How to Make Money from Crochet (Without Turning It Into a Full-Time Job)
Want to Make Money from Crochet—But Not Ready to Go Full-Time?
Over 60% of Etsy sellers run their shops as side hustles, not full-time businesses—many earning a few hundred pounds each month doing what they love (Etsy 2023 Seller Census). And with crochet searches on Etsy rising steadily year after year, it’s clear: the handmade market is hungry for your crochet products!
But what if you don’t want to open a full-blown shop or turn your hobby into a second job?
I believe you can make money from crochet without going all in.
No endless custom orders. No pressure to post daily. Just smart, simple ways that work with your lifestyle—not against it.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a realistic, joy-first approach to earning from your crochet hobby.
Let’s make it feel doable. Let’s make it fun. And yes—let’s make it profitable.
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Let’s Keep the Joy in It
So often, I’ve met crafters who loved what they do —but the moment money entered the picture, something shifted.
They were stressing over sales goals, churning out products on repeat, and dreading the very thing that used to light them up.
That’s not the vibe we’re going for here.
I think it’s totally possible to earn extra from crochet without letting it become another job.
No burnout, no overwhelm, no mass production. Just a steady, manageable rhythm that still leaves room for creativity, joy, and slow mornings with yarn in your lap.
That’s the path we’re exploring today: how to make money from crochet—in a way that feels more relaxed, more intentional, and still totally doable, even if you’ve only got weekends to spare.
Let’s ease in.
1: Shift the Mindset – Hobby First, Profit Second
When people talk about how to make money from crochet, they usually dive straight into selling strategies, platforms, price points.
But I think that skips the most important bit—your mindset.
This journey gets a lot easier when you stop thinking about “building a crochet business” and start thinking about what fits your actual life. You don’t need to become an Etsy mogul. You don’t need to quit your job or wake up at 5am to pack orders.
You can stay a hobbyist. You are allowed to want pocket money and joy at the same time.
Because profit doesn’t have to mean pressure.
What if small is actually better?
It’s easy to feel like success has to be big.
Go all in.
Scale it.
Start a brand.
Those words are everywhere.
But what if you don’t want to go big?
Maybe your version of success is to cover yarn, coffee, and dance classes for your kid. Maybe it’s being able to treat yourself without checking the bank app first. That’s not small. That’s freedom.
Permission to go slow
The idea that things need to grow constantly? It’s exhausting.
And crochet doesn’t work that way, anyway.
You can't rush a granny square or whip through a detailed amigurumi when your hands say "nope."
The beauty of crochet is in the slowness. That’s worth protecting. And when you build with that in mind, you’re way more likely to stick with it. Because it actually feels good.
Your income, your pace
Example: The $250 crochet side-income
Let’s say you want to make an extra $250 a month. That could look like:
Selling 5 plushies at $50 each
Writing and listing 3 digital patterns at $6 each and selling 14 copies of each
Opening 4 commission slots for simple custom projects
Running a beginner workshop once a month and charging $25 per person
You don’t need 10,000 followers or a daily posting schedule. You need a plan that fits in the pockets of time you actually have.
This is not “all or nothing”
I believe the biggest myth in creative income is that you either have a business or you don’t.
But the middle ground? That’s where the magic happens.
Where crochet still feels like a sanctuary—and your PayPal balance quietly grows in the background.
Start small.
Start simple.
2: Small, Smart Ways to Sell Crochet (Without Overwhelm)
How do you actually start to make money from crochet… without turning your dining table into a shipping depot or spending every weekend at a market stall?
I believe the answer lies in keeping it small, intentional, and aligned with your life—not someone else's expectations.
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing enough.
Here are a few simple, stress-free ways to start earning—your way.
⯈A. Offer Ready-Made Items in Batches
If you enjoy the making part (and let’s face it, you probably do), batch-selling can be a game-changer.
Instead of constantly scrambling to fill orders, try creating small collections. Maybe five crochet pumpkins in autumn. Three baby blankets in soft neutrals. A stack of mug cozies or plush hearts around Valentine’s Day. Seasonal things that feel fun to make—and even more fun to sell.
Think of it like a “limited drop.” When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Example:
You crochet a batch of 6 sunflower coasters in August.
