So you’ve got a basket of finished crochet pieces and you’re ready to sell them online. Yay! But where do you actually list them? And what’s it going to cost you once the fees, shipping, and packaging are added up?
I opened my Etsy shop in December 2013, and I’ve watched the options for selling online change a lot since then. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places to sell crochet items online (free and paid), what Etsy really charges, how to handle shipping without losing your profit, and the 10 steps to get your shop up and running.
Let’s get your crochet in front of the people who want to buy it.
Where to Sell Crochet Items Online
There’s no single “best” place to sell crochet online. The right spot depends on what you make, who buys it, and how much time you want to spend promoting. Here’s how the main options compare.
| Platform | Best for | What it costs you | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Most new sellers; buyers already searching for handmade | $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fee, 3% + $0.25 payment processing (US) | Offsite Ads fee of 15% on sales they bring in; huge competition |
| Amazon Handmade | Gift-type items with broad appeal | No monthly fee for Handmade sellers; 15% referral fee per sale | You have to apply and be approved |
| Your own website (Shopify, Big Cartel) | Sellers with an email list or social following | Shopify Basic is $39/month ($29 billed yearly); Big Cartel is free for up to 5 products | No built-in shoppers; you bring all the traffic |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local buyers and bulky items | Free for local pickup; a selling fee on shipped orders | Scams. Read my guide before you list |
| Instagram and Facebook posts | Selling to people who already follow you | Free to post; you pay normal processing fees on invoices (PayPal, Square) | You handle every message, invoice, and shipment yourself |
| Ribblr | Items made from patterns you bought on Ribblr | Ribblr takes a cut, and part of each sale goes to the designer | You can only sell “makes” from Ribblr patterns you own |
| Ko-fi | A small shop next to your tip jar | 5% on shop sales on the free plan | Very little built-in discovery |
My take: If you’re brand new, start on Etsy. Buyers are already there looking for handmade, and you can learn what sells before you pay for a website. Once you have repeat customers and an email list, add your own shop so you’re not relying on one platform’s rules.
Selling patterns instead of finished items? Ravelry, Ribblr, Etsy, and Payhip are all built for that. Read my guide to selling patterns.
Prefer selling face to face? Check out the best places to sell crochet items in person.
What It Really Costs to Sell Crochet on Etsy
Here’s where a lot of new sellers get blindsided. Etsy doesn’t take one fee; it takes several small ones, and they add up. Here’s what you’ll pay as a US seller:
- Listing fee: $0.20 per item. It renews every four months, or each time the item sells.
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of the order total, including the shipping you charge.
- Payment processing: 3% + $0.25 per order.
- Offsite Ads: 15% of the order, but only when a sale comes from an ad Etsy runs on Google, Pinterest, or social media. Shops under $10,000 a year can opt out. Once you pass $10,000, it drops to 12% and becomes mandatory.
- Optional extras: Etsy Ads (you set the daily budget) and Etsy Plus ($10 a month). New shops may also pay a one-time setup fee.
Let’s see it on a real sale. You sell a crochet hat for $30 and charge $5 shipping, so your customer pays $35.
| Fee | Regular sale | Sale from an Offsite Ad |
|---|---|---|
| Listing fee | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Transaction fee (6.5% of $35) | $2.28 | $2.28 |
| Payment processing (3% of $35 + $0.25) | $1.30 | $1.30 |
| Offsite Ads (15% of $35) | — | $5.25 |
| Total fees | $3.78 (about 11%) | $9.03 (about 26%) |
| You receive | $31.22 | $25.97 |
And that’s before you pay for the yarn, the shipping label, the mailer, and your time. This is exactly why your fees need to be built into your price from the start, not paid out of your profit after the fact.
Want help building fees into your prices? My post How to Price Crochet Items to Sell walks you through it, and my free Handmade Product Pricing Calculator does the math for you.
How to Ship Crochet Items (Without Losing Your Profit)
Good news: crochet is soft, light, and hard to break, which makes it one of the easier handmade products to ship. The trick is knowing your real shipping cost before you set your price.
1. Weigh it packaged. Put the finished item in the mailer with everything that goes in it (tissue, thank-you card, care card), then weigh the whole thing on a kitchen or postal scale. That’s the weight you pay for, not the weight of the hat alone.
2. Pick your mailer. Most crochet ships fine in a poly mailer, which is light and cheap. Use a box for amigurumi with shape you want to protect or anything with buttons or embellishments. Slip the item into a clear bag first so a rainy porch doesn’t ruin it.
