Boy, did this video resonate with me! I finally learned to just say no. I make something because I want to. That includes people I love, and people I love! lol 🥰
I would take a small project to crochet on on my lunch break. People would ask what I was working or say it looked nice. Once I was putting finishing touches on a doll and coworker from another department asked if I would make three dolls, one for each of her granddaughters. Three dolls, each wearing a dress and an extra dress for each. That she had all the yarn I could ever need to make them and the dresses. That she would supply all the yarn and used to crochet and knew what all went into crocheting something and I would be well paid for making them. I agreed to make them. She never brought me the yarn and I forgot all about making them. Till a month later when we happened to bump into each other at work. She asked if I had gotten the yarn yet and was making the dolls. I was taken a back and said not yet, while thinking that's not what I agreed to. Then smiling she said I'm still providing the yarn to make their clothes. I walked away and returned to work in my department. She changed the agreement and had me wondering what else she was going to change about it. I decided that day I definitely wasn't going to make the dolls or dresses. I never said any more about them to her. There was alot of workplace drama and other things going on at that time and I couldn't risk losing my job. Yeppers things were that bad and if I had said to her anything about her changing what had been agreed to and therefore I wasn't going to make the dolls and dresses. She would have gotten angry and brought other people into the situation and caused alot of drama. She had gotten her job because she was a family friend with someone in upper management, who would eventually be trying anything and everything so she'd have a reason to fire me. She tried but couldn't find anything to use against me and in the end I robbed her of the opportunity to fire me. I gave my 2 weeks notice and quit before she could.
Hi Clare. Great to see you. Freezing here in Ohio USA. Plenty of time to craft since I'm not going out in the cold. Lol. ❤ You have such a good heart for your sister and niece. They are blessed to have you. 😊
When people ask me to make hats, here are my starting prices: $20 for a single color slouch, $18 for a men’s beanie, $16 for a woman’s beanie (No this isn’t discrimination- it’s practical. Men’s hats require more material and time.) If they want extra colors, the price goes up $3 per color. If they want a slouch to be super slouchy, the price goes up by $5. These are all in USD. A dear friend asked me years ago (before she knew what handmade items should cost) if I could make her a couple blankets for her teenagers “in the $80-$85 range” and I had to tell her, “No, I’m sorry I cannot make blankets for full-grown humans in that price range. I just can’t.” She was nice about it and has been a very good customer in more recent years. Don’t be afraid you’ll lose friends or customers because you gently turn down an unreasonable request.
You Go, Clare! Tell it like it is!! People who do not crochet really do not have a clue what it takes and how expensive it can be. About 95% of what I make gets donated or gifted. On the rare occasions I have sold items, I know I underpriced them. In a small community, people just won't pay what they should for a handmade item. I do believe that places like Etsy are teaching people to pay more. And that's a good thing. That hat they tried to get us to do for the cost of a skein of yarn costs them $25. or more on Etsy. It makes it a little easier to say That'll be $20, please & Thank You! 😀
Hi Clare. Yes it’s the weekend. Saturday morning here. Our little town is having a Winter Fest with a bunch of activities. I’m going to the pancake breakfast and maybe will see some of the crafts being sold. Interesting that this video comes out this morning. I never sell what I make. I either gift it to my family and friends, give it to charity, or keep it. I have a job so it’s not my livelihood. After my husband passed away I retired but I still work part time.bHaving said that, I have heard for years people complaining that no one wants to pay a proper price for their handmade items. It’s so wrong! I’m totally with you on this! They seem to have no concept on what goes into making an item. I am like you. I have 10 grandchildren and if they ask me for something I make it out of love with a good attitude. One of my grandsons just asked me for a blanket where he wanted to choose the colors so I hope to start it this weekend. Stand your ground Clare! I’m right there with you!❤
@theastewart6721 thank you!! I hope you had a wonderful time ag the winter festival, mmm pancake breakfast 😋 Did you see many cafts? Yes, I find making something for something that's they don't know about even more rewarding.
I charge $15/hr plus materials, period. I don't sell for a living, but if anyone asks me to make something I tell them that. And give them an estimate for how long it should take but tell them it might take even longer. Then I ask for the money for materials as the deposit, that way even if they don't end up paying the full amount at least I'm not out on materials. Of course most people say this is ridiculous, but minimum wage is $13/hr here and honestly I have over 10 years experience in crochet so I should deserve much more than $15/hr. In the first couple of years one of my best friends commissioned a cat scoodie that took me about 15hrs and about $10 in yarn. I told him $100. He gave me $150 plus bought me two $50 furls candy shop hooks and a necklace with a crochet hook pendant. I told him it was all too much and he said "nope, you're an artist you deserve adequate compensation for your skill". I was really blown away, he didn't know anything about crochet other than what I'd told him. I guess he'd really listened!
My relative would like a large granny square blanket. I make bunny dolls, insects, bookmarks, brooches, little things. Fortunately they would love a thrifted blanket too if I see one around.