You post them on Instagram or Facebook Marketplace with clear pricing and say: Only 6 sets available – ready to ship!
They sell in 3 days.
You’re done.
No stress.
No ongoing obligation.
That’s the kind of selling that fits into real life.
⯈B. Take on Occasional Commissions
This one’s great if you like variety and personal touches—but not unpredictability.
The trick? Set clear boundaries.
Instead of always being “open for orders,” open occasionally.
For example:
Now booking 2 custom spots for August – choose your colours, I’ll do the rest.
This gives you control over your schedule and creates a bit of buzz—people love limited availability.
To manage it all without the chaos, I think it helps to use a quick intake form (Typeform or Google Forms works well).
Ask for things like colour preference, item type, and deadline. It keeps things clear—and keeps you sane.
Tip: Put commission details in your Instagram highlights or create a simple one-page info sheet you can DM or email. Boundaries are easier to stick to when they’re written down.
⯈C. Sell Patterns or Tutorials
This one’s a bit of a mindset shift—but hear me out.
If you’ve ever designed something from scratch, or even just tweaked a pattern so much it became your own… you might already have a digital product sitting in your WIP basket.
Writing patterns can feel intimidating at first, but once it’s done, it can sell again and again with no extra work from you.
That’s what makes it so powerful.
I believe this is one of the best ways to make money from crochet without getting stuck in the cycle of trading time for cash.
You can start small. Think:
A simple scrunchie pattern
A beginner-friendly coaster set
A basic amigurumi animal
You don’t need to write the next bestseller. You just need to help someone else make something they’ll love.
Platforms to consider:
Etsy (great for visibility, though fees apply)
Ravelry (pattern-focused, used by seasoned crocheters)
Ko-fi or Gumroad (low fees, more control, ideal for small audiences)
And if writing a pattern feels too big, consider filming a short tutorial and listing it as a low-cost video guide instead.
“More than 60% of Etsy sellers say their shop is a side hustle, not a full-time job. ”
The Takeaway
You don’t need a huge shop, a massive audience, or a perfect product line.
You need:
A few great ideas
A sprinkle of intention
And a clear plan that doesn’t drown your joy
Sell what you want to make, in a way that works for your time and energy.
Because making money from crochet doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to make sense for you.
🧶 Want to Know What Really Sells?
Not sure what crochet items actually make money on Etsy?
Grab the free guide!
✨Inside, you’ll find:
✔️ What’s trending (and what’s timeless)
✔️ Typical price ranges that customers pay
✔️ Quick tips to stand out from the crowd
📥 Pop your email in below and I’ll send it right over — so you can skip the guesswork and start selling smarter.
3: Create Crochet Content for Income (Without Showing Your Face)
Okay, so maybe selling physical items doesn’t light you up.
Or maybe the idea of taking fewer custom orders sounds… kind of amazing.
Here’s the good news: there are ways to make money from crochet without constantly crocheting.
It might feel counterintuitive—how can you earn from something you’re not physically making every day?
Let’s talk content, creativity, and turning your crochet brain into a steady little income stream.
⯈A. Start a Crochet Blog or YouTube Channel
This is where your experience becomes the product.
You don’t have to be an influencer. You don’t have to show your face. You don’t even have to post every week.
What you do need is a point of view—and a bit of consistency.
If you love writing (or even just explaining things in a clear, friendly way), a crochet blog can be a surprisingly powerful asset. You can share:
Easy tutorials
Crochet tips for beginners
Product roundups (hello, affiliate income)
Behind-the-scenes of what you're making
Same goes for YouTube—except you can just show your hands and your hook. People love real-time tutorials, pattern walkthroughs, or “crochet with me” style videos. And once a video or blog post is out there, it can keep bringing in clicks (and income) for months.
How does it make money?
Ads (via YouTube or blog networks)
Affiliate links (like yarn recommendations, tools, even patterns)
Selling your own patterns, guides, or digital downloads
Email list building (more on that in a second)
And here’s a little shortcut:
If you’re stuck on what products or tutorials to focus on, I’ve put together a free guide called 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy. It’ll give you real examples of items that people actually buy, along with quick tips and ideas you can use right away.