3. Buy discounted labels. Don’t stand in line at the post office paying retail. Buy labels right inside Etsy, or through a service like Pirate Ship if you sell on your own site. For most single crochet items under a pound, USPS Ground Advantage is the go-to.
4. Decide how you’ll charge for it. You’ve got three choices:
- Calculated shipping: the platform figures the rate from the customer’s address. Accurate, but buyers see the cost late.
- Flat rate: one price for everyone. Simple; set it at your average label cost.
- Free shipping: you build the cost into your item price. Buyers love it, and Etsy gives priority placement in US search to shops that guarantee free shipping on US orders of $35 or more.
5. Count the packaging in your price. Mailers, tissue, stickers, and cards cost money too. Add them to your materials cost so they’re covered on every sale.
6. Include care instructions. A small card or sewn-in label telling buyers how to wash their item heads off the “it shrank!” message before it happens. Read more about adding labels to your crochet items.
10 Steps to Start Selling Crochet Online
Now that you know where to sell and what it costs, let’s get your shop set up the right way. These 10 steps work whether you start on Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or your own website.
Step 1: Develop Your Niche
The key to reaching your ideal customer
Having a unique selling proposition sets your crochet business apart from the rest. Maybe you specialize in crochet baby clothes, or perhaps you have a knack for creating charming amigurumi creatures. Finding your niche will make your products more identifiable and attractive to a specific group of customers, helping your online shop stand out in the crowded market. Take the time to research what’s already available, identify gaps, and then create products that fill those gaps.
Not sure what your niche is yet? Read What Should I Crochet for My Business? Niche Down and Make More Money.
Step 2: Develop a Memorable Brand
The key to being seen as a professional crocheter
Building a brand entails more than just coming up with a catchy business name. Think about what your brand represents. Is it eco-friendly? Whimsical? High-end? Your brand identity should reflect in your logo, color palette, tone of voice, and overall aesthetics of your shop. Make sure to convey your brand’s message consistently across all platforms and customer interactions.
Ready to go deeper? Here’s how to build a crochet business branding strategy.
Step 3: Price Your Products Right
The key to a sustainable business selling crochet
Pricing is where a lot of crochet sellers go wrong. Your price needs to cover your materials, your time, your overhead, your platform fees, and your shipping supplies, and still leave you a profit. Looking at what similar sellers charge tells you what buyers expect to pay, but it shouldn’t set your price for you.
Check out my post, How to Price Crochet Items to Sell, and grab my free Handmade Product Pricing Calculator while you’re there!
Step 4: Create High-Quality Photos
The key to attracting potential customers to your online crochet business
In the online marketplace, customers base their buying decisions largely on visuals. Clear, well-lit photos that highlight the intricate details of your crochet items can make a world of difference. Invest in a good camera or use a modern smartphone, and photograph your items in natural light against a neutral background. Take photos from different angles, and don’t forget to include a shot that gives a sense of scale. Include at least one photo of the item being worn or used, so buyers can picture it in their life.
This Photography guide for Etsy Sellers might prove handy.
Step 5: Write Effective Product Descriptions
The key to converting sales in your online crochet shop
Your product descriptions should provide detailed information about your items and evoke a sense of desire in your customers. What materials did you use? How big is the item? How should it be cared for? At the same time, use relevant keywords to boost your items’ visibility in search results. The better your SEO, the more likely your items will appear in front of potential buyers. Always list the finished size, the yarn fiber, and how to wash it. Those three answers prevent most buyer questions.
If you need help writing product descriptions that convert, request your copy of my free Product Description Blueprint.
write descriptions that convert
Free Description Template
Use this handy dandy template to create listing descriptions that compel your viewers to become customers. Free for subscribers to our crochet business tips newsletter.
Step 6: Implement Excellent Customer Service
The key to growing a solid base of loyal, raving fans
Providing exceptional customer service can turn first-time buyers into loyal customers. Ensure you respond to customer queries promptly and politely. Keep your customers informed about the status of their orders, and resolve any issues proactively. Personal touches like handwritten thank you notes or beautifully wrapped items can also significantly enhance the customer experience. Decide your returns and exchanges policy before your first sale and post it in your shop, so you’re never making it up under pressure.
Step 7: Market Your Shop
The key to gaining and maintaining traction for your crochet shop
Promoting your shop is crucial for driving traffic and increasing sales. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your items. You could also start a blog or send out a newsletter sharing updates, new products, or crochet tips. Collaborating with bloggers, influencers, or other Etsy sellers can also help you reach a larger audience.
For more marketing help, read How to Market a Crochet Business with No Following and Marketing Without Social Media.