I normally just crochet for charities and gifts for friends and family. If I sell an item (special orders only) I triple the cost of any yarn and materials and charge extra for any shipping costs that occurs. I NEVER send it before getting paid.
Minimum wage in Australia is $23 per hour. The last time I sold a blanket I charges $100 for the hand dyed yarn, Then $150 for the blanket. It took me 35 hours to make, so it was really undervalued. But it was for her mum's 100th birthday and not charging the full price for my time, was park of my gift to her mum. Happy Australia Day 🎉🎇
With family if they buy the supplies I’ll happily make it for them. I have given beautiful blankets/throws to good friends in appreciation for what they have done for me. I have been taken advantage of before and never again, like you if they dont like the price they can go elsewhere.
Oh yes, I've heard it all and more! Surprisingly, from other vendors too, wanting something for nothing! The flip side, are those who truly appreciate and understand the time, energy and thought involved, and why I still do it. Although much more scaled back these days, as I'm phasing out. Inflation had a big impact on sales. A couple of years-ish ago, I did a video on this very subject. I was charging only $10/hr then. Often worked out to be even less, after selling fees, etc, which went up too. I also make jewelry. That helps offset; but still a labor of love, and the fun of meeting and talking with people at venues. I've learned to make only what I enjoy, what sells well, and works up relatively fast. I'm in Northeastern Washington State. I filmed a little today, and knitted in my favorite, indoor sun spot! 😊
My family and friends keep me busy making items. They do tons for me as I have a mobilty plus I love them, they often buy the supplies, value the time and effort. They never have a problem knowing what to get meas a gift. I was in rehab for my mobility. Shared a room with an older lady in a wheel chair. She was a doll. While there I made her a lapgan for her chair and a matching wrap which she was able to use. OMGosh she cried , duaghter offered to pay ... nope lol. I have a few family members I buy store bought cause they do not appriate things.
Totally agree. I have started doing market stalls (NSW) and the only people that say my items are too cheap … are crocheters or knitters! I usually try and get the cost of my yarn back 😢 i definitely under value my own work.
@Nickihmelnitsky yes we all appreciate of each other's work and it would be so good if we could sell items for what WE value it for and not what non crafters do
Great topic, thankfully I haven't had this because the only people I know who have a care for my crochet or knitting already are aware of what it takes to make. I make gifts for those people for Christmas occasionally. I have thought about selling things though, so I'll be better prepared for these comments lol.
Happy belated Australia Day!!! I understand about not making something again. I made a hat with letter motifs I sewn on. Those letters were a pain in the butt to make. I had graf and directions, and still had issues.😮 I get people that see my stuff and say "You should sell those." I have to say tried at craft fairs and no one wants to pay. They say try Etsy and I tell them, " I would be little fish in a big pond." I have been hearing nightmare stories about Esty lately anyway ripping off sellers, so NO.
Hi Clare, I'm the type of crocheter that doesn't sell anything because, as you said, pricing is really difficult. I never think my projects are good enough either. Last year, for the very first time, I did sell all 10 of my beanies in the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. I put a sales tag of $65 on them. They take a commission out. I was so happy. I'm entering another 10 this year. For me, experiencing making the item is all I need. Happy Crocheting x
Love your attitude Clare. I made my som an aussie flag and asked by a few how much would i charge i replied $1000 but also replied i wouldnt make another one .. 555,555 stitches later.. no way
I had to laugh about only making blankets for your loved ones! Lol In the almost 20 years that I've now been crocheting, I've made five full-sized twin blankets, and one King-sized blanket, and my daughter has all of them! Lol I've probably made around 10 baby blankets for family and friends, too. I didn't charge a penny for any of them, either! 🤣 If anyone asked me, now, to make them a blanket, especially a full- sized one, I'd charge at LEAST £200 - & that would still be cheap for the quality of the materials, the hours it would take me to actually crochet & assemble it, & what they'd get - which would be an heirloom blanket, no matter the size! I really get frustrated that people don't see the skill, nor the artistry, of the things we all create, whether it's blankets, shawls, hats, Amigurumi, or whatever. They are so used to cheap knock-offs, it's like they are blind to the crafting we do! My daughter has washed all her blankets countless times over the 15+ years she's owned them, & they still look good, with no repairs needed, even the eldest ones, as I used good quality yarn, & made sure they were put together well! Lol
Thanks Clare absolutely agree I crochet but I have friends that are artists in other fields and are suffering with the same problem, I think and maybe I'm wrong but cheap stuff is so easy real stuff is not valued Love your channel
I see this all of the time. I saw a local woman on Facebook marketplace who was making 50x60 inch weighted crochet throw blankets. Now these were “weighted” by one row of all crochet and one row of every other stitch having a plastic pony bead crocheted on it and the pattern repeated for probably 100 or more rows. Now these were not randomly places colors either. She took the time to separate colors and load them on the yarn etc. She was charging $10.00US. $10.00!!! She spent more than that in products to make it!! Obviously she is a hobbyist and not doing this as a business to make a living. I wish hobbyists would STOP THAT!! Sell it for profit. First off because you deserve to make what you are worth for the time you spent making it and for the effort you put into learning and perfecting your craft! Secondly, because you make it so much more difficult for those of us who actually do this as a business to be taken seriously by the consumer. They know they can get the same or similar item from a hobbyist for $5-$10 for what I am charging $35 for. Like she said, yarn is not cheap and my time is not free and neither should anyone who wants to sell. If you dont want to sell for a legitimate sales amount then you might as well just donate it for free because that is basically the value you are assigning your products. Sorry. Rant over.
