If you are dreaming about turning your crochet hobby into a paycheck (or at least covering your costs), you’re in the right place… How to Start a Crochet Business – Your Blueprint For Success!
At the American Crochet Association, we believe starting a crochet business isn’t about making a quick buck—it’s about building something sustainable that adds value to your life and the crochet community.
But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel stuck.
- Should you film tutorials?
- Share product reviews?
- Start a YouTube channel?
- Write a blog?
- Offer free patterns?
It’s overwhelming, right?
If you’re not sure what to do or feel lost about where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you.
I’m Salena Baca, and after years of learning how to navigate these exact struggles, I’m here to break it all down (you can learn more about me in this three part series).
In this article, I’ll outline a few key things that will help you start and move your crochet business forward:
- Why are you in business? – Start with why you want a business (define your values and goals, and build a brand that supports those ideas).
- Define Your Business Model – Because you need a plan that actually works for you.
- Choose the Right Business Strategies – How to focus on what will actually move the needle.
- How to Make Money with Crochet – Because there are way more options than just selling finished pieces.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer path forward, fewer “what ifs,” and a whole lot more confidence in making this crochet business dream a reality!
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Table of contents
This article may include some affiliate links.
Start with WHY: Defining Your Purpose
Before you can map out a business model, you need to define your WHY—because your purpose and your business model are not the same thing.
Your WHY is the foundation.
It’s the deep reason you do what you do, the impact you want to make, and the driving force behind your work.
Your business model, on the other hand, is how you bring that purpose to life—it’s the structure, strategies, and revenue streams that allow you to turn your WHY into a sustainable reality.
Simon Sinek, the guy behind the Start with Why concept (and the book with the same name), explains that your WHY isn’t just a fancy mission statement—it’s the real reason behind everything you do.
It gives you focus, direction, and fulfillment.
Without a clear WHY, it’s easy to get lost in short-term trends and gimmicks.
Instead, when you have a strong WHY, you have a map, a compass, and a clear direction to build a sustainable crochet business.
Find Your WHY Statement
Starting with the right foundation for your crochet business means answering some key questions about what truly motivates and drives you.
Here’s a simplified way to look at it:
What drives you to sell crochet products or services?
- What it is: This is your why—the deeper reason behind your business. It’s what fuels your passion for crochet and inspires you to share it with others.
- Example: “Having limited resources should not limit your hobby.”
Why does your business matter to the crochet community?
- What it is: This clarifies the impact your business has. What makes you unique, and why should people care about what you’re offering? It’s about providing real value to the community.
- Example: “Crochet should be accessible to people who are on a tight budget.”
How do you help others, and what problems do you solve?
- What it is: This is about how your crochet products or services solve real problems for your customers. What are you making easier or more enjoyable for them?
- Example: “Crochet can be expensive, so I’m motivated to share cost-effective crochet resources and tips.”
Core Aspects to Consider for Your Crochet Business:
Values – What matters most to you?
- What it is: These are your guiding principles. What does your business stand for at its core?
- Example: “I value sustainability, so I use eco-friendly materials and promote conscious crafting in my business.”
Passion – What aspects of crochet make you come alive?
- What it is: This is about joy—what excites and inspires you in crochet. What parts of the craft spark your creativity and energy?
- Example: “I love designing crochet blankets that can be made with yarn people already have in their stash.”
Skills and Expertise – What are your strengths, and how can you use them to serve others?
- What it is: This helps you recognize what you’re great at and how to use your talents to help others in the crochet community.
- Example: “I’m great at breaking down a stitch pattern, so that people can use any yarn they have to create any size blanket they need.”
By reflecting on these questions, you’ll better understand what drives your crochet business and how to align it with your values, passions, and strengths.
This solid foundation will help you build a business you love and that truly serves your community.
Exercise: Find Your Why
Fill in the blanks: “To (your vision), by (your contribution), so that (impact you create).”
Example: To share the beauty of handmade crochet, by creating and selling quality pieces, so that people can enjoy unique and meaningful items.
Once you know your WHY, you can build a business model that aligns with your values and goals.
Your Crochet Business Model
Think of your business model as the actual plan for how your crochet business offers a product and makes money.
It’s not just about what you’re selling—it’s about who you’re selling to, how they find you, and how you keep the whole thing running smoothly.
Without a solid model, your business can feel like you’re trying everything and hoping something will stick.
A well-structured business model helps you work smarter, not harder, and includes these key elements:
What are you offering, and who needs it?
Example: You’re offering crochet patterns for beginners, helping people who want to learn basic stitches and make their first projects, like a simple scarf or blanket.
How do you deliver your product or service?
Example: You sell your crochet patterns through Etsy, where customers can instantly download PDFs. You make tutorials for stitches and techniques via YouTube, so people can learn as they follow your patterns.
How do you attract and keep customers?
Example: You build a loyal community on Instagram by sharing progress photos of your crochet projects and offering free tips. You also have a monthly newsletter that includes crochet tutorials, pattern discounts, and a members-only Facebook group.
How does your business make money?
Example: You make money from selling digital crochet patterns, offering paid pattern tutorials (courses), and through affiliate links for the yarn and tools you recommend on your blog.
Exercise: Your Business Model
Answer these questions based on your WHY to start shaping your business model.
And if you have multiple passions—like designing, teaching, and selling finished items—that’s great!
Just be sure to define a separate model for each area so everything runs smoothly.
Now, grab a notebook (or your favorite crochet journal) and start mapping it out!
