You spent hours—maybe even days—crocheting that perfect amigurumi bunny, that cozy infinity scarf, or that intricate lace doily. You poured your heart into every stitch. Now what? If you’re like so many talented crafters, you’re standing in front of your finished piece wondering: “How much should I charge… and who will even buy it?”
The truth? Many crocheters underestimate their work—either by pricing too low out of fear, or by not marketing at all because they think “if I make it, someone will just find it.” But here’s the reality: your crochet isn’t just yarn and time—it’s skill, creativity, and emotional value. And if you want to turn your passion into a sustainable side hustle—or even a full-time business—you need to price it right and market it with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the real steps to price your crochet creations fairly and market them effectively—without sounding salesy or losing your authentic craft spirit. We’ll cover how to calculate your true costs (yes, there’s more than just yarn!), where to sell beyond Etsy, how to tell your story so people want to buy from you, and simple marketing tactics that actually work—even if you’re not a social media expert. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear pricing formula, a marketing plan you can start today, and the confidence to know your work is worth every penny.
Let’s get started.
1. Stop Undercharging: The Real Cost of Your Crochet (It’s More Than Yarn)
I once met a crocheter who sold hand-made baby blankets for $15. Each one took 18 hours to complete. At minimum wage, that’s less than $1 an hour. She was proud of her “affordable” prices—but she was burning out.
Here’s the hard truth: If you’re only pricing based on yarn cost, you’re not running a business—you’re donating your time.
So how do you price fairly?
Start with this simple formula:
Total Price = (Materials + Labor + Overhead) × (1.5 to 2.5)
Let’s break it down:
- Materials: Yarn, stuffing, buttons, tags, packaging. Don’t forget small stuff like thread or dye.
- Labor: This is where most people fail. Calculate your hourly rate. Are you just starting out? Maybe $10–$15/hour is fair. Experienced? $20–$30+. Time your next project. If it takes 12 hours, and you value your time at $20/hour—that’s $240 right there.
- Overhead: Your crochet mat, light, electricity, Etsy fees (6.5% + payment processing), shipping supplies, even your phone bill if you’re managing orders on the go. Estimate $5–$15 per item.
- Markup: Multiply the total by 1.5–2.5 to cover profit, unexpected costs, and future growth.
Example:
Yarn: $12 | Labor (15 hrs × $20): $300 | Overhead: $8
Total: $320 × 2 = $640
That blanket? Worth $640. And guess what? People will pay that—if they understand the value.
Pro tip: Write down your time for every project for a week. You’ll be shocked how fast it adds up. Then, compare your price to similar items on Etsy. If you’re way under, it’s not because your work isn’t good—it’s because you’re not valuing yourself.
2. Your Story Is Your Secret Sales Weapon (And You Already Have It)
You don’t need flashy ads or a million followers to sell crochet. You just need to tell your story.
People don’t buy products. They buy meaning.
Think about it: Why do you crochet? Was it your grandma teaching you as a child? Did it help you through anxiety? Did you start making items for your niece, and now strangers are asking to buy them?
That’s your gold.
When you list your crochet owl on Etsy, don’t just say:
“Handmade crochet owl. Soft yarn. Great for nurseries.”
Say this instead:
“This little owl was born from late-night stitching after my first panic attack. I made him to calm my own heart—and now, I hope he brings the same quiet peace to your home. Each stitch is a breath. Each ear, a reminder: you’re not alone.”
That’s not just a product. That’s a connection.
Real example: A crafter named Maya started selling “Anxiety Relief Amigurumi” — tiny, soft creatures with one eye closed, one open. Her story? She made them while recovering from burnout. Her Etsy shop went viral—not because of ads, but because people felt seen.
How to do it:
- Write a 3-sentence “maker’s note” for every product.
- Post a 60-second video of you crocheting with soft music and your voice explaining why you do this.
- Use your Instagram captions to share small wins: “Today I finished my 100th bunny. Each one named after a friend who needed a hug.”
Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic. Just honest.
And when people connect with your why, they don’t just buy—they become loyal fans.
3. Where to Sell Beyond Etsy (And How to Get Seen)
Etsy is a great start—but it’s also crowded. If you’re only selling there, you’re competing with 7 million other shops.
Here are 3 real alternatives that work:
A. Local Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets
Yes, you have to show up. But here’s the magic: People touch your work. They feel the texture. They see your smile. And they remember you.
Tip: Bring a small sign: “Made with love by [Your Name]. Each piece takes 8–20 hours.” It makes the price feel justified.
B. Your Own Simple Website (Yes, Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy)
Use Shopify, Squarespace, or even Gumroad. It’s cheaper than you think ($15–$25/month). You own your audience. No Etsy fees. No algorithm changes.
Bonus: Add a blog. Write “How I Made My First Crochet Blanket” or “5 Crochet Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To).” SEO will slowly bring organic traffic.
C. Instagram & Pinterest (The Visual Goldmines)
You don’t need 10k followers. You need 100 real fans.
Post 2–3 times a week:
- A time-lapse of you crocheting (even 15 seconds).
- A before/after: “Yarn pile → finished scarf.”
