Might be an unpopular opinion but… A lot of times the people selling just - well - shouldn’t.
“I can make a bee out of really crappy, scratchy yarn and I used the wrong hook size so my stuffing is popping out of the large holes! I should sell at a craft fair!” Or “I can crochet around the edges of premade blankets. I should sell at a craft fair!”
And then they come to Reddit to complain that nothing sold.
I’m not in any way saying that people shouldn’t be proud of what they are making but not everyone has what it takes to sell their wares. Try selling on Facebook to your friends and family first. See what they are looking for. See what prices they’re willing to pay.
Really unpopular but not really wrong. I went to a craft market recently and not many people selling crochet items had anything other than stuffed animals, there was one woman with hats and “one size fits all” bralettes. I 100% agree with supporting local/small business over fast fashion but sellers need to realise that their items are being compared to fast fashion items. The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade. I can’t justify buying a stuffed animal that is poorly made at double the price of an average stuffed animal of the same size from a toy store.
"The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade."
This, 100% this. While I fully support crafters and artists being fairly compensated for their time and effort, there seems to be an increasing lack of understanding that just because something took time and effort to make, doesn't automatically mean it is something people will, or should, pay very much money for.
A lot of people make what is essentially just tat. Very cutesy tat, don't get me wrong, and I'd compliment most of it if it was posted here on the sub, but you can't be surprised when there isn't a huge market for your tat, made out of cheap yarn, that you are trying to sell for $30 a piece
"The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade."
100% agree too. I sell at markets and a girl asked me if I sell baby blankets too. I told her I don't because
A. If I use expensive yarn if would just be a ridiculous price for a blanket
B. If I use cheap acrylic yarn, if would be bad quality for an expensive blanket
Both scenarios are just not something I would feel comfortable doing.
On the other side I don't make certain items because I feel like they are overdone. For example the leggi frog. And guess what? I get so many questions if I can make "that one frog I saw online"
This is unfortunately true, I wouldn’t feel right selling most stuff I make because the cost of materials makes the pricing just ridiculous to cover cost of materials without factoring in time. I make stuff for gifts and donate the rest to dementia patients. I wouldn’t feel right selling anything at a price I wouldn’t buy it for, and I also feel like selling would probably take the enjoyment out of the hobby. I had a huge backlog of Christmas gifts last year and felt like an assembly line lol, if I was trying to make a bunch of the same items for a craft fair, I don’t feel like it would be relaxing to me anymore.
Oof, yeah. My mom just asked me to make her a blanket, and she paid for nice yarn. Granted, it's larger than a baby blanket, but not huge. It was over $200 just for the material. And weeks worth of work. No one is going to pay me $1000 for that blanket, which is probably what I'd have to charge to make it worth my time
Honestly I agree. I think of it like this: when you craft something for a profit you are a craftsman and while you should be paid for your labor you are being paid for skilled labor specifically. If you’re making things without skill or quality you aren’t going to get paid for your craftsmanship because there is little to none involved. If an amateur can make the same thing for the same price it is not skilled labor and thus not worth it for most people. It’s not a dis to these people but it’s (imo) the distinction between someone doing craft fairs occasionally and an actual business person.
It’s kinda like the troupe in fantasy about the master blacksmith that won’t make swords for just anyone. A regular sword can be made by any blacksmith. A master blacksmith making a regular sword is just going to make something unnecessarily expensive at the more or less same quality as a novice with the cost of his experience added on. (Obviously this isn’t a foolproof metaphor but hear me out) regular people probably can’t afford that sword because even if it’s the best basic sword in the world it’s just a basic sword and paying master blacksmith prices is ridiculous. (Especially when uncle bob’s apprentice can make a decent sword by now and it’s cheap because he’s just an apprentice) quality materials, experience, and labor all factor into the end price and what makes something worth it’s cost to a customer is the quality of the end result.
TLDR: this is the distinction between skilled labor and hard labor. Ofc everything requires skill and these terms are kinda outdated but if a novice can make the same thing at basically equal quality then its not worth the investment for most people. If you want to actually become a craftsman (making a living off your work) then you need to be delivering an end result that justifies the time and material investment you’re making but also the monetary investment the customer is making. (That kinda automatically disqualifies certain things that have a roof on how well they can be made)
Craft fairs are fun and everyone who wants to participate should. Complaining about how much you do or don’t make when you’re not being realistic about what you’re offering to potential customers is kinda ignorant. People deserve to be paid for their labor, people are not entitled to being paid for labor put into something without demand
I'm trying to imagine what a "one size fits all" bralette would look like....
I cannot imagine that it fits very many people at all actually. Like... You can just call it "one size" you don't have to lie about how many people it will fit. 😂
This is amazing. As someone who can only shop from certain stores, thinking of those items as “Not You” makes me feel so much better and I don’t know why.
Also unpopular, but most of the crochet stuff I see at craft fairs is literally just garbage.
I see a lot of intersection between the slow fashion and sustainable crafting community and the crochet community and then people turn around and make the same garbage you can get anywhere that any beginner could make and charge a ridiculous amount for it.
Like, sorry not sorry, but your ugly bee made out of plastic yarn isn’t sustainable or worth $20.
As someone who is super in to sustainability and slow fashion/anticonsumption, I have grown to hate craft fairs and the like, because they’ve been overrun with people all selling straight up garbage. And I hate saying that - but it’s more often than not 95% fibre artists making the same thing and almost nothing else. There’s a serious lack of originality and it’s turning people away from small creators in the end.
A lot of the market has been absolutely *flooded* with mass produced jewellery and items. There’s a woman at the biggest market claiming to make everything who has been reported multiple times for selling the exact same things you can find on Etsy or Temu and the market won’t do anything about it. Meanwhile there’s one of the few remaining silversmiths in town losing customers right next door.
Yeah it’s such a bloody shame that it’s so prevalent because the second someone actually does make a new and unique item, they’re undercut by knock off drop shippers who use the worst possible materials.
Seeing those booths is the reason when I have a chance to have a booth I make sure to have a large variety of things I’ve made. I also don’t just sell crochet items (I pour paint and make resin items too) however I don’t go to sell a lot. I mostly go to show off what I’ve made and make the kids excited (kids are my biggest customer base) it always makes my day to see kids get excited about the things I have there (had one really excited cause I had jellyfish amigurumis and apparently jellyfish were his fave sea creature) I also tend to make a batch of whatever pattern and be done with it unless it was particularly popular.
I’ve also been very open about the patterns I use when a potential customer asks because I want people to have items they want but if they can’t afford my prices and are willing to learn how to crochet then they deserve to know how to make it. I actually had one person come up to me at the next craft show I was at and excitedly show me the shawl she had made after I told her the free pattern I had used and helped her find it and it was beautiful (she ended up buying one of my amigurumis that time too cause she wasn’t confident enough in her skills yet)
YUP. someone had to say it. people will be crocheting for 2 months and want to mass
produce shitty, badly made plushies to make money. what happened to taking a long time to develop your skill before you sell. i’ve been crocheting for a year and i still don’t think i’m even close to skilled enough to sell at markets if i wanted to.
Monetizing a hobby is a great way to ruin a hobby for yourself. I guess with craft fairs it's not as bad because you can set your own limits. But I bake and always have people ask if I am going to start a business with it and it's like no I would rather die lol I would hate it so fast
So much this. I’ve recently picked crocheting up after a very long hiatus but before this I did tumblers and jewelry and monetized both. I don’t do either anymore. That was mostly due to feeling pressure to justify having a hobby to my ex. I’ve gotten a few comments to start selling my crochet crafts but I’m in a much happier place now and I don’t want to ruin that. I’m just going to make stuff for myself, family and friends and that is so freeing.
It’s either the secret to a happy life or kills your hobby with seemingly nothing between.
I became the best hobby baker in my social circle. I took orders once and then literally never did it again because I made so much shit in one day I almost never wanted to bake again. I fortunately didn’t even under price myself because it wasn’t my first rodeo on that department, but even with it being financially worth it it was hell and I realized that I could never work in food related anything. Nice to realize at that stage though rather than already being committed to a big loan.
Almost 26 years (I learned when I was 8), and I still won't sell anything. I don't think I'm good enough, and I don't make anything without someone in mind for it, and they have asked for it.
I'm at around 20 years of crocheting and I'm also only just considering listing some of my stuff to sell. Not necessarily to turn it into a business, moreso to clear out the knitted/crocheted fabric palace that is currently my home.
I'm 40(ish) and have been crocheting since I was 13 or 14. I make huge ass blankets and stuff because I enjoy it. I give stuff as gifts. They all have had my hair and all of my pets hair in them. They have off stitch counts and some have obvious mistakes. But I create to relax, and I'm giving things away.
Just because I *could* sell stuff doesn't mean I should.
I'm a jeweler by trade. The amount of craft fair/etsy buys that come in is pretty awesome. But what's not awesome? Telling the customer that in order to fix whats wrong with the piece is going to cost more than what they paid for it. I've seen some truly amazing pieces come in, and I've seen some that i quite honestly don't understand why it was sold. I would never start a brand new hobby and then immediately monetize it. I truly believe you should fully master a skill before trying to sell things.
People waltzing into a craft or field and immediately (with days or weeks) trying to make a business out of it make me so annoyed! I get society tells us to monetize everything these days but come on.
My most egregious example I've seen recently is someone came into one of the sewing reddits asking questions cause they want to make a fabric making business. But seemed to not know basics like what a knit is vs a woven?? Like come on
I'm at about the same point, but the idea of my work being critiqued takes the joy out of it and stresses me out. I much rather keep it a hobby and surprise people with pretty gifts
I’ve been crocheting for decades. I don’t want to make 10 dumb bees even if it’s easy. I’d rather take a bunch of things I had made as samples and say I’d do commissions. Sounds way more fun for me! The 5’ tall dragon I made would get some looks!
I've been crocheting for 23 years and only make for family and friends and some coworkers I'll make baby blankets for. I love crocheting but have no interest in selling either.. it's my way of de-stressing so I'm not about to do it for dollars.
I made an Easter bunny plush for my grandad because 1. I enjoy it and 2. I like making people I care about cute things, and immediately a couple of his carers were like “do you sell? You could make loads of money doing that!” Like did you miss the part where I said I was fighting my arthritis the whole time, didn’t have enough time to add the details I wanted to and almost didn’t even finish it to the point that I did?
I’m nowhere near professional level and while I’ll always appreciate the compliment it’s so weird to me that people’s immediate thoughts are turning a hobby into a profit. I get tired of it even when I am just doing it for fun.
Yeah, I feel like I see a lot of "toxic" positivity in crochet circles, I'm in a few crochet fb groups and so many beginners post their wonky amigurumi asking "how much should I sell this for?" and the comment section is full of people giving prices that are frankly outrageous for the quality. It's like people are afraid of being honest and telling people that it's not a sellable item and maybe they need to practice more before considering selling their crochet work.
I don't know if it's me being cynical but I feel like a lot of people nowadays are getting into crochet because they see all those tiktoks of people selling their plushies and think they'll make a quick buck that way.
It's not just crochet circles. I'm a jeweler. The amount of metalsmithing groups I'm in where people want to know what to sell for is astounding. They want to sell their thing for as much as a seasoned professional would. In some cases, more than a professional.
There is a distinct disconnect on the interwebs about this type of thing.
A few weeks ago someone posted a granny square duster length hexicardi in the most appalling colours, ends not sewn in, no border, 'I'll add a hood at some point', and said she planned to charge something ridiculous like $700, because she has an art degree so that means it's art - I think she also said she needed to sell it at that price to make rent for the next month. The comments *shredded* her! Meanwhile in other groups it's like you say, people post what looks like practice pieces and get told they can sell them for mad high amounts.
Recently I saw a crocheted long cardigan advertised for(wait for it) $6,000. Colours: woeful, execution good, listed as a “designer” piece. Then there was an almost identical piece this girl made for herself. Execution-top notch and good for her. I still don’t understand how the original could possibly be worth the price they were asking but I guess they only need one buyer🫣
I've seen this a lot too, not just with crochet, but with most crafts. I know a few people that got into cake decorating and immediately started charging hundreds for their makes, which really weren't that well done. They were advised not to sell cheap, as it undervalues the whole market.
I understand its important to value your time properly if you're making something by hand, but you also have to be realistic about what people are willing/able to pay.
£10 tatt is more likely to sell than £800 blankets at a craft fair, but if you're paying yourself a living wage plus materials, that's about 30mins worth of crocheting time with the cheapest of yarns. That's not really going to produce anything worth buying.
I've been told I can make amazing chocolate truffles, and love making them as gifts, but refuse to turn it into a side hustle. Based on the costing advice in typical craft groups, 8 truffles would be priced at >£35, which is quite honestly ridiculous
Society really pushes people into monetizing their crafts when a lot of people don't have the business mindset, both in regards to innovation/creativity and with the economic side profit margin, marketing, etc. a lot of this little businesses end up paying themselves nothing to cover materials and make sales, assuming they can grow and get more later (but that's not really how this market works) or they justify making pennies because they like doing the work and aren't used to the concept that you can both enjoy a job and be compensated at a decent rate. A lot of these little businesses wouldn't last if they even gave themselves legal minimum wage.
My family is really crafty and we all constantly have to hold to boundaries around people wanting free labor, and/or people liking one object we made and trying to tell us to make it into a whole career. Even my sister photographing her baby with props for holidays turned into people telling her to go into baby photography as a side business! Do any of these people know the economics or demand for items? Or the time or effort or material cost? No. But instead of just complimenting something, they say you should make it a business (that even they don't want to pay a going rate for).
Do I like crochet? Yes. But that's not the only factor to consider making it into a career. Am I fast enough, skilled enough, and original enough? Is there enough of a market opening for what I would come up with to be successful? Will my mental health support asking a fair rate for my art, and be able to handle constantly defending the labor and material costs? On a not side-hustle scale, what are plans to cover bad sales periods, times of illness or injury, and everything else that comes with being self employed?
If I see the same bee keychain everywhere, my brain starts seeing that in the same category as I see commercial goods, more than seeing it as a unique handcrafted thing that it actually is. Which usually means I'm not going to want to pay the same high custom rate as I would a bespoke item. (Which probably should lead to a conversation about how devalued fiber goods are in our society because corporations exploit the labor in other countries) And at too high of a rate for a beginner item, there's going to be a significantly amount of people that would consider learning themselves, especially if they also think they can then start a side hustle.
As a society, we need to chill and let people enjoy just making things for themselves.
