How to Price and Sell Crochet Items: Business Guide for Crocheters
📅 Last updated: February 2026The question I hear more than any other from skilled crocheters is: how do I price my work? And the answer is almost always uncomfortable, because most handmade crocheters drastically underprice their items. They calculate materials cost, add a few dollars, and end up earning -3 per hour of skilled labor. This guide will show you how to price profitably while remaining competitive in the handmade marketplace.
I have been selling crochet items since 2014 on Etsy, at craft fairs, and through Instagram. Over that time I have refined a pricing system that accounts for materials, labor, overhead, and market positioning. It is not complicated, but it does require you to respect the value of your own time, and that is the hardest part for many crafters.
The Pricing Formula
Price = Materials + Labor + Overhead + Profit
Materials: Total cost of yarn, stuffing, buttons, safety eyes, and any other materials used. Include shipping costs if you ordered supplies online.
Labor: Hours spent crocheting x your hourly rate. Start at /hour minimum. Experienced crocheters with unique designs should charge -30/hour. Time everything: production, finishing, packaging, and photographing.
Overhead: Fixed costs divided across items: website fees, craft fair booth rent, equipment, packaging materials, insurance, electricity. Estimate 15-20% of materials + labor combined.
Profit margin: Add 10-30% on top for business growth, savings, and the value of your expertise. This is NOT your labor payment; it is business profit.
Pricing Examples
| Item | Materials | Time (hrs) | Labor @/hr | Overhead | Profit (20%) | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Blanket | 15 | |||||
| Amigurumi (medium) | 4 | |||||
| Beanie Hat | 2 | |||||
| Scarf | 5 | |||||
| Dishcloth Set (3) | 3 | |||||
| Throw Blanket | 30 |
I know these prices look high compared to what you see on Etsy. That is because most Etsy crochet sellers are not accounting for their labor properly. A throw blanket that takes 30 hours to make cannot be sustainably priced at . At that price, after materials and fees, you are earning about /hour. You deserve better than that, and customers who value handmade quality are willing to pay fair prices.
Where to Sell
| Platform | Fees | Audience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | 6.5% + .20/listing + payment processing | Huge, craft-focused | Widest reach, established market |
| Craft Fairs | -300 booth fee | Local, hands-on buyers | Higher prices, personal connection |
| Instagram/Facebook | No marketplace fees | Your followers | Custom orders, direct sales |
| Shopify | /month + payment fees | Your traffic | Established brands with traffic |
| Amazon Handmade | 15% referral fee | Massive, general | Volume sellers, gift market |
What Sells Best in 2026
Based on market research and my personal sales data, the highest-selling crochet items in 2026 are: amigurumi characters (especially custom/personalized), baby items (blankets, loveys, booties), seasonal decor (Christmas, Halloween, Easter), wearable accessories (beanies, scarves, ear warmers), and crochet patterns (digital, scalable, passive income). Patterns are the most profitable per hour because you create once and sell unlimited times.
Sources
- Etsy — Seller Handbook & Fee Structure 2026
- Craft Industry Alliance — Pricing Survey Data
- SBA — Small Business Pricing Strategies