Crochet is making a major comeback lately, with people of all ages picking up a hook and yarn to craft beautiful and unique handmade items. The art of crochet dates back centuries, and now in the 21st century, it is experiencing a major resurgence.

This renewed interest in crochet presents a fantastic opportunity to turn your hobby into a side hustle to make money from crochet. With some business savvy and dedication, you can leverage your crochet skills to generate a solid stream of income.

Popularity of Crochet

Crochet has seen a major uptick in popularity in recent years. According to Google Trends, searches for “crochet” have more than doubled since 2004. People are being drawn to crochet for many reasons:

• The therapeutic, stress-relieving benefits of the repetitive hand motions
• Crochet produces gorgeous finished objects like blankets, apparel, home decor, toys, and more
• It taps into the growing “maker” movement and desire for handcrafted, artisanal goods
• Crochet is an enjoyable hobby that provides a creative outlet
• The relaxing pace of crochet offers a break from fast-paced digital lifestyles

Additionally, crochet is being passed down from generation to generation again, as grandparents teach the craft to their grandkids. Social media has also helped fuel interest in crochet, as people share photos of their intricate projects.

With crochet going mainstream once more, the market is ripe for leveraging your skills to make money from crochet. Even mid-pandemic in 2020, searches for “make money crocheting” spiked significantly.

A World of Possibilities to Profit from Crochet

There are so many ways to leverage crochet skills to earn extra income. You can choose the options that best fit your lifestyle, schedule, and financial goals. Some avenues require an initial investment, while others can be launched for little to no cost.

Here are just some of the diverse possibilities for making money from crochet:

• Selling finished crochet products in a shop or at markets
• Offering made-to-order custom or personalized crochet items
• Publishing and selling crochet patterns
• Teaching crochet skills through in-person or online classes/workshops
• Providing crochet-related services like repairs, alterations, or testing new patterns
• Creating YouTube crochet tutorials and monetizing with ads
• Affiliate marketing crochet products or selling kits and supplies
• Building a crochet blog and earning from ads, sponsorships, etc.
• Selling merchandise with branded crochet graphics and slogans

The options are endless when you get creative. You can combine several streams of crochet income for the best results.

Benefits of Turning Your Crochet Hobby Profitable

Beyond the obvious benefit of earning extra income, there are tons of other perks that come from monetizing your crochet skills:

• Make money from crochet doing something you love!
• Enjoy the flexibility to be your boss and set your schedule.
• Tap into the thriving handmade movement and crochet community.
• Express your creativity through products and designs.
• Gain a business to grow over time versus just a hobby.
• Work from home and avoid a commute to a 9-5 job.
• Leave the doldrums of corporate life or a stale career behind.
• Gain fulfillment from using your artistic and crochet talents.
• Interact with customers who appreciate crochet as much as you do.

The sense of pride in profiting from your skills is so rewarding. Let’s dive into the diverse ways you can get started with making money from crochet!

Getting Started with Crochet Business Basics

Before diving headfirst into selling crochet products or offering services, it’s wise to step back and do some initial planning for your new side hustle. Having the right foundations will set you up for success as you grow your crochet business.

Choose Your Crochet Niche

First, determine what type of crochet products you will make or services you will provide. Do some market research to find gaps and opportunities.

Some potentially lucrative crochet niches include:

• Wearables – hats, shawls, tops, jewelry
• Baby items – blankets, booties, photo props, toys
• Home decor – rugs, pillows, baskets, wall hangings
• Pet products – leashes, toys, apparel
• Gifts and keepsakes – ornaments, frames, coasters

Another option is to niche down and specialize. For instance, focus on crocheted bikinis or festival accessories versus a wide array of products.

Targeting a specific audience allows you to tailor your brand image, products, marketing, etc. Or you may choose to take a generalized approach and create all kinds of crochet products.

Select a Business Structure

How you legally structure your crochet business can impact taxes, liability, and other factors. Here are some of the most common options:

Sole Proprietorship

This is the easiest and least expensive model to set up. There is no legal distinction between you and your business. However, you face unlimited personal liability for debts and lawsuits.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Provides personal liability protection while allowing pass-through taxation. More expensive to establish than a sole prop. You must uphold formalities to maintain the liability shield.

