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Enjoy Crocheting or Knitting? Here Are 5 Easy Ways to Make Money Doing It From Home

Weave your way to the bank with expert tips and real-life success stories. 

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If you know how to crochet or knit, you might be sitting on a potential gold mine without even realizing it. From teaching others and test-crocheting to selling your handmade goods online, there’s no shortage of opportunities for your crafting hobby to become a lucrative side gig. Even better? While some side hustles can lead to stress and burnout, science confirms that the repetitive motions of crocheting and knitting actually stimulate production of serotonin, the happy, calming hormone, in the brain, meaning you can enjoy enhanced well-being and extra cash flow! Keep scrolling to learn how to make money crocheting.

And for all things work-from-home, click here and here!

Benefits of knitting or crocheting for money

In this digital age, launching a thriving crochet or knit side gig is more accessible than ever. Creating a free profile on Etsy, for instance, gives you instant access to 95.1 million customers without needing to leave the house.

If you’re interested in sharing your passion for crocheting and knitting with others, there’s a marketplace for that too — interest in the fiber arts has skyrocketed since 2020. Data from market research firm Mintel shows crafting has seen a surge in engagement, which means that teaching is an in-demand and profitable avenue.

No matter what kind of crochet or knit remote side gig you’re interested in, getting started is relatively low-cost. All you need to start creating is needles and a ball of yarn. If you plan on selling or teaching online, you’ll also want an Internet connection and the ability to take quality photos, which can be done with your smartphone.

Here are all the best tips on how to stitch your way to making extra cash, straight from the experts.

1. How to make money crocheting: Be a test crocheter

How to make money crocheting: Woman learning how to make something with knitting
Dejan Marjanovic/Getty

One of the best-kept stitching secrets is that you can make anywhere from $30 to $150 on a test-knitting or crocheting assignment for a designer or yarn company. As a test knitter or crocheter, it’s up to you to confirm that certain patterns for the company or designer are all on point.

Finding your first test-knitting or crocheting assignment should be fairly easy, says Ashley Parker, a crochet designer who runs The Loopy Lamb blog and works with yarn companies primarily in the United States and Europe. She suggests following designers on social media, signing up for their newsletters, and keeping an eye out for tester calls.

“Each designer and company has a different tester application process to ensure that you’re being detailed in your responses and meet all the criteria before applying,” she says. “If you’re just starting out, look for companies that have open tester calls or talk about testers on their websites or in their magazines such as WeCrochet.”

One thing to keep in mind, she says, is that not all yarn companies pay testers for testing. Some will offer discounts or free products. Still, this can be a valuable way to get the experience you need when you’re starting out (or sometimes, free yarn or copies of the pattern).

To get started as a crochet/knit tester

  1. Start creating. Set up accounts at websites like Ravelry.com and Crochetville.com, where you can find forums that connect designers and pattern testers. Another idea: If you have a favorite yarn store, tell them you’re interested in pattern testing. They may know some local designers they can put you in touch with.
  2. Show your stuff. Post photos of your stitched creations — a few simple designs and two or three more complicated ones will do — on your Ravelry or Crochetville site, and also on your social media pages. Most companies like to see the type of work a potential tester does before giving them an assignment.
  3. Find your speediest technique. The faster you can knit or crochet, the more you’ll earn. To rev his process, test knitter Keith Ryder checks the pattern up front: “Before I even cast on, I do a thorough proofread of the pattern and then do a tech edit, verifying that the stitch count isn’t off from row to row and so on. By the time I have yarn and needles in my hand, I’m working from a pattern I can feel reasonably sure will work!”
  4. Be willing to redo. A test pattern has to be perfect, says Laura Lough, co-owner of yarn company The Unique Sheep. So if a designer finds an error in your work, you may have to go back and redo. But it’s important for crafters not to take it personally. “You need to be OK with our saying, ‘Oh, you didn’t do that exactly right,’” says Lough.
  5. Put yourself at the top of the list. Designers have hard deadlines. So you’ll get kudos (and repeat gigs) for getting your work in a day or two ahead of time. Be sure to mention your strengths: Love knitting with silky or lace-weight yarn? Prefer a thick gauge? Can’t handle bulky weight because of arthritic hands? Let a designer know your preferences. It’ll help you land gigs you enjoy — which helps you work faster!

2. How to make money crocheting: Sell your creations online 

Did you know that Etsy, a global online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, sold $13.3 billion in merchandise in 2022? So much for being a starving artist! One perk of selling your knit or crochet design on Etsy is that you have a ready-made pool of potential buyers. This means you can spend less time on marketing and focus on what you love: creating!

When it comes to how to make money crocheting, Marie Davis, founder of Ria’s Crafts and Things, an Etsy shop selling her unique crochet items, says that Etsy is a win-win for both buyers and sellers. “Buyers get to purchase handmade, unique designs. In return, crafters can share their creative gifts and make extra money from their side hustle,” she says. “It’s also smart to make your own website to reach even more prospective customers.”

