Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Crochet and Knit Business-Part 2

11. Social Media is a Powerful Marketing Tool

(But Don’t Let it Run Your Life!)

Social media can be your best friend when it comes to showcasing your work and connecting with customers. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok are especially popular among crafters. That being said, 

• You don’t need to be on every social media platform, posting multiple times a day, or engaging with everyone constantly as this can lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. It also gets you away from creating.
• Instead, choose 1-2 platforms and focus your energy there. Engage authentically, share valuable content (not just sales pitches), and be consistent. Schedule your posts to save time.
•  If you love creating reels on Instagram, focus on that! If you prefer sharing photos and tutorials on Pinterest, make that your primary platform. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Use a scheduling tool like Later or Planoly.
• Post engaging photos and videos of your work, including behind-the-scenes content.
• Use hashtags strategically to reach your target audience.
• Share tutorials, tips, or mini-lessons to provide value and grow your following.

Consistency is key—posting regularly keeps your audience engaged and interested.

12. It Takes Time to Build a Sustainable Business

(Overnight Success is a Myth!)

Overnight success stories are rare. Building a crochet and knitting business requires patience, consistency, and persistence. Celebrate small wins along the way, and don’t give up when things move slower than expected.

• Building a successful business takes time, patience, and hard work. There will be highs and lows, successes and setbacks.
• Be patient and persistent. Celebrate small wins, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward. Don’t compare yourself to others (Easier said than done).
• Focus on consistent effort, even if you’re only making a few sales each week. Over time, those sales will add up.

• Set realistic goals for yourself, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage each month.
• Track your progress and celebrate small milestones, like your first sale or 100 followers.
• Stay consistent and persistent, even when things feel slow.

Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint.

13. Your Audience is Your Biggest Asset

(Treat Them Like Gold!)

Your community—whether it’s followers, email subscribers, or repeat customers—is the foundation of your business. Building and nurturing them is essential. These are the people who will support your business, share your work, and become loyal customers. Treat them like gold!

• Your audience is not just a number – followers, likes, comments… they are not just metrics to track. They are the heart of your business. They’re the ones who buy your products, share your work, and support your dreams.
• Engage, listen, and appreciate. Respond to comments, answer questions, run polls, and show your gratitude. Build a community, not just a customer base.
• Ask your followers what colors they’d like to see in your next collection. Run a contest to give away a free pattern. Send personalized thank-you notes with orders.

• Offer exclusive deals or discounts to email subscribers.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews or share photos of their purchases.
• Host Q&A sessions or live demonstrations to interact directly with your audience.

Your audience isn’t just potential buyers; they’re your advocates, supporters, and source of inspiration.

14. Diversify Your Income Streams

(Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket!)

Relying on a single source of income can be risky.  If sales are slow or something happens to your product line, you could be in trouble. Diversifying your offerings not only helps stabilize your earnings but also attracts a broader audience. Explore multiple income streams. 

• Sell physical products like handmade items or DIY kits.
• Create and sell patterns for crocheters and knitters and sell it on Etsy, Ravelry, or your own website.
• Offer workshops or tutorials online or in person.
• Explore affiliate marketing with yarn brands or craft supply companies.
• write crochet-related blog posts and use ads on your website.

A mix of income streams ensures your business can weather changes in demand.

15. Invest in Yourself and Your Skills

(Never Stop Learning!)

Your skills and knowledge are the backbone of your business. But the Reality is that the world of crochet is constantly evolving. There are always new techniques, patterns, and business strategies to learn.

Continuously investing in yourself will help you stand out in a competitive market.

• Invest in courses, workshops, and resources that will help you improve your skills. Learn new stitches, explore different yarn types, and master new marketing techniques.
• Take an online course on photography, marketing, or business management. 
• Take courses to learn new crochet and knitting techniques.

• Attend craft fairs or networking events to connect with other makers.
• Attend a crochet workshop to learn a new skill.

16. Community Over Competition 

(Lift Each Other Up!)

The crochet and knitting world is vast, and there’s room for everyone. Collaborate with other makers, share resources, and support each other. Building connections will always take you further than competing. We can learn from each other, support each other, and lift each other up.

• Build relationships with other crocheters. Share your knowledge, offer encouragement, 
• Join online crochet communities
• Participate in crochet-alongs and blog hops
• Offer feedback on other people’s work. 
• Promote other crocheters’ products on your social media.

• Collaborate on projects, blog posts, or challenges to reach new audiences.
• Celebrate others’ successes—it doesn’t diminish your own.

A rising tide lifts all boats, and together, the community can thrive.

 Collaboration over competition goes a long way in this industry.

