If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to price your crochet work, you’re not alone. Deciding what to charge can feel like an impossible puzzle. If you wish you had a crochet calculator to help you decide how to charge, I have a tool and strategy that will help… plus a lot more!
When I started selling my crochet projects, I lost money every single time for the first six months.
Why? Because I was afraid to charge what I was worth and hesitant to compete with underpriced items on platforms like Etsy.
But guess what? That hesitation almost burned me out.
I wasn’t running a sustainable business; I was running a self-imposed charity!
Now, I’ve cracked the code for pricing crochet—and I’m here to share everything I know so you can earn a fair wage, wow your customers, and create a crochet business you love without burnout.
Let’s break it down.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of contents
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About the Author
Hi there! I’m Salena Baca, and I’ve been crocheting professionally since 2009.
I’m the founder of the American Crochet Association, where I’ve made it my mission to help crocheters just like you turn their passion into confidence and even profit.
Over the years, I’ve written books, designed patterns, and taught thousands of crocheters how to hone their skills, price their work, and build sustainable crochet businesses.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing!
When I first started selling crochet, I struggled with pricing, balancing my time, and attracting the right customers.
After making all the mistakes (seriously, all of them), I learned how to value my work and build a business that worked for me.
Now, I’m here to pass those lessons on to you so you can skip the trial-and-error phase and get straight to success.
You can read my entire three-part-series if you want all the details: My Crochet Career – Part 1 of 3
I wrote this article because I know firsthand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to price your crochet work.
My goal is to give you practical tips, a sprinkle of encouragement, and the tools you need to earn what you’re worth while doing what you love.
Let’s take the guesswork out of pricing and turn your crochet dreams into reality!
Ready to get started? Keep reading, and let’s do this together.
Should I turn my Hobby Into a Job?
Let’s talk about that big, scary question: Can I really turn my crochet hobby into a job I love?
The short answer?
Yes, you absolutely can. But let’s unpack this because I know it feels like a huge leap.
You might be thinking:
- What if people don’t buy my stuff?
- What if they think my work isn’t good enough?
- What if I mess this up entirely?
First, let me say this: those fears? They’re completely normal.
Everyone who’s ever turned their passion into a business has felt them.
The key is not to let them stop you.
Because here’s the truth: the only difference between a hobby and a business is mindset.
Let me break it down for you:
Hobby Mindset: Crochet Just for Fun
This is where most of us start. Crochet is your happy place.
No deadlines, no expectations—just you, your yarn, and the joy of creating.
You don’t worry about how much your materials cost or how long something takes to make because it’s purely for you.
Business Mindset: Recognize Your Value
Shifting to a business mindset means realizing that your crochet has value—not just sentimental, but monetary.
Your time, skill, and creativity are worth something.
It means pricing your work fairly, not just to cover costs but to reflect the effort and artistry you’ve poured into each piece.
The best part? These two mindsets don’t have to cancel each other out.
The Sweet Spot: Hobby Meets Business
You can absolutely still enjoy crochet as a hobby while running it as a business.
How? By setting boundaries that work for you.
Maybe you spend weekdays crocheting for your business, creating pieces to sell or writing patterns.
But weekends? Those are for you—crocheting that cozy blanket you’ve been dreaming of or trying out a new stitch just for fun.
Turning your hobby into a job you love doesn’t mean you stop loving it – It just means you’re recognizing its potential to grow into something bigger.
How to Avoid Burnout
We’ve all been there—what starts as a relaxing, joyful escape can quickly become overwhelming when you’re trying to make it your job.
Crochet is no joke: it’s time-consuming, physically demanding, and if you’re not careful, the stress can creep in and steal your joy.
But don’t worry—you can protect your passion while building a business you love. Here’s how:
Set Clear Goals
Let’s be real—winging it is not a sustainable business plan. To avoid burnout, you need clarity. Ask yourself:
- How much do I need to earn each month?
- How many projects, patterns, or sales will it take to reach that goal?
Once you know your numbers, you can plan your workload without overloading yourself.
For example, if you need to crochet 10 hats a month to hit your income goal, you can spread that out over the weeks instead of cramming it all in at the last minute.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to account for time spent on non-crochet tasks, like marketing, answering emails, or packing orders. Your time is valuable—plan accordingly!
Prioritize Rest
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, I’ll just finish one more row… then I’ll stop.
But before you know it, your hands are sore, your neck is stiff, and you’re running on empty.
Listen, you’re not a crochet robot (even if you kind of feel like one sometimes).
Your hands and mind need regular breaks to stay sharp and avoid injury.
Schedule rest into your day, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to projects that would push you past your limits.
Pro Tip: Try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes and stretch your neck.
Mix It Up
Burnout often happens when you feel stuck in a rut—like when you’re cranking out the same custom orders over and over.
