Starting a crochet business is a fantastic way to turn your passion into profit. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to make some extra cash or you’re dreaming of quitting your day job to crochet full-time, the possibilities are endless. But where do you begin? And how do you ensure that your efforts translate into real earnings? In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to start a crochet business and explore five proven ways to make money using your blog and social media. It’s not going to be easy but if you have patience, courage, skills and determination then why not give it a try? 

Make sure you check this out!

Are you an absolute beginner and you want to learn crochet? After you read this post, make sure you check out Learn To Crochet for Absolute Beginner’s. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

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How to Start a Crochet Business – Where to Start

Where to begin?

There are several ways you can begin your business but the first step is to create an online presence and build loyal followers that like and are willing to buy your stuff. There are lots of ways to earn extra income and have a profitable business but it’s overwhelming when you are just starting out. Where do you begin? What do you actually want to sell? Patterns, your handmade crocheted items or have classes with online lessons. You really need to think about the kind of crochet business you want and if that will work for your lifestyle. 

What are your crochet business goals?

Then you need to think about your business goals and put together your crochet business plan. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just map out where you want to start. Here are just a few examples. Create a shop on one or more online marketplaces. Most folks start with an Etsy Shop but there’s also Shopify or Squarespace. 

How blogs earn you income

Others start with a blog and share tutorials and how to’s to help people with the craft then sell patterns and handmade items in their shop. I started with a blog, sharing my crochet and quilting projects with free patterns and tutorials. Once I have a good following and a sizable subscriber list (ConvertKit), I will sell my patterns on my blog and other ecommerce platforms for crafters. I’ve been blogging for two years now and have a nice traction on Pinterest which helps my blog earn revenue through ads on my site.

While these ads are annoying, they pay for all my costs to keep my site running and pay for Yoast and RankIQ apps. I gain subscribers to my newsletter using a free app called Convert Kit and offer a freebie on all of my blog posts when they subscribe. Subscribers are key to building your business because you own those email addresses and can sell to your followers directly. No middle man, just me, my blog and my newsletter.

Blogs are also great for earning affiliate marketing revenue. It does take time to build your blog up. The goal for beginners is to create 100 blog posts as fast as they can. These blog posts should be SEO optimized and the topics should be what people are searching for. Now for a crochet blog, writing posts take some time especially if you are sharing patterns and having to make items in order to write about them.

Blog courses

Does this seem too overwhelming? Fear not!  I have a good starting point for you that I personally used to start my business. Lisa Bass from Farmhouse on Boone has a course that is affordable and walks you through everything you need to know to set up a successful blog. It’s called Create Your Own Dream Blog, she also has another course called YouTube Success Academy too. Having a YouTube channel may be the first thing you decide to do and then branch out.

Lisa does have a FREE 1-hour Blog Masterclass. Check that out, then decide if you want to buy that course. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain from it!

Having your own blog and YouTube channel are the kind of thing that is very popular right now. Plus the Create Your Own Dream Blog has a private Facebook group that is robust and very willing to help newbies. Not only does the group help answer any question you encounter while setting up your own blog, it also helps your blog grow. How?

Facebook group helps to grow your online presence

Every weekday the group will share a Pinterest Pin or Instagram Post, then share or pin three others in the group. We also share one blog post and then comments on posts from at least three in the group. This helps you build your handmade business and create an online presence. Once you pay for the course, you can access it anytime you want for a lifetime. It’s on an app called Teachable and there are worksheets that go with every video on demand course. I highly recommend this course if you are really serious about starting a craft business and getting your items out there with a blog first.

Blogs have posts but they reside on your website and really help establish your brand identity. Depending on the theme you choose, you can earn money through recommended product affiliate links, ads, selling printable pdfs, crochet patterns or finished crochet products. You can earn money by offering classes and workshops. Take your brand identity to all the social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Pinterest, Reddit, etc. 

Blog start-up costs

Start-up costs for a blog are very minimal. I paid for the course ($270 in 3 payments), domain name ($14.99), Foodie Pro theme ($11.00) and web hosting ($7.99/month).  All of those were one time charges except for the webhosting which is monthly. The domain name needs to be paid annually. I used WordPress.org to customize my entire site and that’s where Lisa’s course came in handy. It walks you through all the technical stuff which I did not understand at first but do now.

