How to Market Your Crochet Patterns Online
A Quick Guide for Designers

You’ve poured your heart (and probably a few extra cups of coffee) into designing the perfect crochet pattern — now what?

It's time to get it out into the world and into the hands of people who will love it as much as you do!

But with so many amazing crochet designers out there, just hitting "publish" isn’t quite enough anymore.

Don't worry — marketing your patterns doesn’t have to be complicated (or feel icky).

In this guide, I’ll show you some simple, creative ways to promote your crochet patterns, get more eyes on your work, and even share a few trending keywords to help you stand out like the superstar designer you are.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the Start Crochet links. Please see my disclosure for more details.

1. Optimize Your Listings with Strategic Keywords

Whether you have your own blog (more on that below), or are using a third-party marketplace to market your crochet patterns, you need to understand the use of "Keywords" to help people (and the algorithm) find your pattern.

Use long-tail keywords that your target audience is likely to search for. For instance, instead of using a broad term like "crochet pattern," opt for more specific phrases such as:

• "Beginner crochet scarf pattern"
• "Easy amigurumi cat pattern"
• "Baby blanket crochet pattern PDF"

Incorporate these keywords into your product titles, descriptions, and tags to improve search engine visibility.

2. Leverage Pinterest for Visual Discovery

Pinterest is a powerful platform for crafters and DIY enthusiasts. Create eye-catching, vertical pins showcasing your patterns, and link them directly to your shop or blog.

You can download free fonts and graphics from Creative Fabrica to make your Pins super interesting visually.

 Use descriptive titles and relevant keywords to enhance discoverability. Consistent pinning can drive significant traffic to your listings. Here's an example of one of my Pinterest Pins:

I personally love Pinterest and use it daily. I much prefer it over FB & IG because the pins you create will last FOREVER on the Pinterest platform. It's not like FB or IG where your posts die out by time... Also, Pinterest is a Search Engine, which means that if people are searching for your pattern, your pins will show up in their search results no matter how old your pins are.

3. Utilize Multiple Sales Channels

Diversify your sales platforms to reach a broader audience. Even though I have my own blog and sell my crochet patterns in my WooCommerce store, I still list my crochet patterns on other popular marketplaces. Here are some examples:

• Etsy: A well-known marketplace with a vast customer base.
• Ravelry: A community-driven platform specifically for knitters and crocheters.
• Creative Fabrica: A creative platform where designers sell digital assets like fonts, graphics, and crochet patterns, with a focus on craft and DIY enthusiasts. 
• LoveCrafts: A vibrant online marketplace and community for crafters, offering a wide range of yarns, patterns, and supplies for knitting, crochet, and more.
• Deisgn Bundles: a digital marketplace offering affordable, high-quality design resources—such as SVGs, fonts, templates, and craft files—created by independent designers for crafters, hobbyists, and creative professionals.
• eBay: A global online marketplace where you can buy and sell just about anything, including digital and printed crochet patterns.
• Ribblr: An interactive platform designed for modern crafters to buy, sell, and experience digital crochet, knitting, and sewing patterns with built-in tools like automatic row tracking.
• Sellfy: An eCommerce platform that allows you to sell digital products directly to consumers.
• Payhip: Not a marketplace with built-in buyers, but a free place to upload and sell patterns with direct links. No listing fees, just PayPal/Stripe fees.
• Gumroad: Similar to Payhip — great for simple digital pattern sales without a full website. Super fast setup, good for email list sales.
• Ko-fi: Like a tip jar + shop combined — you can sell crochet patterns as digital downloads while also accepting tips from your audience. No heavy fees; friendly platform for creatives.

Other Places to Consider

• Amazon (KDP): You can turn collections of patterns into an ebook (or paperback!) and sell through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
  Pros: Huge reach; passive income opportunity.
• Makerist: A marketplace based in Europe where designers can sell sewing, crochet, and knitting patterns.
  Pros: Another place to get international visibility.
• Craftsy (recently relaunched as part of TN Marketing): Craftsy used to allow designers to sell patterns. Right now it's a bit more curated, but they sometimes accept designer submissions.

