What to Make Now for Fall & Christmas Craft Markets: Crochet Ideas to Sell
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Time to read 7 min
A complete guide to what crochet items actually sell at fall craft fairs and Christmas markets
Real-world inventory planning advice from a maker who’s sold out (and had to pivot fast)
Smart craft market strategies to boost sales without adding more work
Table of Contents
🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode Fall Market Best-Sellers 2. Fall Mug Cozies 3. Beanies and Ear Warmers 4. Scrunchies 5. Candy Corn Plushies 6. Pumpkin Coasters Christmas Crochet Ideas to Sell 1. Crochet Christmas Ornaments 2. Holiday Mug Cozies 3. Plush Snowmen 4. Handmade Keychains 5. Holiday Bundles
It’s fall, y’all, my absolute favorite time of year. Those crisp, cool mornings, trees dressed in vibrant reds and oranges, pumpkin spice coffee in my cup, Gamecock football on the weekends, and the warm glow of apple cinnamon candles filling the house. It’s cozy, inspiring, and filled with a sense of possibility.
And for makers like us, fall isn’t just about enjoying the season, it’s about craft markets. These community events are more than just shopping opportunities; they’re celebrations of creativity, connections, and the handmade spirit. Whether you’re new to selling your handmade creations or a seasoned market vendor, this time of year is your chance to shine.
Fall is cozy. Fall is giftable. Fall is when people crave items that make their homes feel warm and festive. If you want to sell out at your fall craft fairs, focus on products that embody that cozy, seasonal vibe while still being quick to make.
Fall marks the start of quarter 4, which means one thing: the holiday rush is coming. Christmas is right around the corner, and people are ready to shop for thoughtful, unique gifts. The question is—what should you make now to prepare your booth, keep your inventory full, and maximize your profits?
I learned this lesson the hard way at a Crafts & Drafts event a few years back. I sold out of 95% of my table in one day, which was incredible, until I realized I had another market just one week later. Panic set in, but I learned how to pivot. By focusing on small, quick-to-make projects that still looked beautiful when displayed in groups, I was able to restock quickly and keep my booth looking professional.
In this post, I’m sharing those hard-earned lessons with you:
- the best-selling handmade items for fall craft fairs and Christmas markets
- how to plan your inventory
- smart strategies to boost sales without adding stress
🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode
Fall Market Best-Sellers
If you take one thing away from this section, let it be this: stock up on chunky chenille yarn. It works up fast, feels luxurious, and creates that “squishy” factor shoppers can’t resist. Plushies, pumpkins, and accessories made with chenille yarn look boutique-quality without taking days to complete.
No fall market is complete without pumpkins. These little beauties fly off the table because they’re versatile decor, perfect for mantels, desks, classrooms, and centerpieces.
For small and quick pumpkins, here's a free pumpkin pattern from Sarah Maker to try. Here's another one from the Make & Do Crew. If you want a larger pumpkin, I offer this pattern here.
Tips for Success:
- Make multiples. Don’t just bring one pumpkin—bring at least 5 of each size or color.
- Stick to fall tones: classic orange, mustard yellow, cream, and rustic gold.
- Try variations: add cinnamon stick stems (bonus—they smell like fall!).
A basket of plush pumpkins creates a cohesive, inviting display that makes shoppers want to scoop up several.
2. Fall Mug Cozies
Pumpkin spice lattes practically are fall. Combine coffee with cozy, and you’ve got an instant best-seller. Crochet mug cozies in autumn shades like burnt orange, deep green, and cranberry red. Add embellishments like tiny crocheted pumpkins or leaves for a unique touch.
These sell well as gifts—teachers, coworkers, and neighbors all appreciate a cozy mug accessory.
3. Beanies and Ear Warmers
Cool mornings call for warm accessories. Chunky beanies made with thick yarn and topped with faux fur poms are boutique-quality items that shoppers will pay a premium for. If you own a circular knitting machine, you can whip up beanies in no time. Don’t forget headbands and ear warmers—these take less yarn, work up quickly, and offer a lower price point for buyers.
4. Scrunchies
The scrunchie craze is back in full force. With just a regular hair tie and some velvet or chenille yarn, you can crochet trendy scrunchies in minutes. Display them in a big basket for irresistible impulse buys. Offer bundle deals like “3 for $10” to increase your average order value.
Here's a free scrunchie pattern by CJ Design.
5. Candy Corn Plushies
These quirky, seasonal plushies are whimsical and fun. They’re easy to make, instantly recognizable, and add personality to your booth. Sell them individually or as sets of three.
Here's an adorable free candy corn pattern by Crochet365.
6. Pumpkin Coasters
Quick, giftable, and practical. Crochet sets of pumpkin coasters in orange, cream, and rust tones, then bundle them into packs of four with twine and a handmade tag. They’re perfect hostess gifts and mid-range priced items.
Here's a free pumpkin coaster pattern by Crochet365 to try!