You said it perfectly! It's a very frustrating situation when hobbyists don't value their work. I cant believe that price, that is ridiculous and only lowers the value of hand made 😭
I never charge family for anything I make - even if they want something to gift to a friend. I charge friends just for the yarn - but most get scared off when I give them the prices on yarn. What peeves me most of all are those crocheters who undercut themselves by grossly under charging and in turn undercut every other crocheter out there who wants to sell their stuff.
I only crochet as a hobby, and I do not like making things by request because it takes the pleasure out of it for me. I’ve make mostly blankets, and I’ve had some friends pay me for things I’ve made and have been more than fair with what they paid. I have tried to sell things in various ways before, and people just don’t want to pay what the value actually is. A lot of people think hand made means cheap.
Hi Clare hope you are doing well. I sell my baby blankets for $250. I use a good quality yarn. My shawls $150 which are usually made with a scheepjes whirl.
I love your channel,I use to sell my crochet baby blankets,someone told me to : Have total price of yarn and triple it,so I stuck with that formula,have a nice day
Terribly underpriced. Your time is worth $$$. And 3x the yarn. So wrong. If you were paying FULL price for it, it's still not enough. I have been crocheting for well over 60 years, soon to be 65 years stitching) and people pay for expertise. I am still not fast, as fast turns into sloppy, shoddy work, and I won't do that or sell it. And remember the time it takes to fix your yarn ends, blocking the final product, labeling (if you do it) and shipping (with insurance (and you MUST)). ALL OF YOUR TIME MUST BE PAID FOR. You never get that time back.
I am an Aussie. I don't sell my crochet items because nobody would pay what they are worth. I make things as gifts or to donate to people in need. In all honesty, crochet was a hobby I took up in early 2019 when a lady I work with (also a crocheter) said it was supposed to be good for people with anxiety (like me). I have had people ask me to make things for them. Sometimes I agree if it is family or a close friend, but mostly I don't. I've had people gift me yarn but I don't like it because most of the time it is cheap, poor quality and not nice to work with. By the way, the minimum adult wage in Australia is currently $24.10 an hour.
I initially sold my cotton dishcloths size around 9"x9" - $3/each or 5/$12. I sold them no problem. Which was super inexpensive. I decided to increase them to $4/each or 5/$17. Not sure how well they will sell. We will see. But blankets, nobody will pay a decent price. So I don't try to sell those anymore. I also make kitchen scrubbies and charge $/ each
Oh let me tell you a story. I've always crocheted but I really started to make my own items because I bought one of the cheapest sets for my baby and it stretched out of shape the first wash
Agreed! Why doesn't anyone ask for baby booties?! It's always a blanket! An 80 hour project by the weekend?! I don't make blankets, for all the reasons. If I don't sell my makes for what I think they are worth, I donate them to the homeless. Peace and Blessings Clare! 🧶
I had someone tell me at a craft market, that I should be charging less for my handspun, handknit hats than for the ones knit from commercial yarn, because I didn't pay as much for the fleece as I did for the yarn. Apparently my time and expertise means nothing. Some people just have no idea. ❤ Tamantha
O...m...g!!!!!! Some people are just idiots!!!! How dare they say that, like i have said before, they are not your customer, AND don't deserve your beautiful creations
Hi Clare... this is why I don't sell anymore.... the last straw was expecting a queen sized full coverage blanket for a bed for way less than the prices you quoted. I barely put any labour into the price because people just won't pay that... forget 10/hr even though that is not even a wage! Handcrafted crochet or knitting just doesn't seem to appear to the public as a 'job' worthy of your time being included in your price. I should have just priced it out properly and let them reject it... it would have saved a lot of pain on my part. Lesson learned. I.don't.sell.
I make one of a kind of blanket. 😊 I tell people I only will make one, your the lucky recipient! I never do repeat projects. I also don't charge for anything. So there's a handful of people who have been lucky enough to get a hand-made object from me. If someone ask me to make something I have them buy the yarn and the pattern. I have only made one item by request 😊. Once they see the price of yarn and pattern they change their minds.
Ive honestly never been asked to make something for free. I had a work friend ask me to make an amigrumi cristmas tree. She didnt question what I priced it at. Ive also asked that same work friend to make me simething with her cricket and paid exactly what she asked. No questions.
Hi ya Clare, I was at my craft group one day and one of the ladies said, oh Di I need a baby girl blanket soon. I didn’t really know what to say, I was a bit shocked actually. So I said if I have one already I might be able to help. Instead I just ignored the request and she hasn’t asked again. Seriously!!