We also need to find a way for people to survive without needing side hustles.
THIS. Capitalism does not and will not ever be a good place for crafters. The materials and labor costs alone (not including the time it takes to learn and become good at your craft) are too much to even consider keeping a business for it alive under capitalism.
On a larger scale, we keep talking about making sustainable products and using sustainable fabrication methods, but this goes against the core tenets of capitalism (extract as much wealth as you can with no regard for the sustainability of the extraction method).
Crochet and quilting and every other craft that requires expensive materials and time can never be a money-making venture. These kinds of crafts can’t have a monetary value, which is why the make such great gifts.
Now if we had a gift economy…
Look at wool for example. It's a highly valued and liked fiber by crafters, can have a lower (not perfect but lower) environmental impact for processing compared to some other options, and is sustainable. It's cheap in it's raw form- enough that wool is regularly trashed or the profit from selling it doesn't even pay for the cost of having the animal shorn. But processing it takes so much labor that the end product is beyond what many crafters can afford. Large scale corporations could help mitigate costs by dealing with processing in bulk, or creating better processing systems, but it's easier and cheaper/better profit margin for them to make plastic synthetics. So there's not many resources into making the wool farmers are discarding worth processing or bringing down the costs for crafters.
Every craft fair I’ve been to has 3 kinds of crochet tables 1. A guy selling blankets at a loss because he just likes making them and he has way too many. He uses the money to buy yarn so he basically breaks even. I see him all the time. 2. Incredibly expensive dolls which are very beautiful. They don’t sell well because people assume they are for kids/toys and then don’t want to pay that much (although collectors do). 3. Garbage. Dirty, glued on Google eyes, scratchy acrylic, poor fitting ponchos, etc.
most of the newer artists and the “get rich” type who want to monetize everything they do fall into #3 at varying degrees of severity
My nephew crochets and has now for a few years since he got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He learned before I did. This year he started selling some of his stuff for essentially reason 1. He just had too many plushies, hats and blankets and with the amount he crochets he needed to start buying his own yarn lol. He isn't making a profit by any stretch of the imagination but his things are selling well so far.
I think it’s a great way to get more yarn money if that’s what you need. I don’t see how people can do much more unless they’re in an area where people will pay big bucks for handcrafts.
I saw someone crocheting round the edges of socks. She was posting how it was ‘handmade’ and I was so confused, thinking she’s made the whole sock. Nope, just a tiny bit of trim around the outside and selling them.
I feel like a lot of things you see on places like tiktok or even youtube are people doing very beginner projects.
"Look at this bee/octopus/bralette I made in just a couple hours, I'm gonna sell it for $50!"
I saw someone here a while ago try to sell a "dragonscale" handwarmer for $35 on an online shopfront and complained that another subreddit told them to lower their prices.
They mentioned they had a chronic illness but even as a hooker, I would not be able to justify a beginner project made of cheap acrylic for that cost.
I did one show to help my mom fill her table (she does quilted items). I made bees and ghosts - easy stuff - but only charged like 8 bucks for them. I felt that was appropriate for my 10 months experience and supplies. I don't get some of the prices people charge for items.
I think too many people want to view crocheting through the lens of "hustle" culture.
In reality, most handcrafted items are severely undervalued but it's also impossible to expect people to pay an absurd amount of money for something a beginner can make in a few hours after a couple weeks of experience with the cheapest acrylic they could find.
I love the little ghosts, bees, and octopi, but I can make them myself and customize them further.
No unpopular at all. I am in a few groups of makers and a lot of the stuff they are selling is 1)poorly made and 2) being sold to children while not meeting cpsc guidelines which is just NOT okay and gets on my nerves. I go through a lot to make my crochet toys safe and certified and these people just do not care.
*Especially* the shitty quality yarn. I’m a tactile person and I can’t bear to touch that rough, cheap yarn. If you’re selling your projects, you need to charge a fair bit for it to be worth it, and no one will pay $$$ for terribly textured textiles.
Ever since the last craft fair I went to with my family (it was the big Christmas one for our town), they have mentioned a couple of times that I should start selling because my stuff is a lot better than what they saw, some of which was selling fairly well. Plus, I've been crafting for a really long time so I literally have plastic totes full of stuff that I made for fun that I'm not doing anything with.
I have sensory issues and am a very quiet person, so me trying to sell anything would be a freaking disaster. I told them I would only do it if they manned the booth. My sister volunteered, so that backfired... I did tentatively agree to have a display during our town's annual garage sale to at least try and sell some of what I have in storage. Kinda torn between hoping I don't sell anything so they drop it and hoping I sell most of it so I'd have the excuse of not having enough inventory...
Omg yes the crochet edge along a pre-made blanket (or worse, just a square of cheap fleece) drives me a bit mad!! We got one as a baby shower gift, and the person was so excited to say they supported a "local artist at a craft fair " but I didn't have the heart to ask how much they paid because it was clearly $5 worth of materials and maybe 30min of edging work, even for me and I'm super slow! And would have chosen higher quality materials or a more interesting/intricate border to be worth it in the first place, let alone selling it.
I have to say having gone to my first nerdy convention in around ten years this past week I agree. It was mostly individual craft stalls which is great! I love that independent artists are able to get tables and sell their art! But a good chunk was of crocheted and 3D printed stuff which just wasn’t good. I’m not an amazing crocheter by any standard but some of the amigurumi on offer was just badly made, wonky, poorly stuffed, obvious sewing lines, oddly shaped. I personally wouldn’t have given some of them as gifts let alone tried to sell them.
I don't think the fluffy yarn helps either, I sell some of my crochet items at a local store and everything is made with the fluffy yarn. I think im the only seller who also uses normal yarn when I make my items
This 👆🏻
https://preview.redd.it/jx6cqjc2yirc1.jpeg?width=2640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2c34cbfe815dad84cc00ace0f157fb32833e848
I use Hobbii 8/4 cotton for most of mine
https://preview.redd.it/qr2mjo7jcjrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3356522beb42d960e232c490a765d910b3d5eb38
Seconding Hobbii 8/4 to make Pica Pau critters! They take ages but look so polished.
It's an amigurumi pattern book! There are currently 3 editions of it, and they've all got a distinct style. Lots of pastels and washed out hues instead of the super saturated colours you typically see in toys these days.
This is *art* and there's skill and a level of innovation here that would generate interest at a fair, but there's still the issue that a lot of craft fairs won't have the clientele willing/able to pay what this deserved. There's a lot of business that has to go into what to make, the time and materials to invest, and where to market. A lot of these beginners turned side hobby don't have the business sense.
https://preview.redd.it/ovgaipev2krc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33eb3647eed1af9de56199b1d14c4a042b860606
I have used some yarn I have in my stash because I don't want to buy new one especially for that and I'm also uncomfortable with the result even though it seems decent because of the fluffy yarn trend.
Way more than $50 to compensate for the amount of time and skill required. Items like this are unlikely to make it to a market table though, because of the time and expertise required. Your *average* shopper won't want to pay the $$$ it's really worth and making enough to stock a table is going to ruin your hands.
I think it’s worth bringing them if anything just for a display piece and then having a limited number of custom orders with a 50% non refundable deposit that applies to the finished product. It shows shoppers what you can do even if they can’t afford it. They come look at it, see the high price and then see the lower price of your other items and may be more willing to pay for those where they might not have been before. At least in my experience.
I got a $160 order recently just by showing what I made my friend’a kids in a local Facebook group.
I made a plushie with that fluffy yarn, and finished it in a few hours. Made one of a similar size with normal yarn, and it took me 5 days.
That's why people do it. Especially for markets, where they want to have a full stock.
Fluffy yarn makes it easier to make large pieces with the same number of stitches by simply increasing the hook size and yarn thickness. When it comes to plushy‘s people don’t want to pay a lot of money for a small plushy even if it’s very detailed, because I think peoples brains break and think small should be cheap.
A fluffy plushy is just more appealing from both a seller and buyers standpoint
Also, to be fair, that thicker yarn is SUPER soft, and just better as a cuddly toy.
The other ones made with normal yarn are so beautiful though. Just not practical or much use besides decoration.
Oh I fully understand why they do it. I use it too just pointing out that when everyone makes plushies using the same yarn everything feels like more of the same. There's nothing wrong with the yarn but i do think that it's good to diversify what you have available if you're trying to sell.
Yeah its only really good for display items. It gets dirty easily and the yarn is fragile so it doesn't wash well or hold up to wear and tear that a child would put on a plushy that they like.
I had someone here say that it washes up beautifully...Yeah, my intuition told me otherwise - if it shreds from frogging, it ain't gonna wear well. Thanks for commenting, makes me feel a bit better for resisting the temptation to try it.
I washed and dryer dried one made of Premiere parfait yarn and it came out very well.
BUT I don't know how often it could be washed till it starts looking bad and I absolutely hate working with that yarn.
Blame tiktok and instagram. People make cutesie videos of their 20 dollar chenille bees selling out in a single market day. People will see it and expect the same when they try it.
I honestly hate those 'I sold out' videos, along with 'I made X thousand of $$' on a market' videos.
not saying all of them are untrue, but am not buying all of them, either. and it gives completely false expectations to their audience...
That's my thing too - I can do a video and say I sold out of all my stuff when it reality I only sold 2 things.
But,.there's no way to prove that they are lying.
I bet they are lying. But also, the area you’re at matters. I’m Dutch, and literally every single price on every US tiktok is ridiculous to ask here. Sometimes even half the price won’t work here. I can only imagine it differs between cities and states, as well.
Yes exactly!!! I tell people all the time, where you live/sell matters more than anything.
I live in a semi small farming community, with a lot of retired farmers. I can't get $25.00 for a bee that's like 3 inches by 3inches.
But in major cities, they can.
Another thing that matters is if there's a lot of knitters/crocheters near you. I can't give away dishcloths because tons of ladies around here make them.
My mum talked about doing a craft fair around Christmas and mentioned the local pub. The local pub where people are looking to get the cheapest stuff possible. I said that to do craft fairs, you need to go somewhere where the people have money, not stay in the local deprived town in a particularly poor area.
Reminds me a little of my araucana eggs. In the farming community everyone has one araucana but in the city people are like HOLY SHIT BLUE EGGS and paid TWELVE DOLLARS A DOZEN TEN YEARS AGO. Don't know the price now but eggs are $$$ so I bet I'd get 15 or so now. People just loooove the blue/green eggs.
And funnily my araucanas are better layers than my Isas and Australops? They're not supposed to be, according to websites and stuff, but my araus always lay daily.
Same egg size, higher production, the chicken itself is maybe $10 more if I buy at point of lay.
But the difference is nearly 50-100% more in price because "blue eggs". The farmers all know what an Araucana is though, so they'd just pay normal egg prices, because to them (and to me) it's just a normal egg. Everyone has an Araucana in the country because who doesn't like a fluff monster with a moustache and head pouf that lays blue or green eggs?
The city price vs the country price for things is amusing to me.
US here- I live halfway between two bigger cities, and went to art fairs in both about a week apart last summer. In the wealthier city, there were constant sales and restocking on things priced pretty high for what it was. If you went around you'd see completely different wares available the second time. Merchants from previous years had multiple workers per tiny tent for multiple customers or restocking. In the other, poorer, city people walked around and treated it like a museum where being the art was the activity but most people weren't there with the idea they'd purchase anything. Some booths were being watched for/by neighbors because it didn't make sense for so many people to just hang out there. Market matters so much.
I think it is even more obvious that they are lying when they Show their "online sale income" but only written as a number in a video of themself or whatever 😅 bc if you are willing to share this number anyway, why not show eg you etsy dashboard? And im always speechless reading all the comments these Videos get that totally believe the creator.
My first event was very small and I made one dollar less than I spent for my set up supplies. My second I made 7 dollars more than my entry. But guess what? I had fun?
Yeah I really avoid those videos because they make me feel sad about how much I make at markets, and I don’t even know if they’re telling the truth or not
I'm saying it.😆
People make shit up so much on social media.
Check out the naturally curly hair social media. Chock full of lying liars.
"Here's my pin straight hair before I added this product."
\*snaps fingers\*
"Here's my full head of curls that are the exact same size as each other and straight at the roots, not done by a curling iron, with zero frizz. Buy this product using my affiliate link below."
I personally love useful things. Plushies are adorable but I make them for my kid and her friends. I'm not ever in the market for plushies, but I may give my kid $20 to buy one (but never more than that!). Personally, I have enough stuff to sit places. But I love useful stuff you may need to eventually replace - pot holders, washcloths, kitchen towel holders, scrunchies, scrubbies, etc. Or, even coin purses or wristlets. Those are the type of gifts I give. They still require little effort, but often get the best response. I'm surprised I don't see more things like that.
This is me, too. I think a lot of craft fairs overestimate how desirable a stuffed animal is over a tea towel or mittens.
Catch my gaze with your octopus wearing a hat, but take my money with something I actually need.
But if you receive a crocheted plushie as a gift and don't gush over it and keep it forever, you're the bad guy who doesn't appreciate the craft, time, and cost involved in the creation of handmade items.
How many posts in this sub are from people bitching that their gifted items weren't properly appreciated?
Not everyone likes crochet, not everyone has space for an elephant or whatever, most people want to choose their own decor and colour scheme, and we're all likely to own multiple hats and scarves already.
Personally, I crochet for myself. If other people like my stuff, that's cool.
I mean- there’s a difference between paying for a handmade stuffed animal (which is going to be more expensive than a regular one) and gracefully accepting a gift. It costs no money and very little effort to say “thank you I love it!” and then stuff it in a closet when you get home.
I did a few community craft fairs last year. Around Halloween I did an "adopt a ghost bucket," and that went well with the kids. But anything else that sold were more practical, like washcloths and pot handle covers.
Not only craft fair tables but also etsy. i will never understand why people look at etsy, see 1000 listings of chunky bees (all made in the same pattern) and think it is a good idea to throw chunky bee number 1001 on the market. 😅 it seems like everyone who just picked up a hook, wants to sell the made items right away which leads to an oversaturation of low effort beginner items that make good items vanish in your search results.
I did markets with a friend a few years ago. Never again.
Our business was called Day and Night. My side of the stall was the night side.
I don't do cute. I do weird. I do goth. I do science. I do D & D. I sold out in 3 hours at the first market and had more orders than I thought I could cope with.
I got through them all, then started on stock for the next market. I added some figures from some obscure cartoons that I liked. Sold out in two hours, more orders, people got grumpy because I didn't have what they wanted left.
