How I Turn Crochet Into a Profitable Side Hustle in 2025

How to Turn Crochet Into a Side Hustle in 2025 (Without Burning Out)

I love yarn, and I also love when yarn helps pay for itself. If you are anything like me, you have a basket of finished projects, a head full of ideas, and a budget that would happily welcome some extra income.

The good news is that crochet side hustles are alive and well in 2025. Crochet can help cover bills, pay for groceries, fund more yarn, or slowly grow into a full-time business. The key is to treat it like a real side hustle, not just a hobby that “sort of” sells sometimes.

I walk through what to sell, where to sell, how to price, and simple marketing that works right now. I will also cover extra income streams like selling patterns, putting together kits, and teaching crochet classes so you are not limited to finished items only.

Is Crochet Really a Good Side Hustle in 2025?

Crochet is still a strong side hustle in 2025 because people want cozy, personal, and handmade things, not just mass produced products. Shoppers are used to buying from small makers on Etsy, Instagram, and local markets, and they are willing to pay more for something unique.

Some of the most popular crochet categories this year include:

• Baby items like beanies, booties, cardigans, and blankets
• Winter hats and beanies, especially chunky styles
• Amigurumi toys and cute characters
• Small accessories like headbands, scrunchies, and keychains
• Home decor such as plant hangers, pillows, coasters, and throws
• Market bags and purses
• Holiday and seasonal pieces
• Custom, made to order gifts

Recent guides, like this list of crochet items that sell in 2025, back up what I see in real shops and markets: a mix of quick projects and a few standout items works best.

I do not need a huge audience or a fancy website to start. I can begin with one platform, a small product range, and simple photos. Over time I can grow into more items, more platforms, or even a full crochet brand.

I keep my expectations honest. Crochet is great for extra income, but it is not a get rich quick plan. It takes time to test products, learn pricing, and build a customer base. With steady effort though, it can become a real and reliable side hustle.

Setting Clear Money and Time Goals From the Start

Before I choose yarn or patterns, I ask myself two simple questions:

1. How many hours per week can I crochet and handle orders?
2. How much money do I want to make per month?

Here are a few examples:

• “I want to make $100 a month to cover groceries. I can work 4 hours a week.”
• “I want $300 a month to help with bills. I can work 6 to 8 hours a week.”
• “I just want to pay for my yarn habit, about $50 a month.”

Clear goals help me choose the right products. If I only have a few hours per week, large blankets might not be smart at first. Fast projects like beanies or keychains make more sense.

I start small, track what sells and how long it takes, then adjust. I can always raise my goal later when I know my numbers better.

Choosing a Crochet Niche So I Do Not Make Everything for Everyone

A niche is simply a focus. Instead of trying to make every crochet item on earth, I pick one main area, such as:

• Baby items
• Amigurumi toys
• Home decor
• Winter accessories
• Market bags and eco friendly items

In 2025, niches that do well blend usefulness and “cute factor”. For example, baby hats and blankets are always needed, and amigurumi has strong gift appeal. Home decor like plant hangers and pillow covers fits the home styling trend.

Choosing a niche helps me:

• Get faster, because I repeat the same types of items
• Build a clear style and brand
• Buy yarn more wisely
• Price with more confidence

I ask myself:

• What do I enjoy making the most?
• What do people already ask me for?
• What sells well when I look on Etsy or Instagram?

Then I test 1 to 3 product types for a few months instead of making 20 different things at once. That keeps me focused and less stressed.

If I want more ideas on current best sellers, I like checking guides such as this breakdown of the best crochet items to sell in 2025.

What Crochet Items Actually Sell: Finding Profitable Products

Photo by David López

Some products just work better as side hustle items. They balance how long they take, how much yarn they use, and what buyers are happy to pay.

Here are categories that tend to do well:

• Baby items: hats, booties, cardigans, loveys, and blankets
• Beanies and winter hats: chunky, simple, and cozy
• Amigurumi: small animals, dolls, and characters
• Small accessories: scrunchies, headbands, keychains, coasters
• Home decor: plant hangers, pillows, dishcloths, throws
• Market bags and totes: cotton yarn or cord
• Seasonal and holiday: pumpkins, ornaments, stockings, hearts
• Custom orders: name blankets, made to measure hats, color requests

I also like to think about sets and bundles. For example, instead of selling one coaster, I sell a set of four. Instead of one scrunchie, I offer a pack of three.

