Where To Sell Crochet Patterns (and Actually Make Money)

This post contains affiliate links.

Feeling totally lost about where to sell crochet patterns? Maybe you’ve spent hours scrolling through endless platforms, wondering, “Which one’s actually worth my time? Will anyone even buy my patterns? What if I pick the wrong place and waste months?

It’s frustrating, right?

Like you’re ready to share your creativity, but the whole selling part feels like a confusing maze.

But, selling crochet patterns doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. There is a way to get started that fits your vibe and your goals. You just need the right roadmap. So, if you want advice on where to sell crochet patterns—and how to actually make it work—keep reading.

When I first started looking into where to sell crochet patterns, I was completely overwhelmed too.

There were too many options, not enough clear answers, and a lot of conflicting advice. I remember second-guessing everything: Should I just stick to Etsy? Do I need my own website? What if no one buys anything?

If you're feeling that same mix of excitement and uncertainty, you're not alone.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a way to figure out what works best for you, your style, and your goals. So let's walk through it, step by step.

🎯 Step One: Know What Kind of Crochet Seller You Are

Before you even think about where to sell crochet patterns, there’s something you have to figure out first.

Who are you as a seller?

Because not all platforms are built the same. And not every platform is built for you. What feels like freedom for one crocheter might feel like a total overwhelm to another. The key is knowing what you want before deciding where to show up.

Let’s break it down.

⯈The Side Hustler

You’ve got a day job, a family, maybe a pet that thinks your yarn stash is a playground. Crochet is your passion, sure—but let’s be real. You don’t want another full-time job. You want to upload your pattern, get it out into the world, and let it quietly make money while you get on with your life.

Sound familiar?

Side Hustlers crave ease. That means low-maintenance platforms with built-in traffic. You don’t want to fiddle with plugins or spend hours tweaking a website banner. You want quick setup, minimal fuss, and maybe a small but steady stream of income to cover your yarn hauls.

If this is you, platforms like Etsy or Ravelry might be for you. They’re designed for ease. Sure, you’ll pay fees. But in return, you get access to customers who are already searching for crochet patterns at 2am in their pyjamas.

⯈The Brand Builder

You're not just selling a pattern. You’re building a business. A vibe. A recognizable style that turns casual browsers into raving fans. Maybe you’ve started collecting email subscribers, or you’ve got a dreamy vision board with your brand colours already pinned.

You want control. Creative freedom. The ability to craft your customer experience from the moment someone lands on your page to the second they download your pattern and fall in love with it.

For Brand Builders, platforms like Payhip, Shopify, or even a WordPress site with WooCommerce are gold. Yes, there’s more setup. But you get to own your audience, your pricing, your bundles, your everything. No algorithms deciding if you get seen.
No fees eating away at your profit like a moth in your stash drawer.

---

📌But here’s the catch: you have to drive your own traffic. If you’re excited by the idea of learning a little SEO, building an email list, or sharing your creative journey on social media—then this path might be your path.

---

⯈The Community Lover

You thrive on connection. Selling patterns isn’t just about making money—it’s about sharing your passion, swapping tips, and being part of something bigger. You want to know who’s making your patterns, see their finished projects, and cheer them on.

You probably love platforms that offer community features, follow options, or social tools built in. Places where conversation is as important as conversion.

For you, Ravelry is still a strong contender. Its forums may feel a bit retro, but the sense of community is unmatched. You might also enjoy platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee, where people can follow your page, tip you, and buy patterns all in the same cosy space.

---

📌Community Lovers also tend to thrive with an active Instagram or Facebook Group, using social platforms as a bridge to wherever they sell. You’re not just growing a customer base—you’re creating a club, a vibe, a space to belong.

---

⯈The Passive Income Dreamer

You’re playing the long game. You’re willing to do a bit of work up front—write the patterns, set up the systems—because you’re dreaming of a day when your patterns sell while you sip a coffee, paint your nails, or lie in a hammock with your hook in hand.

Passive Income Dreamers want to scale. You’re not here for one sale—you’re here to create a system that brings in income month after month, without having to constantly show up.

Here’s where automated platforms shine.

Think:

• Payhip with email integrations.

• Gumroad with memberships.