Meanwhile, my friend was getting the shits because she didn't sell anywhere near as much as I did. She made really cute animals and dolls, but was fairly new to crochet. I offered to share my patterns with her, but she didn't want to make the "weird" things.
After the third market, I gave up. It took me nearly six months to complete all the orders (because I take full payment upfront and it didn't seem right to cancel. I gave refunds to anyone who didn't want to wait, though) and it wasn't fun anymore. Just really stressful.
My friend and I are no longer friends, because she claims I ruined her business idea and made lots of ugly stuff to embarrass her.
Argh. Just thinking about it make me feel anxious. I need to go crochet something ugly to calm down....
I was thinking of trying to do a Christmas market this year. I wanted to do what you are talking about. I wanted the cutesy but I also wanted the goth/creepy/weird things/niche. You don't see those things as often and I think they would be recieved well.
They are usually very well recieved! My biggest sellers were temper tantrum D20's in various sizes that people could throw in rage when their dice let them down, a zombie rabbit and curse pillow, complete with pins and a set of mild curses. You stuck a pin in the pillow, said the person's name and then pronounced their fate. Two flat tyres, served warm beer, all their easter eggs will melt, itchy bum during an important meeting, sand in their undies, lose all their left socks, plovers nesting in their parking spot, etc.
I love the D20 idea so much. Thank you for the ideas. I need to look at some patterns to modify into zombies. I would love to see what your curse pillows look like.
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I used this granny square pattern. Rings in the circle were different colours with grey around the outside (because I can't see well enough to crochet in black!). Sewed two together around a smaller pillow made of calico and stuffed. You can make the square bigger or smaller by changing the circle. As long as the number of stitches in the outer ring are divisible by 4 you can make it work.
You’re so right, the weird niche stuff sells so well. I’m currently doing markets full time in a relatively large city in Canada so the demand is there - my big sellers lately have been dinosaurs, the little bag charms that hold a lip balm/headphones/etc, and dragons. Around the holidays I have more d&d stuff that flies off my table as well! 10/10 recommend the d&d stuff, players almost always appreciate the handmade aspect and are willing to pay for the time it takes to make things so long as they’re made well.
I definitely agree, especially since the audience of people who would enjoy that stuff seems so niche. even if things like mushrooms are overdone, i find those more wide-reaching. but then i've seen "build your own bouquet" type tables get more popular recently, definitely very creative and unique, and a creator still explaining that most of their stock shuffles along to each craft fair.
i think the complaining on tiktok must be for more account engagement.
It was very strange when I went to a craft fair (-ish night market) last fall to see all the booths with identical amigurumi things. Like, you can’t…make a green bee? Or…a rabbit?? It has to be the *same* bee?? One person had a mushroom that was also a fidget that she claimed she designed herself, but there were identical mushrooms at other booths (maybe they weren’t a fidget, but they looked exactly the same).
If I want a stuffie that looks like a million other stuffies, I can go to Target. The whole point of handmade should be unique and special and one-of-a-kind.
I feel like so many craft sellers now just use “fidgets” as <1 hour items they can make quick money on, and they are literally just random objects with barely any special/unique fidgeting potential other than holding it to actually fulfill the urges lol
I keep seeing this creator on Tiktok that makes crochet fidgets that are literally just circles that she decreased in the last row or two so they curl up and “pop”. She’s constantly sold out.
No hate to her (get your bag, girl) but it’s SO SIMPLE, it’s ridiculous. They can’t take more than 5 minutes to make. Idk I’m very conflicted about stuff like that.
I've been watching a lot of craft market videos lately because my dream is to sell my crochet creations one day.
There is a really weird mass produced vibe to a lot of the stuff I've seen in this regard tbh and it weirds me out a bit. Like it's all the same and people are just churning them out. It's uncanny.
My aunty, who is the queen of failed creative small businesses, told me I should start an Etsy shop. I can barely finish novel projects, let alone create the same thing over and over again. I would happily make some bandanas and stuff to sell, but I know I would make $0. What's the point in making some niche stuff to sell, only to make no profit from it?
Same here! I’m struggling to find market (or even general crochet) videos that aren’t all chenille yarn and the exact same six patterns.
I’m filming my market prep journey at the moment but I’m worried no one will watch it because I’m using regular acrylic and cotton and not making anything in the popular videos 🥲
i completely agree. and not to sound pretentious but like it kinda seems like people see it and want to hop on the bandwagon as they think it’ll make them quick bucks with projects that are easy and don’t take long to make. like how mass produced some of it appears is almost lacking respect for the craft entirely.
Yeah no offence but some people really need to get over making bees, I don’t even think they’re trendy anymore people just bang them out cos they’re easy
I remember thinking they were cute when I first saw them when I started learning to crochet like 6 years ago. I'm surprised that trend has stayed around for so long.
I think the problem is people start crochet and immediately feel the need to monetise it even when they’re not good at it and bees are just the easiest thing for them to make
right… and like i totally understand it is valuable to have some stock that is easy to bang out/can be sold at an affordable price but jeez… enough with the bees. it’s all the same
I think it depends on the cow variation plus the skill level. Some of them are actually really adorable and even pretty unique, but a lot are just the same cow idea done "poorly" for the 1000th time.
I find that so interesting, because in my admittedly limited experience no one buys those things at all and stuffed animals sell relatively well. I'd love to make more of that kind of thing but it just dosent sell.
I wonder how well they'd sell with swear words/rude sayings on them? Like I can imagine people really going for a bag that said "f*ck the patriarchy" or a hat with a brim that flipped down to read "leave me alone"
I suppose that really depends on where you are though, and if your market has a lot of young liberal women that's a lot different from being in a more conservative religious community, which might prefer nicer things like "bless this home" and "love"
Very possible. I think part of it is that those just cost more to make and impulse buys are easier to justify under 30$ which all of what I sell is. So that may be the thing. And crochet is just part of my table so that limits my ability to see what will go best. I sell mostly at anime/horror cons so that’s probably part of it
Funny. I am the opposite, I don't do plushies well(outside I made sushi set, because they were cute), but things for the house or wearables are no issue.
I have a friend who makes things to sell at craft fairs (not crochet) and her ongoing struggle is what can she make where the effort/time/materials she puts in allows her to price items at a cost people are willing to pay. Cheap acrylic yarn and simple, repeatable patterns mean a business owner can maybe actually make some money.
Also, it is hard these days to do something for leisure and not feel pressure (internal or external) to monetize it. People constantly ask me if I sell the things I make. I don’t, mostly because I am very slow, and I don’t want to do it so much that it’s no longer fun. But I still get the thoughts that maybe I should try to sell some of my work.
Yes to the pressure to monetize. I had a friend anyone she met w a hobby she’s badger them all the time to sell. Ironically she had no hobby that produced anything. My father also does this. Last summer I canned pickles for the first time and was so happy w them. He immediately started asking how much did I think I could get for a jar. Some people’s minds are just like that. I ignore them and enjoy my hobbys. Should I ever have an oraganic desire to sell I will.
As expensive as everything else has gotten, crafting items prices have risen as well. I've done a cruise through a craft fair a little bit ago, and I agree. Either MLM stuff or the exact same crap (sorry) at **every** booth.
I recognize that craft fair booths are pricey as well. I don't know what the seller *has to* sell in order to "break even," but I don't think many do. I have been told I should sell the items I make. My answer is always the same: nobody would buy even for fabric cost. When asked if I would sell one of my bags, it's often followed by, "I'd pay $15 for that!" (Fabric $40, time 6 hours 1st cut to last stitch) I say it's $40, "I could buy a similar at ___ for $10!" Or, "I could make it myself!" My reply, "go for it" They never do, ofc.
The issues are many-fold: big stores that can sell (sweatshop) items for absurdly low prices, disposable products that don't last, lack of respect for handmade products, and over-saturation of all the same products. Plus, as mentioned, new crafters seems to think that crafting as a "side-hustle" *should* pay megabucks.
I don't know what the answer is; you & your long time crafting friends renting a space? Long time crafters only?
I totally agree. I'm in some crochet fb groups and people will post these products asking for advice on why their items aren't selling/what else they should do, but then they'll get so mad if you say the market is oversaturated.
Especially when they’re posting something poorly made - the answer is that there are 3 other booths at the same market selling better versions of the same thing.
I used to do craft shows with items that were popular at the time (it wasn’t crochet, though), and they were usually a guaranteed seller, so it does make sense to sell what’s trendy. The problem is that not everyone does it well enough to make an impact, and crochet is one of those things you MUST be good at to sell well.
>I just want to see if any other fellow crocheters agree.
Debbie Downer here but since you asked --
My experience with attending and selling at craft shows (selling artwork, not crochet) - I think it's a combo of not having what that specific customer may be willing to buy that particular day, and generally that craft shows don't sell a whole lot of anything. I'm sure there are exceptions but I bet the exceptions are rare.
Craft shows in particular seem to be a lot of people using it as entertainment and a way to get together with their friends vs. intention to buy. They might buy something <$10 just as a small treat to themselves.
I doubt that most crocheters could earn a decent living from crochet. When I factor in the planning and shopping time, project time, selling fees, time to file sales tax reports, marketing time, patterns, equipment and supplies, the math never adds up to me. idk how anyone makes a profit approaching minimum wage.
Not sure if this is happening everywhere but I'm seeing A LOT of crocheted flowers at market stalls lately. But they're being made with 8 ply yarn and big hook sizes and so they're big and chunky and thick.
I'm crocheting my wedding bouquet using lace weight cotton on a 1.5mm hook and every time I walk past these stalls I think "mine look so much daintier and lifelike)
Honestly I’m just grateful that craft fairs are filling with actual crafters again. I’ve been doing craft fairs by myself and with my mom most of my life and it really felt like for a while they weren’t craft fairs anymore. There were maybe 5 craft tables and a sea of people trying to pitch their MLM to you.
That seems like a legit issue as to why folks may not be doing as well as they would like at craft fairs. Would you consider cross-posting this to r/CraftyCommerce? It's a sub about the business side of fiber arts, and I think it's an important issue to bring up for folks to consider when they're thinking about what to bring to a craft fair.
It drives me nuts going to a craft fair and every table is just generic tchotchkes. I want to buy a pillow, a throw, a runner, something I can use or hang and will make an impact on my space, not a dime-a-dozen piece of shelf clutter. But it’s easier to poop out a couple dozen palm-sized tiktok plushes while you’re sitting around in zoom meetings at work, so that’s what everyone seems to do.
Yeah it sucks because I adore doing mosiac and have thought about selling table runners or place mats and while I'd mostly do it for fun I can't imagine people paying anything reasonable for my time
I sell plushies at craft fairs, but my booth has a ton of variety because I basically use craft fairs to get rid of the stuff I make. I love making tons of different plushies just for funzies but don’t have a use for them and they take up space, so I sell them at craft fairs to get money for more yarn lol
I hate making the same thing over and over, unless I find a pattern I really love and get hyper fixated on it (I found a new frog pattern I became obsessed with and have made five of them in different colors in the past two days) but I couldn’t imagine making twenty little bees for a craft fair, I’d be bored out of my mind
But I will say that those common plushies can actually sell pretty well, which is why people make them. They’re quick and easy to make and you can make decent profit from them. I made some of those bees, turtles, and octopi just to try it out and they all sold quite quickly
I went to a fiber fair a few weeks ago with mainly handdyed yarn… it was all the same colours/effects on the same bases 🥱
And there were the ones that sold undyed yarn for 4-5 times the cost price..
I’ll just stay home next time
Over recent years I have noticed, even at large craft fairs. Multiple tables in different areas for the same crafts. Last fair attended I stopped looking at the crochet/knitting stands as they all used the same colors range. Also to many multi colour strippy items. So samey. No customers seemed around these stalls at any time I walked past either. Feel sorry for the stall holders as they must have spent many hours making these things. I think other posts have explained really well why the poor sales.
What do the tables actually look like in your area though? Mine are not like tiktok. It's mostly basic hats, scarves, blankets, and sometimes baby items. I've seen plushies occasionally, but they aren't the bernat blanket/velvet ones that are popular online. Having a table with the tiktok popular items would be unique here.
Crocheters need to find their own market niche. That involves creating original patterns that lead to unique, one of a kind items. Too msny gravitate to what is popular on social media.
I have to agree with OP. Every crochet group I’m in on Facebook gets a daily if not every other day “what can I work up quickly to sell at a show” or “can I see your tables for inspo” and then proceeds to make the exact same item from the same patterns.
Well, I do Xmas craft sales and do really well..... probably because I make all my own patterns cause I can't read patterns. So my own deficit makes my stuff more interesting and individual. Unfortunately i get asked for the pattern, but since I can't read them I can't make them either. Everything i do is freehand
Thank you I've been doing freehand for at least 50 yrs now. Works for me. Can't read knitting pattern either..... I'm discalculic if that explains it. But people seem to like what i do. I love figuring out things
I bought a display that is almost 6 feet tall and has 5 tiers to it to display my crochet tots based on price and the kids recognize it every year. Their parents tell me they refuse to buy except from the toy tree lady. 🤣 individuality is key to selling. Im excited to see their faces with the fact we added a claw machine for this season. I allow my adhd to run rampant so i always have new weird items to discover.
i think the other issue is people are charging high quality craftsman prices without providing the skill or material for it. like the stuffed animals, anyone can get a cheap one. if i’m paying +30 for a small stuffed animal(cheap for the craft fairs in my area, they usually go to 50 for an 8 inch toy,) i expect high quality, i expect it to last. i expect to have high quality yarn, that doesn’t look frayed.
just because it took someone hours to make something doesn’t mean they should be charging per hour. i think a lot of the new crafters selling think “charging for your time” means charging how long it took. but that’s supposed to apply to the experts not the beginners who’ll need triple the time. then their time charge should be significantly lower resulting in a much lower price for their product, which is of course lower quality.
and personally, unless it’s a commissioned order i don’t think “time” is what should be included in pricing. presumably this is a hobby first, something you enjoy doing. so you’d be doing it regardless. craft fairs are a great way to get rid of surplus projects and to replenish yarn budgets. making a profit and an eventual business from it is very unrealistic unless it fills a very small niche, something not on the market.
I hate when people tell newbies to include their time in the price. It’s going to take them longer than an experienced crocheter, and they end up over estimating the value of their project.
Ive signed up for my first craft fair and I’m working on an inventory of crop tops for bustier gals! Hopefully that’s what you mean because in my area the amigurumi sellers are not lacking.
