Deciding how to price crochet is one of the hardest decisions you’ll make as a crochet professional.
When I began making items to sell, I had no idea where to begin, or how to price crochet.
Should I multiply my cost of goods by three?
Should I charge for materials?
What about shipping?
Am I charging too much?
Am I charging too little?
When I began making items to sell, I continuously lost money for the first six months because I had no idea how to price crochet or what to charge, and I was afraid to “compete” with others who sold similar items on places like Etsy.
I wanted to actually make money selling my work, so I came up with a really easy formula that I could apply, so that I would know how to price any crochet project I made.
When I stick to it, I have a clear price for my work, and I always get paid what I’m worth.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Here goes… How to price crochet!
Step 1: What do I NEED to make per hour?
$10 an hour?
$15 and hour?
If you were to have a job elsewhere, what would your wage need to be?
Think about it; you can only crochet so many hours per day, per week, per month.
That precious time is valuable.
An hour spent crocheting can take a toll on your body; your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back…
This is your skill, and it’s laborious.
Your time spent on a project should be documented by the hour, and that is worth a fair wage.
Step 2: How much time will it take you to crochet the item?
Let’s say you’re making a baby blanket, and it takes you 8 hours to complete.
Let’s say you’ve decided that you need to make $10 per hour.
You should charge $80 for your LABOR. Make sense?
You’ve spent 8 hours of your time making an item, and you know what you need to earn for a day’s work, so don’t be afraid to charge accordingly.
“But I crochet really slow…”
I hear this a lot, believe me.
But, your time is your time. Your skill is your skill.
You are making one-of-a-kind items by hand, and your time matters.
If you are making a consistent array of items then you will naturally streamline your process to speed up just a bit.
But, don’t skimp on the value of your time, and what it’s worth.
You are worth a fair wage!
Step 3: Factor in the cost of all materials.
Are you making a blanket with $12 in acrylic yarn?
Add that in to the overall price.
Are you shipping the item?
Add that in, too.
What To Total When Selling Crochet
- You made the baby blanket, and your LABOR charge is $80.
- Add in the cost of materials, $12.
- Add in the cost of shipping, let’s say $6.50.
The total you should be charging for that blanket is $92 + $6.50 in shipping.
Some of you will immediately have a sense of sticker shock.
“But, nobody will pay $92 for a baby blanket…”
If this is your profession, you’re worth a fair wage.
Your time is valuable, and you deserve to be paid a wage that makes this business a successful one for you and your future.
Want to try this simple formula for yourself?
Crochet Calculator Tool
Use our free calculator tool to help estimate a fair price for any crochet project you make and sell.
Get a sneak peek into our professional workshop to see our crochet calculator, and crochet pricing worksheet, today: My Crochet Career – Crochet Calculator and Price Worksheet
Watch a video below for even more on this subject!
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena
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Dear Selena, I am 87 years of age, I taught myself to crochet many years ago. My Mother was left handed and it was a difficult thing to learn from her. When I married and moved away from home, I was so bored I had to do something so I got some yarn, a hook and a book and away I went. I enjoy reading new patterns, some are easy some not so much but I do enjoy reading your articles. I recently was asked to make a pot holder like the one the lady’s grandmother had made for her many years ago. I got some o the right yarn and away i went. I’ve made over 100 thus far, why? I don’t know, I like the pattern, I enjoy making them. I’m a widow now and again bored so this has een my passtime. My daughter recently asked why i didn’t make some beanies with so much left over yarn in my stash, they need them at school where she teaches for children who come to school with no hat, coat etc. so now I’ve started making those. I enjoy knitting too and do keep pretty busy most of the time. Keep on with your articles, they are much appreciated.
Thank you for your kind words and support, and for being part of our crochet community 🙂
I have found your page very interesting I have crocheted for over 30 years. I’m left handed so it has always been a challenge with each pattern. I would join but , I cannot afford to pay for classes, etc as I’m retired and live on a SSI income only.
But wanted to let you know I appreciate knowing there’s an association out there!
Thank you for your interest and support in the ACA, Mary! I’m so glad you’re finding value here, especially with all your experience! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and being part of our community here 🙂 Enjoy!