The best part of this journey is that I’ve gained so many new skills just by starting my blog and crochet business. It’s takes a lot of time but it’s rewarding and fun to see it grow. I want to have financial security and this blog is going to get that for me. You can be your own boss and be a blogging crochet enthusiast making a killing being yourself and selling your stuff. 

Are you getting excited now? Here are the  5 proven ways to make money with your blog and social media below. 

How to Start a Crochet Business: 5 Proven Ways to Make Money

1. Create and Sell Crochet Patterns

One of the most lucrative ways to start a crochet business is by creating and selling your own crochet patterns. If you have a knack for designing unique projects, this could be your ticket to a steady income. Here’s how to get started:

a. Design Your Patterns

Start by designing crochet patterns that are original, easy to follow, and cater to a specific audience. Maybe you’re into modern home décor, or perhaps your passion lies in creating adorable amigurumi. Whatever your niche, make sure your patterns are well-written and include clear instructions, photos, and diagrams if necessary.

b. Offer Free Patterns to Build Your Audience

Before you start selling, consider offering a few free patterns on your blog to attract visitors. Free patterns are a great way to build trust and showcase your expertise. Once your audience sees the quality of your work, they’ll be more likely to purchase your paid patterns.

c. Sell Patterns on Multiple Platforms

You can sell your crochet patterns on your blog, but don’t stop there. Platforms like Etsy, Ravelry, and even Amazon allow you to reach a broader audience. Make sure your listings are optimized with keywords like “how to start a crochet business” to improve visibility.

d. Leverage Social Media

Use social media to showcase your patterns, share customer testimonials, and create buzz around your designs. Instagram and Pinterest are particularly powerful for visually-driven businesses like crochet. You can even offer exclusive discounts or giveaways to your social media followers to drive sales.

e. Build an Email List

An email list is one of the most valuable assets for any online business. Offer a free pattern or crochet guide in exchange for an email sign-up, then send regular newsletters with updates, tips, and special offers to keep your audience engaged.

2. Monetize Your Crochet Blog

Your blog is more than just a platform to share your love for crochet—it’s a powerful tool for earning money. Here’s how you can monetize your blog effectively:

a. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a simple and effective way to earn passive income through your crochet blog. By promoting products you love (like yarn, hooks, or crochet books), you can earn a commission on every sale made through your referral link.

How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing:

1. Sign up for affiliate programs relevant to your niche. Popular options include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and specific brands within the crochet community.
2. Create content that naturally incorporates these products. This could be a blog post about your favorite crochet tools, a tutorial using specific yarn, or even a gift guide for crochet enthusiasts.
3. Include affiliate links in your blog posts, social media, and newsletters. Make sure to disclose your use of affiliate links to comply with legal guidelines.

b. Display Ads

Displaying ads on your blog is another way to generate income. While ads alone may not make you rich, they can provide a steady stream of passive income as your blog traffic grows.

How to Implement Display Ads:

1. Sign up with an ad network like Google AdSense, Journey or SheMedia. Each network has different traffic requirements, so choose one that fits your current audience size.
2. Place ads strategically within your blog posts, sidebars, and footers. Make sure they’re not too intrusive, as this can drive visitors away.
3. Optimize your site for speed, as ads can sometimes slow down your blog. A fast-loading site not only improves user experience but also helps with SEO rankings.

c. Sponsored Content

As your blog gains popularity, brands may approach you to create sponsored content. This can include blog posts, social media posts, or even videos promoting their products.

How to Attract Sponsored Content Opportunities:

1. Build a strong, engaged audience by consistently creating high-quality content.
2. Reach out to brands that align with your crochet business. Pitch them ideas for collaborations, showcasing how your audience is a perfect fit for their products.
3. Create a media kit that outlines your blog’s traffic, demographics, and social media reach. This will make it easier for brands to see the value in working with you.

