How to Price Crochet Items to Sell: A Simple Formula
Price handmade crochet with materials + time + a margin, then check it against what buyers pay. The formula, a worked example, typical price ranges for popular items, and how to sell fast makers instead of slow ones.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 15 minutes
You'll need
- Receipts for yarn and supplies
- A timer
- Calculator
In this post
A fair crochet price is materials, plus your time at an hourly rate, plus a margin for fees and profit. Time yourself making one item, multiply by an hourly rate you're happy with, add the cost of yarn and supplies, and add 20–30% to cover fees, packaging and slow weeks. Then compare with what similar items sell for. If buyers won't pay your number, sell items you can make faster rather than cutting your rate.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The formula
- Materials: Cost of the yarn used (not the whole ball), plus stuffing, eyes, hardware and packaging.
- Time: Minutes to make one, including finishing. Time the third one you make — the first is always slower.
- Labour: Hours × your hourly rate.
- Margin: Add 20–30% for platform fees, card fees and profit.
- Check the market: Compare with similar items online and at local markets, then round to a clean price.
Worked example: cherry keychain
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yarn and stuffing | $0.40 |
| Keyring and tag | $0.60 |
| Time: 20 minutes at $15/hr | $5.00 |
| Subtotal | $6.00 |
| +25% margin | $7.50 |
| Market price | $7–9 → sell at $8 |
What sells (fast to make, easy to price)
- Keychains, scrunchies, lip balm holders and bag charms.
- Small amigurumi like minis and the duck.
- Seasonal items: ornaments, pumpkins, gnomes.
Blankets and garments take so long that few buyers will pay a fair labour price; they sell best as commissions. More ideas: crochet projects to sell.
Common questions
How much should I charge per hour for crochet?
Many makers aim for at least their local minimum wage. Fast, small items let you reach a fair rate at prices buyers accept.
Can I sell items made from free patterns?
Usually yes — most designers allow selling finished items. Check the pattern's terms, and never sell or share the pattern itself.
Why do crochet blankets cost so much?
A throw can take 20–40 hours. Even at a modest hourly rate, the fair price is high.
Do you sell your crochet? Where? 💸
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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