Each platform has its advantages, so have a look at these and check where your target audience is most active.

4. Build and Engage Your Email List (The Smart Way!)

Having an email list is one of the BEST marketing tools for crochet pattern designers — because you own your list (unlike social media followers) and you can build real relationships with your audience over time.

Here’s how you can grow and keep your list engaged:

Step 1: Create a Freebie (Lead Magnet) That Your Ideal Reader Wants

Offer something valuable in exchange for their email address.
Crochet-specific examples:

• A free crochet pattern (especially a small, cute project)
• A crochet cheat sheet (like common stitch abbreviations or a hook size guide)
• A bundle of printable gift tags for finished crochet projects
• An exclusive crochet challenge (ex: “5 Days to Crochet a Mini Worry Worm”)

Make it super relevant to the patterns you sell. That way you attract people who are actually interested in buying from you later. Here are a bunch of freebie ideas from my blog.

Step 2: Use Landing Pages or Opt-In Forms Everywhere

Make it easy for visitors to sign up:

• Add an opt-in form at the top, middle, and bottom of blog posts
• Add pop-ups (but not too annoying!)
• Include a link in your Instagram bio and Pinterest pins
• Create a dedicated landing page for your freebie that you can link to everywhere

I'm using WordPress with Thrive Architect, so it's easy to create a pretty landing page and forms!

Step 3: Send Welcome Emails (and Keep in Touch!)

When someone signs up, don’t just dump them onto a list and forget about them! Think: friendly, helpful, fun — not constant selling.

• Send an automatic welcome sequence 
  Example:
  1. Welcome & introduce yourself
  2. Tell them what kind of crochet goodies they'll get from you
  3. Share a personal story about your crochet journey
  4. Invite them to follow you on social media or check out your shop
• Stay in touch regularly (at least once or twice a month)
  • Announce new patterns
  • Share behind-the-scenes photos
  • Offer free mini-tips (like “how to modify a pattern” or “how to pick yarn substitutions”)
  • Feature customer projects using your patterns

Step 4: Occasionally Run Special Promotions

Once you’ve built trust, you can mix in offers. The key: give more than you ask.
Be the crochet friend they love hearing from!

• Early bird discounts for new pattern launches
• Special “email-only” sales
• First access to pattern bundles or subscription boxes

Quick Recap:

1. Create a juicy freebie
2. Add opt-in forms everywhere
3. Set up a friendly welcome sequence
4. Keep emailing regularly
5. Mix in occasional promos without overwhelming

5. Harness the Power of Social Media

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are excellent for showcasing your work and connecting with potential customers. Consistent and authentic engagement on these platforms can significantly increase your visibility.

• Instagram: Share high-quality images of your finished products, behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience through stories and reels.
• Facebook: Join crochet-related groups to share your patterns and participate in discussions.
• TikTok: Create short videos demonstrating your patterns or showcasing the creative process to reach a younger demographic.

6. Offer Free Patterns to Attract and Convert

Providing free patterns can be an effective strategy to attract new followers and showcase your design skills. Include links to your premium patterns within the free content to encourage conversions. This approach builds trust and demonstrates the value of your paid offerings.

Have a look at all the Free Patterns I offer on my blog! Here's an example: 

You'll find that I'm offering the pattern for FREE on my blog, which gives me Ad revenue from the Ad Network I'm affiliated with AND I'm offering the printable Ad-Free PDF Pattern for a small fee in my shop, Ravelry, Etsy etc.

Trending Keywords in 2025

Staying updated with current trends is crucial for keyword optimization. Depending on when you're reading this, trends might change, so check either Pinterest Trends or use Google Trends or other keyword research tools to keep updated. Here are some of the trending keywords in the crochet pattern niche right now (2025). 

• "Amigurumi"
• "Crochet pattern"
• "DIY crochet kit"
• "Beginner crochet project"
• "Crochet home decor pattern"

Incorporate these keywords into your listings and content to align with what customers are actively searching for. 

Other Resources for Crochet Designers

Conclusion

Well, I hope you found this information about how to market your crochet patterns online helpful. I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions, so please leave them in the comments section below.

Happy hooking!

May