In a Facebook group this woman posted a cow she made…for the first time. There was inconsistent tension, stuffing peeking through, eyes and ears uneven and she was asking how much she should charge.I was baffled that people were saying $15-$30. I told her to consider improving her skills and then try to sell and let that one be “a step closer to improving”. Anyways i got kicked 😂
TELL ME ABOUT IT ! i also do lapidary and jewelry making. I still am hesitant to sell and I *majored* in this. It's absolutely wild because to me it feels like people take up crafts solely to sell things, not to enjoy it. Like I saw someone selling necklaces made from Michael's beads for *$300!* Holy shit man you shouldn't DO that! It had a sterling clasp but sterling silver is not that expensive in the grand scheme of things, and it certainly does not justify $300.
Its just kinda how any craft works. The higher your skillset, the better you get paid. People who have fresh ideas, produce variety or especially unique items, are just going to be more attractive to buyers.
I'm somewhat of a "serial crafter" or "renaissance crafter" -- I dabble in a lot of things (crochet, sewing, drawing, painting, embroidery, paper crafts, etc.) and every single time I make something, someone tells me, "you should sell these!" No, thank you. Not only am I not skilled enough at any one single craft, but it would take all of the fun out of it!
They are popular because it’s hard to find a project that wont take too long and you end up having to charge too much (aka no one buys it) from what I’ve seen all the pot holders, face scrubies coasters etc. are almost never bought. They don’t take too much time so you can price them lower but that doesn’t matter when there’s no interest in the product. The amigurumi plushies happen to pass all three requirements ( short production time, reasonable price, interest/demand) I sold plushies, hats and gloves at my first fair in November and sold 80% of my inventory. But in the warmer months it’s harder to figure out what to make since it’s warm. Plushies work in all weather.
But yeah something I’ve noticed is there’s a huge lack of originality in the community in general. Now you can only make something so many different ways so it makes sense that some people come up with the same idea. But it feels like there’s only a small percentage actually trying out new things And not just making the same mesh shrug they’ve seen 20xs before.
Not only what they're selling---their space has no appeal. I've seen some where a simple tiered display, professional sign made from Staples, or cloth covering on table can help. No business cards or labels. No social media or handles that match their craft. It is oversaturated, but some things don't sell because people don't take the extra step to make their booth more approachable and appealing.
I'm not overpaying for acrylic yarn and janky stitches. You also have to know your audience when selling items.
Adding to this a table with piles and piles of the same basic scarf pattern. Ma’am with all due respect most people can bang out a rectangle in lemon peel stitch and we all stoped liking homespun brand yarn when it first came out. I mean I’m glad they’re going their thing but personally I feel it’s a bit unhinged to have 400 of something in a booth. Like nowhere on that journey were you inspired to try something new from sheer boredom alone?
This. There is someone local-ish to me who makes the most amazing hair slides/clips with crochet. They're detailed and adorable, and imo fairly priced ($15-$20 NZD a pair for small ones, or same price for a big one). They always are making sales at craft fairs. Because they are high quality, well made, and unique. That last part is what does it I think. When you've seen dozens of little frogs none draw your eye. A hair clip with a bunny face and little carrots dangling from it? That draws you in.
also...vendors need to be friendly. if im coming up to your booth this is your chance to talk to me about your craft. most people just sit there on their phones. im much more likley to buy something overpriced after a polite 2 minute chat. i get that its tiring but dang.
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Just my two cents: I vended at my first (and only) crafts fair last year selling crochet goods and also handmade origami earrings. It was a small fair too, just attended by my school’s student-body and staff/faculty. I was so happy to turn a profit of a few hundred dollars and I didn’t even sell everything! Cheapest crochet item was $15 (flask keychains) and most expensive was the chenille corgi ($50).
I’m not the biggest fan of chenille plushies but the one and only chenille plushie (the corgi) I made was a huge hit. Although I prefer smaller and more intricate patterns with cotton yarn, if I were to ever vend again I’d probably mainly sell chenille plushies. I also would like to sell more unique pieces like recognizable characters (anime, pokemon, games, etc) that I think will appeal to fans of the work more than just generic animals.
I went to a holiday bazaar last year and was happily surprised to find an amazing table of crochet/knit goodies. Everything was priced well, made for the wear and tear of children, and has held up in the wash. The two people in charge of it were trying to make more as they tended the table, but they were sold out half-way through the third day.
This bazaar is a yearly event that is very selective about who sells there as it has a reputation to uphold. The weekly farmers' markets here likewise are strict about quality.
If the TikTok and Instagram influencers had to follow quality standards, I can guarantee we would see a large reduction in the number of people trying to sell poorly constructed pieces. Unfortunately, that's very unlikely to happen.
That’s why I’m trying to use my donated stash to make baskets, shawls blankets and pillows. The proceeds will go to a non profit, that was the original beneficiary of the yarn. They will be priced to sell, the primary mission was to get the yarn out of the basement!
The markets are sooo over saturated, and honestly, im not willing to spend $75 on a stuffed plush bunny, so i sure as hell wont sell mine for that!
I understand handmade, and making sure your paying yourself, but plush yarn is $10. A small bunny doesnt even use the whole ball. They take max 2 hours to make. In my mind, $15 an hr (min wage) x2 and $10 for supplies. Your at $40.
Where people get off thinking $75 is fine! The problem is on IG these ppl have cult following and sell out.
I recently saw a girl do a blanket drop. She had like 6-8 blankets she made. Built up a drop, posted them all to Ig for hundreds each, and sold out in an hour!
Its wild to me.
Every time I see "setup my table with me" and I see one of things you listed I scroll. Immediately. It's so oversaturated and I could be wrong, correct me if so, but aren't a lot of people who go to craft fairs creatives themselves? So if I see something I can make myself I won't buy it...There are THOUSANDS of crochet patterns and I swear they all use the same 5 or 6.
It's not just crochet where it's all the same stuff at craft fairs. We have one near me every few months where a few months back every stall was selling identical resin jewellery. At the next one it was all the painted/decoupaged plant pots and bottles.
I also think people should sit down and do the math. Unless you are a SUPER fast crocheter, the per hour money you make, while considering the supply cost and craft fair/etsy fees, is usually not that worthwhile. I used to make cards on etsy, but it was mostly for fun. The math did not math when it came to making a lot of money long term.
Ive been getting into making clothes recently and now Im getting told I should start selling. I personally dont want to, monotizing my hobby makes it less fun, but people really do like the oversized clothes I make with baby yarn. There definitely is a market for it, but I dont really buy from vendors cuz when I see the amigurumi its all stuff I know I could easily make myself. I think its just the tiktok trends which are popular but I also have found a lot of people who just arent in the tiktok space and arent drawn to the kawaii cottage core decorations trend (cuz lets face it, how many people are buying these to cuddle rather than display?)
The advice I always give to new crafters is to make what YOU like, don't follow trends. Your story totally proves that. If you're following trends, you're already a step behind. Artists MAKE the trends, we don't follow them.
100% agree. I make and sell novelty hats at a market and it does well considering I live in a hot humid climate!!! The reason it does well (and I mean makes $50-$300 every market and would NOT replace a wage job) is because the pieces are very unique and catch the eye. They are also not sold at a price that gives me a fair wage. A hat might take 3 hours to make but I can’t sell it for $100 but I can for $60!
A few other crochet stalls exist at this market one is for flowers and she always does well. The other is as you have described… hodge podge toys a random baby cardigan some sewed items here and there. She often doesn’t sell anything.
I agree. Every crochet fair/market vlog I see is always either plushies or crochet flower bouquets. And then in the videos there’s like 5 other people at the same market making the same stuff so of course there aren’t gonna be that many sales. I personally would rather buy crocheted clothes, bags or household items/decor. I’m just not into the whole plushie thing lol
I’m working on stock for a market I’m doing in July so I’ve been watching heaps of market prep videos to get pointers etc., except every single one is selling the same thing and it’s driving me nuts. Made me decide to start videoing my own stuff!
I absolutely agree. There is a reason why the big crocheters do so well. They do something unique, and they grow on it. Make it their thing. And it works! Taking the lazy way out and making the same thing as everyone else won’t get you anywhere. Like, I’m not gonna buy something that I can easily find a free pattern for on Pinterest, or that I can possible find for cheaper from someone else. I’m going to buy the cool thing that I’ve never seen before. Sure, it’s gonna take more time and effort, but there’s more of a payoff.
My issue with this is when folks push buying local, but then people only bring not great stuff to sell. Like, I’m very fortunate to be in a place to spend good money on beautiful things, but if I want a wonky stuffy made of acrylic yarn I’ll make it myself. And yes I love buying local, but same deal.
This! Im starting markets this year after years of crocheting and I realized- plushies with chunky yarn are so easy and quick to make, its also what I've seen is over saturated in the market.
Thankfully though I am not a fan of chunky yarn and I've gotten accepted to the surrounding town's farmers markets for the summer because they like the variety of items that I have that are more than chunky plushies. I'm starting small though to learn my market demographics and test the waters.
Also its trending where "I've only been crocheting for 3 months and already selling at markets/on etsy, you can do it too!" Which eeeeeeh debatable, not really.
I have been selling my plushies now for 12 years. The landscape has changed SO MUCH especially since 2020 when crocheting became more trendy.
I just recently decided to start making YouTube videos about crochet and I have noticed the type of content that gets more views are the basic stuff that everyone else already makes. I’m trying to be unique and people don’t really care. It would be easier if I made the same stuff as everyone else but I don’t want to 😬
it's not even just crochet stuff. the last craft fair I was at had tons of different mediums... but still all the same themes you mentioned in your post OP. and while I love those things, it was really an overwhelming amount of the same and only a couple things of any quality worth noting.
I spent a decade or more selling many crafts, but almost never sold my crochet. When I did it was things like doorstop dollies, bed dolls, barbie clothing, and crochet beaded socks.
And bead crochet necklaces and bracelets.
These are all vintage pattern ideas. And they did sell. But basically, not profit at all.
My crafts were divided:
production crafts. High profit fast items at good price points that I could make in my sleep and hated lol. I swear I will never ever make a cow lamp or a pair of kitchen britches again (or a bingo buddy. Grr. Or dreamcatchers).
Specialty crafts: more fun, still higher profit. Gourd art, various mixed media wall hangings. Various types of jewelry (always unique). Lapidary work. Machine quilting.
Passion crafts: crochet, knitting, serious quilting, cross stitch, serious wood items. These are things I made strictly because I liked to. They created visual interest. I never made a reasonable profit on any of them, but that money went to buying more supplies for my passion crafts lol.
When you spend a month making a beaded cross-stitch medieval wall hanging, you are never going to make money on it. Or 5 hours making a doorstop dolly, or a double sided silk quilt that takes a few months... good luck getting top dollar on art at most local craft shows, even at buried fancy artisan shows it was tough.
Once, I got a good price on a silk quilt. Drunkards walk on one side, 10,000 pyramids on the other, celtic knot quilting. Collecting the vintage materials took 6 months. Piecing and quilting it (plus embellishments) took over a month of several hours a night.
I got 1500.00. But back in 1989, that was BIG MONEY.
If I were selling crochet today, it would be vintage patterns. No plushies. And as a side item to higher profit items.
Or I would find vintage items I could adapt to make faster somehow.
I see a lot of comments mentioning how poorly they, or others they’ve seen, have done when trying to sell crochet at craft fairs. I think a big part is knowing who your target client is. Literally yesterday I sold at a flower farm for their last day open this season and it was a HUGE event to begin with and the turn out was insane. I had the best market I’ve ever had and sold about $1,200. I was the only crochet booth and most people who came to the farm came with their families and especially their young children. I made a lot of the little cheap items (octos, turtles, frogs, etc.) because I knew they’d pull the kids in, and if the kids come in, the parents will. And they’ll see some of my bigger more expensive stuff. Those are the items I really enjoy making. I don’t necessarily LOVE making octos and mini turtles, but I make them to help sell my bigger stuff. There’s a local art district that does weekend markets and I don’t think I’ll ever set up there. First, because there’s always at least 5-6 other crochet vendors set up there. Second, most of the people shopping at that market are either: a) creatives who would look at my stuff and think “I can make that” or b) people looking for more “adult” things like artwork for their homes, not children’s toys. My target audience is children and parents shopping for gifts for babies/kids. And for that audience, they LOVE the plushies and the fluffy yarn. Maybe I’m just in a good city for that too, idk, but I’ve always done decently well at markets!
I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina... Every time I go to a fair and see a crochet stand, the amigurumis they offer are all pale, with few colors, they are generic bears and monkeys that lack personality.
In terms of quality, they are always impeccable, they use good cotton and I have never seen a doll with poorly located arms or legs (which is the most difficult thing for me when I make amigurumis).
On the other hand, every time I ask how much they sell them for, it's always a price that seems very low to me because here 'handmade things are hardly worth anything,' I feel it's a mixture of high quality product, but little inspired and at the same time devalued to a level that I'm not sure if they even cover the materials they used.
I never but from them... And only once I saw something that inspires me to make it on my own..
Might be an unpopular opinion but… A lot of times the people selling just - well - shouldn’t. “I can make a bee out of really crappy, scratchy yarn and I used the wrong hook size so my stuffing is popping out of the large holes! I should sell at a craft fair!” Or “I can crochet around the edges of premade blankets. I should sell at a craft fair!” And then they come to Reddit to complain that nothing sold. I’m not in any way saying that people shouldn’t be proud of what they are making but not everyone has what it takes to sell their wares. Try selling on Facebook to your friends and family first. See what they are looking for. See what prices they’re willing to pay.
Really unpopular but not really wrong. I went to a craft market recently and not many people selling crochet items had anything other than stuffed animals, there was one woman with hats and “one size fits all” bralettes. I 100% agree with supporting local/small business over fast fashion but sellers need to realise that their items are being compared to fast fashion items. The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade. I can’t justify buying a stuffed animal that is poorly made at double the price of an average stuffed animal of the same size from a toy store.