How to make money crocheting success story: “I have brought in $128,000 a year knitting blankets!”

How to make money crocheting, Larissa Koedyker
hane Folkertsma

“After I closed the adoption consulting business I owned in 2015, I was looking for another way to make money,” says Larissa Koedyker.  “Knitting has been my passion since I was a child, and one day I came across a video on YouTube about chunky merino wool. I learned how soft and luxurious it is, so I found a place in Australia that sells it, ordered some and knitted a blanket with it. It came out so beautiful, I realized knitting custom blankets could be my next business.

“To get started, I made three blankets, took photos of them and set up an Etsy shop (BeCozi). I also read everything I could about how to run an online business, how to succeed on Etsy and how to advertise the business. And with my daughter’s help, I launched a website (BeCozi.net).

“As the business grew, I placed ads on Facebook and Google and promoted my business on Instagram and Pinterest. I also added products like pillows, rugs, scarves and pet beds, and I hired two people to help me make and ship the blankets.

“I never would have thought I could turn knitting into a full-time business, but I have — and in one of my first year’s doing this I made $400,000 in sales with $128,000 in profit. I feel so fulfilled knowing that I get to make something that will bring someone joy. The money I make supports my family and goes back into the business but it also allows me to do fun things like travel and visit my daughter in Seattle.” — as told to Julie Revelant

Related: How To Wash a Crochet Blanket, Plus The Sock Trick That Works Wonders On Odors

To get started as an Etsy seller

  1. Create an account. Getting started on Etsy is easy. Simply create an Etsy account online, set your shop location and currency, choose a shop name, create a listing and set a payment method (how you want to be paid). Etsy’s fees kick in when it comes to listing an item ($0.20 per listing), selling it (6.5% transaction fee on the sale price) and processing the payment (if you accept payments through Etsy Payments, it’s 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee when an item is sold).
  2. Prioritize quality photos. People shop online with their eyes, so great photos will turn browsers into buyers! “Clear, crisp pictures make all the difference when it comes to first impressions,” says Sarah Stearns, a crocheter who sells her designs on Etsy at Sarah Maker Shop.
  3. Choose smart keywords. Keywords are how customers find your amazing products, so be as specific as possible. Instead of writing “crochet blanket,” for example, try “pink baby girl crochet blanket” or “pink crochet blanket for baby nursery.” Choose wording that customers would actually type in the search bar.
  4. Take advantage of holidays. Etsy sales tend to spike during holidays, so Davis recommends updating your shop with new or sale items during these high-traffic times. Don’t forget to add some holiday keywords to your shop!
  5. Consult the Etsy seller handbook. Etsy has an online resource full of great advice for knitters and crocheters. It covers everything from how to price your items to how to handle taxes.

It’s also worth a mention that Etsy isn’t the only platform where you can rake in the cash from your knit or crochet goods. Amazon Handmade, Shopify, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are all great options.

Related: Turn Your Craft Into a Work From Home Job: How 5 Women Over 50 Did It!

3. How to make money crocheting: Sell your creations in-person

Prefer to connect with customers face to face? Selling your crochet or knit items allows you direct access to happy customers. Consider signing up as a vendor at your community’s local farmer’s market, craft fair and/or flea market.

Another idea is to approach local gift shops. While an upscale or designer store isn’t likely to sell handmade goods, there may be stores in your community that prefer these types of items made by local artisans such as yourself.

How to make money crocheting: Photo of shopper buying woven bag.
UntitledImages/Getty

To get started selling in person

  1. Keep strong profit margins in mind. Choose the designs/patterns you sell wisely. After all, the goal is to make enough money to cover the time and materials you invest (and then some!). If you’re approaching shop owners about wholesale prices, be prepared with your price points.
  2. Have business cards ready. This is an excellent way to make a memorable impression and promote yourself. You can create one in just minutes on Canva, an easy-to-use design platform.
  3. Learn from others. The crafting community is close-knit, so don’t be shy about reaching out to others! Talk to fellow crafters at events or consider joining a Facebook group, such as Vendor display inspiration and tips.
  4. Consider investing in point of sale software. Most customers don’t carry cash these days. If you’re planning to sell your crochet or knit goods at events, purchasing a Square or Clover can help you accept credit card payments and bring in more sales.

Related:  How to Make Money Working From Home for the Government — 5 Great Options  

4. How to make money crocheting: Teach students online

How to make money crocheting Woman teaching her knitting technique and skill on camera
Zbynek Pospisil/Getty

You can help grow the knitting community (and your bank account!) from the comfort of your home, thanks to the rise of online learning platforms.

