Crochet has become quite trendy lately, and this article will show you how to start a crochet business so you can sell your handmade goods!
While many of us remember watching our grandmothers and mothers crocheting, millennials today are reviving this relaxing and mindful hobby.
Learning crochet is a wonderful way to express your creativity through making fashion and other home goods.
Crochet is a craft that involves using yarn and hooks to create beautiful pieces of fabric.
The technique was originally developed in France during the 18th century. Today, it is widely practiced throughout the world.
You don’t need to be artistic to enjoy crochet. In fact, anyone can start doing this fun hobby with very little money. All you need is some basic supplies and a little bit of patience.
Once you learn the basics, you’ll be able to create unique items such as scarves, bags, blankets, and even clothing.
What Is Crochet?
Crochet has been around for hundreds of years and is still one of the favorite knitted/crocheted projects.
It’s versatile and is appropriate for making everything from scarves and hats (see also ‘How To Start A Hat Business?‘) to blankets and toys. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and make something beautiful.
Like knitting, crocheting uses a special type of thread called yarn, usually made from cotton, wool, nylon, mohair, acrylic, or silk.
You’ll typically buy yarn in skeins — long strands of yarn wound together — rather than individual balls.
Making a crochet project involves joining loops using a crochet hook, much like knitting. However, there are some key differences between the two methods.
For example, while knitting is done with needles, crochet requires a crochet hook.
Another difference is that crochet doesn’t require a stitch pattern; you join the loops in whatever shape you want.
There are many ways to crochet, including single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, half double crochet, chain stitch, slip stitch, and others.
Each technique creates a unique look, feel, and texture. As you become familiar with each stitch, you’ll want to experiment with different combinations and patterns.
What Is The History Behind Crocheting?
Crochet originated as a modern art movement in the mid-1820s, becoming most prevalent in England. Shepherd’s knitting, a precursor to crochet, was practiced in Denmark.
Tambour embroidery originated in China. The art of crochet as you know it today did not come into being until 1837 in Britain when it became associated with women’s fashion.
In the late 19th century, crocheted lace began to take over hand-made embroidered lace.
The word “crochet” itself didn’t show up until 1837, when a book of knitting instructions, titled The Ladies’ Knitting & Netting Book, included a crochet pattern for a purse.
This book was published in London, and although the whole book is written in English, there is one crochet instruction in French for a purse design.
You can still purchase this book today on Amazon – here’s a link!
What Supplies Will You Need?
Crochet is one of those crafts (see also ‘How To Make A Living Selling Crafts – A Beginners Guide‘) that people love to hate. They think it requires too much work or is just plain boring.
But what most people don’t realize is that crocheting isn’t nearly as difficult as many make it out to be.
Sure, some basic skills are involved, like knowing how to hold yarn and thread a needle, but once you learn those things, you’ll find yourself hooked.
The good news is that crochet doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment, either. If you decide to start learning, you might want to consider getting a set of inexpensive tools.
A decent pair of scissors, some yarn, and a small crochet hook are all you need.
And while you can certainly purchase more specialized items, you don’t necessarily need to shell out big bucks to become proficient.
You can even find free patterns online, which makes it easy to practice without spending any money.
And since you’re probably already familiar with crafting supplies such as glue guns, sewing machines, and paintbrushes, you won’t have any issues finding affordable crochet materials.
Yarn
The word “yarn” refers to various fibers wound together to make textiles. The most common form of yarn comes from synthetic polymers such as nylon and rayon.
Other forms include natural fiber yarns like silk and wool and blends of both natural and synthetic fibers.
In addition to making clothing, yarn is often used to knit items like scarves, socks, hats, mittens, gloves, toys, and even shoes.
Typically, yarns won’t cost more than $5 for 100g, but you’ll spend more for skeins of yarn made from wool, silk, and other natural fibers.
Crochet Hooks
A crochet hook is one of the essential tools in crocheting. There are many crochet hooks, each using a certain type or weight of yarn.
Knowing the difference between the different crochet hooks can help you make better decisions about how to use the tool.
You want to choose a crochet hook that matches the thickness of your yarn. When selecting a hook size, it helps to know the gauge of your yarn.
Gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch. Generally, the smaller the hook size, the finer the yarn needs to be.
Larger hooks work well with thick yarn because the stitch density isn’t too high. Smaller hooks work best with fine yarns because the stitch density is lower.
How Do You Start A Business With Crocheting?
Crochet is one of those things that people think is too simple to consider making money off of, but it isn’t. There are many different ways to sell your crocheted goods.
If you want to keep costs down, consider selling wholesale. This way, you can apply for a Seller’s Permit from your State’s tax board, and you won’t have to pay retail prices for materials.
When you buy materials at wholesale prices, you lower your costs considerably, which helps you resell products at a profit.
You can also create your own original patterns and sell them online. Check out 5 Marketplaces You Can Sell Your Knits for a few online selling options.
Or you could use someone else’s pattern and modify it to suit your needs.
Another online selling option is Etsy. They offer a variety of options for sellers, including free listings, paid listings, and shops.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love it or hate it, crochet is growing in popularity. It’s an inexpensive hobby that anyone can get involved in and learn quickly, plus it is fun!
Plus, it’s a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. So, why not give crochet a shot if you’re looking for a new hobby?
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