Fast and Popular Crochet Projects I Can Sell Over and Over

Quick projects are the backbone of a workable side hustle. They help me turn my time into money without waiting weeks to finish one piece.

Good fast sellers include:

• Basic beanies and messy bun hats
• Scrunchies and headbands
• Keychains and small amigurumi keyrings
• Coasters and mug rugs
• Simple scarves and cowls
• Fingerless gloves and wrist warmers

These are great because they:

• Use little yarn
• Are easy to repeat
• Can be batched, for example making five hats at once

I stick to simple, high impact stitches like half double crochet, moss stitch, or basic ribbing. I also keep a few popular colors always in stock, like neutrals plus 2 or 3 trending shades.

If I want help finding beginner friendly or repeatable designs, I like browsing these easy beginner crochet patterns and adapting them for my product line.

Higher Priced Crochet Items Like Blankets and Sweaters

Larger items like blankets, cardigans, and detailed bags take longer, but they can bring in higher prices.

These make sense when:

• You offer custom baby gift sets
• You sell made to order throws in set sizes
• You use them as hero pieces in my online shop or booth

For big items, I track how many hours they take and use nicer yarn so the price feels fair to the buyer. I might make fewer of these, but list them as special pieces.

Even if fast items are my main income, one stunning blanket on a couch or a pretty sweater on a mannequin can pull people into my booth or shop.

Seasonal and Holiday Crochet Items That Sell in Bursts

Seasonal items give short but strong boosts in sales. Examples:

• Fall: pumpkins, cozy hats, mug cozies, Halloween decor
• Winter: stockings, ornaments, gift sets, ear warmers
• Spring: Easter bunnies, baby bonnets, light shawls
• Valentine’s: heart garlands, red or pink accessories

These items often sell best in bundles, like:

• Sets of ornaments
• Matching hat and scarf sets
• Baby holiday outfits

I try to start making holiday stock 2 or 3 months early so I am ready when buyers start shopping. I also keep an eye on trending hashtags and ideas people share on social media to spark fresh designs.

Using Bundles and Sets to Raise My Average Order Value

Average order value (AOV) is the average amount a customer spends per order. If my AOV is higher, I can make more money without finding more customers.

Bundles work well for this:

• Matching hat and gloves set
• Baby bundle with bonnet, booties, and a small blanket
• Kitchen set with dishcloths, towel topper, and pot holder

Bundles save buyers time and look more “gift ready”, while I get to sell multiple pieces at once. If I already have a pattern and yarn on hand, bundling is not much extra work.

I keep bundles simple by using one color theme and one or two basic patterns across the set.

Where to Sell My Crochet Creations Online and in Person

There are many places to sell in 2025, but I do not need all of them at once. I usually pick one main platform and one backup.

Common options:

• Etsy
• My own website (for example, Shopify or WooCommerce)
• Instagram and TikTok, with links to my shop
• Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups
• Local craft fairs, farmers markets, and pop ups
• Pattern focused platforms like Ravelry

Each has pros and cons around fees, control, and setup. I choose what fits my life and comfort level.

If I want more broad ideas beyond finished items, I like reading posts such as this list of ways to make money with crochet to see what others are doing.

Selling Crochet on Etsy, Shopify, and Marketplaces

Here is how I like to think about the big selling platforms in simple terms:

• Etsy: Easiest way to start selling handmade items online. It already has buyers searching for crochet. I pay listing fees and a small cut of each sale, and I have to stand out among other sellers.
• Shopify or my own website: Best when I want full control and a stand alone shop. I pay a monthly fee, but I control my branding and customer list. It takes more work to bring in traffic.
• Facebook Marketplace and local groups: Good for simple, local sales, like baby blankets or seasonal hats. Many people prefer to pick up in person, and there are no listing fees, but buyers may expect lower prices.

No matter where I sell, I need clear photos, honest descriptions, and simple shop policies around shipping and custom orders.

Using Instagram and TikTok to Show My Crochet and Get Orders

I treat Instagram and TikTok like a shop window. Even if I do not use their built in shop tools, I can still show my work and send people to Etsy or my website.

Simple content ideas:

• Short videos of a project from start to finish
• Before and after blocking or styling
• Packing an order
• Behind the scenes of my yarn shelf or market setup

I post a few times a week, use crochet related hashtags, and reply to comments. If people ask how to start crocheting, I can point them to beginner friendly resources like this crochet tutorial collection so I stay helpful without turning into tech support.

