6 Key Points to Sell Handmade Crochet

Crocheting is fun, relaxing, and you get to  make beautiful things with a hook and yarn. You post a picture online showing your friends and family what you just made (or learned to make!). 

Next thing you know, people are sending you messages asking you to sell them your creations. 

Why not? Some extra cash would be nice AND you get to do what you love.  Sounds about right?

Selling Crochet is a fun endeavor. You get to pick the patterns, yarn, price, and how much you want to sell. 

Since there are many people are selling on Etsy and Amazon....
In a highly-competitive environment, 

Let me just tell you a few things:

You are your work are highly valuable

You are meant to stand out for what you do

Don't settle for less

In order to sell your handmade crochet, YOU need to stand out within the crowd. There are THOUSANDS of pages where people just like you are posting their items, hoping to sell them.

Only SOME actually sell. 


The secret? 6 key points to Sell Handmade Crochet

Guide to Sell Handmade Crochet 

1. Pick a Niche -  Focus on ONLY one type of item or even ONE pattern. 

2. Take beautiful pictures -- see this post where I show you how to take the BEST pictures of your items. 

3. Choose KEY words used for your listings

4. Charge 2 times your cost

5. Choose pretty packaging

6. Pick a time of the month (or quarter) where you plan on shipping

How to Care for Crochet Dishcloths

Crochet Dishcloths are very easy to care for! I have been making my own crochet dishcloths for years now using my FREE Summer Breeze V-Stitch Pattern. 

This post is part of a series of post related to Crochet Dishcloths - Everything You Wanted to Know. 

First Post: 10 reasons to crochet dishcloths. 
Second Post: What type of yarn to use to crochet dishcloths? 
Third Post: FREE Dishcloth Patterns
Fourth Post: How to Care for Your Crochet Dishcloths? <--you are here! 
Fifth Post:  Guide to Sell Handmade Crochet 

How to Care for Crochet Dishcloths?

I use my Crochet Dishcloths to clean counters, dust, clean off the stove and then I just toss them in the washer. Just wash them with cold water in a gentle cycle and dry in the dryer. Then use them again! That's it! 

Why Crochet Dishcloths? 10 Reasons to Crochet Dishcloths

Crochet dishcloths is a classic crochet project, enjoyed by beginners or advanced crocheters. Often times, you may wonder why on earth bother making a crochet dishcloth? Well, let me tell you that there are actually quite a few good reasons why you would want to spend an afternoon crocheting dishcloths. People everywhere have memories of the crochet dishcloths they used to see at home on the counter; other perhaps even remember their own grandmothers crocheting when they could. Crochet dishcloths carry memories and love that is passed from generation to generation. 

One of my most popular FREE Crochet Pattern in this blog is my Summer Breeze Crochet Dishcloth that features the V-Stitch. You can can get the FREE pattern in the link. These dishcloths have been used for years in my home, the stitches have remained intact, and the bumps created from the V-Stitch help me clean my stove really well. 

This post contains affiliate links. 

Why Crochet Dishcloths?

It is a Frugal Option - Making your own dishcloths helps you save money in buying paper towels, which can get pricey and still ends up in the trash. Paper towels are constantly getting disposed. Therefore, invest in good yarn for dishcloths, set time aside to crochet some dishcloths, and you are all set!  Choosing an area of frugality, allows you to spend more in other areas. 

It is Environmentally Friendly - The use of crochet dishcloths guarantees that paper is not getting wasted. It is good for the environment when we help reduce paper waste.

It is Durable - Crochet dishcloths can be washed and used over and over. Pretty much everything made in crochet will last for years!!!

It is an opportunity to learn a New Crochet Stitch - When you make a new dishcloth, you can play around with new stitches by adjusting the number of multiples.  The best part is you get to complete a project without committing to making a huge project large blanket just to learn a new stitch. 

It is gratifying - Using crochet dishcloths is satisfying because you are using an item you made yourself to help you clean. It makes you proud of your skills!

It cleans really well - When you make a dishcloth, choose a stitch that has texture to it. Spray your favorite chemical-free cleaning product and then use your crochet dishcloth to wipe off the area. I recommend using stitches that create a bumpy surface, those are great to clean off food off counters and stoves. 