To keep your creativity alive, make time for projects that spark joy, not just sales.
For example:
- If you’ve been working on a ton of baby blankets, switch it up with a funky scarf pattern for fun.
- Take a break from custom orders to try a new stitch or technique you’ve been curious about.
Pro Tip: Block off “me time” on your calendar for personal crochet projects. Treat it like an appointment you can’t skip—it’s just as important as the work you’re doing for others.
You’re in Charge
Burnout happens when we lose control of our time and energy.
But here’s the good news: you’re the boss!
You get to set the rules for how much you work, when you rest, and what kind of projects you take on.
Crochet is meant to bring you joy, not stress. So take a deep breath, set those goals, schedule those breaks, and keep things fresh.
How To Sell More Crochet
If you’re wondering how to get more sales and grow your crochet business, you’re not alone.
But here’s the deal: it’s not just about crocheting more (or faster).
In this business, the key is working smarter, not harder.
Let’s break it down with five actionable tips to help you get more crochet sales and grow your business with confidence.
Raise Your Prices
Yes, I said it—raise. your. prices.
And before you panic, let’s talk about why this can actually help you sell more.
When you price your work higher, you’re not just charging for yarn and time—you’re showcasing the premium value of your skills and creativity.
People associate higher prices with better quality, exclusivity, and craftsmanship.
Why low prices might be holding you back:
If your prices are too low, potential buyers might assume your work isn’t worth much.
Think about it: when you’re shopping, do you always grab the cheapest item, or do you pay more for something that feels special and well-made?
By pricing your work fairly (yes, even on the higher side), you’re attracting clients who value what you do.
These are the customers who won’t haggle or complain—they’ll appreciate your artistry and pay what it’s worth.
Ask for the Sale
Here’s where many creatives get stuck: asking for the sale.
Stop second-guessing yourself or apologizing for your prices.
Your confidence (or lack of it) will reflect on how others perceive your work.
When you confidently state your price and believe in the value you offer, potential buyers will feel that energy and be more likely to buy.
Not sure how to do this? Practice saying things like:
- “This piece is $85, and it’s perfect for [insert benefit].”
- “I’d love to create a custom piece for you. Here’s my starting rate!”
No hesitation, no apology—just confidence in your worth.
Focus on Repeat Clients
Think about it: someone who already loves your work is more likely to buy again (and tell others about you).
Cultivating relationships with repeat clients can be one of the most rewarding—and profitable—strategies for your business.
Here’s how to make them feel valued:
- Offer discounts or perks for loyal customers.
- Send a handwritten thank-you note with their order.
- Stay in touch through email or social media with updates and new product launches.
Happy customers are your biggest cheerleaders.
Treat them well, and they’ll keep coming back—and bringing their friends with them!
Deliver What Buyers Want
This one’s simple: if you want more sales, give the people what they want.
How do you figure that out? Ask!
- What crochet items are trending right now? (Think of the popularity of chunky blankets or boho-style wall hangings.)
- What are people constantly asking you for? (Pay attention to those custom requests!)
- What gaps do you see in the market? (Maybe there’s a lack of crochet accessories in your area.)
Once you know what buyers want, put your own unique spin on it. Your creativity and style are what make your work stand out, so lean into that.
Create WOW Experiences
Want your customers to remember you (and tell their friends about you)? Make every interaction feel like a five-star experience.
Here’s how to create those WOW moments:
- Communication: Keep your clients updated throughout the process. A quick message like, “Just finished the last row on your blanket—shipping this week!” can make a big impression.
- Shipping: Deliver on time (or early!), and always share a tracking number.
- Extras: Go above and beyond. Maybe you include care instructions for their crochet item. And always package your items beautifully. A little tissue paper, a branded tag, or a small thank-you card can make all the difference.
These thoughtful touches don’t just create happy customers—they create loyal ones who will rave about your business to everyone they know.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to boost your sales—you just need to approach your business with intention.
By raising your prices, confidently asking for sales, nurturing repeat clients, researching your market, and delivering unforgettable experiences, you can grow your crochet business in a way that feels authentic and rewarding.
Remember, you’re not just selling crochet—you’re selling your time, skill, and creativity. And that is worth every penny.
How to Price Crochet
Pricing your crochet work can feel like a puzzle, right?
You’re not alone—this is one of the biggest hurdles for crochet business owners.
But here’s the truth: you deserve to be paid fairly for your time, skill, and effort.
Let’s break it down into three simple steps to take the guesswork out of pricing and put you on the path to a sustainable crochet business.
Know Your Worth (and Set an Hourly Rate)
First things first: How much is your time worth? If you worked a “regular” job, what would you expect to earn per hour?
$10? $15? $20 or more?
My advice? Start with at least the minimum wage in your area—crochet isn’t just a craft; it’s a physically demanding skill.