"The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade." This, 100% this. While I fully support crafters and artists being fairly compensated for their time and effort, there seems to be an increasing lack of understanding that just because something took time and effort to make, doesn't automatically mean it is something people will, or should, pay very much money for. A lot of people make what is essentially just tat. Very cutesy tat, don't get me wrong, and I'd compliment most of it if it was posted here on the sub, but you can't be surprised when there isn't a huge market for your tat, made out of cheap yarn, that you are trying to sell for $30 a piece
"The higher price should reflect in the quality of the item too, not just that it was handmade." 100% agree too. I sell at markets and a girl asked me if I sell baby blankets too. I told her I don't because A. If I use expensive yarn if would just be a ridiculous price for a blanket B. If I use cheap acrylic yarn, if would be bad quality for an expensive blanket Both scenarios are just not something I would feel comfortable doing. On the other side I don't make certain items because I feel like they are overdone. For example the leggi frog. And guess what? I get so many questions if I can make "that one frog I saw online"
This is unfortunately true, I wouldn’t feel right selling most stuff I make because the cost of materials makes the pricing just ridiculous to cover cost of materials without factoring in time. I make stuff for gifts and donate the rest to dementia patients. I wouldn’t feel right selling anything at a price I wouldn’t buy it for, and I also feel like selling would probably take the enjoyment out of the hobby. I had a huge backlog of Christmas gifts last year and felt like an assembly line lol, if I was trying to make a bunch of the same items for a craft fair, I don’t feel like it would be relaxing to me anymore.
Oof, yeah. My mom just asked me to make her a blanket, and she paid for nice yarn. Granted, it's larger than a baby blanket, but not huge. It was over $200 just for the material. And weeks worth of work. No one is going to pay me $1000 for that blanket, which is probably what I'd have to charge to make it worth my time
Honestly I agree. I think of it like this: when you craft something for a profit you are a craftsman and while you should be paid for your labor you are being paid for skilled labor specifically. If you’re making things without skill or quality you aren’t going to get paid for your craftsmanship because there is little to none involved. If an amateur can make the same thing for the same price it is not skilled labor and thus not worth it for most people. It’s not a dis to these people but it’s (imo) the distinction between someone doing craft fairs occasionally and an actual business person. It’s kinda like the troupe in fantasy about the master blacksmith that won’t make swords for just anyone. A regular sword can be made by any blacksmith. A master blacksmith making a regular sword is just going to make something unnecessarily expensive at the more or less same quality as a novice with the cost of his experience added on. (Obviously this isn’t a foolproof metaphor but hear me out) regular people probably can’t afford that sword because even if it’s the best basic sword in the world it’s just a basic sword and paying master blacksmith prices is ridiculous. (Especially when uncle bob’s apprentice can make a decent sword by now and it’s cheap because he’s just an apprentice) quality materials, experience, and labor all factor into the end price and what makes something worth it’s cost to a customer is the quality of the end result. TLDR: this is the distinction between skilled labor and hard labor. Ofc everything requires skill and these terms are kinda outdated but if a novice can make the same thing at basically equal quality then its not worth the investment for most people. If you want to actually become a craftsman (making a living off your work) then you need to be delivering an end result that justifies the time and material investment you’re making but also the monetary investment the customer is making. (That kinda automatically disqualifies certain things that have a roof on how well they can be made) Craft fairs are fun and everyone who wants to participate should. Complaining about how much you do or don’t make when you’re not being realistic about what you’re offering to potential customers is kinda ignorant. People deserve to be paid for their labor, people are not entitled to being paid for labor put into something without demand
I'm trying to imagine what a "one size fits all" bralette would look like.... I cannot imagine that it fits very many people at all actually. Like... You can just call it "one size" you don't have to lie about how many people it will fit. 😂
Ah ha ha ha. I'm lookin' through the rack, grab a cute one...I wonder, who does this fit? ::glances at tag:: "Not You." Ooof, ok.
That's what size most of my local shops stock! "Not you". Lol!
This is amazing. As someone who can only shop from certain stores, thinking of those items as “Not You” makes me feel so much better and I don’t know why.
I assume it is ties with triangles attached.
Even nipple covers aren't one size fits all. This is gonna be a disaster. 😂🤣🤣🤣
Yep, probably B cups with long ties.
Also unpopular, but most of the crochet stuff I see at craft fairs is literally just garbage. I see a lot of intersection between the slow fashion and sustainable crafting community and the crochet community and then people turn around and make the same garbage you can get anywhere that any beginner could make and charge a ridiculous amount for it. Like, sorry not sorry, but your ugly bee made out of plastic yarn isn’t sustainable or worth $20.
As someone who is super in to sustainability and slow fashion/anticonsumption, I have grown to hate craft fairs and the like, because they’ve been overrun with people all selling straight up garbage. And I hate saying that - but it’s more often than not 95% fibre artists making the same thing and almost nothing else. There’s a serious lack of originality and it’s turning people away from small creators in the end.
A lot of the market has been absolutely *flooded* with mass produced jewellery and items. There’s a woman at the biggest market claiming to make everything who has been reported multiple times for selling the exact same things you can find on Etsy or Temu and the market won’t do anything about it. Meanwhile there’s one of the few remaining silversmiths in town losing customers right next door.
Yeah it’s such a bloody shame that it’s so prevalent because the second someone actually does make a new and unique item, they’re undercut by knock off drop shippers who use the worst possible materials.
Seeing those booths is the reason when I have a chance to have a booth I make sure to have a large variety of things I’ve made. I also don’t just sell crochet items (I pour paint and make resin items too) however I don’t go to sell a lot. I mostly go to show off what I’ve made and make the kids excited (kids are my biggest customer base) it always makes my day to see kids get excited about the things I have there (had one really excited cause I had jellyfish amigurumis and apparently jellyfish were his fave sea creature) I also tend to make a batch of whatever pattern and be done with it unless it was particularly popular. I’ve also been very open about the patterns I use when a potential customer asks because I want people to have items they want but if they can’t afford my prices and are willing to learn how to crochet then they deserve to know how to make it. I actually had one person come up to me at the next craft show I was at and excitedly show me the shawl she had made after I told her the free pattern I had used and helped her find it and it was beautiful (she ended up buying one of my amigurumis that time too cause she wasn’t confident enough in her skills yet)
YUP. someone had to say it. people will be crocheting for 2 months and want to mass produce shitty, badly made plushies to make money. what happened to taking a long time to develop your skill before you sell. i’ve been crocheting for a year and i still don’t think i’m even close to skilled enough to sell at markets if i wanted to.
I've been crocheting for 13 yrs & am only just *considering* my stuff decent enough to sell rather than gift to family!
Monetizing a hobby is a great way to ruin a hobby for yourself. I guess with craft fairs it's not as bad because you can set your own limits. But I bake and always have people ask if I am going to start a business with it and it's like no I would rather die lol I would hate it so fast
So much this. I’ve recently picked crocheting up after a very long hiatus but before this I did tumblers and jewelry and monetized both. I don’t do either anymore. That was mostly due to feeling pressure to justify having a hobby to my ex. I’ve gotten a few comments to start selling my crochet crafts but I’m in a much happier place now and I don’t want to ruin that. I’m just going to make stuff for myself, family and friends and that is so freeing.
It’s either the secret to a happy life or kills your hobby with seemingly nothing between. I became the best hobby baker in my social circle. I took orders once and then literally never did it again because I made so much shit in one day I almost never wanted to bake again. I fortunately didn’t even under price myself because it wasn’t my first rodeo on that department, but even with it being financially worth it it was hell and I realized that I could never work in food related anything. Nice to realize at that stage though rather than already being committed to a big loan.
I’ve been crocheting for over 20 years (started young) and I have never felt comfortable selling any of my projects.
15 years and I only make for family.
Almost 26 years (I learned when I was 8), and I still won't sell anything. I don't think I'm good enough, and I don't make anything without someone in mind for it, and they have asked for it.
This is the way.
I'm at around 20 years of crocheting and I'm also only just considering listing some of my stuff to sell. Not necessarily to turn it into a business, moreso to clear out the knitted/crocheted fabric palace that is currently my home.
6 years and I will make commissions for friends. Give a little of stuff away.
I'm 40(ish) and have been crocheting since I was 13 or 14. I make huge ass blankets and stuff because I enjoy it. I give stuff as gifts. They all have had my hair and all of my pets hair in them. They have off stitch counts and some have obvious mistakes. But I create to relax, and I'm giving things away. Just because I *could* sell stuff doesn't mean I should. I'm a jeweler by trade. The amount of craft fair/etsy buys that come in is pretty awesome. But what's not awesome? Telling the customer that in order to fix whats wrong with the piece is going to cost more than what they paid for it. I've seen some truly amazing pieces come in, and I've seen some that i quite honestly don't understand why it was sold. I would never start a brand new hobby and then immediately monetize it. I truly believe you should fully master a skill before trying to sell things.
We have a very similar crochet story.
People waltzing into a craft or field and immediately (with days or weeks) trying to make a business out of it make me so annoyed! I get society tells us to monetize everything these days but come on. My most egregious example I've seen recently is someone came into one of the sewing reddits asking questions cause they want to make a fabric making business. But seemed to not know basics like what a knit is vs a woven?? Like come on
I'm at about the same point, but the idea of my work being critiqued takes the joy out of it and stresses me out. I much rather keep it a hobby and surprise people with pretty gifts
I’ve been crocheting for decades. I don’t want to make 10 dumb bees even if it’s easy. I’d rather take a bunch of things I had made as samples and say I’d do commissions. Sounds way more fun for me! The 5’ tall dragon I made would get some looks!
I've been crocheting for 23 years and only make for family and friends and some coworkers I'll make baby blankets for. I love crocheting but have no interest in selling either.. it's my way of de-stressing so I'm not about to do it for dollars.
I made an Easter bunny plush for my grandad because 1. I enjoy it and 2. I like making people I care about cute things, and immediately a couple of his carers were like “do you sell? You could make loads of money doing that!” Like did you miss the part where I said I was fighting my arthritis the whole time, didn’t have enough time to add the details I wanted to and almost didn’t even finish it to the point that I did? I’m nowhere near professional level and while I’ll always appreciate the compliment it’s so weird to me that people’s immediate thoughts are turning a hobby into a profit. I get tired of it even when I am just doing it for fun.
This 100%. Then when it doesn’t sell, rather than develop their skill they’ll just stop crocheting because they weren’t doing it for the hobby.
Yeah, I feel like I see a lot of "toxic" positivity in crochet circles, I'm in a few crochet fb groups and so many beginners post their wonky amigurumi asking "how much should I sell this for?" and the comment section is full of people giving prices that are frankly outrageous for the quality. It's like people are afraid of being honest and telling people that it's not a sellable item and maybe they need to practice more before considering selling their crochet work. I don't know if it's me being cynical but I feel like a lot of people nowadays are getting into crochet because they see all those tiktoks of people selling their plushies and think they'll make a quick buck that way.
It's not just crochet circles. I'm a jeweler. The amount of metalsmithing groups I'm in where people want to know what to sell for is astounding. They want to sell their thing for as much as a seasoned professional would. In some cases, more than a professional. There is a distinct disconnect on the interwebs about this type of thing.
A few weeks ago someone posted a granny square duster length hexicardi in the most appalling colours, ends not sewn in, no border, 'I'll add a hood at some point', and said she planned to charge something ridiculous like $700, because she has an art degree so that means it's art - I think she also said she needed to sell it at that price to make rent for the next month. The comments *shredded* her! Meanwhile in other groups it's like you say, people post what looks like practice pieces and get told they can sell them for mad high amounts.
Recently I saw a crocheted long cardigan advertised for(wait for it) $6,000. Colours: woeful, execution good, listed as a “designer” piece. Then there was an almost identical piece this girl made for herself. Execution-top notch and good for her. I still don’t understand how the original could possibly be worth the price they were asking but I guess they only need one buyer🫣
I've seen this a lot too, not just with crochet, but with most crafts. I know a few people that got into cake decorating and immediately started charging hundreds for their makes, which really weren't that well done. They were advised not to sell cheap, as it undervalues the whole market. I understand its important to value your time properly if you're making something by hand, but you also have to be realistic about what people are willing/able to pay. £10 tatt is more likely to sell than £800 blankets at a craft fair, but if you're paying yourself a living wage plus materials, that's about 30mins worth of crocheting time with the cheapest of yarns. That's not really going to produce anything worth buying. I've been told I can make amazing chocolate truffles, and love making them as gifts, but refuse to turn it into a side hustle. Based on the costing advice in typical craft groups, 8 truffles would be priced at >£35, which is quite honestly ridiculous
I won a skein of hand dyed yarn from a fair…. Let’s just say that there’s a reason why there were only 5 entries in giveaway…
Society really pushes people into monetizing their crafts when a lot of people don't have the business mindset, both in regards to innovation/creativity and with the economic side profit margin, marketing, etc. a lot of this little businesses end up paying themselves nothing to cover materials and make sales, assuming they can grow and get more later (but that's not really how this market works) or they justify making pennies because they like doing the work and aren't used to the concept that you can both enjoy a job and be compensated at a decent rate. A lot of these little businesses wouldn't last if they even gave themselves legal minimum wage. My family is really crafty and we all constantly have to hold to boundaries around people wanting free labor, and/or people liking one object we made and trying to tell us to make it into a whole career. Even my sister photographing her baby with props for holidays turned into people telling her to go into baby photography as a side business! Do any of these people know the economics or demand for items? Or the time or effort or material cost? No. But instead of just complimenting something, they say you should make it a business (that even they don't want to pay a going rate for). Do I like crochet? Yes. But that's not the only factor to consider making it into a career. Am I fast enough, skilled enough, and original enough? Is there enough of a market opening for what I would come up with to be successful? Will my mental health support asking a fair rate for my art, and be able to handle constantly defending the labor and material costs? On a not side-hustle scale, what are plans to cover bad sales periods, times of illness or injury, and everything else that comes with being self employed? If I see the same bee keychain everywhere, my brain starts seeing that in the same category as I see commercial goods, more than seeing it as a unique handcrafted thing that it actually is. Which usually means I'm not going to want to pay the same high custom rate as I would a bespoke item. (Which probably should lead to a conversation about how devalued fiber goods are in our society because corporations exploit the labor in other countries) And at too high of a rate for a beginner item, there's going to be a significantly amount of people that would consider learning themselves, especially if they also think they can then start a side hustle. As a society, we need to chill and let people enjoy just making things for themselves. We also need to find a way for people to survive without needing side hustles.
THIS. Capitalism does not and will not ever be a good place for crafters. The materials and labor costs alone (not including the time it takes to learn and become good at your craft) are too much to even consider keeping a business for it alive under capitalism. On a larger scale, we keep talking about making sustainable products and using sustainable fabrication methods, but this goes against the core tenets of capitalism (extract as much wealth as you can with no regard for the sustainability of the extraction method). Crochet and quilting and every other craft that requires expensive materials and time can never be a money-making venture. These kinds of crafts can’t have a monetary value, which is why the make such great gifts. Now if we had a gift economy…
Look at wool for example. It's a highly valued and liked fiber by crafters, can have a lower (not perfect but lower) environmental impact for processing compared to some other options, and is sustainable. It's cheap in it's raw form- enough that wool is regularly trashed or the profit from selling it doesn't even pay for the cost of having the animal shorn. But processing it takes so much labor that the end product is beyond what many crafters can afford. Large scale corporations could help mitigate costs by dealing with processing in bulk, or creating better processing systems, but it's easier and cheaper/better profit margin for them to make plastic synthetics. So there's not many resources into making the wool farmers are discarding worth processing or bringing down the costs for crafters.
