculate that, add a tiny bit for profit, and call it a day. Big mistake! Here’s what I missed:
- Overhead Costs: This includes things like website fees, shipping supplies, photography props, craft fair table fees, and advertising. Don’t forget to factor these in! Use a pricing formula that factors in materials, hours worked, and a profit margin.
- Taxes: Ugh, the dreaded T-word. You need to set aside a percentage of your income for taxes, which will vary depending on your location. Consult a tax professional!
- Your Expertise: You’re not just churning out crafts; you’re offering a skill, an art form! Value your expertise and charge accordingly.
- Time is Money: Really. Factor in all the time spent. Not just knitting/crocheting, but also taking photos, editing, listing items, answering emails, packaging, and going to the post office. Educate your audience about the time and effort handmade items require.
- Don’t be afraid to price higher; customers who value handmade items will pay for quality.
Undervaluing your work sets a precedent that’s hard to change later.
Pro Tip: Research your competitors and see what they’re charging for similar items. Don’t undersell yourself!
4. Photography is Your BEST Friend
(or Worst Enemy!)
Let’s be honest, a blurry, poorly lit photo of your masterpiece is a disservice. High-quality photography is absolutely crucial for attracting customers online. Think of it as your storefront window – it’s the first impression you make!
- Invest in Good Lighting: Natural light is your best bet, but if you don’t have access to that, invest in a good lighting setup.
- Learn to Edit (Even Just a Little): Basic editing skills can enhance your photos and make them look more professional. Tools like Canva (free!) or Adobe Lightroom are great options.
- Showcase Your Work: Use props to create a visually appealing scene and show off the item’s details.
- Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent style for your photos across your website or social media.
Pro Tip: Take tons of photos from different angles. You can never have too many!
5. Quality Over Quantity Always Wins
(Even if it Takes Longer!)
When building a crochet and knitting business, the temptation to churn out as many products or patterns as possible is strong. However, quality is what keeps customers coming back. So, remember
- Rushed, poorly made items lead to unhappy customers, negative reviews, and ultimately, fewer sales. You end up spending too much time fixing mistakes and re-doing projects because you cut corners.
- Focus on impeccable craftsmanship. One beautifully made, well-photographed item will always outperform ten rushed, mediocre ones. Happy customers become repeat customers and brand advocates.
- Spend the extra time weaving in your ends properly. Invest in premium yarns and take the time to create durable, well-crafted pieces. Pay attention to detail.
-For patterns, include detailed instructions, clear photos, and a variety of sizes.
-Quality extends to your customer service—always respond promptly and courteously.
These small things make a HUGE difference.
6. You’re Not Just a Crafter
(“You’re a Business Owner”)
This was a hard pill to swallow for me. I loved the creative process, but suddenly I was responsible for:
- Bookkeeping: Track your income and expenses meticulously. Trust me, future you will thank you.
- Customer Service: Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally. Happy customers are repeat customers.
- Inventory Management: Keep track of your yarn stash and supplies. Avoid overstocking or running out of essential items.
- Legal Stuff: Understand the legal requirements for running a business in your area, such as licenses and permits.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in accounting software to simplify your bookkeeping.
7. Burnout is Real
(“and It’s a Beast!”)
When your passion becomes your job, it’s easy to burn out. Constant creating, marketing, and managing can take a toll. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and remembering why you started can help maintain your love for the craft
Running a crochet and knitting business is a journey filled with learning curves and creative breakthroughs. With the right preparation, it can also be an incredibly fulfilling career. If you’re considering starting one, I hope these insights help make your path a little smoother.
- Schedule Time Off: This is non-negotiable. Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Delegate Tasks (If Possible): If you can afford it, consider hiring someone to help with tasks like social media management or packaging.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life.
- Remember WHY You Started: Take time to appreciate the joy of creating.
Pro Tip: Find a supportive community of fellow crafters to connect with and share your experiences.
8. Time Management Is Key
(“It’s More Than Just Knitting!”)
Balancing creativity with the demands of running a business can be overwhelming. I learned the hard way that planning and scheduling tasks are essential. Using tools like Trello or Google Calendar helps keep me organized.
This one sounds obvious, right? But it’s not just about allocating time to crochet a sweater or knit a scarf. Time Management Is Key to everything – from designing new patterns and sourcing materials to marketing your products, managing orders, answering customer inquiries, and handling administrative tasks.
You will quickly learn that your actual crafting time is shrinking drastically. You will spend more time on social media, answering emails, and packaging orders than on actual creation. To succeed, you will need to implement the following:
- Batching Tasks: Dedicate specific blocks of time for similar activities (e.g., one morning for photography, one afternoon for order packing).
- Using a Project Management Tool: Even a simple spreadsheet or Trello board can help you track orders, deadlines, and inventory.
- Setting Realistic Production Schedules: Don’t overpromise! Build in buffer time for unexpected delays.
- Outsourcing (Eventually): As you grow, consider hiring help for tasks like photography, shipping, or even pattern editing.
Ignoring time management leads to burnout, missed deadlines, and unhappy customers.
9. Understanding Your Target Market
Many new makers try to appeal to everyone, which usually leads to attracting no one.
Why it matters:
Knowing your audience helps you design products, write content, and market effectively.
Create a customer avatar (ideal buyer profile):
Understand their pain points and preferences.
Are they beginner crocheters? Trendy moms? Cozy minimalists?
Use language, visuals, and products that speak directly to them.
10. Building a Brand, Not Just a Business
Branding is more than a logo—it’s the vibe, message, tone, and emotion behind your business.
Branding includes:
- Your voice (friendly? inspiring? educational?)
- Visuals (colors, photos, style)
- Values and mission