• Your own website with digital delivery and marketing funnels.

You might even explore creating bundles, tripwires, or evergreen sales systems that keep working behind the scenes.

---

📌 But here’s the counterintuitive part: to get true passive income, you’ll need to be very active up front. It’s like building a beautiful machine—it doesn’t run itself until every gear is in place.

---

So... what matters most to you?

Maybe it’s ease. Or exposure. Or full control. Maybe you want to avoid high commissions, or maybe you’re happy to pay them if it saves you time.

There’s no right answer here—just your answer.

• What lights you up?

• What drains you?

• What kind of business do you want to wake up to three months from now?

Before you worry about where to sell crochet patterns, sit with these questions for a moment.

It’ll save you so much time, energy, and yes—money—down the line.

Once you know who you are as a seller, choosing the right platform won’t feel like a guessing game.

💡 Not sure what to list yet? Start with the foundation.

👉 Download: How to Write a Crochet Pattern – it walks you through every step, even if you’ve never written one before.

• Once you’ve written one, come back to this post and pick your platform.

---

🛍️ Where to Sell Crochet Patterns – Platforms Compared

There’s no shortage of places to sell your crochet patterns online—but not all of them are created equal.
Some offer traffic on a silver platter but charge high fees. Others give you total freedom—but you’ll need to bring your own audience.

Choose platforms that play to your strengths and support your long-term goals. Below, I’ve broken down the most popular—and profitable—places to sell your crochet patterns, with real insights into what they’re good at, what to watch out for, and how to make the most of each one.

⯈1. Etsy – The Crowd Favourite

Best for: Beginners, casual sellers, and those who want built-in traffic
Fees: Listing + transaction + payment processing (~10–15%)
Pros:
✔ Massive search volume
✔ Easy to set up
✔ Buyers trust it
Cons:
✘ Highly saturated (hello, competition)
✘ Limited branding control
✘ Algorithm changes can affect visibility

💡Tips to thrive:

• Use strong SEO (your title and tags matter!)

• Create beautiful mockups and styled product images

• Offer bundles or themed pattern packs to increase order value

---

Verdict: A great place to start, but don’t build your whole business here. Etsy is like renting a stall in a busy market—great visibility, but not really yours.

---

⯈ 2. Ravelry – The Pattern Powerhouse

Best for: Serious crocheters who want to reach pattern-savvy buyers
Fees: 0–12%, depending on monthly sales
Pros:
✔ Trusted by knitters & crocheters
✔ Built-in pattern search tools
✔ Community feel
Cons:
✘ Outdated design
✘ Limited branding
✘ Accessibility issues have lost them some trust

💡Tips to thrive:

• Tag your patterns clearly for maximum search visibility

• Use the community aspect—join forums, engage with buyers

• Offer variations or customisation tips within the pattern

---

Verdict: Still one of the top pattern-selling platforms—especially if your audience is mostly fiber-obsessed crafters.

---

⯈ 3. LoveCrafts – The Curated Marketplace

Best for: Sellers who want exposure without building their own shop
Fees: 30% commission
Pros:
✔ Beautiful platform
✔ Targeted audience of makers
✔ Easy to upload and list
Cons:
✘ High commission
✘ Not much creative control
✘ Not as community-driven as Ravelry

💡Tips to thrive:

• Submit patterns that pair well with yarns they already sell

• Focus on beautiful, professional presentation

• Think in collections or series

---

Verdict: Ideal for visibility if you're okay giving up a chunk of your profit for simplicity and reach.

---

⯈ 4. Payhip – The Independent Seller’s Best Friend

Best for: Building your own shop with minimal tech hassle
Fees: Free plan available (5% per transaction) or paid plans with 0% fees
Pros:
✔ Instant digital downloads
✔ Easy setup and clean storefront
✔ Integrated with email marketing tools
Cons:
✘ You bring the traffic
✘ Not a marketplace—no built-in audience
✘ Limited design options

💡Tips to thrive:

• Pair with social media or your blog to drive traffic

• Build your email list directly through Payhip

• Use it as a “low-pressure” way to sell directly to fans

---

Verdict: A smart way to start owning your sales while keeping setup simple.