My best friend sent me a picture of a hooded blanket she liked. I immediately told her I was on it. She offered to give me money, I refused because she has helped me out with things so many times. She insisted on at least buying the yarn. I also have a niece that asks for things once in a while and it's right away a yes. I haven't had people I'm not close with ask for things, but I would probably just tell them I don't have time because I know they won't want to pay what it is worth.
Happy New Year! Yes I have heard all of the statements you have murmured. I often get, it is "easy" you can do it. My response, I teach, I can show you and therefore you can see how easy it ease. Of course, there response, I dont have time. I do not debate or explain anymore. I price my items now-a-days with a tag attached and dont have a discussion. Respectfully
Preaching to the choir. I list very little of what i make in my Etsy shop, but i do show the items i list there in local shows, IF ONLY TO SHOW THE RUBES WHAT THE REAL WORLD PAYS FOR HAND MADE, BESPOKE ITEMS! And i do sell those items on Etsy at the price I want (altho I i should raise those prices...). I do make for relatives, as i have very few of them, but only two have ever really asked.
Last year my niece got married, so my parents paid £100 for the (expensive!) yarn and I crocheted the blanket and we gave it as a joint wedding present (my niece loved it!). About to do the same for a nephew who’s getting married, just waiting for the yarn. Win-win-win situation 😊
Oh yes been there and seen their faces. If any of my grandchildren as you bet I'm making what ever they ask for and starting now! But nope not for extended family etc. Nice to catch you again. Was only thinking about you and the doll bag/bed you made in you Bob Wilson days. It's always stopped with me as a pattern. You are never 47! You still look the same! What black magic do you use? 😂 Take care. xxJane 🐑🌼
Hahaa , yes it have been told I must be a vampire because I never age 😂 Thanks for watching my videos for so long, Bob Wilson is a name from years ago ❤
I think it depends on the individual’s circumstances. I crochet as it is therapeutic for my PTSD and it’s a hobby, not a business. When I sell my items, I more than cover the cost to make the items, but I do not add time to the item. I have all the time in the world and always want to keep it an enjoyable hobby. I get great enjoyment when I see the excitement in the buyers eyes. However if it were for a business, yes you would need to work in time. This topic is always those ones like politics & religion and I can get a lot of negative comments from people because they believe I sell for too low. Each to their own I say
This is such a thorny issue! Pricing my blankets and shawls is a constant dilemma for me - even if I charge materials plus about 2p/hr for my time people think it’s too expensive to buy (in current economic times I get that - I couldn’t afford it either)
I tell them to pay me whatever they think it’s worth. I was paid ..150 for a baby blanket, $40 for a small husky, $35 for lovies, $60 for a giraffe aramagrumi . Mostly I donate. I’ve only be asked once to make something free. I said sure but I have like 10-15 projects to ahead of her she said never mind.
It's Saturday here in Jacksonville Fl and a little chilly. I'm watching you in that tank top while I'm in two layers of clothes. 😂 I've never sold anything but I totally agree with you. Crochet can only be done by hand so your time is worth the price. ❤
I don't sell crochet, just because nobody wants to pay what it's worth. So I donate to different nonprofits
D’accord avec toi! Je fais la même chose.
Perfect ❤
Boy, did this video resonate with me! I finally learned to just say no. I make something because I want to. That includes people I love, and people I love! lol 🥰
amen to that! Thank you for choosing to watch my video
I would take a small project to crochet on on my lunch break. People would ask what I was working or say it looked nice. Once I was putting finishing touches on a doll and coworker from another department asked if I would make three dolls, one for each of her granddaughters.
Three dolls, each wearing a dress and an extra dress for each. That she had all the yarn I could ever need to make them and the dresses. That she would supply all the yarn and used to crochet and knew what all went into crocheting something and I would be well paid for making them. I agreed to make them.
She never brought me the yarn and I forgot all about making them. Till a month later when we happened to bump into each other at work. She asked if I had gotten the yarn yet and was making the dolls. I was taken a back and said not yet, while thinking that's not what I agreed to. Then smiling she said I'm still providing the yarn to make their clothes. I walked away and returned to work in my department.
She changed the agreement and had me wondering what else she was going to change about it. I decided that day I definitely wasn't going to make the dolls or dresses. I never said any more about them to her.
There was alot of workplace drama and other things going on at that time and I couldn't risk losing my job. Yeppers things were that bad and if I had said to her anything about her changing what had been agreed to and therefore I wasn't going to make the dolls and dresses. She would have gotten angry and brought other people into the situation and caused alot of drama. She had gotten her job because she was a family friend with someone in upper management, who would eventually be trying anything and everything so she'd have a reason to fire me. She tried but couldn't find anything to use against me and in the end I robbed her of the opportunity to fire me. I gave my 2 weeks notice and quit before she could.
@@sondras.crochet.corner omgoodness 😲that's crazy! I am glad that in the end you had the last say. Some people just take advantage of our kindness.