It allows you to color code the dishcloths - Make crochet dishcloths in different colors so that you can assign them to be used in different areas of your home. One color may be used in the kitchen only, another color may be used for windowsills only. Using a color coded system will also be helpful for washing. 

It  makes a Personal Gift - When you crochet a stack of crochet dishcloths for a friend or a Housewarming Gift, you are giving a very thoughtful and caring gift. 

It is memorable - The person who receives a crochet dishcloth will remember YOU for your thoughtfulness. In the same way, when you make a crochet dishcloth for yourself, YOU will remember where you were at the time you made it. 

It gives you time to relax - When we slow down and complete a project in the coziness of our home (or your favorite space), you are able to relax and connect better with everyone around you. After all, crochet does help reduce the stress hormone and helps you release happy hormones (serotonin) when you see you made something with your very own hands. 

Tips and Tricks for Crochet Amigurumi and Best Amigurumi Patterns

This post contains affiliate links. 


Amigurumi is any object that has been crocheted and stuffed. Some examples would be crochet food, crochet animals, crochet cactus. 

Amigurumi Basics

1. It uses a smaller hook to create a tighter stitch, so the stuffing stays inside. 
It is crochet in the round.
2. It uses increase and decrease stitches throughout the pattern to give desired shape.
3. All pieces/parts/limbs are crocheted separately and attached.

You can be as creative as you wish when making an amigurumi. You can add emotion to your shape adding eyes, cheeks, and more. 

Are you a visual learner, sign up for an online class through Craftsy to learn how to make an amigurumi.  Other classes available include How to Design Your Own Amigurumi Monster. 

I saw it on Craftsy Learn from the Best: Kristi designer of Crochet Owls on Craftsy

Some examples of amigurumi projects: 

What do you need to make an amigurumi?

Amigurumi Basic Supplies

• You will first need Basic Crochet Supplies, see this post to see them. 

Additional Supplies to Crochet Amigurumi


 


Add character to your amigurumi food and animals using safety eyes. Get even more creative using different eye colors!

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Create eye expressions using embroidery floss. Use your bent edge needle to weave in amigurumi.

 



Use the poly-stuffing to stuff amigurumi. It will make the new crochet toys extra squishy and soft.

Cotton Yarn

Related: Best places to purchase yarn online. 

 




Cotton yarn will be the softest and most durable yarn to use for making an amigurumi.

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Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns 

Use an amigurumi pattern to make a new project. Some FREE patterns from my blog:

Food Play - Butter Toast Amigurumi 

Food Play - Empanada Amigurumi

Paid Amigurumi patterns I have tried and loved:

Whale Amigurumi 
Pip the Hippo Lovey Amigurumi
Hot Cocoa Amigurumi

Amigurumi Pattern Books

 


Beautiful pattern collection of amigurumis!!!!! What will you make first?

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Have you made an amigurumi? 

What have you made? 

What amigurumi will you make?

Basic Crochet Supplies for the Beginner and Experienced Crocheter Everything You Need to Crochet

When you have decided to crochet, you will realize you actually need very few crochet supplies to make beautiful hats and scarves or crocheting garments.  Below I am sharing my favorite hooks, brands, and what I recommend using. 

I am only showing you products that I have used and have loved. This is my personal opinion on what I think are the best crochet supplies for someone who is a beginner in crochet or someone who is advanced in crochet. 

In a hurry --> Find this complete crochet kit here. 
This post contains affiliate links. 

See this post for What Do You Need to Crochet an Amigurumi?

10 CROCHET SUPPLIES FOR THE BEGINNER OR EXPERIENCED CROCHETER 

Crochet Hooks 

Crochet Hooks: I have used Boye Aluminum hooks for a long time. A J size Hook is a great place to start. A few months ago, though, I needed to get a G size hook for an amigurumi project which required a smaller hook. That is when I came across Clover’s Crochet hooks.  Oh my. My crocheting experience has been forever changed. 

Clover hooks are very comfy, soft, and easy to maneuver. 

See these projects where I have used a G crochet size hook. 