Local Craft Fairs, Markets, and Pop Ups for In Person Sales

In person events can be powerful because people can touch my items and try them on.

Practical tips:

• Keep my booth simple, tidy, and at eye level
• Use clear price tags so people do not have to ask
• Group items by color or type
• Offer a range of prices, from small impulse buys to larger pieces

I also bring business cards or a simple sign with my Instagram handle or website. When someone buys, I invite them to follow me so they can see new items later.

Pricing Crochet Items Fairly So I Actually Make a Profit

Pricing is scary for many crocheters, but it does not have to be fancy math. I want to cover materials, pay myself for my time, and add a little profit.

A common approach is:

1. Add up material costs.
2. Multiply my hours by an hourly rate.
3. Add a small profit margin on top.
4. Check my price against the market and adjust if needed.

Resources like this guide on ways to make money crocheting often share simple pricing ideas and remind me not to work for free.

Figuring Out My Costs and Paying Myself for My Time

I start with:

• Yarn
• Hooks (factored in over time)
• Labels and tags
• Packaging and shipping supplies
• Platform fees

Then I add my time.

Example for a beanie:

• Yarn: $4
• Label and packaging: $1
• Etsy and payment fees: $2 (estimated)
• Time: 1.5 hours at $15 per hour = $22.50

Base cost: $4 + $1 + $2 + $22.50 = $29.50

I might round up to $32 or $34 to include some profit and to cover little surprises. If this feels too high for my target audience, I can look for ways to shorten the time or use a faster pattern, but I do not cut my rate to almost zero.

My time has value, even if crochet also relaxes me.

Checking What Similar Crochet Items Sell for Online

Next, I look at what others charge for similar items.

I compare:

• Similar yarn type and quality
• Size and thickness
• Level of detail
• Whether the item is custom or standard

If most comparable hats are between $28 and $40, my $32 hat fits the range. If I use luxury fiber or offer personalization, I may choose a higher point. I use market prices as a guide, not a rule.

Using Bundles, Sales, and Custom Orders Without Undervaluing My Work

Discounts and special deals can help sales, but I use them with care.

Smart ideas:

• Slight discount for sets, for example a hat is $32, hat plus gloves set is $55 instead of $64
• Short seasonal sales, such as 10 percent off holiday items in early November
• Small loyalty discounts for repeat buyers

Custom orders should cost more than standard stock, not less. I estimate materials and time, add something for design work, then give a clear quote.

I also like to have a simple price list for common customs, such as “custom baby blanket starts at $80” so I am not inventing prices every time.

Marketing My Crochet Side Hustle With Simple Photos and Storytelling

Marketing is just sharing my work with people who might love it. It does not have to feel fake or pushy.

I focus on three basics:

• Clean, clear photos
• Helpful product descriptions
• Simple social proof through hashtags, stories, and reviews

Taking Simple, Clear Photos That Make My Crochet Look Professional

I do not need an expensive camera. My phone can work fine if I pay attention to light and background.

I like to:

• Shoot near a window with natural light
• Use a plain backdrop like a white wall, wood table, or simple blanket
• Avoid clutter and busy backgrounds
• Take a few angles, plus a close up of the stitches
• Show the item in use, for example a beanie on a head, a blanket on a couch

If I want layout and color ideas, I study styled examples in collections like this crochet blanket pattern collection. Even though those are patterns, the photos give great posing and color combination ideas.

Writing Product Descriptions That Answer Buyer Questions

A good product description feels friendly and clear. I try to answer questions before buyers have to ask.

I cover:

• What the item is, in plain words, such as “chunky crochet beanie”
• Size and fit
• Fiber content, for example 100% acrylic or cotton blend
• Care instructions, such as “gentle machine wash, lay flat to dry”
• Color options
• Who it is perfect for, such as “great baby shower gift” or “ideal for cold commutes”

I also include keywords like “crochet baby blanket”, “crochet plant hanger”, or “crochet amigurumi bunny” in a natural way so search works better without sounding robotic.

Using Hashtags, Stories, and Reviews to Build Trust

People buy from people they trust. I use simple tools to show I am real and reliable.

Helpful habits:

• Use relevant hashtags for crochet, handmade gifts, and seasons
• Share stories or short videos of my process
• Show my packing and shipping routine
• Repost customer photos with permission

I also ask happy customers for a quick review or a photo of their item in use. Sometimes I offer a small thank you discount on their next order in return. A handful of kind reviews can make a big difference for new buyers.