S Corporation

Another option that combines pass-through taxation with liability protection. Stricter legal and operational requirements than an LLC.

Consult a business attorney or accountant to determine the best structure for your goals. An LLC or S Corp prevents your assets from being seized if sued.

Make a Crochet Business Plan

Creating a business plan is an essential step to outline your business goals and strategy. A crochet business plan typically includes:

• An executive summary
• Company and product descriptions
• Market analysis
• Competitive research
• Marketing strategy
• Projected financials and sales forecasts
• Funding requirements and key milestones

Having this document provides direction and keeps you on track while launching your crochet side hustle. It also helps when seeking funding or loans from banks.

Choose a Business Brand and Name

Your business name and brand will make an all-important first impression. Pick a crochet business name that:

• Aligns with your niche and target market
• Evokes the vibe and emotions you want customers to feel
• Is unique and memorable
• Checks for URL availability as a dot com
• Works with your logo and visual identity

Also, decide on a tagline or slogan that captures what you offer. For example: “One-of-a-Kind Crochet Treasures” or “Hooked on Crochet.”

Set Up Business Accounts

Every crochet business needs accounts established to sell and market products/services:

• Website – Make sure it represents your brand and allows sales.
• Social media – Create business accounts on networks like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to attract and engage followers. Use relevant crochet hashtags.
• Etsy shop – This handmade marketplace provides instant access to buyers seeking crochet items.
• Email list – Collect emails on your site to build relationships and make offers.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on where you live and operate, certain permits and licenses may be required for a crochet business. For example, a sales tax ID, business license, food handler’s permit if selling edibles, liquor license for events, etc.

Research the specific legal requirements for your state and municipality. Stay compliant to avoid headaches down the road! Failing to acquire a needed license can lead to penalties.

Track Finances From the Start

Get in the habit of tracking all business expenses and income from day one. Keep detailed records and receipts.

This financial data will be essential when it comes time to file taxes for your crochet business. All business-related expenses can be deducted to reduce your taxable income.

An app like Quickbooks or Excel spreadsheets helps organize everything in one place. Make sure to track:

• Yarn, tools, equipment, and supply purchases
• Business travel mileage
• Inventory and cost of goods sold
• Packaging and shipping costs
• Domain registration, web hosting, software, etc.
• Advertising and marketing fees
• Office or craft room supplies
• Business meals and entertainment
• Accounting/legal expenses
• Contract labor costs

Following sound financial practices early on will reward you later as your crochet business grows. Now let’s explore some of the fun ways to start making money from crochet!

Making and Selling Finished Crochet Products

One of the most obvious ways to profit from your crochet skills is by making finished products to sell. This can include both having inventory on hand along with made-to-order items.

Create a Signature Line of Crochet Products

Decide on your special line of crochet products that become known as your signature items. For example:

• Baby cocoons and newborn props
• Boho chic tops and kimonos
• Amigurumi characters and dolls
• Chunky knit blankets and throws
• Pet sweaters and toys

Stick to your niche so you can streamline production. Set up an efficient assembly line system. Make high-quality products that get people talking!

Offer Custom or Personalized Crochet Items

Many shoppers love a custom item made just for them or to give as a gift. You can certainly focus solely on made-to-order crochet.

Just be sure to manage client expectations upfront regarding turnaround times and other policies. Charge a premium for custom work to make the time investment worthwhile.

Personalized baby blankets, pet portraits turned into crochet art, or recreating someone’s wedding dress in yarn are examples of custom crochet.

Sell Your Creations at Local Markets

Local craft fairs, farmers markets, and holiday bazaars provide an excellent opportunity to sell your crochet wares in person.

Interacting face-to-face with customers allows you to share your story and enthusiasm for crochet. Shoppers can see, touch, and feel products before purchasing.

Having a strong brand identity and display booth helps you stand out at markets. Just be sure to scope out the competition ahead of time.

Open an Etsy or Online Shop

While selling locally has its place, opening an online shop expands your reach exponentially.

