How to Make Money Crocheting – My Step-by-Step Journey (2025 Update)
I didn't wake up one morning thinking, “Yep, I’m going to turn yarn into income.” But when you’re crocheting constantly anyway—and people start asking if they can “buy one” of whatever you just made—you realize, hey, maybe this isn't just a hobby after all. If you're searching for how to make money crocheting, maybe my story can help.
So here’s how I went from casually crocheting on the couch to making my first $500 selling crochet items—and what I learned (sometimes painfully) about starting a small crochet business along the way.
Step 1: Picking My First Crochet Product to Sell Profitably
My first step in figuring out how to make money crocheting was deciding *what* to sell. I asked myself: What’s quick to make, doesn’t eat up a ton of expensive yarn, and are people actually searching for and willing to buy online?
After a bit of trend-spotting on Etsy, Pinterest, and TikTok (essential for any craft business in 2025!), I noticed a pattern for popular, sellable crochet items:
- Crochet plushies (amigurumi are always popular!)
- Chunky beanies and trendy hats
- Simple, stylish tote bags
- Small home goods like phone pouches and coasters
I picked coasters for my first attempt at selling crochet. Why? They are relatively quick to make, use minimal yarn (keeping costs down), are small and cheap to ship, and felt like a low-risk way to test the waters of the handmade marketplace.
Step 2: Buying the Right Yarn & Materials on a Budget
Starting a crochet business doesn't mean breaking the bank immediately. I hit up my local craft store with a mission and a strict budget. I didn’t want to overspend before I even made a dime. Here’s what I grabbed for my initial coaster inventory:
- 100% cotton yarn in 5 versatile, solid colors (Cotton is great for coasters!)
- Essential crochet hooks: 3.5mm and 4mm
- Basic tools: Stitch markers and sharp scissors
- Simple packaging supplies: Neutral gift tags + natural jute twine
- A basic kitchen scale (Crucial for pricing! To track yarn usage per piece accurately)
My initial investment? Around $28. Totally manageable for testing a potential income stream from crocheting.
Step 3: Creating a Repeatable Pattern for Efficiency
Consistency is key when you want to sell crochet items. I crocheted my first coaster while watching a rerun of some crime drama. It turned out okay. The second one? Lopsided. Third? Decent. By the fifth attempt, I’d nailed down the stitch count, found a comfortable rhythm, and could finish one coaster in about 20 minutes.
I kept a dedicated notebook nearby to meticulously write out the final pattern. I even tested how much yarn each coaster used by weighing my skeins before and after crocheting one. Each coaster used approximately 12g of yarn—vital information for calculating profitable pricing later on.
Step 4: Photographing My Crochet Work for Online Sales
This part is non-negotiable if you're serious about making money crocheting online. Your photos *are* your storefront. This step took me longer than I want to admit! I grabbed a simple white poster board for a clean background, added some natural greenery from the backyard for styling, and utilized natural light by the window (the best free lighting!).
I snapped photos using just my phone, then edited them using free apps like Lightroom Mobile and Canva to brighten them and ensure color accuracy. I created mockup photos showing coaster "sets" of 4, 6, and 8 to help buyers visualize.
Pro Tip for 2025: I also recorded a short, 15-second reel showing my hands crocheting one coaster from start to finish. Video content showing the handmade process performs incredibly well on platforms like Instagram and TikTok and builds trust.
Remember to use descriptive alt text for your images when you upload them to Blogger/Etsy for better SEO and accessibility! E.g., "Set of 4 handmade cotton crochet coasters in sage green".
Step 5: Setting Up an Online Store (The Easy Way to Start Selling Crochet)
I wasn't ready to commit to building and managing a full e-commerce website initially. So, I focused on platforms where handmade buyers already are. Here’s where I started listing my crochet coasters:
- Etsy: A must-use platform for anyone selling handmade goods. It has a huge built-in audience searching for items like crochet.
- Instagram Shop: Perfect for visual products like crochet. It's easy to link directly from engaging reels and posts, turning DMs into potential sales.
- Facebook Marketplace: Great for reaching local buyers who might prefer to avoid shipping costs.
