Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Let’s get real – you’re sitting there with your needles, creating amazing stuff, and thinking:
“Can I actually make money from these patterns I keep creating?”
“Is the online knitting market too saturated?”
“Do I need to be some kind of tech wizard to sell patterns online?”
Here’s the truth: The global knitting market hit $3.8 billion in 2023, with digital pattern sales growing at 12% annually.
Why Selling Knitting Patterns Makes Sense Right Now
The math is simple: Create once, sell infinitely.
No inventory.
No shipping headaches.
Zero overhead except your time.
The Exact Process to Get Started
1. Pattern Creation Basics
First things first – your pattern needs to be bulletproof.
What makes a pattern sell:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- High-quality photos (minimum 5-7 angles)
- Size variations
- Skill level indicators
- Materials list with alternatives
2. Setting Up Your Digital Shop
Two main routes:
Option A: Established Marketplaces
- Ravelry (18 million members as of 2024)
- Etsy
- LoveCrafts
Option B: Your Own Website
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Square
3. Pricing Strategy That Actually Works
Here’s the framework:
Basic patterns: $5-8
Complex designs: $8-15
Collections: $20-30
Pro tip: Launch with 3 price points. Let the market tell you what works.
Making Your Patterns Stand Out
Photography
The brutal truth – your phone camera is enough.
Must-have shots:
- Final product (multiple angles)
- Detail close-ups
- In-progress steps for complex parts
- Lifestyle shot (product in use)
Pattern Testing
This is non-negotiable.
Get 3-5 testers for each pattern:
- Different skill levels
- Various geographic locations
- Different yarn substitutions
Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Sleazy
Platform Building
Pick ONE:
- Instagram (focus on Reels)
- YouTube (tutorial snippets)
- TikTok (behind-the-scenes content)
Don’t spread yourself thin across all platforms.
Email List Building
Start day one.
Offer a free simple pattern in exchange for emails.
Email sequence:
- Welcome + delivery
- Pattern tips
- Behind-the-scenes
- New release announcements
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t:
- Underprice your work
- Skip pattern testing
- Use poor quality photos
- Ignore customer questions
- Copy other designers
Scaling Beyond Single Patterns
Think ecosystem:
- Pattern Bundles
- Video Tutorials
- Monthly Subscriptions
- Custom Pattern Services
The Money Part
Let’s talk numbers:
Average pattern seller income breakdown:
- 100 patterns × $8 average price
- 20 sales per pattern monthly
- $16,000 monthly potential
Reality check: These numbers take time and consistent work.
Tech Tools You Actually Need
Keep it simple:
Must-Have:
- Pattern writing software (Stitchmastery or Excel)
- Basic photo editing (Canva is enough)
- PDF creator
- Payment processor
Nice-to-Have:
- Email marketing tool
- Social media scheduler
- Analytics tracker
Getting Your First 100 Sales
The framework:
- Release 5 solid patterns
- Build email list with 1 free pattern
- Engage in 2-3 knitting communities
- Post consistently on ONE social platform
- Ask for reviews relentlessly
Final Thoughts
The pattern market isn’t saturated – it’s just waiting for better patterns.
Start small.
Focus on quality.
Build relationships.
The rest follows.
Remember: Every successful pattern seller started with zero sales and zero followers.
The only difference? They started.