Where to Sell Your Knitted Items

Can You Make a Living Off of Hand Knitted Items?

Some people have made a living off of hand-knitting, but most people won’t. Knitting items by hand takes hours and most people aren’t willing to pay “minimum wage” for your time. While there are a few items that can be created quickly and sell for a reasonable price, the market is saturated with these items already. 

If you have your heart set on turning your passion into a career, there are a few things you can do to supplement your knitting lifestyle to potentially make it easier to earn a living. 

• Dyeing Fiber

  If you have a knack for colors, you may be able to dye and sell quality fiber for people who want to hand-spin their own yarn. 

• Hand-Spinning

  Hand-spun yarn is seen as a premium product and people are willing to pay high prices for quality

• Original Patterns

  If you are a natural designer, you may be able to sell your patterns online for passive income. 

• podcasts/Live Streaming

  A few have made successful podcasts where they discuss knitting or interview designers. If you have a niche in mind, you could create your own show. Podcasts are generally crowd-funded by your fans through platforms such as Patreon. 

Best Online Markets for Knitted Items

Here is a list of a few online marketplaces that allow crafters to sell their goods:

1. Etsy

   Etsy is the most popular and well-known online marketplace for crafters. They charge a $.20 fee when you list an item and take 3.5% of your sales. The site allows you to make your own online shop for no additional charge and lets you manage payments through PayPal or Google Pay. 

2. Aftcra

   Aftcra is specifically designed for crafters in the US. While you don’t have to pay to list an item, the site takes a 7% fee when your project sells. The minimum amount you can sell an item for is $10. 

3. GLCmall

   You can list items on GLCmall for a monthly fee. Fees start out at $4.50 per month, allowing you to post up to 300 items. This mobile-friendly store has no additional fees and won’t post ads on your page. 

4. Hyena Cart

   Hyena Cart focuses on handmade, eco-friendly items. There is generally a $7.50 monthly usage fee, but there are no additional charges. 

5. Facebook Marketplace

   If you don’t want to deal with shipping fees and would prefer to sell locally, look into Facebook Marketplace. It is free to use and you may be able to build up a local clientele. 

Sell Knitted Goods Through Local Stores

Approach the owner of a locally owned store to ask them if they would be interested in selling items on commission. Many will be interested in hearing you out if you have a business plan, act professionally, and knit quality items. Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm:

• Yarn Shops

  While yarn shops may be the most obvious choice for hand-knitted goods, some don’t sell crafted items. You may be able to sell patterns or other knitting-related items. 

• Boutiques

  Ask local apparel shop owners if they would be interested in selling locally-made knitted items. Take some items with you to show them what you can make and how it relates to their brand. 

• Coffee Shops

  Many coffee shops supplement their businesses by selling local arts and crafts. While you can typically sell hats or mittens, you can even create an assortment of coffee cozies (like this adorable owl version) for the shop’s regulars. 

• Cookware Shops

  There are a few simple projects that you can knit for a local cookware shop. Most of these projects can be done in very little time. Dish scrubbers, washcloths, and pot holders are just three of the items you could make.

• Baby Boutiques

  A local store targeting young parents (and grandparents) may be interested in selling adorable baby booties, soft toys, and potentially hand-knitted blankets. 

Think outside the box as you look through your local businesses. Do you have a tea shop? Talk to them about selling tea-cozies. Do you have a university in your town? Knit items in their colors. I’ve seen hand-knitted hats in a local shoe store. As long as you have an idea, a marketing plan, and an interested shop-owner, you could be in business. 

Create holiday-inspired items as well. Simple Christmas ornaments can potentially sell at a mark-up during the month of December.

Sell Hand-Knits Through Trade Shows/Markets

If you enjoy travel and large bustling crowds, you may be able to sell your items at a local market or trade show. 

• Local Farmers Market

  While these are typically set up for fresh produce, many communities allow local crafters to set up tents full of goods as well. Visit the market to see if it is a venue you would enjoy. 

• Local “Sheep Gatherings” or Fairs

  Eugene, Oregon hosts a Blacksheep Gathering every year. While the focus is on sheep, many fiber artists attend to sell the wares. Look in your area for similar shows. 

• Search Online for Trade Shows

  Try out these sites to find events in your area: 10Times, Knitters Review, Fairs and Festivals.

Again, think out of the box. Are there other events and festivals that you can create items for? If you enjoy knitting period pieces, look into Renaissance Fairs or Celtic Festivals. Serious attendees are often willing to pay well for quality goods that are created for the time period. Hand-knit kilt hose can go for a great price. 

Selling Knitted Items By Commission

People will often ask you if you would be willing to knit on commission. You need to have an answer ready for them. Most knitters know that it is rare (if not entirely impossible) to find a buyer who is willing to even pay minimum wage for the time you spend creating an item. That being said, your time is valuable, and if you aren’t willing to knit for a low hourly fee, then simply decline the offer with a brief explanation (or a joke). 

If they are serious about their offer, let them know approximately how long it would take for you to knit the item and discuss hourly fees. Alternatively, you can charge “per stitch” so that you can give them a more direct answer based on simple math. 

In the event that you don’t necessarily care about receiving an hourly wage as knitting is your passion and you just need to “hand-off” items to people, double or triple the price of the materials.

What Should You Knit to Sell?

Don’t make “generic” items. Find creative, unique designs that will capture buyers’ attention. Learn what sells well and find a creative way to beat your competition. 

If you want to make the most of your time, learn to knit one thing really well so that you can finish products faster. You can supplement “larger” projects with smaller knits such as baby booties or fingerless mittens. 

Again, it is nearly impossible for you to make a living hand-knitting, so make sure that you are doing it for fun. Knit things that you enjoy crafting. 

Preparing Your Knitted Projects for Sale

Once you’ve finished your product, sew a tag to it to mark it as your brand. You can find custom labels on Etsy or other sites if you can’t make them on your own. If you have created a garment, make sure to include a card with how to care for the product (washing and storage instructions). Finally, if you have your own website or social media accounts, make sure to post it to build your following of potential clientele.

Publishing Knitting Patterns Online

If you design your own knits, consider writing out the patterns for other knitters. You can often sell these in local yarn shops or on online marketplaces like Etsy or Ravelry. With a little promotion, you could potentially make a passive income to support your yarn addiction.

Use Social Media to Bring in More Traffic to Your Knit Business

 No matter where you sell your hand-knitted items, use social media to grow your following and direct people to your stores. If people are connected to you, they’ll still be able to find your wares even if you eventually switch venues.