Forget selling at craft fairs, unless she just really enjoys making things (sometimes making stuff becomes less fun if you are doing it for work). Most people who make money from hand sewn/knitted items end up cobbling income from a variety of sources (selling patterns, giving classes, licensing designs, etc.). Very little to nothing is made from actually selling their handmade items. There is a really good podcast and website called whileshenaps about the business of crafting. I'd have her listen and do some research.

For a teen who likes to craft, I'd encourage her to start an instagram and blog about her crafting. She can make things she likes, blog/instagram/youtube post about it, and maybe make a little cash eventually from her blog and social media.

I think with knitting, etc., there is some degree of need to “build up stock” of some sort before a lot of people will come for commissioned items.

We have a friend who knits/ crochets as well, but mostly hats and really great baby accessories. While she doesn’t have a business, she does try to make money to support a cause that she believes in.

She often gives us items for DD to wear, and because they re so unique, we often get asked about them, and then refer people to her website. She also donates items to other charity auctions, etc. With the idea of getting her “brand” out there. She attends crafters markets and has a small stock at a few artisian “general stores”. She also shares a table at one of the local farmer’s markets.

Part of the hard reality is that most people are not going to be willing to buy the type of item your daughter is hoping to commission, especially not at the cost she is hoping to recover. If she’s not buying beads and yarn when she sees them on sale, it’s going to be hard for her to compete with other online vendors.

Project Linus

My crocheted slippers are falling apart. I sure would like to buy some new ones.

Heck, if I went to the farmers market and there was an earnest young lady there selling hand crocheted slippers that were made in America, I just might buy some for everyone on my Christmas list.

If she does a craft sale table, she should have a cute business card and also fliers with a website or FB page advertising that she does custom work, plus a display of photos or actual items.
I think she could maybe get started on Etsy—you might need to generate some fake positive reviews to get her started. But I’ve bought several things from American based crafters, including two items this spring for gifts that were quite lovely. If she wants any profit margin, she’s going to have to figure out how to get her supplies for dirt cheap, though. If she’s paying American retail for yarn, she won’t have a good price point.

Anonymous wrote:So, 17 yr old DD is a pretty talented fiber artist. She's been knitting/crocheting for a few years and makes exceptional stuff.

She'd like to find commissions, and asked me for advice. I'm stumped!

Etsy wasn't a success (flooded with dirt cheap knit items from overseas), listserv doesn't allow advertising, and instagram hasn't worked either.

I'm not someone with a huge group of friends so I can't market to my friends (and honestly, I want her to arrange her own stuff...)

Any ideas? Anyone with crafty kids? How do your kids sell their stuff?

Please don't market to your friends. You'll get a few pity sales from them at first but then that will dry up. Nobody wants to pay for crocheted/knitted items. If you want to give it to me as a gift, great but I'll probably end up donating it. The only crocheted/knitted item I've used and not donated are this scrubbing dish rags, those are great!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know why it's hard? Because people don't buy this stuff.

I think that is really the issue.

Thisbisnshtbonly correct analysis.

I'm guessing people chiming in on here haven't been in the business community in any meaningful capacity since having children decades ago.

Why would seniors want to learn fiber crafts from a 17 yr old? Surely they could mostly teach her more than the reverse...

Things to try:
1. Consignment at local craft/art shop (Try tanglewood works in Hyattsville)
2. Teach classes and get the word out that way (try Lemon collective)

Anonymous wrote:You know why it's hard? Because people don't buy this stuff.

I think that is really the issue.

In the summer, there is probably a local craft market within driving distance every week, with a reasonable stall fee. My mother and stepfather make crafts and do this as a retirement “job”. They seem to do okay on sales, although I personally would not pay for their stuff (and get it for every holiday gift).

Or, as someone had said, knit and donate. See if there is a need for hats for newborns (my first child got a handmade hate a local nursing home group had donated and I loved it), something for babies in the NICU, blankets for babies, hats for pre-school kids in need or kids at a Title 1 school?. Some type of sensory toy for autism kids?

The donating looks great on a college app. And she can attach a card with her info to each one. Maybe some will appreciate the gesture and come back for a Commissioner good.

The other real option is to get a spot in craft guilds. In many you have to jury in. Or pay a Commission for a spot. But, it’s worth a try.

She can also have you give as gifts to new parents (baby blankets or clothes). Afghans/blankets for newlyweds.

In her demo, she might have the best luck making blankets or hats in college colors for grads. That would actually make a nice, unique gift.

Be sure to attach her info. If she wants to start a business, she may need to donate or give as gifts first, and give word of mouth some time.

I know it's not selling her actual work, but I totally agree there's an opportunity to earn money by teaching her craft to others.

If she connects up with a senior center or retirement community, she might be able to use their space for free and hold classes there. A mixed group of preteen/teens (class fees paid for by their parents) and adults/seniors who can pay their own way. Individual classes or better, a series of 3-5+.

Advertising for the classes might help get her name out more widely, plus it'll bring in some income along the way.

Sellling on etsy takes a lot of advertising more so then product. There are plenty of low cost or free course on selling on etsy that would help her understand how to do it better. The advice applies to any selling platform.

Farmers Markets