How do you start to sell knitting patterns?

Like with any market, you need to know and understand what your audience wants.  If you have a book of techniques you want to share, you can do so by publishing the book in a hard copy or by turning it into a digital copy and selling it as a PDF on your own website.  The same applies when you sell crochet and knitting patterns.  You can send your customers a hard copy including a picture of the finished product or offer it as a download online.

It’s a good idea to poll the other knitters and crocheters in your circle to find out what they are looking for.  Are they advanced in this craft or beginners?  Are your patterns currently in style?  These things need to be considered when you decide to sell knitting patterns.  Consider starting off by offering to sell crochet and knitting books that cover the basics of each craft, easy stitches that move into more difficult ones, how to solve common problems, and everything else the new crafter needs to know.  Look into niche markets, such as how to knit or crochet if you’re left handed.  These types of books will sell well.

I want to sell knitting patterns I have created.  How do I protect them?

If you create your own patterns – whether knitting or crocheting – type the pattern out on your computer and save it in a PDF file so that you can sell them on your website.  A PDF file is not easy to change or modify, which is why we suggest using this format for your patterns.  Since these are all original works, you should have them copyrighted before you post them on your websites.  There are two ways you can do this.

The first way to copyright your pattern is by simply adding ‘Copyright [your name, year]’ to the pattern.  This tells everyone that you created this pattern and you own the rights to it.  If you add the term ‘All rights reserved’ to your pattern then it can only be used for personal use and cannot be shared.  However, if you want others to share your pattern – such as in a knitter’s group – then you can use what is called ‘Creative Commons’ copyright.  This is a copyright that is not as restrictive as others and it allows people to share your patterns and get your name out there.  You can sell knitting patterns under this, earn money for your unique design, and get your name known among the crafters.

Where do I sell crochet and knitting patterns?

You can sell crochet and knitting patterns on your own website individually or you can self-publish an e-book of multiple patterns through a self-publishing website.  Either way offers you the advantage of retaining all creative control over your patterns and how they are presented and ultimately printed if that is your desire.

One option you have when you sell knitting patterns on your website is that you can offer a knitting pattern sale to your customers, or a crochet pattern sale.  If you have a bunch of new patterns you would like to launch, you can offer a pattern sale to get the old patterns out of stock and off your website.  Quite often crafters look for these types of sales and jump on them, especially if you say you will discontinue offering the pattern.

Finally, you do have the option of selling your patterns on a website that specifically is designed for this instead of creating your own.  There are many pattern sellers who are looking for new designs to share with other crafters.  You may need to pay a nominal fee to list your pattern and you may get paid a commission or most of the selling price depending on the pattern seller’s rules.  This is another way to get your name known in the industry and get your patterns sold.

I have my site and I am ready to sell knitting patterns.  How do customers pay for it?

You want to give your customers every chance possible to purchase knitting patterns from your website.  In order to help them you can use a payment platform and gateway such as PayLoadz.  It will allow them to pay for the knitting patterns and download them to their computer as well as providing you with an e-store to sell knitting patterns.