How to Start a Knitting Craft Business

When you are passionate about a hobby, it makes perfect sense that you would consider turning it into a business. Zen Yarn Garden began as the result of our passion for yarn and textile crafts, so we get it. If you have been dreaming of playing in yarn all day and knitting for hours on end, it may be time for you to turn your knitting passion into a lucrative craft business. 

Tips for Starting a Knitting Related Business

It may seem whimsical to focus on knitting all day long, but the objective of any business is to make sure that you can profit. If you currently knit at your leisure to relieve stress, starting a profitable knitting business may require you to shift your mindset a bit. Here are some ways to get started.

Specialize in a Couple Patterns

Knitting the same or similar patterns over and over will speed up your knitting and and make it easier to create inventory. A great example of a profitable business that focuses on variations of one or two products is Hand Knit Hugs on Etsy. Their knitted baby and toddler hats and slippers are adorable. From a hamburger hat to an acorn beanie and a large variety of baby slippers, they are able to keep inventory replenished with simple patterns. 

Sell Knitting Patterns

Do you love designing new knitting patterns? Offering knitting patterns for sale can be a lucrative, hands-off business. Convert your knitting pattern into a pdf, provide a few photos of the finished product and create a digital printable online business. Once the patterns are uploaded, the digital files sell over and over generating a fairly passive income. 

Package Knitting Kits

Not all knitters enjoy the process of selecting a pattern and then choosing the appropriate yarn for the project. Many knitters want to pick out a project and have the kit packaged for them so that they can dive right in and start knitting. Zen Yarn Garden is very successful selling knitting kits. 

Create a Knitting Subscription Box

Many knitters average one project per month, which is why subscription boxes have become so popular. Everyone loves a surprise that shows up at your door each month. Knitting subscription boxes also force us outside of our comfort zones and encourage us to knit different projects with different yarns that we may not otherwise have chosen for ourselves. Creating a subscription knitting box could be the beginning of a fun and profitable knitting business. 

Tips for Standing Out from the Competition

There will always be competition. The key to standing out in the crowd is to let your individuality shine through. Here are a few ways to differentiate yourself:

• Use natural dyes and organic fibers.
• Partner with local or specialty yarn suppliers.
• Offer products for different skill levels.
• Create unique and custom knitting patterns.
• Be yourself!

Now you are ready to create a business plan and create the knitting business of your dreams.