Think about it: Your hands, wrists, back, and shoulders all work hard on every project, and that labor deserves fair compensation.
You’re putting your energy, creativity, and hours into each piece, so don’t sell yourself short.
But what if I’m not the fastest crocheter?
That’s okay!
Speed isn’t the measure of worth – The quality of your work, your skill, and your attention to detail are what truly matter.
Spend some time thinking about this because you’ll need it to use our crochet calculator later on.
Track Your Time and Labor
Once you’ve decided on your hourly rate, it’s time to get serious about tracking your hours.
This step might seem tedious at first, but trust me—it’s a game-changer.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or even your phone’s timer to record the time spent on each project.
- Be honest with yourself! If you worked on it for 10 minutes here and 30 minutes there, it all adds up.
Let’s do a quick example:
Say you’ve set your hourly rate at $10, and it takes you 8 hours to crochet a baby blanket.
That’s $80 for your time—just for the labor.
This number isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of your pricing.
Why is tracking so important?
Your time is your value.
It’s the only variable that you won’t be able to reasonably alter.
You may be able to get discounts on yarn, patterns, resources, or materials, but your time is valuable enough to fully charge for it.
When you clearly account for your hours, you’re sending a message: This work has value, and I’m worth it.
This is another key element when using our crochet calculator, and it makes a huge difference in your pricing model.
Include Materials and Extras
Here’s where many crocheters stumble—they forget to factor in the costs of yarn, tools, packaging, and even shipping. Let’s fix that!
Think of it this way: You’re running a business, not a charity (even if crochet sometimes feels like a labor of love).
Every dollar you spend to create a project should be added to your pricing.
For example:
- Did you spend $20 on yarn? Add it.
- Did you ship the item for $6? Add that too.
- Don’t forget about packaging, tags, or any little extras that went into the project.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Labor: $80 (8 hours x $10/hour)
- Materials: $20 (for yarn or tools)
- Shipping/Packaging: $6
Total Price: $106
Now, if $106 seems like a lot for a baby blanket, stop and think about what you’re really offering:
- This isn’t a cheap, mass-produced product.
- This is a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece of art that someone will treasure.
- You’re exchanging hours of your life, skill, and love for income.
Still feeling unsure?
Consider this: If someone truly values your work, they’ll pay for it.
Your pricing doesn’t just reflect the cost of materials—it reflects the worth of your time.
If someone balks at the price, they’re not your customer, and that’s okay!
Knowing your actual material costs will factor into the crochet calculator when pricing your projects.
Final Thoughts:
Pricing can be intimidating, but it’s also empowering.
By knowing your worth, tracking your time, and factoring in materials, you’re taking control of your business and honoring the hard work you put into every stitch.
Remember, this is about valuing your time and skill.
So the next time someone asks, “How much for this?” you can confidently share your price, knowing it’s fair for both of you. You’ve got this!
Crochet Calculator
If math makes you sweat, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Our Free Crochet Calculator takes all the guesswork out of pricing.
Just plug in your hourly rate, material costs, and time spent, and voila – the crochet calculator does the rest!
You’ll get a fair price for any crochet project in seconds.
Sound good?
You can access our free crochet calculator and a sneak peek of our professional workshop: My Crochet Career: Crochet Calculator to price any crochet project.
Join the Conversation
Got questions about our crochet calculator?
Want to share your pricing success story?
Hop into our community and connect with fellow crocheters who’ve been where you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanCrochetAssociation
Together, we can grow, learn, and support each other.
You deserve to be paid fairly for your time, talent, and passion.
Start using these strategies today – including the crochet calculator – and let’s turn your crochet business into a thriving success story.
Peace, Love & Crochet
Salena
You amaze me you really do ! I love your hard work and dedication and constant reaching out to your crochet community ; you really do care about your followers and love 💕 to engage us with new projects to try ; I’ve enjoyed the pattern testing I have done for you in the past . I can’t wait to see what is next .
Thank you for being part of the community here! Your kind words and support mean a lot 🙂
Thank you for this. I passed it along to my daughter who is just starting to do some commissioned pieces. It takes the guesswork out of what to charge.
Thank you so much Lauren – I’m so proud to hear you passed this along!
This is a fantastic tool! Thank you!
I don’t make my creations to sell, but every once in while I’ll have someone commission me to make them something and I never no how much to charge. This is great information and resource.
I love this! I could have really used something like this years ago! Thanks for putting this together to help others!
I have shared this “formula” with my daughters for their creative (yet not crochet/yarn) based businesses.
This is a fantastic resource! And helpful information not only for someone running a business, but for someone to determine whether they want to pursue a business or keep crochet as a hobby!
Thank you for taking a peek!
This is such a good and important conversation, and your pricing calculator is a great resource. Thanks for sharing! (Pinned for future use!)
Hooray! Thank you for taking a look 🙂