Hint, we have a course that will help you to Make Money With Crochet: 3 Crochet Jobs You Can Start Today.
Turning Your Crochet Business Model into a Winning Strategy
Once you’ve nailed down your WHY and mapped out your business model, it’s time to focus on strategy—your game plan for making things happen.
A business model is the what (what you’re selling, who you’re selling to, and how you make money), but your strategy is the how—how you actually put your plan into motion, stay consistent, and grow over time.
Let’s break it down:
Clear Goals
What do you want to achieve?
Are you looking to sell at least 4 finished projects per month?
Get 1 new crochet students per week?
Write your first crochet pattern this quarter?
Defining your goals will give you direction and purpose.
Planned Actions
What steps will you take to execute your business model?
Goals are great, but they need action behind them.
If you want to sell patterns, how often are you publishing them?
Will you be listing them on multiple platforms?
How will you promote your patterns?
Outline the steps that will get you from idea to income.
Review & Adjust
What’s working, and what needs tweaking?
Business isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing.
Regularly check in with your progress—are your goals being met?
If something isn’t working, refine your strategy.
Maybe you need better marketing, or a fresh way to reach your audience.
Bottom Line: Without a strategy, even the best ideas can fizzle out.
So, what does a strong business strategy include for you?
Make Money as a Crochet Business Owner
Let’s be real—running a crochet business isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of gig.
There are tons of ways to make money, and diversifying your income streams is one of the best ways to keep your business thriving long-term.
Plus, having more than one revenue stream gives you the flexibility to adapt if one method slows down or isn’t as lucrative as you’d hoped.
Here are some common (and creative!) ways to earn money in the crochet industry:
Direct Payments from Brands
Brands are constantly looking for ways to get their products in front of the right audience, and that’s where you come in.
Here are a few ways to get paid directly by companies:
Sponsored Posts – If you’ve built an engaged following, brands might pay you to create posts, stories, or videos that showcase their products. The more authentic and engaging your content, the more you can command for these posts!
Brand Ambassadorships – This is an ongoing relationship with a brand. You’ll promote their products regularly (maybe on social media or in your videos), and they’ll pay you consistently in exchange.
Affiliate Marketing – By sharing affiliate links to products you love, you can earn a commission on every sale made through that link. If you already recommend certain tools or yarns, why not get paid for it?
Product Gifting – Some companies will send you free products in exchange for you creating content about them. Sometimes this is just a trade for the product itself, but other times it’s paired with a payment!
Monetization from Platforms
If you’re active on social platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, you can make money directly from them:
YouTube Ad Revenue – Once you hit certain milestones, YouTube will run ads on your videos, and you’ll get a cut of the revenue generated from those ads.
TikTok/Instagram Creator Funds – These platforms reward creators based on how well their content performs. The more views and engagement you get, the more money you can make from their creator funds.
Live Stream Tips & Badges – During live streams, your followers can send you money through tips or buy badges that appear next to their usernames.
Selling Your Own Products & Services
Why rely on others when you can sell your own products or services?
Here are a few ideas to consider:
Digital Products – This can be anything from e-books and crochet patterns to online courses. Once created, they can be sold over and over again, making them a great passive income source.
Workshops & Memberships – Offering exclusive content through workshops or paid memberships is another way to monetize your expertise. Think virtual crochet classes, behind-the-scenes tutorials, or a paid membership community.
Merchandise – Whether it’s branded crochet accessories, tote bags, or custom yarn bowls, selling crochet-related merchandise can bring in extra income while promoting your brand.
Crowdfunding & Donations
If you have a loyal fanbase who loves what you do, crowdfunding and donations can be a great way to raise money for special projects or just as general support.
Patreon – These platforms let you offer exclusive perks to your fans in exchange for monthly contributions. It’s like having a “tip jar” but with benefits!
Donations – If you’ve got a big project or need a little extra cash, platforms like Buy Me a Coffee allow fans to make one-time donations to support you.
The Bottom Line? Combining these different income streams can help you create a more sustainable, diverse business.
Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you can mix and match different revenue sources, giving you flexibility and growth potential!
Final Thoughts
Building a successful crochet business isn’t about chasing the latest trends or trying to do what everyone else is doing.
It’s about truly understanding your purpose—why you’re doing this in the first place.
When you have that clarity, you can create a business model that makes sense for your goals, and implement strategies that help you bring that vision to life.
Whether you’re focused on selling crochet patterns, teaching, or offering your handmade creations, starting with a strong foundation is key.
Think of it like this: without a solid base, your crochet business is like a house built on sand.
But when you lay that groundwork, you’re setting yourself up to grow a business you genuinely love—and one that will stand the test of time.
If you’re craving more guidance or just want to dig deeper into your business strategy, I’ve got a few resources that might help:
Book Recommendation
Start with Why by Simon Sinek – This is a great resource if you’re looking to clarify your purpose and create a business that’s more than just a hustle.
Video Resources
The Golden Circle – Simon Sinek’s famous TED Talk on YouTube.
It’s packed with insights about how to approach your business with a clear, purpose-driven mindset.
Trust me, it’s worth the watch!
Join the American Crochet Association
You don’t have to do this alone!
Our community offers the resources, expert guidance, and support you need to build a sustainable and successful crochet business.
We’ve got your back every step of the way, including this free online community.
Ready to build a business you love?
We can help, and here are all our course options!
Video Chat
You can listen to the author, Salena Baca, discuss this article right here: How To Start A Crochet Business.
Peace + Love + Crochet
Salena Baca
