How to Make Money Selling My Crocheted Clothes by Jordan Meyers, Demand Media

Step 1

Develop your talent for crocheting and improve on any areas of weakness. Most people will expect quality if they are going to spend their money on your clothing.

Step 2

Choose a niche to specialize in when you are just getting started. For instance, you may make all of your clothing for newborns or specialize in clothing for babies and toddlers. Alternatively, you could specialize in holiday sweaters or focus on making outerwear, such as hats, scarves and gloves. If you like, you can expand your offerings later, but choosing a niche allows you to better focus your efforts and minimize startup costs when you are just beginning.

Step 3

Decide whether you want to sell crocheted clothing as a business or a hobby. If you plan to start a business, you will typically need a business license. If you will make the clothing for fun without the goal of profiting, you can consider this a hobby and avoid paying for a license. Check whether you need a license by contacting the agency that provides business licensing in your municipality. In Houston, for example, you can contact the One Stop Business Center for licensing information.

Step 4

Choose a location from which to sell your crocheted clothing. If you plan to sell a few items at a time or allow people to order custom-made clothing, you may sell from your home and place ads in newspapers and online. You may also sell your clothing online via online auction websites or sites intended specifically for selling handmade items. If you want to sell offline and offer many pieces at once, consider opening a boutique. If you do, you can add to your offerings by purchasing crocheted items wholesale and reselling them alongside the items you make.

Step 5

Sell at flea markets, craft fairs and church bazaars. People often search for special clothing in such places. You can also display less pricey pieces at garage sales.

Step 6

Price the clothing you sell to cover your costs if you make clothing as a hobby, or to earn a profit if you start a business. To make a profit, add the cost of materials, your overhead and your labor when setting a price and then add a little more to this amount to ensure a profit. As a hobbyist, however, you can set your price to match the costs for materials, labor and overhead exactly, instead of seeking a profit.

Step 7

Set up a record-keeping system for your expenses and income. This may prove important, even if you only plan to sell crocheted clothing as a hobby.

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