17. Customer Feedback Is Gold

(Listen, Learn, and Adapt)

Listening to customer feedback helped me improve my designs and understand market trends. Encouraging reviews and interacting with customers not only improves your products, but also builds brand loyalty.

You might think your designs are the bee’s knees, but the truth is, Customer Feedback Is Gold. Don’t just create in a vacuum. Actively seek feedback on your designs, pricing, customer service, and overall brand experience.

I used to be hesitant to ask for reviews, fearing negative comments. But the positive feedback not only boosted my confidence but also provided valuable testimonials for my website. Even negative feedback, while initially stinging, offered opportunities for improvement.

Here’s how to gather that golden feedback:

• Include a Feedback Card with Every Order: A simple note asking for a review goes a long way.
• Run Polls and Surveys on Social Media: Ask your followers what they want to see more of.
• Respond Promptly to Inquiries and Complaints: Show customers that you value their business and are willing to address their concerns.
• Actively Monitor Reviews and Comments: Pay attention to what people are saying about your products and services online.

Remember, happy customers are repeat customers and brand advocates.

18. Legal and Financial Knowledge Is Important

(Don’t Wing It!)

I didn’t realize how much paperwork would be involved. From registering a business to understanding tax obligations, there’s a lot to learn. Consulting with an accountant early on would have saved me hours of confusion.

Confession: I started my business with zero understanding of bookkeeping, taxes, or legal requirements. Legal and Financial Knowledge Is Important, and this ignorance almost cost me dearly.

I wish I had:

• Registered My Business Properly: Understand the different business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) and choose the one that’s right for you.
• Opened a Separate Business Bank Account: Keep your personal and business finances separate for easier tracking and tax purposes.
• Tracked My Income and Expenses Meticulously: Use accounting software or a spreadsheet to record every transaction.
• Understood Sales Tax Obligations: Know when and how to collect and remit sales tax.
• Consulted with a Professional: Hire an accountant and/or lawyer to get advice on legal and financial matters.

Failing to address these areas can lead to legal trouble, financial penalties, and unnecessary stress. Invest the time and resources to get your legal and financial ducks in a row.

19. Trends Change Quickly

(Stay Agile and Adaptable)

Yarn trends can shift with the seasons. Staying updated with industry trends, like popular color palettes or stitches, helps keep your products relevant and in demand.

The world of yarn crafts is constantly evolving. What’s popular today might be passé tomorrow. Trends Change Quickly, and you need to stay informed and adapt your designs and marketing strategies accordingly.

I used to get stuck in my ways, creating the same types of products over and over again. But I realized that I needed to experiment with new techniques, materials, and styles to stay relevant.

Here’s how to keep up with the trends:

• Follow Influencers and Industry Leaders: See what they’re creating and promoting.
• Attend Craft Fairs and Trade Shows: Get inspired by new products and connect with other makers.
• Subscribe to Yarn and Craft Magazines: Stay informed about the latest techniques and materials.
• Analyze Your Sales Data: See what’s selling well and what’s not.
• Be Willing to Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks.

Staying stagnant is a recipe for disaster. Embrace change and be willing to evolve your business to meet the demands of the market.

20. Managing Seasonal Demand

Crochet and knitting businesses often experience seasonal highs and lows—like booming sales in fall and winter, and slower periods in summer.

Why it’s important:

• Planning ahead for busy seasons helps with inventory and marketing.
• Create seasonal products and adjust your shop schedule accordingly.

Tip: Use slower months for designing, restocking, or launching new patterns.

21. Handling Negative Feedback Gracefully

No matter how amazing your work is, at some point, you’ll face a difficult customer or a less-than-glowing review.

Your response defines your brand:

• Stay calm and professional.
• Address the issue directly and offer solutions.
• Use criticism constructively.

Pro Tip: A well-handled complaint can turn a critic into a loyal customer.

The Bottom Line

Running a crochet and knitting business is a rewarding journey filled with creativity, challenges, and growth. These 21 lessons are just the tip of the iceberg, but they can save you time, effort, and frustration as you build your dream business.

The Bottom Line

Running a crochet and knitting business is a rewarding journey filled with creativity, challenges, and growth. These 17 lessons are just the tip of the iceberg, but they can save you time, effort, and frustration as you build your dream business.

Remember, your passion for crochet and knitting is what makes your business unique. Stay true to your vision, and success will follow! 

Turning your love for crochet and knitting into a business is a dream come true for many makers. However, there’s more to success than just being skilled with yarn and a hook or needles. These lessons, learned through experience, can save you time, energy, and frustration on your journey.

Turning your love for crochet and knitting into a business is a dream come true for many makers. However, there’s more to success than just being skilled with yarn and a hook or needles. These lessons, learned through experience, can save you time, energy, and frustration on your journey.

What have you learned in your crochet and knitting business journey? Share them below!