Hi Clare. Great to see you. Freezing here in Ohio USA. Plenty of time to craft since I'm not going out in the cold. Lol. ❤ You have such a good heart for your sister and niece. They are blessed to have you. 😊
@lisastreasures aww thank you! I am staying at my sisters noe for a week.
I'm glad you are getting some craft time. Stay warm!
When people ask me to make hats, here are my starting prices: $20 for a single color slouch, $18 for a men’s beanie, $16 for a woman’s beanie (No this isn’t discrimination- it’s practical. Men’s hats require more material and time.) If they want extra colors, the price goes up $3 per color. If they want a slouch to be super slouchy, the price goes up by $5. These are all in USD.
A dear friend asked me years ago (before she knew what handmade items should cost) if I could make her a couple blankets for her teenagers “in the $80-$85 range” and I had to tell her, “No, I’m sorry I cannot make blankets for full-grown humans in that price range. I just can’t.” She was nice about it and has been a very good customer in more recent years.
Don’t be afraid you’ll lose friends or customers because you gently turn down an unreasonable request.
@danak8185 100% I think your prices are very reasonable and i agree never scared to loose friendships over it, they don't respect your opinion.
Its not the weekend but im sitting in a doctors office crotcheting up pillow cases for this years Christmas gifts for my family.
@@makingmesses6538 i love how our craft is so portable!
Thank-you! This is what i've been saying for years.
You bet!
I only make what I want when I want to make and in the color I want. I'll make my grandsons scarves and hats, and they love them
You Go, Clare! Tell it like it is!! People who do not crochet really do not have a clue what it takes and how expensive it can be. About 95% of what I make gets donated or gifted. On the rare occasions I have sold items, I know I underpriced them. In a small community, people just won't pay what they should for a handmade item. I do believe that places like Etsy are teaching people to pay more. And that's a good thing. That hat they tried to get us to do for the cost of a skein of yarn costs them $25. or more on Etsy. It makes it a little easier to say That'll be $20, please & Thank You! 😀
@mellodym5931 absolutely! And if people say our items are too expensive, tell them to check out Etsy and it might change their mind 🤔
Hi Clare. Yes it’s the weekend. Saturday morning here. Our little town is having a Winter Fest with a bunch of activities. I’m going to the pancake breakfast and maybe will see some of the crafts being sold. Interesting that this video comes out this morning. I never sell what I make. I either gift it to my family and friends, give it to charity, or keep it. I have a job so it’s not my livelihood. After my husband passed away I retired but I still work part time.bHaving said that, I have heard for years people complaining that no one wants to pay a proper price for their handmade items. It’s so wrong! I’m totally with you on this! They seem to have no concept on what goes into making an item. I am like you. I have 10 grandchildren and if they ask me for something I make it out of love with a good attitude. One of my grandsons just asked me for a blanket where he wanted to choose the colors so I hope to start it this weekend. Stand your ground Clare! I’m right there with you!❤
@theastewart6721 thank you!! I hope you had a wonderful time ag the winter festival, mmm pancake breakfast 😋
Did you see many cafts?
Yes, I find making something for something that's they don't know about even more rewarding.
I charge $15/hr plus materials, period. I don't sell for a living, but if anyone asks me to make something I tell them that. And give them an estimate for how long it should take but tell them it might take even longer. Then I ask for the money for materials as the deposit, that way even if they don't end up paying the full amount at least I'm not out on materials. Of course most people say this is ridiculous, but minimum wage is $13/hr here and honestly I have over 10 years experience in crochet so I should deserve much more than $15/hr. In the first couple of years one of my best friends commissioned a cat scoodie that took me about 15hrs and about $10 in yarn. I told him $100. He gave me $150 plus bought me two $50 furls candy shop hooks and a necklace with a crochet hook pendant. I told him it was all too much and he said "nope, you're an artist you deserve adequate compensation for your skill". I was really blown away, he didn't know anything about crochet other than what I'd told him. I guess he'd really listened!
Your friend is awesome! I love when people really appreciate the art of crochet. Thanks for watching my video
My relative would like a large granny square blanket. I make bunny dolls, insects, bookmarks, brooches, little things. Fortunately they would love a thrifted blanket too if I see one around.
@jojoberrypie6580 i would be searching for the thrifted one haha, will probably be much cheap to buy than materials too
I normally just crochet for charities and gifts for friends and family. If I sell an item (special orders only) I triple the cost of any yarn and materials and charge extra for any shipping costs that occurs. I NEVER send it before getting paid.
That's a smart idea!
Minimum wage in Australia is $23 per hour. The last time I sold a blanket I charges $100 for the hand dyed yarn, Then $150 for the blanket. It took me 35 hours to make, so it was really undervalued. But it was for her mum's 100th birthday and not charging the full price for my time, was park of my gift to her mum. Happy Australia Day 🎉🎇
Oh, I know what you mean, Happy Australia Day!
With family if they buy the supplies I’ll happily make it for them. I have given beautiful blankets/throws to good friends in appreciation for what they have done for me. I have been taken advantage of before and never again, like you if they dont like the price they can go elsewhere.