Grab it, read through, and see if there’s something on that list you’d love to teach or talk about. That could be your first blog post or video right there.
⯈B. Sell Crochet-Themed Printables or Clipart
This one’s a bit of a curveball—but hear me out.
If you’re into design or illustration (even a tiny bit), you can create digital products about crochet rather than crocheting them.
Think:
Printable wall art with cute crochet quotes
Stitch tracker sheets or planner inserts
Gift tags for handmade items
“Thank you” cards for other sellers to use
You can make these in Canva. You don’t need a fancy tablet or a design degree. You just need a feel for what crocheters love and use.
Example:
You design a cute printable that says “Hooked on You” in playful script with a little illustrated ball of yarn.
You list it for $2.50 on Etsy. Every time someone downloads it, that’s pure profit (Etsy fess apply!)— but there is no packaging, no shipping, no restocking.
It’s quiet, scalable, and kind of addictive (in the best way).
⯈A quiet income stream you control
I think the beauty of content creation is that it keeps working, even when you don’t.
A single blog post can bring in a thousand pageviews in a month. A free pattern download can help grow your list without you lifting a finger. A YouTube video can earn ad revenue long after you’ve forgotten you made it.
It takes a bit of time up front, yes—but after that? It’s yours. Fully yours.
4: Know What’s Worth Your Time
There’s a moment every crocheter hits when they ask:
“Wait… am I actually making money, or just staying busy?”
And I get it. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing more—more projects, more listings, more posting—without ever stepping back to ask if any of it’s actually working.
I believe that the key to making money from crochet (without burning out) is this:
Start valuing your time as much as your yarn stash.
⯈Time is a cost, too
If it takes you 6 hours to crochet a baby blanket and you sell it for $30, you’re technically making $5 an hour—before you subtract yarn, packaging, and listing fees. And that’s not counting your time messaging customers, taking photos, or dealing with shipping.
It adds up fast.
So even if that sale feels like a win, it might be draining you more than it’s filling your pocket.
That’s why I believe in doing a little time-to-value check every now and then.
Ask yourself:
How long does this really take me?
What am I earning per hour, after costs?
Is this the best use of my limited time?
Because not every “bestseller” is worth the energy you would spend making it.
⯈Start spotting low-effort, high-reward projects
This is where things can shift.
Instead of chasing complicated patterns or big items with low margins, look for the sweet spot: things that are quick to make, easy to photograph, and actually sell.
It might not be what you expect.
One of the most profitable items I’ve seen hobby crocheters sell? Scrunchies.
Tiny, trendy, and lightning fast to whip up. You can make a batch in an afternoon and still have time for tea and biscuits.
Other surprising examples:
Coaster sets
Mug cozies
Chunky cowls
Soap savers
Small plushies
Not sure what fits that sweet spot? That’s exactly why I created the 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy guide. It breaks down what sells, why it works, and even includes little time-saving tips. Download it—it might just help you spot what’s worth your energy.
⯈Not all time is equal
If a project feels like a slog, or if a commission has you dreading your hook, it doesn’t matter how well it pays. That’s a tax on your joy.
I think it’s okay to say no to the things that drain you—even if they’re “good money.”
Because your creativity isn’t a machine. It’s a relationship. One that deserves care, space, and sometimes, a really firm boundary.
⯈Make what makes sense—for you
Crochet is slow by nature. And the answer is to speed it up just to squeeze out a few extra pounds.
Get smart about what you make.
Simplify. Pick pieces that feel fun, finish fast, and actually bring in income.
When you do that?
You’re not just making money from crochet—you’re doing it in a way that feels good in your body, your brain, and your bank account.
Keep It Fun, Keep It You
The minute your crochet starts feeling like a chore—you’ll stop doing it.
Because something that once filled you up now feels like a weight.
That’s the danger when we chase income without intention.
We forget why we started.
We trade joy for obligation.
And that’s not the goal here.
This whole idea—making money from crochet without turning it into a full-time job—only works when it still feels like yours.
You can treat this like a side hustle in one season and a slow hobby in the next. Flexibility is the perk of doing this your way—not something you have to earn.
Celebrate every sale (even the “small” ones)
One sale a week, or even one a month, might not sound impressive on paper. But I believe it’s worth celebrating.
