Ok, so last time, I talked about starting a crafts business
as a part-timer, but this post I want to specialize a bit and talk about crochet
as a business. There is about 1 crocheter to
every 4 or 5 knitters out there, maybe even fewer. This is both good and bad – less competition
but less potential customers for crochet patterns. As for actual crocheted products, unless you come up with something small, easy to make, and marketable and can devote many hours a day to crocheting, it's going to be tough.
I'm not trying to discourage anyone, just inject a bit of reality and help you think through the possibilities. Here are some ways to explore
whether you are really ready to take the plunge!
1) Experiment -- read about and try as many different types of crochet as you
can. It will help you discover what you
like and don't like making. You can't do
everything, though it can be very tempting when you're starting out. Heck, you're willing to make just about
anything to get a sale or get some buzz, aren't you?! DON’T.
It is really not sustainable over the medium to long run, and you will
start hating what used to be a hobby that you loved. Don't let that happen.
2) Hone your skills – you need to be a really good crocheter in order to be able to grow beyond just making gifts for friends and family. You don't have to know every technique and stitch of crochet or how to make every type of item, but you need to be able to consistently produce professional looking products. Ways to test yourself and improve would be to check out Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today's Top Crocheters, a book that has a number of advanced techniques in it. Also, the CGOA offers a certification program that helps you build your knowledge and skills.
3) Specialize – now that you've probably eliminated some areas of crochet that are just not right for you, start perfecting what you do like making and start experimenting with that area. This will prepare you for the next step – designing your own crochet projects!
I am really looking forward to hearing about your journey!
2) Hone your skills – you need to be a really good crocheter in order to be able to grow beyond just making gifts for friends and family. You don't have to know every technique and stitch of crochet or how to make every type of item, but you need to be able to consistently produce professional looking products. Ways to test yourself and improve would be to check out Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today's Top Crocheters, a book that has a number of advanced techniques in it. Also, the CGOA offers a certification program that helps you build your knowledge and skills.
3) Specialize – now that you've probably eliminated some areas of crochet that are just not right for you, start perfecting what you do like making and start experimenting with that area. This will prepare you for the next step – designing your own crochet projects!
I am really looking forward to hearing about your journey!
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