I’m glad you’ve set boundaries, it’s so important.
Oh yes, I've heard it all and more! Surprisingly, from other vendors too, wanting something for nothing! The flip side, are those who truly appreciate and understand the time, energy and thought involved, and why I still do it. Although much more scaled back these days, as I'm phasing out. Inflation had a big impact on sales. A couple of years-ish ago, I did a video on this very subject. I was charging only $10/hr then. Often worked out to be even less, after selling fees, etc, which went up too. I also make jewelry. That helps offset; but still a labor of love, and the fun of meeting and talking with people at venues. I've learned to make only what I enjoy, what sells well, and works up relatively fast. I'm in Northeastern Washington State. I filmed a little today, and knitted in my favorite, indoor sun spot! 😊
Yes, inflation has not helped with sales.
I do the same, I only make things that sell and are quick to make
Thank you for this.❤👍🏽
You’re welcome! Have a great week
My family and friends keep me busy making items. They do tons for me as I have a mobilty plus I love them, they often buy the supplies, value the time and effort. They never have a problem knowing what to get meas a gift. I was in rehab for my mobility. Shared a room with an older lady in a wheel chair. She was a doll. While there I made her a lapgan for her chair and a matching wrap which she was able to use. OMGosh she cried , duaghter offered to pay ... nope lol. I have a few family members I buy store bought cause they do not appriate things.
It is so rewarding to be able to give a gift and bring joy to others, especially if the recipient is appreciative of the time and effort you put in.
Totally agree. I have started doing market stalls (NSW) and the only people that say my items are too cheap … are crocheters or knitters! I usually try and get the cost of my yarn back 😢 i definitely under value my own work.
@Nickihmelnitsky yes we all appreciate of each other's work and it would be so good if we could sell items for what WE value it for and not what non crafters do
Great topic, thankfully I haven't had this because the only people I know who have a care for my crochet or knitting already are aware of what it takes to make. I make gifts for those people for Christmas occasionally. I have thought about selling things though, so I'll be better prepared for these comments lol.
Yes. Be repaired, people can be mean, but that just means that they are not your ideal customer.
Happy belated Australia Day!!!
I understand about not making something again. I made a hat with letter motifs I sewn on. Those letters were a pain in the butt to make. I had graf and directions, and still had issues.😮
I get people that see my stuff and say "You should sell those." I have to say tried at craft fairs and no one wants to pay. They say try Etsy and I tell them, " I would be little fish in a big pond." I have been hearing nightmare stories about Esty lately anyway ripping off sellers, so NO.
It’s tough when people don’t appreciate the time and effort that goes into handmade items! 😭
Hi Clare, I'm the type of crocheter that doesn't sell anything because, as you said, pricing is really difficult. I never think my projects are good enough either.
Last year, for the very first time, I did sell all 10 of my beanies in the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. I put a sales tag of $65 on them. They take a commission out. I was so happy. I'm entering another 10 this year.
For me, experiencing making the item is all I need. Happy Crocheting x
Well done, it's amazing you've found that outlet for your crochet.
I would love to go to that festival one day ❤
Love your attitude Clare. I made my som an aussie flag and asked by a few how much would i charge i replied $1000 but also replied i wouldnt make another one .. 555,555 stitches later.. no way
Hahhaha, yep my I don't want to make it price...$1000 ....I'd say that's a fair price for a piece of art!! 😄
Yes I have had people tell me that and I tell them well you go buy that from the dollar store but this is what I charge.
Amen!
I had to laugh about only making blankets for your loved ones! Lol
In the almost 20 years that I've now been crocheting, I've made five full-sized twin blankets, and one King-sized blanket, and my daughter has all of them! Lol
I've probably made around 10 baby blankets for family and friends, too.
I didn't charge a penny for any of them, either! 🤣
If anyone asked me, now, to make them a blanket, especially a full- sized one, I'd charge at LEAST £200 - & that would still be cheap for the quality of the materials, the hours it would take me to actually crochet & assemble it, & what they'd get - which would be an heirloom blanket, no matter the size!
I really get frustrated that people don't see the skill, nor the artistry, of the things we all create, whether it's blankets, shawls, hats, Amigurumi, or whatever.
They are so used to cheap knock-offs, it's like they are blind to the crafting we do!
My daughter has washed all her blankets countless times over the 15+ years she's owned them, & they still look good, with no repairs needed, even the eldest ones, as I used good quality yarn, & made sure they were put together well! Lol
Thanks Clare absolutely agree I crochet but I have friends that are artists in other fields and are suffering with the same problem, I think and maybe I'm wrong but cheap stuff is so easy real stuff is not valued Love your channel
Yes, I think you are right about the value of quality materials
100%, real creations are not valued are all 😭
I see this all of the time. I saw a local woman on Facebook marketplace who was making 50x60 inch weighted crochet throw blankets. Now these were “weighted” by one row of all crochet and one row of every other stitch having a plastic pony bead crocheted on it and the pattern repeated for probably 100 or more rows. Now these were not randomly places colors either. She took the time to separate colors and load them on the yarn etc. She was charging $10.00US. $10.00!!! She spent more than that in products to make it!! Obviously she is a hobbyist and not doing this as a business to make a living. I wish hobbyists would STOP THAT!! Sell it for profit. First off because you deserve to make what you are worth for the time you spent making it and for the effort you put into learning and perfecting your craft! Secondly, because you make it so much more difficult for those of us who actually do this as a business to be taken seriously by the consumer. They know they can get the same or similar item from a hobbyist for $5-$10 for what I am charging $35 for. Like she said, yarn is not cheap and my time is not free and neither should anyone who wants to sell. If you dont want to sell for a legitimate sales amount then you might as well just donate it for free because that is basically the value you are assigning your products. Sorry. Rant over.