---

⯈ 5. Shopify – For the Serious Seller

Best for: Brand-builders ready to scale
Fees: Monthly subscription + payment processing fees
Pros:
✔ Fully customizable store
✔ Great for selling multiple products or bundles
✔ Integrates with email, upsells, and analytics
Cons:
✘ Monthly cost
✘ Learning curve
✘ All traffic must be generated by you

💡Tips to thrive:

• Use it alongside email marketing and Pinterest SEO

• Offer tripwire products and lead magnets

• Set up product funnels (e.g. bundles, cart upsells)

---

Verdict: Best for those committed to growing a serious crochet business with long-term profit in mind.

---

⯈ 6. Gumroad – The Simplest Digital Delivery

Best for: Low-effort, low-cost selling
Fees: 10% on the free plan (lower on paid plans)
Pros:
✔ Clean interface
✔ Simple digital checkout
✔ No upfront cost
Cons:
✘ No marketplace reach
✘ Limited customisation
✘ Not crochet-specific

💡Tips to thrive:

• Great for quick launches and test products

• Use with Instagram, newsletters, or YouTube

• Make your product pages feel branded with consistent visuals and language

---

Verdict: Best as a lightweight way to sell without managing a full shop.

---

⯈ 7. Your Email List – The Secret Sales Engine

Best for: Building loyal customers who actually buy
Fees: Depends on your email provider
Pros:
✔ You own the audience
✔ High conversion rates
✔ Perfect for repeat sales
Cons:
✘ Requires consistent nurturing
✘ Need to offer real value to grow it

💡Tips to thrive:

• Create a freebie lead magnet (like a pattern or checklist)

• Email regularly with updates, tips, or behind-the-scenes

• Use launches, early-bird pricing, and product stories to sell

---

Verdict: This is your long-term business backbone. Start today—even if your list is tiny.

---

⯈ 8. Your Own Website – Total Freedom, Total Ownership

Best for: Building a professional brand that lasts
Fees: Hosting + domain + optional e-commerce plugin
Pros:
✔ Complete control over your brand, design, and pricing
✔ Build SEO over time (Google traffic!)
✔ Can integrate email, blog, and shop in one place
Cons:
✘ Setup time
✘ Must generate your own traffic
✘ Requires ongoing updates

💡Tips to thrive:

• Start with a few core products, then grow your pattern library

• Use blog posts (like this one!) to attract traffic from search

• Integrate Payhip or WooCommerce for seamless sales

---

Verdict: If you want full freedom and plan to be in this for the long haul—this is your home base.

---

⯈ 9. Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) – The Visibility Engine

Best for: Driving traffic to wherever you sell
Fees: Free (but costs time and consistency)
Pros:
✔ Massive reach potential
✔ Great for building connection
✔ Visual platforms are crochet-friendly
Cons:
✘ You don’t own the platform
✘ Harder to convert unless paired with a shop or email list

💡Tips to thrive:

• Show your process, patterns in action, and customer makes

• Use link-in-bio tools to send people to your shop

• Tease upcoming patterns and offer early access to followers

---

Verdict: Not where you sell—but how you drive people to where you sell. Essential, but don’t put all your eggs (or hooks) in this basket.

---

🧠 Strategy Over Scatter – How to Choose the Right Platforms

If you're still thinking:

• Should I be on Etsy, or Payhip?

• Or maybe both?

• And what about email?

• Or Shopify?

• Do I need Pinterest too?

✨ Take a breath. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be somewhere—with intention.

Scattering your patterns across 6 platforms without a plan will leave you exhausted and invisible. But choosing your platforms based on strategy? That’s how you grow a crochet business that actually supports you.

Let’s break it down into a simple, confident decision-making process.

⯈Step 1: Pick Your Primary Platform

This is your main home for pattern sales—the place you’ll direct most of your traffic and energy.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a quick setup with built-in traffic? → Start with Etsy

• Do I want creative control and to build my own brand? → Start with Payhip or your own website

• Do I want to build a loyal fanbase and focus on relationships? → Email list should be central

📌Important:
Pick one to start. Learn it. Work it. Then layer on the rest.

⯈ Step 2: Choose a Traffic Driver

Selling patterns online isn’t just about where they live—it’s about who sees them.

