Welcome back to my “what a crochet designer makes in a month” series. If you are new to the blog, each month of 2024 I am giving you a general breakdown of my financials as a small, independent crochet designer and maker. However, my brain seemed to take a vacation last month, and I forgot to post about June! So, if you are curious about what it’s like for many of us independent designers (especially in the current economy), read on for both June and July’s stats!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase from that website, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, see my Disclosures page.
June & July Overview
Summer is typically not a busy time for crochet. Many people don’t like making big projects or things that can lay across you like a blanket (hello, heat and humidity!). People are taking vacations or are out doing activities with their friends and family, spending less time crocheting. Typically, months that start with a “J” are not great for sales, but (spoiler!) July was actually one of my best months this year AND was one of my best Julys ever! It feels like things may be on the upswing.
While I’ve been less active on the blog and on my social media accounts, I published the Patch of Asters Bag in July and also released the Garden Party Square as its own standalone pattern. I think this bag is the perfect summer project as it is made up of 13 squares before being strategically seamed together, meaning you can take things one square at a time if you have a lot going on. Plus, it makes a great stash buster project!
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Additionally, I want to start doing markets this fall to sell my handmade items. To help with this, during July and July I started really thinking about what I want that to look like for me, what types of events I want to do, and started making some inventory – but more on this later!
Now, onto the juicy details – the platform breakdowns.
1. Etsy
JUNE
Overall, June was about average for me. Etsy wasn’t a huge money maker with only 3 patterns sold (the Rustic Summer Shawl, the Gemstone Cup Cozies, and the Rustic Summer Headband). Ravelry was better for me this month.
Total sales: 3
Gross income: $14.25
Minus Etsy processing, listing, and transaction fees: $4.35
Net profit: $9.90
JULY
July was much better, especially with the release of the Patch of Asters Bag and Garden Party Square crochet patterns. As expected, the Patch of Asters Bag was the most popular pattern, although interestingly, the Coffeehouse Santa Hat wasn’t too far behind.
Total sales: 8
Gross income: $41.40
Minus Etsy processing, listing, and transaction fees: $7.75
Net profit: $33.65
2. Ravelry
JUNE
This month, I sold several headbands, several beanies, and the most popular pattern was the Rustic Summer Tee. With the variety in the headbands and beanies sold, I wonder if people are starting to think ahead for the fall.
FREE on Blog
Ravelry
Etsy
Total sales: 9
Gross income: $42.75
Minus PayPal processing fees: $5.10
Minus Ravelry fee: $2.50
Net profit: $35.15
JULY
Like on Etsy, the most popular pattern was the newly released Patch of Asters Bag with, again, a variety of other beanie and headband patterns selling as well.
Total sales: 13
Gross income: $55.82
Minus PayPal processing fees: $8.09
Minus Ravelry fee: $2.71
Net profit: $45.02
3. In Person Sales
No in-person sales, so I made $0 for this category.
4. Affiliate Marketing/Blogging
Affiliate Revenue: I am an affiliate for WeCrochet/Knit Picks and Lion Brand. In June and July there were a couple uses of my affiliate links, but not enough for a payout, so it will not be listed here until it is actually tangible “cash in hand”.
Ad Revenue: In the middle of April, I switched over to a new ad platform. It’s better than the native ad service that came with the blog, but still not much. I need to check to see what they consider a “visit” though, as their numbers are much lower than what my blog host says. In June I made $0.49 and in July $0.72. Like affiliate marketing, I won’t get a payout until I reach $50, so it won’t be listed in the total.
Affiliate + Blog Profit: $0
5. Expenses
Okay, so this category is going to be a doozy, mostly because I am gearing up to do some markets this fall, which requires a few things like display set-up supplies and inventory (this is why they say you have to spend money to make money!). During Prime Day on Amazon, I purchased a quality event tent that was on sale ($190) and a fold up standing display to hang bags and shawls on ($36). For most other display items, I plan on using what I have already have around the house or what I can find at a local thrift store to get myself started. I also purchased the yarn I would need for my inventory (lots of Sandy Shores Beanies!) while Premier was having its summer sale. So, if you think about it, because it was on sale, I really saved money (#thelieswetellourseves).
- Flodesk email marketing service: $418
- Market display supplies: $226
- Yarn: $411.99
Total Expenses for June & July: $1055.99
Total Brought In for Both June & July: $123.72
Total Profit for 2024 (Income minus expenses): -$1316.51
So, overall, not too bad, but I am still very much in the red for 2024 and I know I’ll need a few more things for markets such as a sign or banner, pom poms and tags for my beanies, and of course, the event fee. But I’ll take the win for the uptick in pattern sales during the months that are notoriously slow and know that I’ll be bringing money back in during the fall when I sell at markets. Will I break even for the year though? Make sure to stick around to find out!
Also, make sure to follow along on Instagram as I prep for my first market! Happy stitching!