FAQ
When should I start making inventory for Christmas craft markets?
Ideally, you should start making Christmas inventory in September or October. Waiting until November often leads to stress, rushed production, and missed sales opportunities. By starting early, you can build inventory gradually, focus on gift-ready items like ornaments, mug cozies, plush snowmen, and keychains, and enjoy the markets instead of scrambling to keep up.
How many of each crochet item should I bring to a craft market?
As a general rule, bring multiples of everything, especially your best-sellers. A full basket of pumpkins or scrunchies sells faster than a single item on display because shoppers are drawn to abundance. Aim for at least 5 of each color or style for popular items, and plan bundle pricing to encourage shoppers to buy more than one.ally for makers balancing family and work.
Do I need a website to start a crochet business?
You don’t need a website on day one, but having one early helps tremendously. Platforms like Etsy can be a great starting point, but a website allows you to build long-term traffic through blogging, SEO, and email marketing. A simple, well-organized site builds trust and gives you more control over your business growth.
Christmas Crochet Ideas to Sell
While fall markets keep you busy, don’t forget: November and December shoppers are Christmas gift shoppers. Your booth should be full of festive, gift-ready products. And the time to make them is now, September and October.
1. Crochet Christmas Ornaments
Handmade ornaments are timeless holiday treasures. Clear plastic ornaments crocheted with festive yarn are polished, lightweight, and affordable. If you wait until November to think about Christmas craft markets, you’ll be stressed and scrambling. Get ahead by building your stock now so you can enjoy the markets instead of panicking about production.
Pro tip: Display them on a rotating ornament stand—movement draws people to your booth. Stick to traditional colors (red, green, silver), but add trendy options like teal or champagne gold. I love this ornament pattern by Simply Made by Erin.
Price them at around $5 or $6 each, and they’ll sell in multiples.
2. Holiday Mug Cozies
Mug cozies don’t just shine in the fall—they’re stocking stuffer superstars. They’re inexpensive, quick to make, and perfect for teacher gifts, coworker gifts, and Secret Santa exchanges. Bundle them in sets for families and market them as “ready-to-gift.” If you have a 22-pin knitting machine, you can make these quicker!
3. Plush Snowmen
Snowmen are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Using chunky white chenille yarn, crochet simple plush snowmen, add scarves and hats, and weigh the bottoms with rice so they stand up. Tag them with cute phrases like “I love you snow much” for an extra smile. These make excellent table centerpieces and kid-friendly gifts. Here's a free snowman crochet pattern.
4. Handmade Keychains
Never underestimate the power of small impulse buys. Plush keychains—bees, animals, or mini Christmas-themed figures—make great add-ons at checkout. They’re affordable, lightweight, and easy for shoppers to grab “just one more thing.”
5. Holiday Bundles
Think strategically. Instead of selling everything individually, create bundle deals:
“1 for $6, 2 for $10” on small items like scrunchies or coasters.
“Mix & Match 3 for $15” for ornaments or keychains.
Bundles encourage larger purchases and raise your average order value without increasing your workload.
Smart Strategies to Sell More at Craft Markets
Making the right products is only half the battle, how you sell them is just as important.
Always Bring a Project
Crocheting at your booth is one of the best conversation starters. Shoppers love seeing you in action; it highlights the craftsmanship and love that goes into each piece. Plus, it allows you to replenish your table as items sell.
Display Multiples
A basket overflowing with pumpkins sells faster than one lonely pumpkin. Humans are visual shoppers—we’re drawn to abundance and variety. Always make multiples of your best-sellers.
Bundle for Bigger Sales
Offer deals on small items to encourage larger purchases. For example:
- Ornaments: $5 each or 3 for $12
- Scrunchies: $4 each or 3 for $10
These small tweaks add up to much higher revenue.
Don’t Forget Business Cards
Slip extra business cards into every bag. Shoppers may gift your items, and the recipient will want to know who made them. This simple step creates future repeat customers.
The Big Takeaway
If you want a stress-free, successful holiday selling season, here’s the secret: don’t wait until November. Start now. Focus on quick, cozy, giftable items like pumpkins, scrunchies, ornaments, mug cozies, and snowmen. Work in multiples, display with intention, and create bundle deals that raise your average sales.
Craft markets aren’t just about selling products—they’re about sharing your creativity, connecting with your community, and spreading joy through handmade gifts. So grab your chunky yarn, start stocking up your booth, and prepare to have your best fall and holiday market season yet.
Marcy Gardner
Hi! I'm Marcy, a crochet designer in North Carolina. I help crafters turn yarn into adorable keepsakes through beginner-friendly crochet patterns and plushie kits. I’ve been crocheting since 2012 and fell in love instantly! My work has been featured in Simply Crochet and Crochet World Magazines. I am the author of Crochet Snuggle Buddies, Hooked on Growth, and Do You Know Hank the Hippo? I also enjoying hosting Simply Hooked: A Crochet Podcast.
