After watching Krystal Everdeen’s videos on how to crochet tops, I’ve been crocheting a lot. I have made 4 tops for myself, another 2 that aren’t finished because I need padding and started a granny square blanket. I even started crocheting christmas décor. Those will appear during blogmas.
Anyways, I wish I could start selling tops for next summer. The problems with me doing that, is:
- Yarn. I think using cotton yarn just might be batter because of less fuzz and if your top gets wet then it might not lose it’s shape too quickly(?). I only ever see worsted 4 acrylic yarn here, along with baby yarn and a cozy looking one, and pure cotton yarn is expensive here from the factory!
- Sizing. I don’t know how to make different sizes. Preferably XS, S, M and L. (to fit 30 A to 36C)
- Patterns. I need more.
- Pricing. I know people here aren’t going to want to spend a buttload of money on an average looking top.
- Platform. I would start an Instagram page.
- Selling. I’ll start locally first so I can make deliveries in person. I’m not too sure about shipping overseas.
I honestly don’t know what to do. If anyone has tips on how to deal with these problems, please, please leave a comment. It would be great help.
These are tops I have made so far (and are not for next year):
The coral one is by Krystal Everdeen so I don’t think I should make some to sell without her permission!
lattelifeblog 
I love your blog! Your crochet tops look wonderful! Great job!
For sizing and patterns, there are a lot of free patterns on http://www.redheart.com and http://www.yarnspirations.com that you can check out. There are quite a few crochet tops and the patterns give you instructions on how to change the sizes!
For pricing, don’t sell yourself short! You’ve put your time and effort into making these wonderful creations and you should sell them for a fair amount! If you spent 4 hours making one top and sold it for $20, you’d only be making $5 an hour! That doesn’t even include the materials. That would definitely not be fair to you!
You should definitely start an Instagram page! I’ll follow you! 😀
For selling locally, have you looked into craft fairs? I’m pretty sure you could make a lot! If not, start by posting your creations on Facebook and ask your friends and family to spread the word that you are going to be selling your items! Don’t be afraid to ask for their opinions on what they would buy as well. 🙂
Have you checked out The Crochet Crowd (www.thecrochetcrowd.com)? Mikey teaches crochet and he uploads free patterns and videos on his YouTube channel on how to crochet certain projects. It’s amazing!
As for the cotton and acrylic yarn, acrylic is meant to be an easily washable and dryable yarn so I don’t think it’s going to lose its shape if it gets wet. Cotton tends to shrink a bit when it gets wet or is washed, so you have to be careful. On Red Heart and Yarnspirations there are patterns for tops made with acrylic yarn and ones made with cotton yarn as well. Definitely check it out!
Where do you live? Have you checked your local Walmart and Michael’s stores for cheaper cotton yarn?
Sorry this comment is so long! I hope this helps you.. 🙂
Keep up the great work!
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I live in Barbados and unfortunately I only ever see acrylic from the 1 popular craft store. I have thought a lot about pricing and styles. I see a lot of crochet tops on Instagram and they look so smooth unlike when I use the red heart yarn. I would post pics and take orders on Instagram and have a few people spread the word. Once I figure these things out I’ll have a post about it ! I’ll definitely check out those websites when I get home. I can’t wait for you to post more to your blog!
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That’s really cool! I’ve never met anyone from Barbados before! 🙂
Are there any other stores in your area? Or have you thought about ordering yarn online? Sorry if I ask too many questions..
I can’t wait to see what you post on Instagram! I’m sure it’s going to be AMAZING! I will definitely help you spread the word, if you like?
Aw thank-you so much! I can’t wait to see your future posts too! 🙂
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The other stores are fabric stores and they have the same red heart yarn but usually more expensive. That 1 craft store is the only one I know of all my life here. For me to order yarn online will be expensive because of shipping expenses. I can’t even ask my aunts in NY because everyone is going through a tough time right now. I love being asked questions so you can keep them coming 😁 !
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Ahh I see! Darn, that totally bites. I’m sorry they are going through tough times.. 😦
Let me see what I can find for you. I’m sure I saw a site that has cheaper shipping options..can I get back to you later tonight?
Awww thank-you so much, you are so sweet! ^_^
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Yes sure. That would be great. It was nice to meet you.
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Sorry for the really late reply..I’m not sure of the time difference from here to Barbados..
I found this site: http://www.yarn-paradise.com/ the regular shipping option seems to be pretty affordable if you wanted to check it out? Let me know if that’s too pricey or anything and I can try and find some other ones too. 🙂
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It is ok 😌 it depends on where in canada. I believe we’re the same time as Toronto. Since daylight saving started and we don’t do that, then we’re an hut behind.i live this site. If I can go to a university in NY next year…. Or something. This can really help me with winter projects I sell. Thank you so very much for your help! 😄
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Ah awesome! I’m in Alberta so you’re probably 2-3 hours ahead of me. 🙂
That’s a really good start! A University in New York would be really cool. 😀
Anytime! I’m glad I could help you!
OH! I completely forgot! You should sign up for http://www.ravelry.com . They have thousands of patterns!! I think you’ll like it. 🙂
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I have signed up and I see some I like. I have started 1 top to wear for Christmas but I’m waiting on a friends opinion. I need to figure out the best way to do tops for some different sizes from following a chart I found.
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Ahh you’re a crochet addict like me!!! I made my first bralette a few weeks back and now I’m hooked 😉 I’m thinking about making and selling them too but I need to get a bit faster. Luckily me and my sisters and different sizes so I can use them as my small, medium and large (that’s me) models 😊 good luck with the crochet!!
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