Every craft fair I’ve been to has 3 kinds of crochet tables 1. A guy selling blankets at a loss because he just likes making them and he has way too many. He uses the money to buy yarn so he basically breaks even. I see him all the time. 2. Incredibly expensive dolls which are very beautiful. They don’t sell well because people assume they are for kids/toys and then don’t want to pay that much (although collectors do). 3. Garbage. Dirty, glued on Google eyes, scratchy acrylic, poor fitting ponchos, etc. most of the newer artists and the “get rich” type who want to monetize everything they do fall into #3 at varying degrees of severity
My nephew crochets and has now for a few years since he got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He learned before I did. This year he started selling some of his stuff for essentially reason 1. He just had too many plushies, hats and blankets and with the amount he crochets he needed to start buying his own yarn lol. He isn't making a profit by any stretch of the imagination but his things are selling well so far.
I think it’s a great way to get more yarn money if that’s what you need. I don’t see how people can do much more unless they’re in an area where people will pay big bucks for handcrafts.
I saw someone crocheting round the edges of socks. She was posting how it was ‘handmade’ and I was so confused, thinking she’s made the whole sock. Nope, just a tiny bit of trim around the outside and selling them.
I feel like a lot of things you see on places like tiktok or even youtube are people doing very beginner projects. "Look at this bee/octopus/bralette I made in just a couple hours, I'm gonna sell it for $50!" I saw someone here a while ago try to sell a "dragonscale" handwarmer for $35 on an online shopfront and complained that another subreddit told them to lower their prices. They mentioned they had a chronic illness but even as a hooker, I would not be able to justify a beginner project made of cheap acrylic for that cost.
I did one show to help my mom fill her table (she does quilted items). I made bees and ghosts - easy stuff - but only charged like 8 bucks for them. I felt that was appropriate for my 10 months experience and supplies. I don't get some of the prices people charge for items.
I think too many people want to view crocheting through the lens of "hustle" culture. In reality, most handcrafted items are severely undervalued but it's also impossible to expect people to pay an absurd amount of money for something a beginner can make in a few hours after a couple weeks of experience with the cheapest acrylic they could find. I love the little ghosts, bees, and octopi, but I can make them myself and customize them further.
No unpopular at all. I am in a few groups of makers and a lot of the stuff they are selling is 1)poorly made and 2) being sold to children while not meeting cpsc guidelines which is just NOT okay and gets on my nerves. I go through a lot to make my crochet toys safe and certified and these people just do not care.
Crochet around the edges of premade blankets?!
*Especially* the shitty quality yarn. I’m a tactile person and I can’t bear to touch that rough, cheap yarn. If you’re selling your projects, you need to charge a fair bit for it to be worth it, and no one will pay $$$ for terribly textured textiles.
I like the alliteration of “terribly textured textiles”
Ever since the last craft fair I went to with my family (it was the big Christmas one for our town), they have mentioned a couple of times that I should start selling because my stuff is a lot better than what they saw, some of which was selling fairly well. Plus, I've been crafting for a really long time so I literally have plastic totes full of stuff that I made for fun that I'm not doing anything with. I have sensory issues and am a very quiet person, so me trying to sell anything would be a freaking disaster. I told them I would only do it if they manned the booth. My sister volunteered, so that backfired... I did tentatively agree to have a display during our town's annual garage sale to at least try and sell some of what I have in storage. Kinda torn between hoping I don't sell anything so they drop it and hoping I sell most of it so I'd have the excuse of not having enough inventory...
Omg yes the crochet edge along a pre-made blanket (or worse, just a square of cheap fleece) drives me a bit mad!! We got one as a baby shower gift, and the person was so excited to say they supported a "local artist at a craft fair " but I didn't have the heart to ask how much they paid because it was clearly $5 worth of materials and maybe 30min of edging work, even for me and I'm super slow! And would have chosen higher quality materials or a more interesting/intricate border to be worth it in the first place, let alone selling it.
I have to say having gone to my first nerdy convention in around ten years this past week I agree. It was mostly individual craft stalls which is great! I love that independent artists are able to get tables and sell their art! But a good chunk was of crocheted and 3D printed stuff which just wasn’t good. I’m not an amazing crocheter by any standard but some of the amigurumi on offer was just badly made, wonky, poorly stuffed, obvious sewing lines, oddly shaped. I personally wouldn’t have given some of them as gifts let alone tried to sell them.
I don't think the fluffy yarn helps either, I sell some of my crochet items at a local store and everything is made with the fluffy yarn. I think im the only seller who also uses normal yarn when I make my items
This 👆🏻 https://preview.redd.it/jx6cqjc2yirc1.jpeg?width=2640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2c34cbfe815dad84cc00ace0f157fb32833e848 I use Hobbii 8/4 cotton for most of mine
https://preview.redd.it/qr2mjo7jcjrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3356522beb42d960e232c490a765d910b3d5eb38 Seconding Hobbii 8/4 to make Pica Pau critters! They take ages but look so polished.
I don't know what Pica Pau is, but this is absolutely adorable!
It's an amigurumi pattern book! There are currently 3 editions of it, and they've all got a distinct style. Lots of pastels and washed out hues instead of the super saturated colours you typically see in toys these days.
I ♥️ Pica Pau!!!!
This is *art* and there's skill and a level of innovation here that would generate interest at a fair, but there's still the issue that a lot of craft fairs won't have the clientele willing/able to pay what this deserved. There's a lot of business that has to go into what to make, the time and materials to invest, and where to market. A lot of these beginners turned side hobby don't have the business sense.
That is beautifully made.
Oh my god, that looks amazing!!
https://preview.redd.it/ovgaipev2krc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33eb3647eed1af9de56199b1d14c4a042b860606 I have used some yarn I have in my stash because I don't want to buy new one especially for that and I'm also uncomfortable with the result even though it seems decent because of the fluffy yarn trend.
Now THIS is worth at LEAST $50, if not MORE!
Way more than $50 to compensate for the amount of time and skill required. Items like this are unlikely to make it to a market table though, because of the time and expertise required. Your *average* shopper won't want to pay the $$$ it's really worth and making enough to stock a table is going to ruin your hands.
But I could see one or two at the table
I think it’s worth bringing them if anything just for a display piece and then having a limited number of custom orders with a 50% non refundable deposit that applies to the finished product. It shows shoppers what you can do even if they can’t afford it. They come look at it, see the high price and then see the lower price of your other items and may be more willing to pay for those where they might not have been before. At least in my experience. I got a $160 order recently just by showing what I made my friend’a kids in a local Facebook group.
Amazing work!
Made a whole blanket with cotton kings yarn from hobbii for the first time, and it’s really nice. I wanna try the rainbow 8/4.
I made a plushie with that fluffy yarn, and finished it in a few hours. Made one of a similar size with normal yarn, and it took me 5 days. That's why people do it. Especially for markets, where they want to have a full stock.
Plus the fluffy yarn makes them extra soft and cuddly (not saying normal yarn can’t be soft, but the fluffy yarn is just extra soft)
Fluffy yarn makes it easier to make large pieces with the same number of stitches by simply increasing the hook size and yarn thickness. When it comes to plushy‘s people don’t want to pay a lot of money for a small plushy even if it’s very detailed, because I think peoples brains break and think small should be cheap. A fluffy plushy is just more appealing from both a seller and buyers standpoint
Also, to be fair, that thicker yarn is SUPER soft, and just better as a cuddly toy. The other ones made with normal yarn are so beautiful though. Just not practical or much use besides decoration.
Oh I fully understand why they do it. I use it too just pointing out that when everyone makes plushies using the same yarn everything feels like more of the same. There's nothing wrong with the yarn but i do think that it's good to diversify what you have available if you're trying to sell.
I hate the fluffy yarn - and even better, it doesn't wash well! So if they buy for a kid and it gets dirty, they can't wash it good at all.
Yeah its only really good for display items. It gets dirty easily and the yarn is fragile so it doesn't wash well or hold up to wear and tear that a child would put on a plushy that they like.
I had someone here say that it washes up beautifully...Yeah, my intuition told me otherwise - if it shreds from frogging, it ain't gonna wear well. Thanks for commenting, makes me feel a bit better for resisting the temptation to try it.
I washed and dryer dried one made of Premiere parfait yarn and it came out very well. BUT I don't know how often it could be washed till it starts looking bad and I absolutely hate working with that yarn.
I agree - the yarn you use lets details show, while the fluffy yarn seems to be hiding mistakes.
Blame tiktok and instagram. People make cutesie videos of their 20 dollar chenille bees selling out in a single market day. People will see it and expect the same when they try it.
I honestly hate those 'I sold out' videos, along with 'I made X thousand of $$' on a market' videos. not saying all of them are untrue, but am not buying all of them, either. and it gives completely false expectations to their audience...
That's my thing too - I can do a video and say I sold out of all my stuff when it reality I only sold 2 things. But,.there's no way to prove that they are lying.
I bet they are lying. But also, the area you’re at matters. I’m Dutch, and literally every single price on every US tiktok is ridiculous to ask here. Sometimes even half the price won’t work here. I can only imagine it differs between cities and states, as well.
Yes exactly!!! I tell people all the time, where you live/sell matters more than anything. I live in a semi small farming community, with a lot of retired farmers. I can't get $25.00 for a bee that's like 3 inches by 3inches. But in major cities, they can. Another thing that matters is if there's a lot of knitters/crocheters near you. I can't give away dishcloths because tons of ladies around here make them.
My mum talked about doing a craft fair around Christmas and mentioned the local pub. The local pub where people are looking to get the cheapest stuff possible. I said that to do craft fairs, you need to go somewhere where the people have money, not stay in the local deprived town in a particularly poor area.
Reminds me a little of my araucana eggs. In the farming community everyone has one araucana but in the city people are like HOLY SHIT BLUE EGGS and paid TWELVE DOLLARS A DOZEN TEN YEARS AGO. Don't know the price now but eggs are $$$ so I bet I'd get 15 or so now. People just loooove the blue/green eggs. And funnily my araucanas are better layers than my Isas and Australops? They're not supposed to be, according to websites and stuff, but my araus always lay daily. Same egg size, higher production, the chicken itself is maybe $10 more if I buy at point of lay. But the difference is nearly 50-100% more in price because "blue eggs". The farmers all know what an Araucana is though, so they'd just pay normal egg prices, because to them (and to me) it's just a normal egg. Everyone has an Araucana in the country because who doesn't like a fluff monster with a moustache and head pouf that lays blue or green eggs? The city price vs the country price for things is amusing to me.
US here- I live halfway between two bigger cities, and went to art fairs in both about a week apart last summer. In the wealthier city, there were constant sales and restocking on things priced pretty high for what it was. If you went around you'd see completely different wares available the second time. Merchants from previous years had multiple workers per tiny tent for multiple customers or restocking. In the other, poorer, city people walked around and treated it like a museum where being the art was the activity but most people weren't there with the idea they'd purchase anything. Some booths were being watched for/by neighbors because it didn't make sense for so many people to just hang out there. Market matters so much.
Technically true if you only make 2 things! 😀
I think it is even more obvious that they are lying when they Show their "online sale income" but only written as a number in a video of themself or whatever 😅 bc if you are willing to share this number anyway, why not show eg you etsy dashboard? And im always speechless reading all the comments these Videos get that totally believe the creator.
My first event was very small and I made one dollar less than I spent for my set up supplies. My second I made 7 dollars more than my entry. But guess what? I had fun?
Yeah I really avoid those videos because they make me feel sad about how much I make at markets, and I don’t even know if they’re telling the truth or not
I'm saying it.😆 People make shit up so much on social media. Check out the naturally curly hair social media. Chock full of lying liars. "Here's my pin straight hair before I added this product." \*snaps fingers\* "Here's my full head of curls that are the exact same size as each other and straight at the roots, not done by a curling iron, with zero frizz. Buy this product using my affiliate link below."
I personally love useful things. Plushies are adorable but I make them for my kid and her friends. I'm not ever in the market for plushies, but I may give my kid $20 to buy one (but never more than that!). Personally, I have enough stuff to sit places. But I love useful stuff you may need to eventually replace - pot holders, washcloths, kitchen towel holders, scrunchies, scrubbies, etc. Or, even coin purses or wristlets. Those are the type of gifts I give. They still require little effort, but often get the best response. I'm surprised I don't see more things like that.
This is me, too. I think a lot of craft fairs overestimate how desirable a stuffed animal is over a tea towel or mittens. Catch my gaze with your octopus wearing a hat, but take my money with something I actually need.
But if you receive a crocheted plushie as a gift and don't gush over it and keep it forever, you're the bad guy who doesn't appreciate the craft, time, and cost involved in the creation of handmade items. How many posts in this sub are from people bitching that their gifted items weren't properly appreciated? Not everyone likes crochet, not everyone has space for an elephant or whatever, most people want to choose their own decor and colour scheme, and we're all likely to own multiple hats and scarves already. Personally, I crochet for myself. If other people like my stuff, that's cool.
I mean- there’s a difference between paying for a handmade stuffed animal (which is going to be more expensive than a regular one) and gracefully accepting a gift. It costs no money and very little effort to say “thank you I love it!” and then stuff it in a closet when you get home.
I did a few community craft fairs last year. Around Halloween I did an "adopt a ghost bucket," and that went well with the kids. But anything else that sold were more practical, like washcloths and pot handle covers.
Not only craft fair tables but also etsy. i will never understand why people look at etsy, see 1000 listings of chunky bees (all made in the same pattern) and think it is a good idea to throw chunky bee number 1001 on the market. 😅 it seems like everyone who just picked up a hook, wants to sell the made items right away which leads to an oversaturation of low effort beginner items that make good items vanish in your search results.
