How To Make Money as a Crafter

Do you want to learn how to make money as a crafter?

More and more people want handmade and personalized items – like me!

People like unique, handmade items instead of mass-produced goods, so if you have a crafty hobby, you may be able to turn it into a side hustle to make extra money or even a small business.

If you’re looking for a list of craft ideas, you can read the post 14 Best Crafting Hobbies That Make Money. But this article is all about the different ways to earn income from the craft you already love.

This is a guide to the different ways you can make money as a crafter – like selling your handmade items, teaching classes, starting a craft blog or YouTube channel, creating printables, using print-on-demand, and more.

If you already have a craft you enjoy, this article will help you understand the best ways to turn that craft into a side hustle because there are more ways to make money as a crafter than just making the crafts!

Recommended reading: 12 Best Places To Sell Crafts and Handmade Goods

Best Ways To Make Money Selling Crafts

Below are the top ways to make money selling crafts.

1. Sell your handmade crafts

To start this article off, of course, one of the main ways that you can make money crafting is by selling the crafts that you make!

Selling your handmade crafts is a great way to make money and get paid doing something you enjoy. There’s a long list of crafts you can make and sell, including:

• Jewelry
• Candles
• Soaps
• Upcycled furniture
• Greeting cards
• Photography
• Stickers
• Wedding accessories
• Printables
• Macramé
• Embroidered goods

You can sell these items at farmers markets, craft fairs, art festivals, antique markets, coffee shops, Etsy and other online marketplaces (like Whatnot), local small businesses (such as an art gallery co-op or a gift shop), eBay, Instagram, and so much more.

Recommended reading: 16 Best Things To Sell on Etsy To Make Money

2. Start a craft blog or YouTube channel 

Besides selling crafts in person or online, you can also start a craft blog or YouTube channel showing people how to make different things. This has become really popular as people are trying to get creative and learn how to make things themselves.

You can share tutorials, DIY projects, and step-by-step guides on a blog or in YouTube videos. You can even review craft supplies, tools, and materials, which is really helpful for people who want to make sure they’re buying a good product before they purchase anything. 

Your blog or YouTube channel can be monetized through ads, affiliate links, sponsorships, or even by selling your own products.

Besides a blog or YouTube channel, you can repurpose your content across platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram.

You can learn how to start a craft blog with a popular free blog course by clicking here.

3. Teach classes related to your craft

Another fun way to make money with crafts is by teaching others how to make something new. You can teach classes in person, like at a knitting store or art gallery co-op, or via online workshops like Skillshare or Teachable. 

I have a family member who is a knitting instructor, and she really enjoys it. I have also taken classes over the years as a student, and they are really fun!

Teaching how to make crafts also puts you in the position of an expert in your craft, which can help to increase sales and reach more customers if you sell your handmade goods. You can also create tutorials, patterns, and templates for students to purchase, and even sell one-on-one coaching or private lessons for personalized instruction.

4. Sell craft supplies, kits, or subscription boxes

Selling craft supplies, kits, or subscription boxes is a great way to make money selling crafts.

People love having an all-in-one starter kit where they have everything they need to make something right away. I’ve personally bought many craft kits because I love trying new things and love the convenience of having everything I need. 

You can sell DIY candle kits, embroidery starter packs, resin art sets, homeschool craft kits, knitting kits, and so much more. The starter packs should include all the necessary materials, instructions, and tutorials or online guides if possible. You may also want to try selling personalized or themed kits for the holidays and birthdays.

Here are examples for you to look at:

5. Sell patterns (like knit patterns)

The huge benefit of patterns is that once they are created, they can sell repeatedly with no extra work, which means passive income for you. You can even sell pattern bundles or collections to increase profit and sell more items.

You’ll want to include instructions, photos, and tips to help make the pattern as user-friendly as possible, as this will help you get repeat customers, positive reviews, and feedback.

And, a way to get more sales is to encourage customers to share their completed projects online (such as on Instagram or Facebook) because this is free marketing for you.

6. Sell your art with print on demand (POD)

If you’re an artist, you can turn your artwork or designs into products like shirts, mugs, or tote bags. You can use print-on-demand platforms like Printify, Redbubble, Society6, or Teespring.

This allows you to sell your art without having to handle production and fulfillment, but you make less money. This also allows you to reach a global audience with lower upfront costs. In a way, this can act as a passive income stream since once the designs are uploaded, you can sell items repeatedly.

You can also make the products yourself with a Cricut at home and potentially earn more money since you’re making the products yourself. Your items can be sold in person at markets, local small businesses, or online on Etsy and other online handmade stores. 

I recommend reading this really helpful article – How I Made $7,500 Each Month With Print-On-Demand.

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Want to learn how to make money selling print-on-demand products on Etsy? Check out this free workshop and learn how Emily made $500,000 in just two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions about making money selling crafts.

What homemade crafts sell well? What are the most profitable crafts to sell?

Handmade crafts that can sell well include candles, handmade jewelry, soaps and bath bombs, stickers and vinyl decals, stationery, greeting cards, crochet or knitted items, wall art, resin crafts, tumblers or mugs, and personalized gifts like name signs, ornaments, or pet tags. 

Handmade items that are the most profitable include items like upcycled furniture, skincare products, custom wedding decor and favors, handmade jewelry using premium products like sterling silver or gemstones, personalized embroidery or leather goods, and craft kits or DIY subscription boxes. 

How much can you realistically make as a crafter?

This really varies based on what type of craft you’re selling and how much time you’re putting into marketing the product. Hobby crafters can make a few extra hundred dollars a month by selling part-time online or at local markets.

Small craft businesses can earn $1,000 to $5,000 a month with strong branding and marketing, repeat customers, and multiple income streams (like affiliate income, digital downloads, or workshops). Profit margins depend on material costs, time investment, and whether the product is a physical, handmade product or a digital item. 

Can I legally sell my handmade products without an LLC?

Many small crafters start as sole proprietors, which doesn’t require formal registration. However, it’s still very important that you report income and pay taxes on your earnings. Keep in mind that some states or cities require a business license, seller’s permit, or sales tax permit, so it’s important to check your local rules and also to contact local professional help if you have questions.

Can I sell my crafts on Amazon?

Surprisingly, yes, you can actually sell your handmade crafts on Amazon Handmade, a special section just for handmade items. You’ll need to apply and be approved to join the program, and Amazon will verify that your products are handmade. Amazon does take a fee for selling through them.

What’s the best way to market my craft business idea?

You can grow your craft business idea in many ways, such as by being active on social media and posting a behind-the-scenes look at how you create your items, so people can see firsthand that the items you sell are handmade. Also, having a website for your craft business idea is something I recommend because you control it (unlike with social media algorithms – don’t get me wrong, I still think you should have social media too, but a website is also a must!), along with an email list. Don’t forget to tell your story – people love buying from crafters who have a passion and share the purpose behind their craft. 

How To Make Money Selling Crafts – Summary 

I hope you enjoyed my article on how to make money with a craft business idea.

As you can see, there are many ways to make money selling crafts.

The key to making yourself stand out is with creative marketing (people love behind-the-scenes videos and pictures these days), growing a loyal audience, and getting to know what your customers love most about you. 

What craft do you want to start selling?

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