I have personally tried and used these crochet hooks for years. Boye and Clover hooks are excellent to crochet any project!!!!

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Stitch Markers will help you keep track of your first stitch and your last stitch. It is especially helpful when crocheting a hat in the round or when crocheting an amigurumi project or when you need to make a color change in a blanket.  This set of stitch markers will last you a long time, it is very durable. I still have my set and it has been well-loved!  


 
These crochet stitch markers are my favorite. I have used them in MANY projects.

The stitch markers do not break, stay on the stitch, do not come off. I can leave them on for weeks at a time on a stitch until I can get back to my project and the hooks are still there. I strongly recommend getting a set of this to keep!

You will also need a Tapestry Needle to weave in the loose ends from your project. This will be the yarn from every place where you cut it and will need weaved in.



   



The bent edge of this needle will help you weave in the ends of your yarn through your stitches at ease. It will work much better than a flat edge.

The best part about getting to crochet is choosing the yarn for your crochet project.  There are many places where to purchase yarn in craft stores and also online.

See this post: Best Places Where to Purchase Yarn Online 

My favorite yarns to crochet with have been Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft, I Love This Yarn, and Bernat.  Caron Cakes Yarn is also a very popular option, especially for making blankets. 


These yarns are very affordable, yield really great results. You can use them for all sorts of projects such as hats, scarves, blankets, amigurumi, dishcloths, etc.

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Crochet Patterns and Books will be very helpful to make new projects. Some of my favorite patterns online come from Etsy, Craftsy, Moogly, and Kim Guzman.

This post includes my Crochet Books. 

Sharp - Pointy Edge Scissors will be great to have. You will want one that you can easily take with you wherever you go. This one is a small size.

You will need a Pouch to keep your hooks and small things with you. How about a pouch like this one?


 
This pouches or pencil cases will be the right size to fit your crochet hooks, needle, and small supplies that you will need to keep with you while you crochet.

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Last but not least, you will need a Measuring Tape. It will be very useful to measure your gage to compare it with the pattern. This type of tape measurer will fit in your pencil bag.


 






Use the measuring tape to check your gage, to measure head sizes, or to measure the length of a desired project.

Last but not least a wooden crochet bowl has been amazing to have!!!!

 




This wooden yarn bowl is so functional. Set your yarn there, carry it with you. The yarn will stay in the bowl the entire time while you crochet your project until you run out. It looks very pretty, too.

Wooden Yarn Bowl

Daily Crochet Inspiration: Fusion Blanket

Waterproof Patio Furniture Covers for more information on furniture covers.

Use your fabric scraps or fat quarters, join them with crochet to turn them into a Fusion blanket, table runner, home decor.  Love the look! Use contrasting fabric and yarn color to create a new design like the photo above. 

All you need is one simple tool,  a crochet edge skip stitch blade. These 45 mm blades can be used with most cutters (Olfa, Clover, Dafa, Fiskar). The blade gives perfect spacing to create holes in the fabric that you will then use yarn to crochet around and join. 

Crochet Resolutions for Everyone who Crochets

This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to 2018! May this be your best year yet!   I am so excited about this new year with new crochet goals! Today I am sharing my list of 10 crochet resolutions that I have for the new year. This coming year, 2018, I am looking at my crochet with a bigger lens. I am looking at it with the perspective of advancing, improving, getting better, GROWING my skill.  

Recently I have been working on writing down my skills, talents, and also my passions. Crochet is at the top of my list because it is an enjoyable way to pass time at the end of the day that helps me wind down after all the daily-adventures in our home. I want to invest in crochet with quality time with specific goals that will help me GROW...

The following is the list of ways that I am looking forward to using to GROWING in my crochet. Let me know in the comments how you plan on growing in your crochet this next year. Or really, just what your goals are! 


Crochet Resolutions 2018: 

1. Strengthen your skills - This is at the top of the list. I am looking at growing and sometimes that growth means receiving education in an area that needs growth. A few years ago I took a Craftsy class, Beyond the Rectangle, and I honestly learned so much from it. I was able to watch it at my own pace! I have been able to apply what I learned through several of my projects not just by crocheting a sweater.  This coming year I want to take: Professional Finishing for Perfect Crochet and Crochet Cables. There are so many classes to choose from!!! I am looking at ones that will help me design, use more techniques that will eventually take my crochet to the next level! 