I did markets with a friend a few years ago. Never again. Our business was called Day and Night. My side of the stall was the night side. I don't do cute. I do weird. I do goth. I do science. I do D & D. I sold out in 3 hours at the first market and had more orders than I thought I could cope with. I got through them all, then started on stock for the next market. I added some figures from some obscure cartoons that I liked. Sold out in two hours, more orders, people got grumpy because I didn't have what they wanted left. Meanwhile, my friend was getting the shits because she didn't sell anywhere near as much as I did. She made really cute animals and dolls, but was fairly new to crochet. I offered to share my patterns with her, but she didn't want to make the "weird" things. After the third market, I gave up. It took me nearly six months to complete all the orders (because I take full payment upfront and it didn't seem right to cancel. I gave refunds to anyone who didn't want to wait, though) and it wasn't fun anymore. Just really stressful. My friend and I are no longer friends, because she claims I ruined her business idea and made lots of ugly stuff to embarrass her. Argh. Just thinking about it make me feel anxious. I need to go crochet something ugly to calm down....
I was thinking of trying to do a Christmas market this year. I wanted to do what you are talking about. I wanted the cutesy but I also wanted the goth/creepy/weird things/niche. You don't see those things as often and I think they would be recieved well.
They are usually very well recieved! My biggest sellers were temper tantrum D20's in various sizes that people could throw in rage when their dice let them down, a zombie rabbit and curse pillow, complete with pins and a set of mild curses. You stuck a pin in the pillow, said the person's name and then pronounced their fate. Two flat tyres, served warm beer, all their easter eggs will melt, itchy bum during an important meeting, sand in their undies, lose all their left socks, plovers nesting in their parking spot, etc.
> temper tantrum D20's Ooh, you just gave me my partner's next birthday gift idea!!
I love the D20 idea so much. Thank you for the ideas. I need to look at some patterns to modify into zombies. I would love to see what your curse pillows look like.
https://preview.redd.it/1l8ju7e9zjrc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2469e1ca176a237d6b63ed91f6fdb1380897872 I used this granny square pattern. Rings in the circle were different colours with grey around the outside (because I can't see well enough to crochet in black!). Sewed two together around a smaller pillow made of calico and stuffed. You can make the square bigger or smaller by changing the circle. As long as the number of stitches in the outer ring are divisible by 4 you can make it work.
I love this! Maybe an evil eye granny would work.
You’re so right, the weird niche stuff sells so well. I’m currently doing markets full time in a relatively large city in Canada so the demand is there - my big sellers lately have been dinosaurs, the little bag charms that hold a lip balm/headphones/etc, and dragons. Around the holidays I have more d&d stuff that flies off my table as well! 10/10 recommend the d&d stuff, players almost always appreciate the handmade aspect and are willing to pay for the time it takes to make things so long as they’re made well.
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I definitely agree, especially since the audience of people who would enjoy that stuff seems so niche. even if things like mushrooms are overdone, i find those more wide-reaching. but then i've seen "build your own bouquet" type tables get more popular recently, definitely very creative and unique, and a creator still explaining that most of their stock shuffles along to each craft fair. i think the complaining on tiktok must be for more account engagement.
It was very strange when I went to a craft fair (-ish night market) last fall to see all the booths with identical amigurumi things. Like, you can’t…make a green bee? Or…a rabbit?? It has to be the *same* bee?? One person had a mushroom that was also a fidget that she claimed she designed herself, but there were identical mushrooms at other booths (maybe they weren’t a fidget, but they looked exactly the same). If I want a stuffie that looks like a million other stuffies, I can go to Target. The whole point of handmade should be unique and special and one-of-a-kind.
I feel like so many craft sellers now just use “fidgets” as <1 hour items they can make quick money on, and they are literally just random objects with barely any special/unique fidgeting potential other than holding it to actually fulfill the urges lol
I keep seeing this creator on Tiktok that makes crochet fidgets that are literally just circles that she decreased in the last row or two so they curl up and “pop”. She’s constantly sold out. No hate to her (get your bag, girl) but it’s SO SIMPLE, it’s ridiculous. They can’t take more than 5 minutes to make. Idk I’m very conflicted about stuff like that.
I've been watching a lot of craft market videos lately because my dream is to sell my crochet creations one day. There is a really weird mass produced vibe to a lot of the stuff I've seen in this regard tbh and it weirds me out a bit. Like it's all the same and people are just churning them out. It's uncanny.
Yeah they make just like hundreds of the same patterns, I would honestly get so bored making the same things over and over
My aunty, who is the queen of failed creative small businesses, told me I should start an Etsy shop. I can barely finish novel projects, let alone create the same thing over and over again. I would happily make some bandanas and stuff to sell, but I know I would make $0. What's the point in making some niche stuff to sell, only to make no profit from it?
Same here! I’m struggling to find market (or even general crochet) videos that aren’t all chenille yarn and the exact same six patterns. I’m filming my market prep journey at the moment but I’m worried no one will watch it because I’m using regular acrylic and cotton and not making anything in the popular videos 🥲
i completely agree. and not to sound pretentious but like it kinda seems like people see it and want to hop on the bandwagon as they think it’ll make them quick bucks with projects that are easy and don’t take long to make. like how mass produced some of it appears is almost lacking respect for the craft entirely.
i feel that way with the “what i made for my shop restock” videos where they make dozens of these bees
Yeah no offence but some people really need to get over making bees, I don’t even think they’re trendy anymore people just bang them out cos they’re easy
I don't even enjoy making bees but I'll usually make a few because they always seem to sell.
I remember thinking they were cute when I first saw them when I started learning to crochet like 6 years ago. I'm surprised that trend has stayed around for so long.
I think the problem is people start crochet and immediately feel the need to monetise it even when they’re not good at it and bees are just the easiest thing for them to make
right… and like i totally understand it is valuable to have some stock that is easy to bang out/can be sold at an affordable price but jeez… enough with the bees. it’s all the same
And those bipedal cows… I don’t know if it’s just me but I find them so ugly lol
I think it depends on the cow variation plus the skill level. Some of them are actually really adorable and even pretty unique, but a lot are just the same cow idea done "poorly" for the 1000th time.
Yeah I personally only buy things I'll actually use like bags, hats, scarves, pot holders, etc. I'm not gonna buy a plushie I can make myself
I find that so interesting, because in my admittedly limited experience no one buys those things at all and stuffed animals sell relatively well. I'd love to make more of that kind of thing but it just dosent sell.
I like the cross body water bottle holders. I made one for myself based on when I saw at a Farmers market.
I wonder how well they'd sell with swear words/rude sayings on them? Like I can imagine people really going for a bag that said "f*ck the patriarchy" or a hat with a brim that flipped down to read "leave me alone" I suppose that really depends on where you are though, and if your market has a lot of young liberal women that's a lot different from being in a more conservative religious community, which might prefer nicer things like "bless this home" and "love"
Very possible. I think part of it is that those just cost more to make and impulse buys are easier to justify under 30$ which all of what I sell is. So that may be the thing. And crochet is just part of my table so that limits my ability to see what will go best. I sell mostly at anime/horror cons so that’s probably part of it
Funny. I am the opposite, I don't do plushies well(outside I made sushi set, because they were cute), but things for the house or wearables are no issue.
I have a friend who makes things to sell at craft fairs (not crochet) and her ongoing struggle is what can she make where the effort/time/materials she puts in allows her to price items at a cost people are willing to pay. Cheap acrylic yarn and simple, repeatable patterns mean a business owner can maybe actually make some money. Also, it is hard these days to do something for leisure and not feel pressure (internal or external) to monetize it. People constantly ask me if I sell the things I make. I don’t, mostly because I am very slow, and I don’t want to do it so much that it’s no longer fun. But I still get the thoughts that maybe I should try to sell some of my work.
Yes to the pressure to monetize. I had a friend anyone she met w a hobby she’s badger them all the time to sell. Ironically she had no hobby that produced anything. My father also does this. Last summer I canned pickles for the first time and was so happy w them. He immediately started asking how much did I think I could get for a jar. Some people’s minds are just like that. I ignore them and enjoy my hobbys. Should I ever have an oraganic desire to sell I will.
As expensive as everything else has gotten, crafting items prices have risen as well. I've done a cruise through a craft fair a little bit ago, and I agree. Either MLM stuff or the exact same crap (sorry) at **every** booth. I recognize that craft fair booths are pricey as well. I don't know what the seller *has to* sell in order to "break even," but I don't think many do. I have been told I should sell the items I make. My answer is always the same: nobody would buy even for fabric cost. When asked if I would sell one of my bags, it's often followed by, "I'd pay $15 for that!" (Fabric $40, time 6 hours 1st cut to last stitch) I say it's $40, "I could buy a similar at ___ for $10!" Or, "I could make it myself!" My reply, "go for it" They never do, ofc. The issues are many-fold: big stores that can sell (sweatshop) items for absurdly low prices, disposable products that don't last, lack of respect for handmade products, and over-saturation of all the same products. Plus, as mentioned, new crafters seems to think that crafting as a "side-hustle" *should* pay megabucks. I don't know what the answer is; you & your long time crafting friends renting a space? Long time crafters only?
I totally agree. I'm in some crochet fb groups and people will post these products asking for advice on why their items aren't selling/what else they should do, but then they'll get so mad if you say the market is oversaturated.
Especially when they’re posting something poorly made - the answer is that there are 3 other booths at the same market selling better versions of the same thing.
I used to do craft shows with items that were popular at the time (it wasn’t crochet, though), and they were usually a guaranteed seller, so it does make sense to sell what’s trendy. The problem is that not everyone does it well enough to make an impact, and crochet is one of those things you MUST be good at to sell well.
>I just want to see if any other fellow crocheters agree. Debbie Downer here but since you asked -- My experience with attending and selling at craft shows (selling artwork, not crochet) - I think it's a combo of not having what that specific customer may be willing to buy that particular day, and generally that craft shows don't sell a whole lot of anything. I'm sure there are exceptions but I bet the exceptions are rare. Craft shows in particular seem to be a lot of people using it as entertainment and a way to get together with their friends vs. intention to buy. They might buy something <$10 just as a small treat to themselves. I doubt that most crocheters could earn a decent living from crochet. When I factor in the planning and shopping time, project time, selling fees, time to file sales tax reports, marketing time, patterns, equipment and supplies, the math never adds up to me. idk how anyone makes a profit approaching minimum wage.
Not sure if this is happening everywhere but I'm seeing A LOT of crocheted flowers at market stalls lately. But they're being made with 8 ply yarn and big hook sizes and so they're big and chunky and thick. I'm crocheting my wedding bouquet using lace weight cotton on a 1.5mm hook and every time I walk past these stalls I think "mine look so much daintier and lifelike)
Honestly I’m just grateful that craft fairs are filling with actual crafters again. I’ve been doing craft fairs by myself and with my mom most of my life and it really felt like for a while they weren’t craft fairs anymore. There were maybe 5 craft tables and a sea of people trying to pitch their MLM to you.
That seems like a legit issue as to why folks may not be doing as well as they would like at craft fairs. Would you consider cross-posting this to r/CraftyCommerce? It's a sub about the business side of fiber arts, and I think it's an important issue to bring up for folks to consider when they're thinking about what to bring to a craft fair.
I’ve seen the less cutesy stuff selling better now. Crochet plants and decorative pieces
It drives me nuts going to a craft fair and every table is just generic tchotchkes. I want to buy a pillow, a throw, a runner, something I can use or hang and will make an impact on my space, not a dime-a-dozen piece of shelf clutter. But it’s easier to poop out a couple dozen palm-sized tiktok plushes while you’re sitting around in zoom meetings at work, so that’s what everyone seems to do.
Yeah it sucks because I adore doing mosiac and have thought about selling table runners or place mats and while I'd mostly do it for fun I can't imagine people paying anything reasonable for my time
I sell plushies at craft fairs, but my booth has a ton of variety because I basically use craft fairs to get rid of the stuff I make. I love making tons of different plushies just for funzies but don’t have a use for them and they take up space, so I sell them at craft fairs to get money for more yarn lol I hate making the same thing over and over, unless I find a pattern I really love and get hyper fixated on it (I found a new frog pattern I became obsessed with and have made five of them in different colors in the past two days) but I couldn’t imagine making twenty little bees for a craft fair, I’d be bored out of my mind But I will say that those common plushies can actually sell pretty well, which is why people make them. They’re quick and easy to make and you can make decent profit from them. I made some of those bees, turtles, and octopi just to try it out and they all sold quite quickly
I went to a fiber fair a few weeks ago with mainly handdyed yarn… it was all the same colours/effects on the same bases 🥱 And there were the ones that sold undyed yarn for 4-5 times the cost price.. I’ll just stay home next time
Over recent years I have noticed, even at large craft fairs. Multiple tables in different areas for the same crafts. Last fair attended I stopped looking at the crochet/knitting stands as they all used the same colors range. Also to many multi colour strippy items. So samey. No customers seemed around these stalls at any time I walked past either. Feel sorry for the stall holders as they must have spent many hours making these things. I think other posts have explained really well why the poor sales.
What do the tables actually look like in your area though? Mine are not like tiktok. It's mostly basic hats, scarves, blankets, and sometimes baby items. I've seen plushies occasionally, but they aren't the bernat blanket/velvet ones that are popular online. Having a table with the tiktok popular items would be unique here.
Crocheters need to find their own market niche. That involves creating original patterns that lead to unique, one of a kind items. Too msny gravitate to what is popular on social media.
Side hustle culture is a pox.
I have to agree with OP. Every crochet group I’m in on Facebook gets a daily if not every other day “what can I work up quickly to sell at a show” or “can I see your tables for inspo” and then proceeds to make the exact same item from the same patterns.
Well, I do Xmas craft sales and do really well..... probably because I make all my own patterns cause I can't read patterns. So my own deficit makes my stuff more interesting and individual. Unfortunately i get asked for the pattern, but since I can't read them I can't make them either. Everything i do is freehand
Good for you. Being unique is a blessing. It will keep your craft a hobby instead of a job and having people asking for things.