Prefer to work with young learners? The average teacher earns $25.70 per hour on Outschool, which is 59% above the national average. Love teaching mature students? GetSetUp allows you to teach live knit or crochet classes to students over the age of 55. Skillshare and uDemy are also awesome options where you can start earning from sharing your passion.

Ronda DiCicco, who teaches children how to crochet on Outschool, says that being able to work from home has been “a huge blessing.”

“The kids and parents are so kind and appreciative. It makes my heart full and warm when they leave sweet reviews and messages,” she says. “With Outschool, I have the freedom to create classes that work for me. Outschool has also been incredibly supportive and they offer an enormous amount of resources to help teachers.”

To get started teaching crocheting

  1. Don’t worry about having special credentials. If you love to knit or crochet and have some experience, you’re qualified, says Ronda. “What has helped me more than anything is soft skills such as being respectful and kind to everyone and showing up on time,” she says.
  2. Just be yourself. It may be tempting to focus on what other teachers are doing, but Ronda’s advice is to focus on teaching what you love and being your authentic self. “As long as you’re positive and encouraging, your students will love you,” she says.
  3. Make sure your internet is reliable. A lagging Wifi connection can interfere with your class, so it’s important for your internet to support streaming. If your household is on the noisier side, a good headphone/microphone combination will also come in handy.

How to make money crocheting success story: “I bring in a full-time income teaching others how to knit!”

How to make money crocheting Kristen McDonnell

“My grandmother was an experienced and talented knitter, and when she passed away, I inherited her knitting books,” says Kristen McDonnell. “My sister was pregnant at the time, so I thought it would be fun to knit blankets and clothes for the new baby, and I turned to YouTube to learn how.” 

“Ten years later, my sister was working for a company that helps YouTubers grow their audiences in exchange for a cut of their ad revenue. They were looking for a channel about knitting, and she asked me if I knew of a good one. There were some, but they weren’t very engaging, so I offered to create one myself. My sister asked me to pitch a few videos and said it was okay if they weren’t professional looking. I created a cardboard contraption to get a good view of my hands, used my iPad to film and named my channel ‘Studio Knit.’ After two videos, the agency signed me, and although they didn’t pay me, I received free education, music and collaborations with their other clients to help me grow my channel.” 

“Eventually, I decided to go out on my own. I started publishing one teaching video per week on YouTube on topics like techniques, knitting projects, product reviews and Q&As, making sure to go slowly so the videos would be easy to understand. I monetize the videos with ads, which pay by minutes watched. I also have brand partnerships with companies that pay me to demonstrate and recommend their products. I market the videos through my blog, social media, especially Pinterest, and my email newsletter.” 

“I love creating videos, and when people email me their feedback and success stories, it warms my heart! I now make a full-time income and I’m only working part-time hours! The money I make pays the bills and for guilty pleasures like manicures and ­vacations to Hawaii!”  — as told to Julie Revelant

5. How to make money crocheting: Teach students in-person 

Knitting teacher with two women in knitting lesson
Robert Niedring/Getty

If you have a more “hands-on” teaching style, you can teach others to crochet and knit in-person. Take it from Stephanie Edenburgh, CEO of Bizzie Mommy, who began teaching knitting workshops and classes five years ago.

How to make money crocheting? To get started, Edenburgh took stock of the aspects of knitting she was most proficient in. Then, she designed a series of workshops that catered to different skill levels, from beginners to more advanced knitters.

I initially rented a small space in a community center to hold my workshops. As my classes grew in popularity, I transitioned to larger venues,” she shares. “I used social media, my website and local knitting clubs to promote my workshops. Word of mouth also played a significant role as satisfied students recommended my classes to others.”

To get started teaching in person

  1. Start with what you love. Choose a niche within crochet or knitting that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. Teaching what you love will make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your students.
  2. Find a venue. Wondering where to start? Post on neighborhood Facebook groups, or check with your local Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics. These craft stores often hold classes, and even if there’s no openings, they may have helpful leads. If you have the space, you could even consider teaching in your home.
  3. Create a structured plan. Develop a clear and organized curriculum with a progression of skills, advises Edenburgh. This helps students track their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment.
  4. Invest in materials. Ensure you have the necessary materials and resources for your workshops, such as yarn, needles and instructional materials. Consider offering starter kits for beginners.
  5. Practice patience. Teaching can be challenging at times, especially when students encounter difficulties. Patience and the ability to adapt your teaching style to individual needs are key.

“Knitting is not just a craft; it’s a therapeutic and meditative process,” says Edenburgh. “Seeing my students embrace this art and find relaxation and creativity in it brings me immense satisfaction!”


For even more work-from-home jobs, click through the links below:

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You Can Earn Up to $80,000 a Year Working From Home as a Live Chat Agent: Here’s How

Jobs Working With Animals: How to Turn Your Love for Cats and Dogs Into Extra Cash

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