Etsy is the top marketplace for selling crochet products. You can also create a standalone site with ecommerce capabilities through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

Beautiful product photography, SEO-optimized listings, and social media marketing help attract buyers searching for crochet online.

Wholesale and Consignment Opportunities

Along with direct sales, consider wholesaling your crochet products to boutiques, gift shops, and other retailers. This requires larger production volumes but expands your products’ visibility.

Similarly, consigning crochet products in local shops on a commission basis helps access more customers. Just ensure the retail location aligns with your target market.

Offer Crochet Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes continue rising in popularity across all niches. As a crocheter, you can easily create compelling themed boxes.

Examples include monthly crochet kits with yarn and patterns, boxes paired with tea or coffee, a seasonal crochet-style box, or an amigurumi box with supplies for making a new character each month.

The unboxing experience creates excitement and loyalty. Sell subscriptions right from your website for recurring revenue.

Provide Crochet Items as Photo Props

Photographers frequently seek out beautiful handmade props for their photo sessions. Your intricate crochet makes ideal backdrops.

Reach out to photographers directly or list props for rental on sites like Peerspace. Make items like baby cocoons, newborn headbands, blankets, hammocks, doll clothes, washcloths, and pom poms to appeal to this market.

Master Pricing and Packaging

To maximize sales of crochet products, carefully calculate pricing and package goods attractively.

When pricing items, consider:

• Yarn and materials cost
• Time invested
• Comparable products’ value
• Profit margins

On average, pricing goods at 2-3x the cost of materials is a good guideline. For specialty or custom pieces, go even higher.

Carefully wrap or box crochet products to impress buyers upon opening. Include business cards, tags with care instructions, and thank you notes.

Little touches make a difference to show customers you value their support. Make sales of your crochet creations a profitable endeavor.

Selling Crochet Patterns and Kits

Selling just the finished crochet products involves a lot of hands-on making. You can earn more passively through selling patterns, kits, books, and tutorials.

Create and Sell Digital Crochet Patterns

Designing your patterns to sell provides great residual income once initially created.

List crochet patterns related to your niche in your Etsy or Ravelry shops. Expand your catalog over time.

From sweaters to toys to home decor, crochet patterns cover it all. Provide clear instructions, step-by-step photos, and sizing options.

Offer Crochet Project Kits

Kits take the guesswork out by providing everything needed to complete a crochet project. Offer kits paired with your pattern designs.

Each kit can include:

• Printed pattern instructions
• The exact yarn type and quantity needed
• Crochet hooks or other required tools
• Notions like stitch markers or buttons
• Packaged in a reusable bag or box

Kits convenience appeals to beginners. Sell them as bundles with your patterns or individually.

Self-Publish a Crochet Book

Authoring your book is easier than ever with self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Release an ebook of your original crochet patterns or tutorials through KDP to access Amazon’s built-in readership.

For more legitimacy, also offer paperback printed copies of your book via IngramSpark or a similar printer. Sell books through your site too.

Pitch Your Patterns to Magazines

Landing a pattern in a major crochet magazine boosts your exposure significantly.

Publications like Crochet World and Interweave Crochet are distributed globally. Meet their writer’s guidelines and pitch relevant designs.

Getting published brings you, new audience members, to also buy your patterns or kits after seeing you in print.

Become a Sponsored Crochet Designer

Yarn and pattern companies may sponsor designers to create patterns featuring their products.

Once you build an audience and prove your skills, approach sponsors like Lion Brand Yarn, Red Heart, or independent dyers.

They will pay you, supply the yarn, and promote collaboration among their followers.

Share Free and Paid Patterns

Post a mix of free and paid crochet patterns on your blog or website to appeal to visitors.

Offer simpler designs for free to build your email list and social media following. Convert fans into buyers with more advanced paid patterns.

Link free patterns to your online shops to cross-promote. Partner with bloggers to swap pattern releases.

Offering Crochet Classes and Services

Beyond products, you can monetize your expertise by offering crochet skills through classes, workshops or specialty services.

Teach In-Person Crochet Classes

Teaching crochet classes allows you to directly share knowledge with enthusiastic students.

Partner with local yarn shops, craft stores, community centers, schools, or libraries to host classes in shared spaces.