You said it perfectly! It's a very frustrating situation when hobbyists don't value their work.
I cant believe that price, that is ridiculous and only lowers the value of hand made 😭
I never charge family for anything I make - even if they want something to gift to a friend. I charge friends just for the yarn - but most get scared off when I give them the prices on yarn.
What peeves me most of all are those crocheters who undercut themselves by grossly under charging and in turn undercut every other crocheter out there who wants to sell their stuff.
I only crochet as a hobby, and I do not like making things by request because it takes the pleasure out of it for me.
I’ve make mostly blankets, and I’ve had some friends pay me for things I’ve made and have been more than fair with what they paid. I have tried to sell things in various ways before, and people just don’t want to pay what the value actually is. A lot of people think hand made means cheap.
Yes yes yes! I couldn't agree more, they do think that handmade is cheap, I don't know why because some items take hours to make.
Hi Clare
hope you are doing well.
I sell my baby blankets for $250. I use a good quality yarn. My shawls $150 which are usually made with a scheepjes whirl.
hi! Your pricing is amazing, and I’m so glad you’re valuing your time and yarn!
I love your channel,I use to sell my crochet baby blankets,someone told me to :
Have total price of yarn and triple it,so I stuck with that formula,have a nice day
Terribly underpriced. Your time is worth $$$.
And 3x the yarn. So wrong. If you were paying FULL price for it, it's still not enough.
I have been crocheting for well over 60 years, soon to be 65 years stitching) and people pay for expertise. I am still not fast, as fast turns into sloppy, shoddy work, and I won't do that or sell it.
And remember the time it takes to fix your yarn ends, blocking the final product, labeling (if you do it) and shipping (with insurance (and you MUST)).
ALL OF YOUR TIME MUST BE PAID FOR. You never get that time back.
Always great to see you 😊
Thank you! 😊
I am an Aussie. I don't sell my crochet items because nobody would pay what they are worth. I make things as gifts or to donate to people in need. In all honesty, crochet was a hobby I took up in early 2019 when a lady I work with (also a crocheter) said it was supposed to be good for people with anxiety (like me). I have had people ask me to make things for them. Sometimes I agree if it is family or a close friend, but mostly I don't. I've had people gift me yarn but I don't like it because most of the time it is cheap, poor quality and not nice to work with. By the way, the minimum adult wage in Australia is currently $24.10 an hour.
I initially sold my cotton dishcloths size around 9"x9" - $3/each or 5/$12. I sold them no problem. Which was super inexpensive. I decided to increase them to $4/each or 5/$17. Not sure how well they will sell. We will see.
But blankets, nobody will pay a decent price. So I don't try to sell those anymore. I also make kitchen scrubbies and charge $/ each
It is a great idea to try different pricing to see what is successful!
Oh let me tell you a story. I've always crocheted but I really started to make my own items because I bought one of the cheapest sets for my baby and it stretched out of shape the first wash
Yes, I totally understand. It’s so worth paying a little extra for good quality yarn and making it yourself.
Agreed! Why doesn't anyone ask for baby booties?! It's always a blanket! An 80 hour project by the weekend?! I don't make blankets, for all the reasons. If I don't sell my makes for what I think they are worth, I donate them to the homeless. Peace and Blessings Clare! 🧶
Exactly!!! Never a small item 😂 Thank you for watching my video
I had someone tell me at a craft market, that I should be charging less for my handspun, handknit hats than for the ones knit from commercial yarn, because I didn't pay as much for the fleece as I did for the yarn. Apparently my time and expertise means nothing. Some people just have no idea.
❤ Tamantha
O...m...g!!!!!!
Some people are just idiots!!!!
How dare they say that, like i have said before, they are not your customer, AND don't deserve your beautiful creations
Hi Clare... this is why I don't sell anymore.... the last straw was expecting a queen sized full coverage blanket for a bed for way less than the prices you quoted. I barely put any labour into the price because people just won't pay that... forget 10/hr even though that is not even a wage! Handcrafted crochet or knitting just doesn't seem to appear to the public as a 'job' worthy of your time being included in your price. I should have just priced it out properly and let them reject it... it would have saved a lot of pain on my part. Lesson learned. I.don't.sell.
I totally get it. I’m not sure why people don’t seem to understand that we’re putting in hours of work on top of the cost of materials.