2. Build a Crochet library - There are several crochet books I have really, really enjoyed. Some have patterns that I would love to try. There are a lot of European crochet books that are just jaw-dropping inspiring. Here's a post with books on my wish list. Take a look. 


3.. Crochet a blanket for that special person - I have made baby blankets for my babies while I was pregnant with them. They have outgrown them now, yet they still hold a special place in their baby box. These serve me as beautiful priceless keepsakes! Now that they are getting bigger, they need a new blanket to grow with them. This year would be the perfect time to crochet each of them a blanket that they can grow into. 

4. Treat yourself to new yarn - never tried before: These are some of the yarns I have seen being used by other bloggers all over the world! They look amazing in all kinds of projects. 

•  Stylecraft Special DK, looks sooooo beautiful, soft, and comes in a variety of colors!!!! I am a big fan of The Patchwork Heart, Heather there uses this yarn which is how I came to know it. I would like to make a rainbow granny square blanket with this yarn that way I could really take advantage of all the colors available. 

• Rico Cotton DK, would be so nice to try out this cotton yarn as an alternative for Sugar n Cream. 

• Cashmere: Ah Cashmere, where do I start? Hmm. Probably the most important fact: SOFT, very, very soft. Ideal for shawls, scarfs, socks, sweaters. I would really, really love to get my hands into this! 

• Alpaca: Alpaca yarn are soft, can be found in fingering weight which make them ideal for crocheting socks, baby animals like amigurumis or baby sweaters. 

• To find new places to purchase yarn, check this post. 

5. It's a new year, go ahead and pick 3 of your WIP and finish them! You will be so glad you did! I have a couple of granny squares I made about 3 years ago with the intention of putting a baby blanket together. Well, when I was expecting during that time, I decided to make him a brand new blanket. So those squares are still in the drawer. I think it's time to put them to use and practice joining squares with different methods. 


6. Teach someone to crochet: I have been teaching my daughter and it has been so much fun! She really likes to make a long chain and comes up with several uses for them. Maybe there is someone in your family, at work, or at your church who would like to learn a new craft this year. Maybe they know something you would like to learn. How about you connect and learn something new together? This book has some really good pointers and pictures that could help you along the way as you teach a friend to crochet. 


7. Start a crochet-tea time club with your friends, at church, or family. Start a mom's or women's group in your local area and plan a time to get together with some appetizers and crochet time or knitting! It can be very easy to sit at home by yourself to crochet, but honestly, this is your time!!! GATHER, reach out, hang out and enjoy your craft together. 


8. Seasonal decor: This is something I actually started for Christmas 2016 that I plan on continuing in 2017. Recently, I made a pillow cover in Christmas colors to go along with our decorations. It is a quick project in which the cover can be easily switched out to reuse the cushion.  What I like about it is that it speaks home, warmth, love, and dedication. Only you know the amount of time and thought that goes into each crochet project, but getting to share it with our loved ones in our own home is an amazing feeling.

9. Invest in quality hooks: Your hands will thank you! Depending on the length of my project, I like to use Boye aluminum hooks carried at pretty much every craft store and grocery store. For amigurumi or any project where I need to use a G hook or smaller size, I prefer to use Clover Armour hooks since it has cushiony handle. That's my favorite for crocheting multiple rows of single crochet. For more information check my post on crochet essentials.

10.  Document your projects and progress: Really, take pictures of your projects as you go along and make up some collages with your pictures. It is so fun to see the progress made in your projects! Plan before and after photos. Take a picture of where you were crocheting, who you were crocheting with, take pictures of your crocheting group! Start an Instagram account or share in your favorite Facebook group. 

Have fun crocheting! Whichever goals you pick will be the ones that you will remember for years to come! 

Make 2018 a year of growth, development, of progress. 

Take your crochet to a new level this new year! 

What kind of crochet resolutions have you set for 2018? Let me know in the comments! 

Happy crocheting!

Fabi