Or teach privately from home for small groups. Set your curriculum – teach scarves, amigurumi, Tunisian crochet, etc.

Create Online Crochet Tutorials

Thanks to technology, you can now teach crochet on a global scale through online tutorials.

YouTube and Skillshare are popular platforms for posting video lessons subscribers pay to access. Monetize through ads too.

Alternatively, sell access to prerecorded online classes through your website paired with downloadable resources.

Provide Private Crochet Lessons

Offer personalized 1-on-1 or small group lessons for learners seeking focused instruction.

These are great for total beginners overwhelmed by a big class environment.

You set the pace and curriculum tailored exactly to each learner’s needs and ability level. Charge premium rates for private lessons.

Earn Crochet Teaching Certification

To teach lessons through major craft stores, certification may be required.

Becoming a Certified Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council boosts your credentials.

The program covers skills like lesson planning, teaching tools, gauging student abilities, troubleshooting problems, and business savvy.

Certification helps land teaching jobs and charges higher lesson rates.

Offer Crochet Repair Services

Leverage your crochet talents to mend damaged heirlooms and treasured handmade items.

Things like reattaching broken parts of an afghan, restoring moth holes in a shawl, or reinforcing seams in older pieces.

Market specialty repair services to local yarn shops or directly through your website. This taps into the revival of visible mending.

Provide Crochet Pattern Testing

Pattern makers need qualified crocheters to test out new designs before publication.

As a seasoned crochet expert, offer your services to review new patterns and provide detailed feedback.

You get paid, gain free patterns, and build relationships with designers in the industry.

Monetizing Your Crochet Blog

Launching a blog opens multiple income stream possibilities all in one place – your website!

Create Content Around Your Niche

Establish yourself as an authority by sharing crochet knowledge online through blogging. Post tutorials, pattern reviews, hobby tips, etc.

Use search volume tools to identify topics people search that align with your expertise. Incorporate these into posts.

Craft engaging content that entertains and educates readers.

Include Affiliate Marketing Links

Affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or Rakuten let you earn commissions promoting relevant products.

Add text links and image banners for yarn, tools, craft supplies, and other crochet products you recommend to readers. When they click and purchase, you earn a percentage.

Affiliate marketing works seamlessly with product reviews. Be sure to disclose affiliate relationships.

Over time, these small commissions from clicks can add up substantially. Amazon pays up to 10% on some items.

Run Advertisements

Displaying ads allows you to earn money from impressions and clicks.

Sign up for Google AdSense, MediaVine, or BuySellAds. Place relevant text, image, and video ads on site margins and in between posts.

Ads for crochet products and classes enhance content rather than distract. Just avoid overloading pages with multiple ads.

Get Sponsorships

Promote brands through dedicated sponsored posts and social media.

Yarn companies, subscription boxes, pattern makers, and craft suppliers may sponsor you.

Negotiate sponsored content rates based on your audience size and influence. Ensure sponsors are a good fit.

Sell Products or Patterns

One major advantage of a crochet blog is you can seamlessly link to your online shops or product pages to make related sales.

Share the story behind new patterns or products you created. Offer discounts or incentives to purchase from your site.

Build anticipation and interest around new crochet product launches through blog posts. Ultimately, this drives sales and profits.

Grow Email List

Offer a lead magnet like a free pattern or guide in exchange for emails.

Send out a weekly or monthly crochet newsletter with fresh content.

Share news of product releases, sales, events, and other updates. Offers and coupons incentivize purchases.

Build Community

Social media expands your audience and allows engagement with crochet fans.

Share blog post links and multimedia on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and other networks.

Use relevant hashtags like #crochetersofinstagram. Respond to comments and questions.

Wrapping Up

We covered a lot of ground on the diverse ways to turn your passion for crochet into profits. With so many possibilities, you can combine options that work best for your lifestyle and business vision.

The key is to start! Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Beginning small and reinvesting earnings to grow will build long-term success.

Remember to track expenses, create processes and policies, and deliver excellent products, content, and services. Bring your unique crochet voice and creativity into the marketplace.

Soon you’ll be doing what you love while earning extra income through crochet. Wishing you the best as you progress on your crochet entrepreneurial journey!