It’s no secret that knitting is back in fashion, but can you make a career out of knitting? People of all ages are taking up this wonderful hobby – and it’s not hard to see why!
What could be better than spending time doing a mindful activity and then having something to show for it afterward?
As such, more and more people are wondering whether they can turn their knitting hobby into a career (see also ‘Where Can I Sell Knits?‘).
Well, please know that it is definitely possible to make a career out of knitting! In fact, it can even become your full-time job!
Want to find out how? Take a look at the in-depth guide below.
We cover all the different types of knitting side hustles so that you can start making money from your favorite pastime as soon as possible.
Can You Make A Career Out Of Knitting?
It is indeed possible to make a career out of knitting. Knitting has become a very popular hobby in recent years. It has been taken up by individuals of many different ages, young and old.
And, with the increasing interest in shopping locally and owning unique clothing items, there has never been a more favorable time to turn your knitting hobby into a profession.
Should You Make A Career Out Of Knitting?
Before you think about how you can turn your hobby into your career, it is important to think about whether this will suit you and your lifestyle.
Starting a business of any kind can be tricky, especially in the formative years. It requires a lot of dedication and a willingness to be constantly learning.
To begin a career in knitting you will need to think about your finances, how much time you can dedicate to your business, and how willing you are to turn your enjoyable hobby into a full-time job.
Many small business owners tend to maintain a part-time job whilst they’re getting their business off the ground to ensure that they have enough money to live.
But if you’re willing to put in the hard work, that’s great! Take a look at the advice below.
Types Of Knitting Side Hustles
First, it’s important to consider what type of knitting job you would like to do.
Do you want to knit articles of clothing like socks, scarves, hats, gloves, or shawls? Or maybe you prefer to knit household goods like knitted washcloths or afghans?
Perhaps you want to revive the art of darning, and create unique knitted clothing creations that are sustainable and gorgeous.
Whether you want to turn your knitting into a side hustle, or a full-blown career, there are many different options (see also ‘How To Start A Crochet Business‘). Take a look at the most popular below.
Technical Editing
Now, this isn’t a particularly glamorous job, but it is an essential one.
Designers, yarn companies, and publishers all require technical editors and will pay talented individuals well.
Technical editors are quite rare, so this is a great opportunity if you enjoy tech editing.
A technical editor’s role is to ensure that all of the material information, math, sizing, and structure of the pattern is correct and easy for knitters to follow.
This is a hugely important role that you, as a knitter, have likely benefited from without even knowing it!
Knitwear Designer
If you’re looking for a creative role, becoming a knitwear designer is a great option. As you will know, knitters are excited by new, fun, and challenging patterns.
Many great knitwear designers have been able to turn their hobby into a lucrative, full-time job.
A knitwear designer is tasked with creating original concepts. They tend to make a sample piece of knitwear and a written pattern.
This pattern is then given to a technical editor to ensure it is appropriate for consumers.
Knitting Teacher
If you love sharing your favorite hobby with people, why not become a knitting teacher?
Both in-person and online creative classes are still very popular and can pay pretty well. If you require something flexible, this option is perfect.
You can choose when you run classes or even run them seasonally to make extra money for the winter. Or, you can run classes all year round!
Knitting teachers can either design their own concepts (which is a great opportunity to nurture your creative side) or can use concepts that already exist and simply teach people the basics so that they can go home and enjoy this hobby themselves.
Knitwear Seller
If you love making your own creations and want to share them with the world, simply selling your work is a great way to bring in some extra income.
If your designs are unique and popular enough, there’s no reason this can’t become a full-time job!
Where To Sell Your Knitted Goods?
If you’re going to sell your knitted goods, it’s important you sell your pieces in the right places.
Fortunately, today there are ample opportunities to sell items online so you don’t even need to leave your house!
Take a look at some favorite places to sell your knitted goods below.
Etsy
Etsy is a hugely popular site to sell original works and one-of-a-kind creations. It has a focus on enabling small businesses to reach a huge range of customers from around the world.
Learn more about opening an Etsy shop here.
For the best results, it’s important to make detailed descriptions of the items and pair these with good-quality photos! You will also want to learn about SEO (search engine optimization) so you can select the best keywords for your shop.
Depop/Vinted/eBay
Depop, Vinted, and eBay are incredibly popular apps. Depop and Vinted are used primarily for individuals to sell clothing they create or no longer wear. eBay sells a huge variety of items including one-of-a-kind creations.
What’s important to know is that all of these on-line venues sell original pieces of clothing – including knitwear!
Tips for Successful Listings
With Depop, Vinted, Etsy, and eBay (and other similar apps), the most important aspect of selling knitwear is the photos.
I recommend using a model or a well-made mannequin to show off your designs and ensuring that the descriptions are detailed.
You can also run incentives for people to buy from your page using apps like these.
For instance, you can put on a sale or offer lower prices if people purchase more than one item.
Sellers can also message you with questions, which personalizes the transaction.
Make a How to Make a Career Out of Knitting Website
If you want total control over the design of your online shop, you can easily create your own website.
If you do this, I highly recommend connecting your shop to your social media pages, as this is known to hugely increase sales! Include reels on your IG or Pinterest pages to show off the processes and finished items in use. Reels and video are king and are easily done from your phone.
Markets
Online shops aren’t the only place you can sell your products. If you prefer in-person sales, local markets are a wonderful opportunity.
Local markets allow you to meet other like-minded small business owners and really connect with your customers.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to make enough money by solely selling your products in markets.
This is because live markets tend to happen seasonally or once every few weeks.
If you are lucky enough to live in an area with year-round markets (think Pike Place Market in Seattle or the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles), find their website or administrator and apply on-line to secure a booth or a stall.
You will be required to show photos of the products you plan on selling and sometimes they will want photos of your booth.
Local Stores
Finally, if you want an opportunity to sell your product to people from the local area or those visiting, it’s a good idea to connect with other small business owners.
This means look specifically those retailers who own shops. They may ask to purchase your goods at a wholesale price, or take them on consignment.
It’s quite common for small business owners to work together and advertise each other’s products. This gives you added exposure and is an excellent way to market your business for free!
And don’t forget to look at all kinds of local shops. Art galleries, hairdressers, and even jewelry makers (see also ‘How To Start A Bracelet Business?‘) may be interested in selling your products.
Conclusion for Making A Career Out of Knitting
Knitting is a wonderful hobby and can make an amazing career! What could be better than turning your favorite activity into your profession?
I hope this article has given you the inspiration you need to get your knitting business started!
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