First of all, you need to be clear whether you want to sell your knitting patterns in bulk or individually? If you wish to sell the knitting patterns in bulk, then you can choose websites such as old patterns. Otherwise, websites like eBay, Craigslist, Ravelry, and Etsy can sell your knitting patterns in both bulk and individually. Moreover, eBay gives you the option to check if a second version of the pattern people sold previously, and if so, then how much could it fetch?
Where Can I Donate My Used Knitting Patterns?
If you are planning to donate your used knitting patterns, you have a range of different options.
1. You may choose thrift stores where they usually take the donation of patterns. Also, lending your knitting patterns to the non-profit organization confirms deduction in tax.
2. Offer your knitting pattern to the local sewing clubs like 4-H sewing clubs where the children learn to sew. Hopefully, the children will show interest in your knitting patterns.
3. You can also choose to donate your patterns to the sewing organizations like sewing and quilting guilds. They may like to sort out your pattern treasures.
How To Make Your Own Patterns?
At first, assemble the materials like pattern paper, rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pencil, zip-lock bag. Now determine the pattern you wish to create. Next, you need to turn your piece of cloth inside out and trace around and then mark all the fold edges.
Smoothen all the lines with the help of a ruler and precisely cut out the patterns.
Will I Face Any Problem In Selling My Knitting Patterns?
The answer to this question is not that simple. Although you have the right to sell your knitting patterns without facing any sort of legal issues, there is a but to it. Suppose the knitting pattern comes with a trademark or a copyright holder, then the scenario is different.
This means that the pattern will say it is for your personal use only, and consequently, the designer holds the copyright. In this case, if you plan to sell the knitting pattern, you may get into legal trouble. So it is better to double-check before selling.
How To Publish A Knitting Pattern?
Every designer has their own way to publish new knitting patterns. However, if you are keen on knowing what goes behind self-publishing, read down the steps below –
Step 1: Concept Building And Sketching
Just like you submit your design to the third party for publishing, build your concept, and give the abstract idea a form by making a sketch of it.
Step 2: Swatch The Design
Do a swatch with the help of a needle and yarn. After that, wet-block the design and let it dry. When it is completely dry, take photographs of it. You can note down some ideas before publishing. Take at least four months to set up everything correctly before you publish them.
Step 3: Look For A Sample Knitter
The third step is to hire sample knitters, especially when you are planning to publish yourself. Offer them a minimum of four weeks to finish off your task. Then you can check and further send it to your photographer, saving enough time before the date of publishing.
Step 4: Yarn Sourcing
Try to keep in touch with a handful of yarn companies, especially the eco-friendly ones, to establish yourself in the knitting industry. You can then easily source yarns with their support. Furthermore, you can ask these yarn companies to courier directly to your sample knitters.
However, in the beginning, these companies can deny providing yarn support, but you need to keep patience. If they reject free yarn, at least get yarn at the wholesale price.
Also, when sending emails to these yarn companies, try to make your plea formal and professionals as much as possible to heighten their likelihood towards you. Then only they will agree to give you the yarn.
Step 5: Pen Down The Pattern
Once your sample knitters get the yarn, email them some essential swatching information. Your sample knitters will further swatch, wash, and dry their swatches and finally gauge measure with the help of information.
Step 6: Double-Check
Finally, when you receive the sample knitting, do not forget to double-check the measurement and gauge. If required, make the necessary adjustments in the pattern.
Step 7: Photography And Graphic Design
Get a photographer who can click excellent pictures of your knitting patterns. Fortunately, several amazing graphic designers can take your knitting designs and provide you services.
Step 8: Send To The Tech Editor
Remember, tech editing is an extremely vital step for getting pattern accuracy. A tech editor has the knowledge to find hidden elements like yarn requirements, measurements, gauge, etc., that the knitting designers often overlook.
Plus, it is good to get a second eye set to check before it goes for publishing.
Step 9: Test Knitting
Begin the testing of the knitting process at least two months ahead of pattern publishing time. This will offer you ample opportunity and time to finish off the tests and other edits before it reaches to the public eyes.
Step 10: Publishing And Marketing
Once you complete all the above steps, it is time to publish your knitting pattern. You can choose to publish on sites like Etsy, Ravelry, eBay, LoveKnitting, etc.
For marketing, you can schedule some attractive social media posts. Also, send emails to your subscribers to spread the word about your new design. You can offer them a couple of codes as well.
What Are The Benefits Of Testing The Patterns By Other Professional Knitters?
You are going to enjoy many benefits if you test your patterns with some other knitters. Here is a list mentioning some of the most effective ones.
1. You can get feedback from several people possessing different sizes and styles. It will give a wide range of ideas about how your knitting patterns can turn with adjustments and other color variations.
2. Since your knitting patterns get the glance of extra eyes, you can prepare answers to the questions or even fix stuff before publication.
3. Mostly the knitters will frequently post on their Instagram accounts and link these projects to their selling accounts like Ravelry. This will give your pattern free advertisements.
How Much Commission Do The Big Websites Take For Selling The Knitting Patterns?
Big knitting pattern websites set their own commission percentage. If you are willing to sell your knitting patterns, you have to pay them their commission. Following is the comparison table that shows you the name of the different big websites and their commissions.
| Websites | Commissions |
| Etsy | 5% |
| Lovecrafts.com | 3.5% |
| Ravelry | 3.5% |
How Long Can Copyright For The Knitting Pattern Last?
Well, copyright is crucial for selling knitting patterns, and thus, one must be aware of it. Usually, it lasts for about 25 years, but it is subject to the renewal fees payment.
Final Thought
Selling your knitting pattern is a good idea to earn some extra money. So, you can try out these amazing websites to sell and advertise your patterns.
However, remember to strategize well to sell the knitting patterns. Also, hire a team of professionals to help you get a second opinion on your knitting patterns and free advertisement.
