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Time to read 3 min
Brand Authority Through Connection: A brand is built when customers choose your "style" of instruction over a generic tutorial, proving that personal connection is more valuable than being the most experienced person in the field.
Scaling Through Education: Moving from physical products to an online course allows a creative business to scale its impact and revenue without being limited by the number of hours spent physically crocheting.
The Service-Oriented Mindset: Successful teaching is rooted in the desire to simplify the "struggle" for others, transforming a complex hobby into an accessible skill for beginners.
In December 2023, I was at a local craft market in North Carolina, surrounded by my handmade amigurumi plushies, when something unexpected happened. Several customers stopped by my table, not just to buy a finished toy, but to ask a specific question: "Do you teach crochet?"
At the time, my answer was a quick no. I directed them to YouTube, assuming that was the only way to learn. But a month later, while delivering a custom order, that same question resurfaced. The customer told me something that stopped me in my tracks: "I want to learn from you because I love your specific style."
That was the moment I realized Simply Hooked was becoming more than a shop for handmade gifts. It was becoming a community. People weren’t just looking for random tutorials; they wanted to learn the craft through my perspective. This realization is what helped me unlock my potential and discover the true power of a brand.
Even with customers asking for my help, my initial reaction was fear. I worried that I wasn't the "most experienced" person in the room. Why would someone want to learn from me when there are thousands of free videos online?
In early 2024, while participating in a business coaching program, the instructor shared a perspective that shifted my energy. She explained that teaching isn't about being the world's leading expert; it’s about your ability to connect with beginners and break down complex steps into a clear, encouraging path.
I realized that my "Zone of Genius" wasn't just making the stitches—it was the ability to simplify the process for others. Teaching became an act of service rather than a test of my ego.
By June 2024, I decided to stop overthinking and start filming. I transformed a corner of my home into a recording studio and began building the curriculum for my very first online course. The process was intense but deeply fulfilling:
Curating the Curriculum: I broke down every motion, from the slipknot to the final weave-in, ensuring it was entirely beginner-friendly.
Filming Step-by-Step Tutorials: I focused on clear angles and slow movements so students could follow along without frustration.
The "All-in-One" Approach: I created a physical crochet starter kit to go along with the course, removing the guesswork of which hooks or yarns a beginner needs to buy.
User Testing: I tested the lessons with real beginners to ensure the instructions were "frustration-proof."
After eight weeks of focused work, Let’s Get Hooked: The Ultimate Beginner Crochet Course was born.
If you have ever wondered how to teach crochet, remember that your "style" is your greatest asset. You might think the market is saturated, but no one else has your specific way of explaining a stitch or your eye for color.
Stepping into the role of a teacher allowed me to scale my business beyond what my hands could physically produce in a day. It moved me from a "crochet seller" to a "crochet mentor." It is proof that your customers often see your potential before you do. When you listen to their needs, you can create something that changes their lives—and yours.
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.
Comments
Hi Marcy,
It has been over a year since I purchased your starter kit for $127. I guess I had better get going. How do I start. I’m 77 and need help with the computer. Thank you!
I received my starter kit for $127. Now how to I learn to crochet. I have never purchased anything like this and do not know how or where to start. Please help me.
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Simply Hooked Marcy replied:
Hi Leilani! I’m sorry for the confusion! The day you purchased the starter kit, you should have received an email from Teachable with access to the learn to crochet course, which coincides with the kit. I’ll follow up with you via email, too!