You need at least one platform that helps you reach new people or nurture your existing audience:

• Pinterest: Great for long-term, evergreen traffic

• Instagram: Great for building brand + showing behind-the-scenes

• Email List: Best for nurturing true fans and making consistent sales

• Blogging/SEO: Powerful for sustainable growth if you enjoy writing

📌Tip:
Pick the traffic source that feels most fun or natural to you—you’re more likely to stick with it.

⯈ Step 3: Match Your Energy, Not Just the Features

So many sellers jump to Shopify or launch a website because it looks pro—but then burn out because they’re not ready to do the traffic-building work yet.

Others cling to Etsy because it’s easy—but get frustrated by low sales and no customer email list.

Let’s shift the mindset.

Ask yourself:

• How much time and energy do I realistically have each week?

• Do I enjoy social media or would I rather work quietly behind the scenes?

• Am I building a brand, or just selling a few patterns on the side?

📌Tip:
Choose your platform based on how it fits your life right now. You can always evolve later.

⯈ Step 4: Plan for Growth

Now that you’ve picked one place to sell and one place to grow your traffic, think 1–2 steps ahead.
Here’s a simple roadmap:

📌Remember:
You can move platforms later. You can rebrand. You can relaunch. This is not your final form—it's your first smart move.

---

🧶 Still not sure where to start?

I’ve created a free guide just for makers like you:
📥 Download The Crocheter’s Profit Blueprint
It’ll helps you map your product path, and avoid the overwhelm that keeps most crocheters stuck.

---

🤖 Use AI to Streamline + Simplify Your Crochet Pattern Sales

Tired of doing everything yourself? This guide shows you exactly how to use AI to plan content, write product descriptions, create social posts, and even build launch sequences—without burning out or hiring help.

✨ Whether you're tech-shy or tech-savvy, you'll learn how to save time, stay consistent, and sell more—on your terms.

🎯 Ready to work smarter (not harder) with AI?
👉 Grab the guide for just £12

---

🔁 The Smart Way to Sell on Multiple Platforms (Without Burning Out)

More platforms can mean more sales—but only if you’re smart about it.

If you’re uploading manually, switching tabs, rewriting listings… it gets exhausting fast.

Let’s simplify.

⯈Automate + Organise

Use tools that let you work once, sell everywhere:

• Payhip – Host your pattern once, link it everywhere (blog, bio, email, Pinterest)

• SendOwl – Automate digital delivery + run affiliate programs

• Linktree (or similar) – Direct followers to your shop, freebie, and sign-up in one tap

• Airtable or Notion – Track listings, prices, bundles, versions, promo ideas—all in one place

• Google Drive/Dropbox – Store files, mockups, and descriptions for easy access

📌 Automation tip:
Set up an email sequence in your email platform (e.g. Moosend, GetResponse) that delivers your freebie and recommends your best-selling pattern after 2–3 days.
Example:

“Loved the free mini pattern? Try the full set here → [Product link]”

⯈Batch + Repurpose

Prep your assets once:

• PDF pattern (with branding + mobile-ready formatting)

• Styled photos + mockups

• Product description with benefit-led copy

Then batch upload to Etsy, Payhip, and your own site. Turn that listing into Pinterest pins, an email, and an IG post. Done.

💡Sell More Patterns (No Matter Where You Sell)

It’s not just about where you sell… it’s how you sell.

Whether you’re on Etsy, Payhip, your own site, or juggling a few platforms, these smart tips will help you stand out, make more sales, and turn browsers into loyal customers.

⯈1. Strong Photos = More Sales

People buy with their eyes. Even a brilliant pattern won’t sell if the photos fall flat.

Do this:

• Use natural light + real-life styling

• Show multiple angles or colour variations

• Try mockup templates if photography isn’t your thing

You're not just selling stitches—you’re selling the finished vision.

⯈2. Clear Names + SEO Keywords

“Granny Square #4” won’t cut it. (Trust me I tried it!)

Make it searchable.