Extra Crochet Income Streams: Patterns, Kits, and Teaching

A crochet side hustle does not have to be only finished items. Over time, I can add other income streams that use my existing skills.

Popular options in 2025 include:

• Selling digital patterns
• Creating simple crochet kits
• Teaching 1:1 lessons or small group classes

The nice part is that patterns and online lessons can keep earning after I do the work once. Many crochet business owners, like those featured in guides such as this post on starting a crochet design business, use a mix of these ideas.

Selling My Own Crochet Patterns Online

If I enjoy designing, I can turn my favorite projects into patterns.

Simple steps:

1. Write clear instructions with row or round numbers.
2. Add step by step photos if helpful.
3. Have a tester try the pattern and give feedback.
4. Save it as a PDF and sell it online.

I can list patterns on Etsy, Ravelry, my own website, or all three. To learn how patterns are laid out and priced, I study established collections like these downloadable crochet patterns.

Creating Crochet Kits for Beginners and Gift Shoppers

Crochet kits are great for people who feel lost in a yarn aisle. A kit usually includes:

• The right yarn and amount
• A hook
• A printed or digital pattern
• A yarn needle or small notions bag

I keep kits simple and beginner friendly, such as a scarf, beanie, or dishcloth set. I start with one or two strong designs and see how they sell before adding more.

Kits are also popular as gifts because the buyer can hand someone a complete project in a box.

Teaching Crochet Classes or Tutorials as a Side Income

If I enjoy explaining stitches, teaching can be a fun side stream.

Ideas:

• One on one lessons for complete beginners
• Small group classes focused on granny squares or dishcloths
• Online workshops using video calls
• Pre recorded beginner courses

I build trust first by sharing free tips and short tutorials, then I offer paid classes later. Teaching can also help me sell patterns, yarn, and hooks, since students often want the exact supplies I use.

Conclusion: Turning My Love of Crochet Into Steady Extra Income

Turning crochet into a side hustle in 2025 is very possible if I treat it with a simple plan. I choose a niche, focus on a few profitable products, pick one or two selling platforms, learn basic pricing, and share my work regularly with clear photos and honest stories.

I do not have to do everything at once. This week I can pick one small step: choose my first product line, open an Etsy shop, plan a market booth, or outline my first pattern. The next step will feel easier once I start.

My crochet side hustle can grow over time as I learn what sells, what I enjoy, and how much I want to earn. It is okay to start small. Every thriving crochet business began with one handmade item and someone brave enough to list it for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Crochet Side Hustle

Can I really make money with crochet, or is it just a hobby?

Yes, you can make real extra income with crochet, but it works best when you treat it like a side hustle, not a random hobby. You need clear goals, a focused product line, fair pricing, and a place to sell. It is not instant or “get rich quick”, but it can pay for groceries, bills, or your yarn stash over time.

How do I choose what crochet items to sell first?

Start with fast, simple projects that people actually use. Things like beanies, scrunchies, keychains, coasters, and baby hats are great first products. They use less yarn, are quick to make, and are easy to batch. You can always add bigger or more detailed items later.

 Do I need a big social media following or a website to start selling?

No, you do not. You can start small with one main platform, such as Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, and a few products. Use simple photos, clear descriptions, and share your work on Instagram or TikTok as you go. You can build a website or bigger brand later if you want.

How do I set a fair price without working for pennies?

Add up your material costs, pay yourself an hourly rate, then add a bit of profit. For example, yarn + packaging + fees + your time. Check what similar items sell for on Etsy or Instagram and make sure your price fits the general range. Do not drop your price so low that you are basically working for free.

 What if I do not know my niche yet and like making “a bit of everything”?

That is normal at first. Instead of making everything, pick 1 to 3 product types to test for a few months, like baby items, amigurumi, or winter accessories. See what sells, what you enjoy, and what people ask for. Use that info to narrow your niche over time.

Christa Patel is a crocheter who turned her “one more skein” habit into a steady side hustle selling patterns, and making easy to tutorials. Over the past few years She's tested what actually sells on Etsy, at markets, and through social media, and she shares the real numbers, wins, and flops so you can skip the guesswork and start earning from your own crochet.

Find more:

• Website: secretyarnery.com
• YouTube: The Secret Yarnery
• Free cheat sheets and resources: linked here