Someone paid money for something you made.
Someone chose your scrunchie, your pattern, your printable—over everything else on the internet.
That’s not small. That’s magic.
And when you start to see each sale as a sign that your work has value? That’s when the motivation comes from inside—not from pressure or performance.
Keep your creativity sacred
The best kind of crochet money is the kind that feels like an extension of your joy—not a replacement for it.
So go slow.
Go quiet if you need to.
Try things, then quit them.
Experiment.
Shift.
Evolve.
And most of all—make space for the part of you that just wants to crochet for the love of it.
Want help figuring out what to sell and how to start small?
Download my free guide 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy. It’s full of quick-win ideas, pricing tips, and no-fluff advice made for hobbyists like you.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Make Money from Crochet (Without Going Full-Time)
How can I make money from crochet without starting a business?
You don’t need a full-blown business to earn from crochet. Try simple strategies like selling small batches locally, offering occasional commissions, or creating digital patterns and printables. Start with one manageable idea and build from there.
What are the easiest crochet items to sell for extra income?
Small, quick-to-make items often sell best—think scrunchies, coasters, keychains, and plushies. If you need help choosing, grab the free guide: 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy.
Can I really make money from crochet if I only have a few hours a week?
Yes! You can absolutely treat crochet as a side hustle. Focus on low-effort, high-reward products or digital income streams like patterns or tutorials. You don’t need to spend hours a day—you just need the right approach.
Where’s the best place to sell crochet if I’m just starting out?
Try platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or local craft groups. You can also set up a simple Instagram shop or sell digital products on Gumroad or Ko-fi. Start where your ideal customers already hang out.
Is selling crochet patterns more profitable than selling finished items?
Often, yes. Once you create a pattern, it can sell over and over again—no extra time required. It’s a great way to make passive income from crochet without constantly making products.
What if I’m not confident enough to sell my crochet?
That’s totally normal. Start with something small and low-pressure, like listing a single pattern or joining a local craft fair. Confidence grows with practice—and your work is worth sharing.
How do I stand out when selling crochet on Etsy?
Pick a niche, use clear keywords, and focus on high-quality photos. Selling what people want (not just what you like making) helps too—which is exactly what the 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy guide will help you with.
More on the topic:
12 Easy Crochet Items That Sell Fast On Etsy- and are quick to make
How To Price Crochet Items For Profit
The Easy Way to Make Your Crochet Projects Look One-of-a-Kind
How to Write Crochet Product Descriptions That Sell More
How to Make Money With Crochet: 11 Digital Products That Go Beyond Patterns
You Don’t Have to Hustle to Be Proud of What You’ve Built
Here’s what I hope you take away from all this:
You don’t need a packed order queue, a business license, or a full Etsy shop to feel like your crochet counts.
Every stitch matters. Every sale matters. Every time you share your creativity with the world—it matters.
You’re allowed to make money from crochet without sacrificing the joy of it.
You’re allowed to take it slow.
You’re allowed to do it your way.
You’ve already got the skills. The creativity. The eye.
Now, you just need a plan that honours your time, your energy, and the life you’re building.
And when in doubt?
Come back to this: you’re not behind, you’re not too late, and you don’t need to do it all.
Just one sale. One idea. One experiment at a time.
You’ve got this.
What’s Next?
The real magic in making money from crochet isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what feels light, fun, and sustainable—consistently.
✨ Start small. Pick one income idea that fits into your real life right now—whether that’s batching a few coasters to sell locally, writing your first pattern, or creating a printable for fellow crocheters.
📥 Not sure what to sell? Download the free guide: 12 Crochet Items That Sell Fast on Etsy. It breaks down exactly what’s working in the handmade market right now—with quick tips, price points, and creative ways to stand out. Use it to test one idea and see what sparks.
💬 Have questions? Want help figuring out where your skills fit best? Drop a comment or send me a message—I'm always happy to chat.
🧵 And if you’re thinking about growing an email list to gently sell your crochet or digital products, but the tech stuff makes you want to scream…
Check out the Done-For-You Email Setup. I’ll handle the backend—so you can stay in your creative zone.
📌 Pin this post, save the guide, and come back anytime you’re ready to take the next small, confident step.
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