Do this:

• Name it descriptively (e.g., Sunset Ripple Throw)

• Add buyer-friendly keywords like “easy crochet pattern,” “PDF download”

• Use Etsy or Pinterest autocomplete to guide your tags

⯈3. Start Your Email List (Even If You’re on Etsy)

You don’t own your Etsy audience—but you do own your email list.

Do this:

• Offer a freebie to collect sign-ups (a cheat sheet or mini pattern)

• Mention it in all product descriptions + bios

• Send helpful emails: tips, new patterns, launches

Even a small list can bring consistent sales when nurtured right.

⯈4. Offer Bundles + Deals

Give buyers a reason to grab more than one.

Do this:

• Bundle 2–4 patterns with a small discount

• Run limited promos (“3 for 2 weekend!”)

• Use Payhip or SendOwl to automate bundles + codes

More value = more cart joy = more income for you.

⯈5. Add-On = Add Income

Go beyond the pattern with smart extras.

Do this:

• Upsell a customisation guide or stitch tutorial

• Add bonuses: printable trackers, yarn planners, video walkthroughs

• Create premium versions with added value

These upsells take little time—but can double your income.

✨ How I Do It at Mouse & Sparrow

By now, you’ve seen there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to where to sell crochet patterns. So I thought I’d share what’s worked for me—and what hasn’t—here at Mouse & Sparrow.

Because real-life experience? That’s where the gold is.

My Preferred Method: Website + Email List

I sell my patterns directly through my website shop and promote them primarily to my email list.

Why this works for me:

• I can offer my customers a calm, branded shopping experience

• I keep more of the earnings—no high fees eating into small sales

• My email list is full of people who already love what I make, so it’s easier to launch new products and build loyalty

• I can offer exclusive patterns, early access, or bonus materials just for my subscribers

Instead of relying on algorithms, I build genuine relationships—and that has made a big difference.

What I Tried (and Moved Away From)

When I first started, I listed a few patterns on Etsy and Ravlery.
It’s a great way to test the waters because:

• It’s easy to set up

• There’s already traffic searching for crochet patterns

• You don’t need your own audience right away

But here’s what I found:
For low-priced products like individual crochet patterns, the fees quickly added up. And over time, I realised I wanted more control over the customer experience and the ability to grow a business that wasn’t at the mercy of someone else’s platform.

That’s when I moved toward a more owned model:
➡️ My own site
➡️ My own email list
➡️ My own pricing, branding, and bundles

How I Connect With My Customers

Every time I release a new pattern, my email subscribers are the first to know.

I’ll usually:

• Share a little behind-the-scenes story or inspiration

• Include a direct link to purchase (either to the product page or a limited-time offer)

• Sometimes give early-bird pricing, bundles, or exclusive bonuses for my list only

It’s more personal, less pushy—and it works.

📥 Ready to Start Selling?

You've got the ideas.
Now let’s turn them into digital products people actually want to buy.

There’s no “perfect” place to sell crochet patterns—only what’s perfect for you at your current stage.
Start where you are. Pick one platform that aligns with your goals and get good at it. Then build out slowly.

Remember: You don’t need to launch everywhere at once.
Start with your main platform. Then choose one new place to test next.

Growth that fits your energy = growth that lasts.

Your patterns deserve to be seen and loved.
So pick a platform, take that first step, and watch your crochet business bloom—one stitch at a time.

You’ve got this. 💛

---

What Next?

Loved this post? Let’s keep the momentum going.

🧶 Leave a comment below — what digital product idea are you most excited to try? Or have you already created something amazing? I’d love to hear about it.

📌 Save this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it whenever you need a burst of inspiration. It’s one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

✍️ Ready to write patterns that sell? Grab your copy of How to Write a Crochet Pattern and start creating clear, irresistible patterns your customers will love.

🎨 Want to go beyond basic patterns? Check out the Crochet Customisation Confidence Kit—your step-by-step guide to adding unique touches that help you stand out and charge more.

📥 Still want more? Don’t miss The Crocheter’s Profit Blueprint, packed with simple, smart steps to start making money with crochet (without the burnout).

✨ For even deeper support, head over to the Monetize Your Crochet page where you’ll find tools, ideas, and offers designed to help you turn your yarn into income—your way.

Let’s build something beautiful together—one stitch, one sale, one smart step at a time.

---

More inspiring posts