I don’t try to sell any handcrafts, you can never charge enough to pay yourself! I make things for gifts and for charity.
It's great you are making things for others.
I make one of a kind of blanket. 😊 I tell people I only will make one, your the lucky recipient! I never do repeat projects. I also don't charge for anything. So there's a handful of people who have been lucky enough to get a hand-made object from me.
If someone ask me to make something I have them buy the yarn and the pattern. I have only made one item by request 😊. Once they see the price of yarn and pattern they change their minds.
Fantastic!! I know what you mean 😊
Ive honestly never been asked to make something for free. I had a work friend ask me to make an amigrumi cristmas tree. She didnt question what I priced it at.
Ive also asked that same work friend to make me simething with her cricket and paid exactly what she asked. No questions.
I am so glad your work friend respects your time and craft!
Hi ya Clare, I was at my craft group one day and one of the ladies said, oh Di I need a baby girl blanket soon.
I didn’t really know what to say, I was a bit shocked actually. So I said if I have one already I might be able to help. Instead I just ignored the request and she hasn’t asked again. Seriously!!
Wow, some people!!! Yeah I would have ignored her too 😂
My best friend sent me a picture of a hooded blanket she liked. I immediately told her I was on it. She offered to give me money, I refused because she has helped me out with things so many times. She insisted on at least buying the yarn. I also have a niece that asks for things once in a while and it's right away a yes. I haven't had people I'm not close with ask for things, but I would probably just tell them I don't have time because I know they won't want to pay what it is worth.
Happy New Year! Yes I have heard all of the statements you have murmured. I often get, it is "easy" you can do it. My response, I teach, I can show you and therefore you can see how easy it ease. Of course, there response, I dont have time. I do not debate or explain anymore. I price my items now-a-days with a tag attached and dont have a discussion. Respectfully
It is so frustrating when people don't understand the value of our time! Happy New Year to you
Preaching to the choir. I list very little of what i make in my Etsy shop, but i do show the items i list there in local shows, IF ONLY TO SHOW THE RUBES WHAT THE REAL WORLD PAYS FOR HAND MADE, BESPOKE ITEMS! And i do sell those items on Etsy at the price I want (altho I i should raise those prices...).
I do make for relatives, as i have very few of them, but only two have ever really asked.
Good on you!!!
I think on Etsy people are prepared to pay a bit more, what is your experience?
I have made plenty of large large blankets and never sold one. Because people don't want to pay where I live.
Me too, i end up donating them because I know the person that receives it will appreciate it ❤
Last year my niece got married, so my parents paid £100 for the (expensive!) yarn and I crocheted the blanket and we gave it as a joint wedding present (my niece loved it!). About to do the same for a nephew who’s getting married, just waiting for the yarn. Win-win-win situation 😊
Wonderful!
Oh yes been there and seen their faces.
If any of my grandchildren as you bet I'm making what ever they ask for and starting now! But nope not for extended family etc.
Nice to catch you again. Was only thinking about you and the doll bag/bed you made in you Bob Wilson days. It's always stopped with me as a pattern.
You are never 47! You still look the same! What black magic do you use? 😂
Take care. xxJane 🐑🌼
Hahaa , yes it have been told I must be a vampire because I never age 😂
Thanks for watching my videos for so long, Bob Wilson is a name from years ago ❤
I think it depends on the individual’s circumstances. I crochet as it is therapeutic for my PTSD and it’s a hobby, not a business. When I sell my items, I more than cover the cost to make the items, but I do not add time to the item. I have all the time in the world and always want to keep it an enjoyable hobby. I get great enjoyment when I see the excitement in the buyers eyes. However if it were for a business, yes you would need to work in time. This topic is always those ones like politics & religion and I can get a lot of negative comments from people because they believe I sell for too low. Each to their own I say
I always appreciate a different perspective! Thanks for sharing your view.
I knit not crochet but a niece sent me many text messages with pictures and patterns with can you make this . Some were not in English.
@clairenason4869 thanks for stopping by and watching my video, that would be even harder with a pattern not in the language you speak
This is such a thorny issue! Pricing my blankets and shawls is a constant dilemma for me - even if I charge materials plus about 2p/hr for my time people think it’s too expensive to buy (in current economic times I get that - I couldn’t afford it either)
I tell them to pay me whatever they think it’s worth. I was paid ..150 for a baby blanket, $40 for a small husky, $35 for lovies, $60 for a giraffe aramagrumi . Mostly I donate. I’ve only be asked once to make something free. I said sure but I have like 10-15 projects to ahead of her she said never mind.
That's fantastic!
Yes, people don't realise most of us have a line up of projects!
It's Saturday here in Jacksonville Fl and a little chilly. I'm watching you in that tank top while I'm in two layers of clothes. 😂 I've never sold anything but I totally agree with you. Crochet can only be done by hand so your time is worth the price. ❤
Haha, yep it's weird hey.
I have been watching some of the US and UK weather and they have snow. I'm sitting here sweltering lol
🤣😍
Thank you ❤