3. Offer Online Crochet Courses and Workshops

If you’re an experienced crocheter with a knack for teaching, offering online courses or workshops can be a highly profitable venture. Many people are eager to learn how to crochet, and they’re willing to pay for structured, expert-led instruction.

a. Develop Your Curriculum

Decide on the type of course or workshop you want to offer. You could create a beginner’s guide to crochet, a masterclass on advanced techniques, or even a specialized course on something unique, like crocheting garments or accessories.

b. Choose a Platform

There are several platforms where you can host your courses, including Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare. These platforms handle the technical aspects of course delivery, allowing you to focus on creating great content.

c. Promote Your Course

Leverage your blog and social media channels to promote your courses. You can create a launch plan that includes blog posts, email newsletters, and social media campaigns to build excitement and drive enrollments.

d. Offer Live Workshops

In addition to pre-recorded courses, consider offering live workshops. These can be conducted via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms, allowing you to interact with your students in real time. Live workshops create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, making them an attractive option for potential customers.

e. Build a Community

Encourage your students to join a private Facebook group or forum where they can share their progress, ask questions, and connect with other crochet enthusiasts. This community aspect adds value to your courses and can lead to repeat business.

4. Sell Finished Crochet Products

If designing patterns or teaching isn’t your thing, you can still start a crochet business by selling finished products. Handmade crochet items are highly sought after, especially if they’re unique and well-crafted.

a. Identify Your Niche

To stand out in a crowded market, it’s essential to find your niche. This could be anything from baby blankets and booties to eco-friendly home décor or trendy fashion accessories. Consider what you enjoy making the most and what has the potential to sell well.

b. Set Up an Online Store

You can sell your products through your blog, but it’s also a good idea to set up an online store on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or even your own website. Make sure your product listings are SEO-optimized with keywords like “how to start a crochet business” to attract search traffic.

c. Price Your Products Competitively

Pricing can be tricky, but it’s important to strike a balance between covering your costs and making a profit. Research similar products to see what they’re selling for, and factor in the cost of materials, time, and overhead.

d. Market Your Products

Use social media, email marketing, and Pinterest to drive traffic to your store. High-quality photos and compelling product descriptions are key to converting visitors into customers. Don’t forget to share behind-the-scenes content to connect with your audience on a personal level.

e. Offer Custom Orders

Custom orders can be a great way to boost your income, especially if you’re willing to create one-of-a-kind items. Promote this service on your blog and social media, and be clear about the process and timelines.

5. Use Social Media to Drive Traffic and Sales

Social media isn’t just for staying in touch with friends—it’s a powerful tool for building your crochet business. By using platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook effectively, you can drive traffic to your blog, increase sales, and grow your brand.

a. Create Engaging Content

Social media thrives on visuals, making it the perfect platform for showcasing your crochet work. Share photos of your finished products, behind-the-scenes looks at your process, and user-generated content from happy customers.

Instagram:

• Post high-quality images of your crochet projects.
• Use Instagram Stories and Reels to give followers a glimpse of your daily work or to share quick tips.
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages.

Pinterest:

• Create eye-catching pins that link back to your blog or online store.
• Organize your boards by theme (e.g., crochet patterns, crochet tips, etc.).
• Use keywords like “how to start a crochet business” in your pin descriptions to improve visibility.

Facebook:

• Join crochet-related groups and participate in discussions.
• Share your blog posts and products on your business page.
• Host live Q&A sessions or tutorials to connect with your audience in real time.

b. Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers in the crochet or DIY space can help you reach a larger audience. Look for influencers whose followers align with your target market, and propose collaboration ideas like product reviews, giveaways, or guest blog posts.

c. Run Social Media Ads

If you have some budget to spare, consider running ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Ads can be highly targeted, allowing you to reach people who are most likely to be interested in your products or content.

d. Engage Consistently

Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Regularly post, the goal is two blog posts per week but be consistent. 

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a crochet pattern designer and weekend quilter with a super small sewing space. I taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

I hope these crochet business ideas are helpful so you can join the club of crochet business owners. The best things in life take hard work but it’s a fabulous way to earn a living. Just be yourself, let it shine through on your Facebook page, Instagram account and all the other online platforms.

Try to find a crochet niche, do lots of market research to know your competition. Build a solid customer base with your blog and good content. Have fun teaching others the art of crochet!

Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials. 

Want to learn how to quilt? Then check out this post, Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginner’s.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!