Step 8: Use Your Platform’s Selling Tools
The key to a productive and profitable online business
Most online platforms offer a variety of tools designed to help you succeed. On Etsy, you can use Etsy Ads to promote your listings, Shop Stats to understand your store’s performance, and Etsy’s Promotions to offer deals and discounts. Understanding and leveraging these tools can significantly boost your store’s visibility and sales.
If your sales have slowed, read Etsy Sales Down? Here’s What’s Really Going On.
Step 9: Keep Learning and Adapting
The key to long-term success
The e-commerce world is constantly evolving. Stay updated with changes in online selling policies, the policies of the platforms you sell on, market trends, and customer preferences. Connect with other sellers to share what works and learn from each other. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your products, marketing tactics, or pricing strategies.
One of the best ways to keep learning is to surround yourself with other crochet sellers. Join my free Crochet Business Chat Facebook group to ask questions, share what’s working, and learn from sellers a step or two ahead of you.
Step 10: Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
The key to avoiding burnout and overwhelm
Running an online crochet business requires a lot of work, but it’s important to maintain a balance. Remember, you started this business because of your love for crochet, so don’t let it consume all your time. Make sure to take breaks, pursue other hobbies, and spend time with loved ones. A healthy work-life balance will keep you motivated and ensure your business remains a source of joy.
Want to see how I’ve navigated this in my own life and business? Check out my article, “Dealing with Unexpected Challenges in Your Handmade Business“.
If you’re already feeling stretched thin, read Crochet Business Burnout: Why It Happens and How to Find a Better Way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sell my crochet items online?
Choose a platform (Etsy is the easiest place to start), photograph your items in natural light, write descriptions that include size, fiber, and care, and price to cover materials, time, fees, and shipping. Then share your listings everywhere your buyers hang out.
Where can I sell crochet items online for free?
Facebook Marketplace is free for local pickup, and posting on your own Instagram or Facebook costs nothing. Big Cartel lets you run a shop with up to 5 products for free, and Amazon Handmade has no monthly fee. Keep in mind “free” usually means no upfront cost; most platforms still take a cut or charge payment processing when you sell.
What is the highest selling crochet item?
Hats and beanies, amigurumi, bags, baby items, and home decor are consistent sellers. But the best seller for your shop is the item your ideal customer wants that you can also make at a profit. Here’s more on best-selling crochet items and how to create crochet items that actually sell.
How do I start a crochet business?
Pick a focused product line, set prices that pay you, choose where you’ll sell, and handle the basics like a business name and bookkeeping. My 8 quick steps to start a crochet business walk you through it.
Do I need a license or permit to sell crochet online?
It depends on where you live. Many states and cities require a business license or sales tax registration, even for small home businesses, so check with your city or county and your state’s revenue office. Marketplaces like Etsy collect and send sales tax for you in most US states. See 5 Common Ways Crocheters Break the Law for the mistakes to avoid.
How many items do I need before I open my shop?
Fewer than you think. You can open with just a handful of listings and add new ones on a regular schedule. A small, focused collection is easier for buyers to understand than dozens of unrelated items.
Can I sell crochet items made from someone else’s pattern?
Usually yes, but always check the designer’s terms first. Read Can You Sell Crochet Items Made from Someone Else’s Pattern? for the details.
Conclusion
Selling crochet online can feel like a lot at first: picking a platform, figuring out fees, sorting out shipping. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick one place to sell, price your items so every sale pays you, and follow the steps above one at a time.
There’s room for your work out there. So grab your hook, list that first item, and let’s get you selling!
Quick Tips for New Crochet Sellers
- Start with one item…there’s no need to build up a huge inventory before getting started with selling online.
- Then, develop a regular schedule for uploading new items to your shop.
- Monitor and engage with your customers’ reviews to build a strong brand reputation.
- Try to offer a variety of items to cater to different customer preferences. Learn to build your product line in my article, “Sell Crochet Items Your Customers Want to Buy“.
- Experiment with sales and discounts, especially during the holiday season.
- Join the Crochet Business Chat Facebook group for support and networking opportunities.
More Help for Crochet Sellers
- Want to Sell Crochet Items in 2026? Start With These 7 Shifts
- How to Start a Crochet Business in 2026: Can You Really Make Money?
- Avoid These 10 Mistakes when Selling Crochet Items
- Can You Sell Crochet Items Made from Someone Else’s Pattern?
- Our Perfect Product Line Crochet Patterns for Fashion Accessory Sellers
- Etsy Seller Handbook
