If you have been mulling over the possibilities of turning your love for knitting into a profitable craft business, you probably are aware of the fact that unless you are a well-known designer, it's difficult to make money selling handcrafted knitted goods. However, don't despair! The key to making money in the commercial kntting gig is to simplify construction and specialize in smaller knitted goods such as hats, headbands and camisoles. To follow are four of my favorite knitting resources to help inspire you to design a simple knit line of your own.
1. It Girl Knits
Want to target the 25 and under female buyer? Then It Girl Knits is the book for you. Amazingly, Phoenix Bess wrote this book when she was 16 (and yikes! she launched her knitwear design business when she was 13). Great images, simple instructions and interesting narrative make this book a winner. Many of the knitting patterns can easily be created using a knitting machine. Ms. Bess also simplifies construction with knitting in the round. While targeted to the younger buyer, some of these designs are appropriate for a wider age range.
2. Modern Top Down Knitting
Written by Kristina McGowen, Modern Top Down Knitting has very stylish hat knitting patterns including appealing suggestions for cool-looking linings, which add value to the design. I love the fact that many patterns use elastic cord to add shape and tension. For the traditional knitter, this may seem like a cheat but for knitting craft business owners wanting to balance time with the ‘art’ of knitting, using elastic cord is a quick way to add shape to the pattern.
3. Knitting Lingerie Style
Knitting Lingerie Style has somewhat more elaborate designs and knitting patterns than the other selection on this page which are probably more time-consuming than quick-knit craft business owners will find to be cost-effective to handcraft and market. However, author Joan McGowen-michael provides clear instructions for a book that is a great source for inspiration and construction hints that you can certainly apply to simpler garments. The basic camisole section is stellar.
I find knitted lingerie intriguing. Marketed properly, using the right types of yarn, construction techniques and trim, this has the potential to be a very profitable craft business.
4. Beyond Beading
Beyond Beading, written by Erika Knight, is more of a jewelry-making book. However, if you own a jewelry craft business and are looking to expand your product line, this book has a few knitted-jewelry designs plus a few crochet designs that can be altered for knitting. One of the knitted designs shows you how to knit with silver wire, working in turquoise beaded gemstones.
Another thing I like about this book is that it gives instructions to quickly and easily make bangles and hoop earrnings on the cheap. Coordinate and include these with your knitted goods to drive sales. For example hoop earrings look great with most knitted caps. Include them as a complimentary gift for your more expensive knitted goods.