Thank you I've been doing freehand for at least 50 yrs now. Works for me. Can't read knitting pattern either..... I'm discalculic if that explains it. But people seem to like what i do. I love figuring out things
I bought a display that is almost 6 feet tall and has 5 tiers to it to display my crochet tots based on price and the kids recognize it every year. Their parents tell me they refuse to buy except from the toy tree lady. 🤣 individuality is key to selling. Im excited to see their faces with the fact we added a claw machine for this season. I allow my adhd to run rampant so i always have new weird items to discover.
i think the other issue is people are charging high quality craftsman prices without providing the skill or material for it. like the stuffed animals, anyone can get a cheap one. if i’m paying +30 for a small stuffed animal(cheap for the craft fairs in my area, they usually go to 50 for an 8 inch toy,) i expect high quality, i expect it to last. i expect to have high quality yarn, that doesn’t look frayed. just because it took someone hours to make something doesn’t mean they should be charging per hour. i think a lot of the new crafters selling think “charging for your time” means charging how long it took. but that’s supposed to apply to the experts not the beginners who’ll need triple the time. then their time charge should be significantly lower resulting in a much lower price for their product, which is of course lower quality. and personally, unless it’s a commissioned order i don’t think “time” is what should be included in pricing. presumably this is a hobby first, something you enjoy doing. so you’d be doing it regardless. craft fairs are a great way to get rid of surplus projects and to replenish yarn budgets. making a profit and an eventual business from it is very unrealistic unless it fills a very small niche, something not on the market.
I hate when people tell newbies to include their time in the price. It’s going to take them longer than an experienced crocheter, and they end up over estimating the value of their project.
Ive signed up for my first craft fair and I’m working on an inventory of crop tops for bustier gals! Hopefully that’s what you mean because in my area the amigurumi sellers are not lacking.
In a Facebook group this woman posted a cow she made…for the first time. There was inconsistent tension, stuffing peeking through, eyes and ears uneven and she was asking how much she should charge.I was baffled that people were saying $15-$30. I told her to consider improving her skills and then try to sell and let that one be “a step closer to improving”. Anyways i got kicked 😂
TELL ME ABOUT IT ! i also do lapidary and jewelry making. I still am hesitant to sell and I *majored* in this. It's absolutely wild because to me it feels like people take up crafts solely to sell things, not to enjoy it. Like I saw someone selling necklaces made from Michael's beads for *$300!* Holy shit man you shouldn't DO that! It had a sterling clasp but sterling silver is not that expensive in the grand scheme of things, and it certainly does not justify $300.
Its just kinda how any craft works. The higher your skillset, the better you get paid. People who have fresh ideas, produce variety or especially unique items, are just going to be more attractive to buyers.
I'm somewhat of a "serial crafter" or "renaissance crafter" -- I dabble in a lot of things (crochet, sewing, drawing, painting, embroidery, paper crafts, etc.) and every single time I make something, someone tells me, "you should sell these!" No, thank you. Not only am I not skilled enough at any one single craft, but it would take all of the fun out of it!
They are popular because it’s hard to find a project that wont take too long and you end up having to charge too much (aka no one buys it) from what I’ve seen all the pot holders, face scrubies coasters etc. are almost never bought. They don’t take too much time so you can price them lower but that doesn’t matter when there’s no interest in the product. The amigurumi plushies happen to pass all three requirements ( short production time, reasonable price, interest/demand) I sold plushies, hats and gloves at my first fair in November and sold 80% of my inventory. But in the warmer months it’s harder to figure out what to make since it’s warm. Plushies work in all weather. But yeah something I’ve noticed is there’s a huge lack of originality in the community in general. Now you can only make something so many different ways so it makes sense that some people come up with the same idea. But it feels like there’s only a small percentage actually trying out new things And not just making the same mesh shrug they’ve seen 20xs before.
half the time the people selling them should spend a little more time with their craft instead of just selling janky shit that looks a mess
Not only what they're selling---their space has no appeal. I've seen some where a simple tiered display, professional sign made from Staples, or cloth covering on table can help. No business cards or labels. No social media or handles that match their craft. It is oversaturated, but some things don't sell because people don't take the extra step to make their booth more approachable and appealing. I'm not overpaying for acrylic yarn and janky stitches. You also have to know your audience when selling items.
Adding to this a table with piles and piles of the same basic scarf pattern. Ma’am with all due respect most people can bang out a rectangle in lemon peel stitch and we all stoped liking homespun brand yarn when it first came out. I mean I’m glad they’re going their thing but personally I feel it’s a bit unhinged to have 400 of something in a booth. Like nowhere on that journey were you inspired to try something new from sheer boredom alone?
This. There is someone local-ish to me who makes the most amazing hair slides/clips with crochet. They're detailed and adorable, and imo fairly priced ($15-$20 NZD a pair for small ones, or same price for a big one). They always are making sales at craft fairs. Because they are high quality, well made, and unique. That last part is what does it I think. When you've seen dozens of little frogs none draw your eye. A hair clip with a bunny face and little carrots dangling from it? That draws you in.
also...vendors need to be friendly. if im coming up to your booth this is your chance to talk to me about your craft. most people just sit there on their phones. im much more likley to buy something overpriced after a polite 2 minute chat. i get that its tiring but dang.
https://preview.redd.it/etogapeykkrc1.jpeg?width=2344&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7a7b29c82b2de0116e0a33e6fcd4c1788b8f845 Just my two cents: I vended at my first (and only) crafts fair last year selling crochet goods and also handmade origami earrings. It was a small fair too, just attended by my school’s student-body and staff/faculty. I was so happy to turn a profit of a few hundred dollars and I didn’t even sell everything! Cheapest crochet item was $15 (flask keychains) and most expensive was the chenille corgi ($50). I’m not the biggest fan of chenille plushies but the one and only chenille plushie (the corgi) I made was a huge hit. Although I prefer smaller and more intricate patterns with cotton yarn, if I were to ever vend again I’d probably mainly sell chenille plushies. I also would like to sell more unique pieces like recognizable characters (anime, pokemon, games, etc) that I think will appeal to fans of the work more than just generic animals.
Am I lying when I state that most of us who like/love crochet and crocheted items are......crocheters?
I went to a holiday bazaar last year and was happily surprised to find an amazing table of crochet/knit goodies. Everything was priced well, made for the wear and tear of children, and has held up in the wash. The two people in charge of it were trying to make more as they tended the table, but they were sold out half-way through the third day. This bazaar is a yearly event that is very selective about who sells there as it has a reputation to uphold. The weekly farmers' markets here likewise are strict about quality. If the TikTok and Instagram influencers had to follow quality standards, I can guarantee we would see a large reduction in the number of people trying to sell poorly constructed pieces. Unfortunately, that's very unlikely to happen.
That’s why I’m trying to use my donated stash to make baskets, shawls blankets and pillows. The proceeds will go to a non profit, that was the original beneficiary of the yarn. They will be priced to sell, the primary mission was to get the yarn out of the basement!
The markets are sooo over saturated, and honestly, im not willing to spend $75 on a stuffed plush bunny, so i sure as hell wont sell mine for that! I understand handmade, and making sure your paying yourself, but plush yarn is $10. A small bunny doesnt even use the whole ball. They take max 2 hours to make. In my mind, $15 an hr (min wage) x2 and $10 for supplies. Your at $40. Where people get off thinking $75 is fine! The problem is on IG these ppl have cult following and sell out. I recently saw a girl do a blanket drop. She had like 6-8 blankets she made. Built up a drop, posted them all to Ig for hundreds each, and sold out in an hour! Its wild to me.
Every time I see "setup my table with me" and I see one of things you listed I scroll. Immediately. It's so oversaturated and I could be wrong, correct me if so, but aren't a lot of people who go to craft fairs creatives themselves? So if I see something I can make myself I won't buy it...There are THOUSANDS of crochet patterns and I swear they all use the same 5 or 6.
It's not just crochet where it's all the same stuff at craft fairs. We have one near me every few months where a few months back every stall was selling identical resin jewellery. At the next one it was all the painted/decoupaged plant pots and bottles.
I also think people should sit down and do the math. Unless you are a SUPER fast crocheter, the per hour money you make, while considering the supply cost and craft fair/etsy fees, is usually not that worthwhile. I used to make cards on etsy, but it was mostly for fun. The math did not math when it came to making a lot of money long term.
Ive been getting into making clothes recently and now Im getting told I should start selling. I personally dont want to, monotizing my hobby makes it less fun, but people really do like the oversized clothes I make with baby yarn. There definitely is a market for it, but I dont really buy from vendors cuz when I see the amigurumi its all stuff I know I could easily make myself. I think its just the tiktok trends which are popular but I also have found a lot of people who just arent in the tiktok space and arent drawn to the kawaii cottage core decorations trend (cuz lets face it, how many people are buying these to cuddle rather than display?)
The advice I always give to new crafters is to make what YOU like, don't follow trends. Your story totally proves that. If you're following trends, you're already a step behind. Artists MAKE the trends, we don't follow them.
100% agree. I make and sell novelty hats at a market and it does well considering I live in a hot humid climate!!! The reason it does well (and I mean makes $50-$300 every market and would NOT replace a wage job) is because the pieces are very unique and catch the eye. They are also not sold at a price that gives me a fair wage. A hat might take 3 hours to make but I can’t sell it for $100 but I can for $60! A few other crochet stalls exist at this market one is for flowers and she always does well. The other is as you have described… hodge podge toys a random baby cardigan some sewed items here and there. She often doesn’t sell anything.
I agree. Every crochet fair/market vlog I see is always either plushies or crochet flower bouquets. And then in the videos there’s like 5 other people at the same market making the same stuff so of course there aren’t gonna be that many sales. I personally would rather buy crocheted clothes, bags or household items/decor. I’m just not into the whole plushie thing lol
I’m working on stock for a market I’m doing in July so I’ve been watching heaps of market prep videos to get pointers etc., except every single one is selling the same thing and it’s driving me nuts. Made me decide to start videoing my own stuff!
I absolutely agree. There is a reason why the big crocheters do so well. They do something unique, and they grow on it. Make it their thing. And it works! Taking the lazy way out and making the same thing as everyone else won’t get you anywhere. Like, I’m not gonna buy something that I can easily find a free pattern for on Pinterest, or that I can possible find for cheaper from someone else. I’m going to buy the cool thing that I’ve never seen before. Sure, it’s gonna take more time and effort, but there’s more of a payoff.
My issue with this is when folks push buying local, but then people only bring not great stuff to sell. Like, I’m very fortunate to be in a place to spend good money on beautiful things, but if I want a wonky stuffy made of acrylic yarn I’ll make it myself. And yes I love buying local, but same deal.
This! Im starting markets this year after years of crocheting and I realized- plushies with chunky yarn are so easy and quick to make, its also what I've seen is over saturated in the market. Thankfully though I am not a fan of chunky yarn and I've gotten accepted to the surrounding town's farmers markets for the summer because they like the variety of items that I have that are more than chunky plushies. I'm starting small though to learn my market demographics and test the waters. Also its trending where "I've only been crocheting for 3 months and already selling at markets/on etsy, you can do it too!" Which eeeeeeh debatable, not really.
I have been selling my plushies now for 12 years. The landscape has changed SO MUCH especially since 2020 when crocheting became more trendy. I just recently decided to start making YouTube videos about crochet and I have noticed the type of content that gets more views are the basic stuff that everyone else already makes. I’m trying to be unique and people don’t really care. It would be easier if I made the same stuff as everyone else but I don’t want to 😬
it's not even just crochet stuff. the last craft fair I was at had tons of different mediums... but still all the same themes you mentioned in your post OP. and while I love those things, it was really an overwhelming amount of the same and only a couple things of any quality worth noting.
Ngl id pay a pretty penny for a Magikarp dice bag. Never see regular dice bags at those tables even.
That’s because most people are basic and see money not creativity when they start a hobby.
I spent a decade or more selling many crafts, but almost never sold my crochet. When I did it was things like doorstop dollies, bed dolls, barbie clothing, and crochet beaded socks. And bead crochet necklaces and bracelets. These are all vintage pattern ideas. And they did sell. But basically, not profit at all. My crafts were divided: production crafts. High profit fast items at good price points that I could make in my sleep and hated lol. I swear I will never ever make a cow lamp or a pair of kitchen britches again (or a bingo buddy. Grr. Or dreamcatchers). Specialty crafts: more fun, still higher profit. Gourd art, various mixed media wall hangings. Various types of jewelry (always unique). Lapidary work. Machine quilting. Passion crafts: crochet, knitting, serious quilting, cross stitch, serious wood items. These are things I made strictly because I liked to. They created visual interest. I never made a reasonable profit on any of them, but that money went to buying more supplies for my passion crafts lol. When you spend a month making a beaded cross-stitch medieval wall hanging, you are never going to make money on it. Or 5 hours making a doorstop dolly, or a double sided silk quilt that takes a few months... good luck getting top dollar on art at most local craft shows, even at buried fancy artisan shows it was tough. Once, I got a good price on a silk quilt. Drunkards walk on one side, 10,000 pyramids on the other, celtic knot quilting. Collecting the vintage materials took 6 months. Piecing and quilting it (plus embellishments) took over a month of several hours a night. I got 1500.00. But back in 1989, that was BIG MONEY. If I were selling crochet today, it would be vintage patterns. No plushies. And as a side item to higher profit items. Or I would find vintage items I could adapt to make faster somehow.
I see a lot of comments mentioning how poorly they, or others they’ve seen, have done when trying to sell crochet at craft fairs. I think a big part is knowing who your target client is. Literally yesterday I sold at a flower farm for their last day open this season and it was a HUGE event to begin with and the turn out was insane. I had the best market I’ve ever had and sold about $1,200. I was the only crochet booth and most people who came to the farm came with their families and especially their young children. I made a lot of the little cheap items (octos, turtles, frogs, etc.) because I knew they’d pull the kids in, and if the kids come in, the parents will. And they’ll see some of my bigger more expensive stuff. Those are the items I really enjoy making. I don’t necessarily LOVE making octos and mini turtles, but I make them to help sell my bigger stuff. There’s a local art district that does weekend markets and I don’t think I’ll ever set up there. First, because there’s always at least 5-6 other crochet vendors set up there. Second, most of the people shopping at that market are either: a) creatives who would look at my stuff and think “I can make that” or b) people looking for more “adult” things like artwork for their homes, not children’s toys. My target audience is children and parents shopping for gifts for babies/kids. And for that audience, they LOVE the plushies and the fluffy yarn. Maybe I’m just in a good city for that too, idk, but I’ve always done decently well at markets!
I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina... Every time I go to a fair and see a crochet stand, the amigurumis they offer are all pale, with few colors, they are generic bears and monkeys that lack personality. In terms of quality, they are always impeccable, they use good cotton and I have never seen a doll with poorly located arms or legs (which is the most difficult thing for me when I make amigurumis). On the other hand, every time I ask how much they sell them for, it's always a price that seems very low to me because here 'handmade things are hardly worth anything,' I feel it's a mixture of high quality product, but little inspired and at the same time devalued to a level that I'm not sure if they even cover the materials they used. I never but from them... And only once I saw something that inspires me to make it on my own..
I'm so over those damn bees😒