14 Ways to Make Money Knitting

Knitting has long lived in the space between hobby and profession. Many knitters quietly wonder whether their skills could generate income—while also worrying that monetizing their craft might ruin the joy of it.

The truth is this: making money from knitting doesn’t require mass production, exhaustion, or selling out. There are many ways to earn from knitting that honor slow crafting, quality, and sustainability.

Here are 10 realistic, flexible ways to make money knitting, whether you want supplemental income or a more intentional creative business.

1. Sell Finished Knitted Items (Small Batch)

Hand-knit goods hold value precisely because they are slow and human-made. Rather than trying to compete with mass-produced items, focus on small-batch, high-quality pieces such as:

• Shawls, wraps, and scarves

• Market totes and bags

• Baby blankets or heirloom gifts

Fewer items, priced well, is far more sustainable than volume production.

And don't forget - machine knitting is allowed! When I owned a bricks and mortar yarn store, I built a healthy machine made-to-order babies and children's knitted clothing line and a made to order hand knitted new baby gifts.

2. Design and Sell Knitting Patterns

Patterns allow you to earn without knitting every item yourself. A well-written pattern can generate income repeatedly and works especially well for knitters who enjoy structure and teaching.

Patterns can be:

• Sold digitally on Etsy

• Updated over time

• Scaled without additional physical labor

This is one of the most sustainable income streams for knitters. This is how I started off when my son was young. Combined my knitting skills and business marketing experience.

3. Offer Made-to-Order or Custom Work

Custom knitting allows you to:

• Knit with purpose

• Avoid inventory buildup

• Charge appropriately for time and materials

Clear boundaries are key: set timelines, limits, and pricing that respect your pace.

4. Teach Knitting or Crochet Classes

Teaching turns your experience into value. Options include:

• In-person workshops

• Private lessons

• Community or wellness-based classes

You don’t need to be an expert in everything—just a confident guide a few steps ahead.

5. Create Knitting Kits

Kits combine materials, instructions, and intention. They’re especially appealing to beginners or gift buyers.

A simple kit might include:

• Yarn

• Pattern or instructions

• Needles or hook

• A short guide or mindfulness prompt

Kits increase perceived value while reducing the need for finished inventory.

6. License Your Designs

Licensing allows others to sell your designs while you earn a fee or royalty. This can work well for:

• Pattern designers

• Unique stitch patterns

• Signature items

It’s a quieter income stream—but one that supports long-term sustainability.

7. Sell Knitting-Related Digital Products

Digital products expand beyond patterns and may include:

• Knitting planners

• Row trackers

• Care guides

• Mindful crafting journals

These products support knitters while creating income that doesn’t depend on physical output.

8. Build a Membership or Community

Many knitters value connection as much as instruction. A paid membership can include:

• Monthly patterns or prompts

• Group knitting sessions

• Business or wellness support

This model prioritizes recurring income over constant selling.

9. Monetize Your Knowledge Through Content

If you enjoy writing, teaching, or sharing insights, content can become an income stream:

• Blogs

• Newsletters

• Podcasts

• Educational series

Over time, content builds trust—and trust creates opportunity.

10. Combine Knitting With Wellness or Lifestyle Offerings

Knitting intersects beautifully with:

• Stress reduction

• Analog living

• Mindfulness

• Slow living

Classes, workshops, or products that highlight these benefits often attract buyers who value experience and intention, not just the object.

11. Hand-Dye Yarn

Yarn dyeing pairs beautifully with slow crafting and sustainability when done intentionally.

Why it works:

• High perceived value

• Small-batch production

• Creative expression without knitting every item

Hand-dyed yarn supports both makers and knitters, and can be sold alone or paired with patterns and kits.

12. Sell Knitting & Crochet Notions

Notions are practical, giftable, and don’t require constant making once sourced or designed.

Examples include:

• Stitch markers

• Knitting needles

• Crochet hooks

• Bag-making tools

• Project bags and organizers

Notions complement knitted goods and patterns while creating steady, scalable income.

13. Bricks and Mortar Yarn Store Experience

Local yarn stores are community hubs and powerful partners. Start small and build from scratch or buy an existing one with a customer base and build from there.

Opportunities include:

• Teaching in-store classes

• Hosting trunk shows

• Offering exclusive kits or yarns

• Collaborating on events

These experiences deepen relationships and increase visibility without relying on online algorithms.

14. Create a Podcast or Audio Content

A podcast builds authority, community, and long-term opportunity:

• Interviews with knitters and artisans

• Slow living conversations

• Business or wellness topics

Podcasts can later support:

• Sponsorships

• Memberships

• Courses

• Product sales

You don’t need a massive audience—just the right one.Giving Yourself Permission to Profit

You are allowed to make money knitting.

You are allowed to price for:

• Time

• Skill

• Materials

• Wear on the body

Profit does not diminish the meaning of handmade work. In many cases, it protects it—by allowing you to work less, rest more, and choose quality over urgency.

The Sustainable Path Forward

Not every knitter needs—or wants—a full-time business. Sustainable income can be:

• Supplemental

• Seasonal

• Flexible

• Quiet

The best knitting income model is the one that fits your body, your life, and your values.

Knitting has always been productive.We’re simply allowed to acknowledge it now.

Article by Karen Bennett

Hop on over to "The Profitable Stitch"

To learn the "how to" for any of these types of ideas, follow and join me at "The Profitable Stitch" Patreon hub where I provide free live and digital classes, courses and an affordable monthly membership for people wanting to build a sustainable life and income with slow crafting.