🎙️ Listen to Episode 9 Here
Selling crochet at craft markets can be one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to share your creativity with the world. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to turn your passion for crochet into consistent profit. Whether you’re preparing for your very first market or you’ve already been vending for years, the strategies I’m about to share can help you maximize your success, connect with customers, and create a booth experience that keeps people coming back for more.
I’ve been selling at craft markets since 2015, and let me tell you—through plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. These are the five proven tips that have consistently helped me succeed at markets, sell more crochet products, and enjoy the process along the way.
1. 🏬 Choose the Right Market
Not all markets are created equal, and one of the biggest mistakes I see new crochet vendors make is signing up for every market they can find without first asking an important question: does this market attract the right audience for handmade crochet?
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.
● Farmer’s Markets often attract shoppers who are there for produce, fresh flowers, local honey, and food. While they may enjoy browsing craft stalls, crochet items aren’t always top of mind. Unless it’s a holiday-specific market in December (when people are actively shopping for gifts), crochet usually doesn’t perform strongly at farmer’s markets.
● Craft Markets are your sweet spot. Shoppers come specifically to find handmade goods and expect to spend money on them. They understand the time, effort, and creativity that goes into each piece, and they’re willing to pay for it. If you want your crochet items to be appreciated and purchased, craft markets are the goldmine.
Pro tip: Search local Facebook groups such as “Craft Vendors in [Your State]” to see what other vendors recommend. Experienced makers often share upcoming market opportunities and give honest feedback about which ones are worth it.
2. 🎪 Create an Inviting Booth Setup
The first thing customers notice isn’t your crochet products—it’s your booth. A clean, inviting, and professional setup can make all the difference between people passing by or stopping to shop.
Here’s what I’ve found works best:
● Use vertical displays. Shoppers are used to browsing at eye level. Shelving units, wire grid panels, pegboards, or spinning racks make your booth look professional and help highlight your products. For smaller amigurumi plushies, baskets or crates work well—but don’t just set them on the ground. Elevate them to eye level to increase sales.
● Choose a white canopy tent. Many markets require white tents, and even when they don’t, white looks bright, clean, and professional. Add pops of color with tablecloths, banners, and signage that match your brand.
● Plan table placement strategically. A booth layout that allows easy browsing keeps customers engaged. My go-to is one 8-foot table in front with two 4-foot tables behind it forming a U-shape. Place your most eye-catching items at the front to draw people in.
● Think like a shopper. Ask yourself: is it easy for someone to pick up, touch, and examine my products? Does the booth feel welcoming, or cluttered and overwhelming? Small changes in display can have a big impact.
3. 🧸 Sell the Right Crochet Products
Not all crochet items sell equally well at markets. Over the years, I’ve discovered which products consistently sell out and which ones struggle to move. The key is to focus on items that are fun, giftable, and affordable.
Here are my proven best-sellers:
● Jellyfish (or “octopus” as customers call them). This is my number one best-seller at almost every market. They’re playful, colorful, and people can’t resist them.
● Pet Fish in a Bowl. A crocheted fish inside a small craft bowl with gravel and faux seaweed. Customers are obsessed with these because they’re quirky, unique, and make great gifts.
● Mini Crochet Cactus in Clay Pots. Perfect for plant lovers who can’t keep real plants alive. These always get attention and laughs.
● Zero-Calorie Donuts. Labeling crochet donuts this way makes people smile and they’re great impulse buys.
● Cows. For reasons I can’t fully explain, crochet cows are always popular. People collect cow-themed items, and I’ve never left a market without selling out of them.
And don’t forget seasonal crochet patterns:
● Fall: small pumpkins, plush scarecrows, and autumn-themed amigurumi.
● Christmas: crochet ornaments, holiday plushies, and especially mug cozies.
Pro tip: At Christmas markets, mug cozies sell like crazy. I make mine using a circular knitting machine for the base and crochet the bottom coaster. These are fast to make, affordable, and perfect for gifting.
4. 💵 Offer a Wide Price Range
Craft market customers come with different budgets, so it’s important to offer a mix of price points. Most people spend $25 or less, but having mid-range and premium pieces can help maximize your revenue.
Here’s how I break down my pricing:
● Low-cost impulse buys ($10–$20): keychains, ornaments, small plushies, donuts, and mini cactus. These are the easiest sellers because they’re affordable and giftable.
● Mid-range best-sellers ($25–$50): mug cozies, medium-sized plushies, and decorative pieces. These hit the sweet spot for most shoppers.
● Premium pieces ($75–$100): large amigurumi, lovey blankets, or detailed handmade plushies. While fewer people buy at this tier, the higher price point can significantly increase your total revenue.
Pro tip: Always accept credit and debit card payments. Around 80% of my customers pay by card. Using a Square reader, Venmo, or PayPal QR code ensures you never miss a sale because someone doesn’t have cash.
5. 👋 Engage Customers and Demonstrate Your Craft
Markets aren’t just about selling—they’re about creating an experience. When people shop at craft fairs, they want to connect with the maker as much as the product. A little bit of engagement goes a long way.
Here’s what has worked best for me:
● Greet everyone warmly as they pass by. Even if they don’t buy, they’ll remember your friendliness.
● Work on a small crochet project at your booth. Customers are fascinated when they see the craft in action, and it often sparks conversations that lead to sales.
● Have business cards with a QR code that links to your Etsy shop or website. Many shoppers might not buy immediately but will look you up later.
One of my favorite parts about markets is when people stop and say, “Wow, you’re making one right now!” That simple interaction often leads to them buying the exact item I’m working on.
🎨 Additional Tips for Selling Crochet at Craft Fairs
To really elevate your success, keep these extra tips in mind:
● Plan for the weather. Outdoor markets can be unpredictable. Pack weights for your tent, bring a fan for summer, or blankets and warm drinks for winter markets.
● Stay organized. Bring extra change, bags for purchases, and backup supplies like yarn, hooks, and scissors.
● Track your inventory. Knowing what sells best helps you prepare smarter for the next market. Keep notes on quantities sold and which products attracted the most attention.
● Brand your booth. Consistent colors, fonts, and signage make your booth recognizable and memorable.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
● What are the best crochet items to sell at craft fairs? My top sellers have been jellyfish plushies, crochet fish in a bowl, mini cactus, donuts, and cows. Seasonal items like pumpkins and mug cozies also do very well.
● How do I price crochet items for craft markets? Offer a range of prices: $10–$20 for small items, $25–$50 for mid-range, and $75+ for premium pieces.
● How do I find good craft markets to sell at? Search local Facebook vendor groups, check community event boards, and ask other vendors which markets are worth attending.
● Do I need a business license to sell crochet at markets? Requirements vary by state and market. Some only require a vendor fee, while others need a local permit. Always check with organizers ahead of time.
📥 Final Thoughts: Turning Crochet Into Profit at Craft Markets
Selling crochet at craft markets isn’t just about making money—it’s about connecting with people who truly value handmade items. With the right market, the right booth setup, the right products, and the right mindset, your crochet can go from a hobby to a profitable business.
Remember these five proven tips: choose the right market, create an inviting booth, sell the right products, offer a range of price points, and engage with your customers. Do this consistently, and you’ll not only make sales—you’ll build a loyal community of shoppers who can’t wait to see you at the next market.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, don’t forget to 🎙️ listen to Episode 9 of my podcast where I share more stories and lessons from my years of selling at craft fairs.
About the Designer
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