Pricing Strategy: I priced a set of 4 coasters at $14 plus $3 for shipping. I researched similar items on Etsy to ensure my pricing was competitive but fair for handmade work. I also listed bundle discounts for larger sets (6 and 8 coasters) and added a personal touch in the product description: "Handmade with 100% cotton yarn in cozy, calming tones – crafted while watching cheesy holiday movies." People connect with stories!
Step 6: Promoting Your Crochet Products Without Feeling Salesy
Marketing your crochet items is crucial for making consistent sales. Here’s what worked for me without feeling awkward or overly promotional:
- Sharing behind-the-scenes reels showing WIPs (works in progress) and my workspace.
- Creating quick time-lapse videos of crocheting a full set of coasters or another item.
- Posting high-quality photos of finished products in use (e.g., coasters with a mug).
- Sharing customer photos and testimonials (always ask for permission first!) on Instagram Stories and tagging them.
- Using relevant and targeted hashtags like #crochetcoasters #handmadegiftideas #crochetshop #etsycrochet #cottagecore #smallbusiness #crochetforsale. Research popular and niche hashtags!
Consistency was key. I aimed to post engaging content every other day, promptly replied to comments and DMs, and injected some personality and humor. Example: “When your coaster game is stronger than your coffee.” Authenticity sells!
Step 7: My First Sale (and the Inevitable Hiccup)
The first sale notification is exhilarating! Mine came through Etsy—a lovely lady from Michigan bought a set of 6 coasters in sage green. I was thrilled! I carefully packaged them in a simple kraft envelope with a handwritten thank-you note (a small touch that customers appreciate).
Then reality hit: I messed up the shipping label size setting on my printer, had to reprint it, and consequently missed the post office cutoff time for the day. Oof. A classic beginner mistake!
I immediately emailed the customer, sincerely apologized for the slight delay, explained briefly what happened, and included an extra coaster in her package as a gesture of goodwill. She was understanding and still left a fantastic 5-star review. Lesson learned: Always double-check your shipping settings and processes!
Step 8: Scaling Up Your Crochet Business (Without Burnout)
Once I had about 15 sales under my belt and felt more confident, I decided it was time to expand my product offerings. Thinking seasonally helps keep your shop fresh and relevant:
- Added mini crochet pumpkins for the fall season.
- Introduced handmade crochet Christmas tree ornaments in December.
- Created small heart-shaped pouches for Valentine’s Day gifts.
I strategically created seasonal collections and offered a simple “gift wrap” add-on option for an extra $2 – an easy upsell during peak gifting times.
Crucially, I tracked which items sold best and which ones were duds. Those coasters? Consistent winners. The intricate, 6-hour crochet clutch I poured my heart into? It received lovely comments but never sold. It's important to listen to what the market wants and focus your efforts on profitable crochet items that resonate with buyers.
Key Takeaways: What Actually Helped Me Make Money Crocheting
Looking back, these were the factors that made the biggest difference in turning my crochet hobby into a source of income:
- Starting Small & Smart: Focusing initially on fast-to-make, low-cost items like coasters and headbands allowed me to test the market without huge risk.
- Efficiency is Key: Reusing successful patterns and batching my work (e.g., making 10 coaster bases at once) saved significant time.
- Storytelling Sells: Using content (photos, videos, descriptions) to tell the story behind my creations, not just listing features. People buy from people they connect with.
- Direct Connection: Engaging personally with potential customers through DMs and Etsy messages built trust and loyalty.
- Consistency Matters Most: Showing up regularly with new content and products, even during slow sales periods, is vital for long-term growth. Especially then.
Final Thoughts on Starting Your Crochet Business
If you're reading this and seriously wondering how to make money crocheting, my biggest piece of advice is: don’t overthink it into paralysis. Start with a product you genuinely enjoy making (because you'll be making a lot of them!). Share your creative process with your unique personality. And most importantly, listen to feedback and observe what people are actually interested in buying.
You don't need to go viral overnight or have a massive following to start earning money from your crochet skills. You just need to be authentic, reliable, and willing to put your creations out there.
And hey, if you’re currently sitting surrounded by a mountain of half-finished projects and yarn, wondering if anyone would actually pay for your work—the answer is YES. They absolutely will. But only if you take that first step, show up, and try.
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