How to Start Selling Your Knitting Patterns Online

For budding designers, navigating the world of online sales can initially feel a bit overwhelming. By following this designer series, you’ll gain all the tools and knowledge you need to take on the world of online pattern sales and build your creative business. Let’s knit your dreams into reality!

Selling knitting patterns online opens up a world of opportunities: You can share your creations with people all over the globe, earn a little (or a lot) of passive income, and turn your artistic passion into something bigger. Welcome to the first post in our designer series on starting your business, all about how to sell your knitting patterns online. Today, we’ll cover the basics and get you inspired to start your journey. Let’s dive in!

Let’s talk about one of the most important first steps in this journey: finding your niche. Your niche is like your knitting superpower—it’s what makes your patterns stand out and helps you attract the right knitters to your designs.

Picture this: A beginner knitter is searching for their very first scarf pattern. Are they more likely to choose someone who offers only advanced designs, a creator who offers a little bit of everything, or a designer who specializes in beginner-friendly projects? Probably the last one, right? A clear niche makes it easier for people to find you and trust that you understand their needs. Makers can feel confident that your designs are created with them in mind.

Niche Ideas to Get You Inspired

Sometimes people have something specific in mind. Positioning your patterns to highlight those criteria can help you make the sale. Here are a few ways to specialize your patterns:

• Skill Level: Patterns for beginners, intermediate knitters, or advanced crafters

• Type of Project: Hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, home décor

• Style: Modern minimalist, vintage chic, playful and whimsical

• Yarn Choice: Super chunky, eco-friendly, hand-dyed treasures

• Seasonal Theme: Summer tops, winter warmers, holiday gifts
  
  Pro tip: Spend some time exploring knitting groups on social media or Ravelry forums to see what people are asking for. You might just find a niche waiting for you!

Tools for Getting Patterns Online-Ready

Before you think about selling a pattern, make sure your design is as flawless as possible. Start with high-quality yarns, needles, and measuring tools to create your sample. And yes, swatching is non-negotiable! Swatches help you accurately calculate gauge and ensure your finished project matches your vision. Trust us—customers appreciate a pattern that’s both beautiful and reliable. 

Your pattern should also be fully tech edited and ready to go. See our post here about the amazing tools available for designers.


What makes a pattern ready for consumption? When it comes to selling knitting patterns online, presentation is everything. Once your pattern is ready, you’ll want to get it in a layout that sells. Your designs should be not only functional but also polished and irresistible to potential buyers.

Your pattern should be easy to read, well-organized, and visually appealing.

For this, you’ll need a good design tool.

Consider using:

• Canva: Great for beginners, with drag-and-drop templates to create clean layouts.

• Stitchmastery: Perfect if your design includes charts, making it easy to create professional-looking visuals.

• Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape: For those who want more control over their design elements and are comfortable with graphic design software.
  

If you’re new to these tools, don’t worry—there are plenty of tutorials online to help get you started. The goal is to create a polished PDF that’s easy for your customers to download and follow.

Show Off Your Knitting Pattern with Eye-Catching Photos

First impressions matter! When a knitter scrolls past your pattern online, they’ll notice your photos before they even read the description. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

• Lighting: Use natural light to highlight the texture and color of your project. Avoid harsh shadows or artificial lighting that can distort colors.

• Background: Keep it simple and uncluttered. A clean table, a neutral wall, or even an outdoor scene can make your project pop.

• Styling: Show your design in action! If it’s a sweater, photograph someone wearing it. If it’s a blanket, drape it over a cozy chair.

• Equipment: No need for a fancy camera—a smartphone with a decent camera and a steady hand (or tripod) works wonders.

Once your pattern is ready, it’s time to share it with the world. Luckily, there are several amazing Selling Channels to help you sell your designs:

• Etsy: Perfect for reaching a general audience of crafters who have come looking to shop and find their next pattern

• Ravelry: The go-to hub for knitting and crochet patterns with a super-engaged community

• LoveCrafts: A marketplace that combines patterns with supplies, making it easy for customers to grab everything they need for their project

• GoSadi: If you’re planning to sell on multiple Selling Channels (like Etsy and Ravelry), GoSadi helps you manage everything in one place. Less hassle, more knitting time!
  
  

Each Selling Channel has its own vibe, so explore them and see which one feels like the right fit for you. Take some time and familiarize yourself with each platform and marketplace you are considering. Create an account, poke around, and get acquainted with their tools and settings. Learn more about the differences between platforms and marketplaces here. 

With these tools and steps, your knitting patterns will be polished, professional, and ready to impress your customers. Taking the time to perfect your designs and presentation sets you up for success—and boosts your business!

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