- A customer photo: “@jennasworld wearing her custom blanket—she sent me this pic from her cabin. Made my week.”
Use hashtags like #handmadecrochet, #supportsmallbusiness, #crochetlover—but also local ones like #AustinCrafts or #ChicagoMakers.
Secret weapon: Join 3–5 Facebook groups for crochet sellers. Don’t just post your link. Comment on others’ posts. Offer help. Build relationships. People buy from those they know, like, and trust.
4. The 3-Minute Marketing Habit That Builds Sales (Without Burnout)
You don’t need to post daily. You don’t need to run ads. You just need one tiny habit.
Every Sunday, spend 3 minutes doing this:
Write down one thing someone said about your crochet this week.
Did a friend say, “I wish I could buy one of these for my mom”?
Did a customer DM you, “This made my daughter cry happy tears”?
Did someone comment, “I’ve never seen a bunny this detailed”?
Write it down. Save it.
Then, when you’re feeling unsure—when you think, “Who even wants this?”—pull it out.
These are your proof points. Your social validation. Your fuel.
And guess what? You can turn them into marketing.
- Turn that customer quote into a testimonial on your site.
- Use the “made my daughter cry” line in your product description.
- Share the comment as a Story with a photo of the item.
This habit takes 3 minutes. But it builds confidence. And confidence sells.
Bonus: Keep a “happy customer” folder on your phone. When you’re feeling discouraged, scroll through it. You’re not just making crochet. You’re making joy.
5. Bundle, Offer, and Grow: Turn One-Time Buyers Into Lifelong Fans
Here’s the secret no one tells beginners: The best customers aren’t the first ones. They’re the repeat ones.
So how do you turn a $50 scarf buyer into someone who comes back every holiday season?
Try these simple, low-effort strategies:
- Create a “Crochet Care Kit”: For every purchase, include a small tag with care instructions + a handwritten note. People save these. They frame them.
- Offer a “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” on small items like keychains or coasters. It increases average order value without deep discounts.
- Start a VIP Email List: Ask customers, “Want a free crochet pattern when you sign up?” Use free tools like MailerLite. Send a monthly update: “New designs, behind-the-scenes, and a little crochet joke.” No spam. Just warmth.
- Seasonal Drops: Launch a “Fall Harvest Amigurumi” collection in September. Or “Cozy Winter Scarves” in October. People love limited editions. It creates urgency.
One crocheter I know started sending a tiny free bookmark with every order—hand-stitched with yarn scraps. Now, customers ask, “Do you have the bookmark with my next order?” She turned scrap yarn into a signature brand touch.
Small things. Big impact.
6. Your Value Isn’t Measured in Yards of Yarn—It’s Measured in Hearts
Let’s be real: Not everyone will “get” your crochet. Some will think, “I can buy this at Target for $10.” And that’s okay.
But the ones who do get it? They’ll pay 10x more. Because they see what you see: the quiet dedication. The love in each loop. The way your hands turned yarn into something that holds memory.
You’re not just a crafter.
You’re a storyteller. A healer. A quiet artist keeping tradition alive.
And that? That’s priceless.
I’ve seen a woman sell a crocheted blanket for $450 because it was made with yarn from her late mother’s stash. I’ve seen a man buy a crocheted dinosaur for his autistic son because it was the only toy he’d hug for hours. I’ve watched strangers cry when they open a package because the note inside said, “Made with hope for you.”
That’s not commerce.
That’s connection.
So when you price your work, don’t ask, “Is this too much?”
Ask: “Does this reflect the love, time, and soul I poured into it?”
If the answer is yes—you’re not overcharging.
You’re honoring your craft.
Conclusion: You’re Not Just Selling Crochet. You’re Sharing a Piece of You.
Let’s recap what we’ve covered:
- You deserve to be paid fairly—price based on time, skill, and value, not just yarn cost.
- Your story is your superpower—tell it honestly, and people will lean in.
- Sell where your people are: local markets, your own site, Instagram, and Pinterest—not just Etsy.
- Build loyalty with tiny, thoughtful touches—a note, a care tag, a free pattern.
- And most importantly: your work matters. Not because it’s perfect—but because it’s yours.
You don’t need to be the most popular crafter on Instagram. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up—consistently, kindly, and confidently.
Start small. Price your next piece using the formula above. Write one heartfelt product description. Post one photo of your hands at work. Send one customer a thank-you note.
Watch what happens.
The world doesn’t need more mass-produced stuff.
It needs your crochet.
The one made with patience.
The one made with love.
The one only you can make.
So go ahead. Price it like you mean it.
Market it like you matter.
And keep stitching—with pride.
What’s one thing you’ll change in your crochet business this week?
Was it pricing higher? Writing your story? Trying a new platform?
Drop a comment below—I read every one. And if this helped you, share it with another maker who needs to hear this.
Your craft is a gift.
Now go give it the value it deserves. 🧶💛
Luiza Santos is a passionate crochet and knitting enthusiast who finds joy in transforming simple yarn into meaningful, handmade creations. With a deep love for texture, color, and craftsmanship, she believes every stitch carries a story. Luiza brings warmth, creativity, and years of hands-on experience to everything she makes, inspiring others to discover the beauty of fiber arts.
