Welcome to the colorful world of knitting patterns and the exciting opportunity to turn your passion for knitting into a profitable side hustle! If you’re a knitting enthusiast with a creative flair, you’ll be thrilled to know that selling knitting patterns can be a fantastic way to earn extra income while sharing your love for the craft. Whether you’re a seasoned pattern designer or just starting out, this guide will take you through the ins and outs of the knitting pattern market and provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you knit your way to success. So grab your needles, unleash your imagination, and get ready to embark on a knitting adventure that not only brings you joy but also fills your pockets with extra cash.
How much money can you make?
Some examples on ravelry.com
A pdf of a sweater pattern knitwear for $9
A pdf of a knitted skirt – 28 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches, in pattern on 4mm (US 6) Needles – $8
Etsy
Etsy knitting patterns range from $0.40 to $50
lovecrafts.com
A Katniss Cowl with Vest Downloadable PDF – $4.53
A Coffee Bean Cardigan Downloadable PDF – $7
Selling PDFs can earn from $200 to $3000 per year.
People increase profits by also selling knitted items with reports of sales of $20,000 and more.
Are there courses for creating knitting patterns?
Yes, there are training courses available that can help you learn how to create knitting patterns. These courses can provide guidance on various aspects of pattern design, such as stitch selection, shaping, sizing, charting, and writing instructions.
Here is a fantastic youtube video from Barbara Benson showing the skills needed to create a knitting pattern. Visit her ravelry page and see the excellent end products!
Online Courses
Websites like Craftsy, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a wide range of online courses on knitting pattern design. These courses are often self-paced and allow you to learn at your own convenience.
Workshops and Classes
Check with local yarn stores or knitting guilds in your area to see if they offer any workshops or classes specifically focused on knitting pattern design. These in-person experiences can provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to connect with fellow knitters.
Books and eBooks
Many knitting pattern designers have published books or eBooks that delve into the process of pattern design. Look for titles that cover the fundamentals of pattern creation and provide step-by-step instructions and examples.
Knitting Conferences and Retreats
Knitting events like conferences and retreats often include workshops and sessions on various aspects of knitting, including pattern design. These events can be a great way to learn from experienced designers and network with others in the knitting community.
Checkout –
Yarn Fest https://www.interweave.com/yarnfest/
Virtual Knitting Live https://www.vogueknittinglive.com/portal
World Wide Knit in Public Day https://www.wwkipday.com/
Where to sell your patterns?
Etsy www.etsy.com/market/knitting_patterns
Ravelry https://www.ravelry.com
Craftsy https://www.craftsy.com
LoveCrafts https://www.lovecrafts.com
Payhip https://payhip.com
Gumroad https://gumroad.com
Makerist https://www.makerist.com
Knit Picks https://www.knitpicks.com
These platforms provide a wide range of opportunities to showcase and sell your knitting patterns. Each platform has its own fee structure, policies, and community, so it’s advisable to explore their specific terms and choose the ones that align with your needs and goals.
On your own sellfy store
Sellfy has a great blog entry here about crochet patterns
From Knitting to Crochet: Expanding Your Side Hustle with Creative Stitching
In the world of fiber arts, knitting and crochet are two popular techniques that offer unique creative possibilities. Knitting involves working with two or more needles to create intricate stitch patterns, while crochet utilizes a single hook to create interlocking loops. If you’re already selling knitting patterns, expanding your side hustle into crochet patterns can be a fantastic opportunity to tap into a broader market and diversify your offerings. Crochet opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to create textured fabrics, intricate lacework, and three-dimensional designs. With a bit of exploration and learning, you can develop your skills and start designing captivating crochet patterns that appeal to a wider audience. Embracing the art of crochet not only enhances your creative repertoire but also expands your potential customer base, propelling your side hustle to new heights of success.
Here are five popular crochet websites that offer a wealth of resources, patterns, and inspiration for crocheters:
Ravelry
Ravelry is a comprehensive online community for knitters – we know about that. But it also features crochet. It features an extensive database of patterns, forums for discussions, project sharing, and access to a vibrant community of fellow crochet crafters.
AllFreeCrochet is a popular website dedicated to crochet. It offers a vast collection of free crochet patterns, tutorials, tips, and articles. The site covers various skill levels and crochet styles, making it a valuable resource for beginners and experienced crocheters alike.
Moogly is a blog run by Tamara Kelly that provides a wealth of crochet patterns, tutorials, tips, and inspiration. The site features a diverse range of projects, from garments and accessories to home decor and amigurumi. Tamara’s clear instructions and engaging writing style make it a go-to resource for many crocheters.
Crochet Spot is a website that offers an extensive collection of crochet patterns, tutorials, and articles. The site covers a wide range of crochet techniques and projects, catering to various skill levels. Crochet Spot also features a helpful community forum where members can ask questions and share their creations.
The Crochet Crowd is an online community and resource hub founded by Mikey Sellick. It provides an abundance of crochet patterns, video tutorials, and helpful tips. The site also hosts crochet-alongs and challenges, fostering a sense of community and engagement among crocheters worldwide.
Five key points – The knitty gritty
When selling knitting patterns online, there are several key things you should know to maximize your success. Here are five essential considerations:
- Intellectual Property Rights:
Understand the importance of protecting your intellectual property. Ensure that you have the necessary copyrights and licenses for your patterns to prevent unauthorized distribution or infringement. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the platforms you choose to sell on to ensure they align with your rights and expectations. - Target Market and Niche:
Identify your target market and niche within the knitting community. Determine who your ideal customers are, their skill levels, and the types of patterns they are seeking. Tailoring your patterns and marketing efforts to a specific audience can help you establish a unique selling proposition and attract the right customers. - Quality and Clarity: Focus on creating high-quality knitting patterns that are clear, concise, and easy to follow. Ensure that your instructions are accurate and error-free, and provide supporting visuals such as charts, diagrams, or step-by-step photos when applicable. Customers value well-crafted patterns that result in successful projects.
- Marketing and Promotion:
Developing a strong online presence and marketing strategy is crucial for attracting customers to your knitting patterns. Utilize social media platforms, maintain a website or blog, collaborate with influencers, and engage with the knitting community to increase your visibility. Consistently promote your patterns and share enticing previews or snippets to generate interest. - Pricing and Licensing:
Determine a fair and competitive pricing strategy for your knitting patterns. Consider factors such as the complexity of the design, the market demand, and the perceived value of your patterns. Additionally, decide whether you want to offer different licensing options, such as personal use only, commercial use, or limited distribution, and clearly communicate these terms to customers.
By understanding these key aspects and implementing them effectively, you can enhance your chances of selling knitting patterns successfully online and building a loyal customer base. Remember to continuously evaluate and adapt your strategies based on customer feedback and market trends to stay relevant and competitive.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, selling knitting patterns online can be a rewarding and profitable side hustle for crafters looking to monetize their skills and passion. With the convenience of digital downloads and the vast reach of online platforms, it has never been easier to showcase and sell your knitting patterns to a global audience. By focusing on creating high-quality patterns, understanding your target market, and employing effective marketing strategies, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember to stay engaged with the knitting community, continuously improve your skills, and adapt to market trends to stay relevant and competitive. Whether you choose to sell on popular platforms like Etsy and Ravelry or establish your own website, the possibilities are endless.