Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a knitting or crochet business requires more than just crafting skills. You need to understand production workflows, pricing strategies, customer acquisition, and the realities of turning a hobby into income. These books provide foundational knowledge for building a sustainable craft business.
The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss
This book covers the technical fundamentals every knitter should master, including stitch construction, tension, and common mistakes. For business owners, understanding these details helps you maintain quality control, diagnose customer complaints, and develop signature techniques that differentiate your work. Strong fundamentals directly impact your reputation and repeat sales.
Shop The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge on Amazon →
The Business of Craft by Nicole Stevenson
This book directly addresses pricing, production, scaling, and selling handmade goods. You’ll learn how to calculate costs accurately, avoid underpricing, manage time efficiently, and decide which sales channels work for your business model. Most craft makers struggle with pricing—this book tackles that head-on.
Shop The Business of Craft on Amazon →
The Crocheter’s Book of Knowledge by Margaret Hubert
The crochet equivalent to Bliss’s knitting guide, this resource covers stitch theory, pattern reading, and technical mastery. Whether you work primarily in crochet or offer both services, understanding the mechanics of your craft ensures consistency and allows you to troubleshoot issues with custom orders.
Shop The Crocheter’s Book of Knowledge on Amazon →
Profit from Your Passion by Stacie Krajchuk
This book focuses specifically on turning creative hobbies into profitable businesses, covering business planning, marketing, and customer relationships. It’s particularly valuable for understanding how to position your work, build a customer base, and manage the transition from hobbyist to business owner.
Shop Profit from Your Passion on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment list depends on your business model. If you’re selling finished items (blankets, hats, scarves), you need yarn, needles, and quality tools. If you’re offering custom orders or teaching classes, your needs expand. Start with the basics and add specialized equipment as your business grows and demands it.
Needles and Hooks
- Knitting needles: Invest in multiple sizes and materials. Bamboo needles are affordable and beginner-friendly; metal needles are faster but noisier; wood needles are premium but expensive. Buy a variety set to start, then invest in specific sizes as you develop favorite projects.
- Crochet hooks: Similarly, purchase a range of sizes in both aluminum (affordable, standard) and ergonomic designs if hand fatigue is a concern. Many makers find aluminum sufficient for starting.
- Double-pointed needles and circular needles: These expand your project range beyond flat pieces. Circular needles in particular allow you to make seamless items, which often sell for premium prices.
Shop knitting needle sets on Amazon →
Shop crochet hook sets on Amazon →
Yarn and Materials
- Yarn in multiple weights and fibers: Start with mid-range yarns (worsted and DK weights are most versatile) in natural fibers like merino wool, cotton, and acrylic. Don’t buy bulk inventory yet—purchase smaller quantities until you know what sells.
- Specialty fibers: Luxury options like alpaca, silk blends, or hand-dyed yarn attract higher-paying customers but invest in these once you’ve identified demand.
- Notions: Buttons, snaps, zippers, stitch markers, yarn needles, and closures. Buy as needed for specific projects rather than large quantities upfront.
Finishing and Care Tools
- Blocking supplies: Blocking boards or mats, blocking pins, and spray bottles. Proper blocking improves the finished appearance of your work significantly and justifies premium pricing.
- Stitch markers: Essential for tracking increases, decreases, and pattern repeats, especially for complex designs.
- Row counters and pattern tools: Help you stay organized during production, reducing errors and rework.
- Measuring tape and scale: For consistency across pieces and accurate weight/yardage claims on product listings.
Shop blocking supplies on Amazon →
Storage and Organization
- Clear plastic bins: Organize yarn by weight, color, and fiber type. Being able to locate materials quickly saves hours over time.
- Shelving or yarn storage boxes: Keeps materials accessible and your workspace functional.
- Pattern storage: Digital or printed copies of your designs, organized by difficulty and project type.
Optional but Valuable Equipment
- Swift and ball winder: If you’re buying yarn in bulk or from indie dyers, these tools let you wind skeins into balls efficiently. This is a luxury item initially but saves significant time at scale.
- Yarn scale: Critical if you’re selling by weight or working with luxury fibers where accuracy matters to customers.
- Lighting and magnification: A good desk lamp and magnifying glass reduce eye strain during detailed work, especially for intricate patterns or when photographing finished pieces.
- Photography setup: Simple backdrop, ring light or softbox, and a smartphone or camera for product photos. This directly impacts sales across online platforms.
Shop swift and ball winder on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Be strategic about your initial investment. You don’t need everything immediately—focus on what directly enables you to create and sell your first products.
- First: One set of needles or hooks in 5-6 common sizes, yarn in neutral colors and standard weights, a yarn needle, stitch markers, and storage bins. Total investment: $50–$150.
- Next 3 months: Expand your needle/hook range, add specialty notions, invest in blocking supplies, and purchase quality yarn for signature items.
- After 6 months: Upgrade to premium materials based on customer feedback, add specialty tools like a swift and ball winder, and invest in better photography lighting if online sales are strong.
- Year one and beyond: Build a diverse yarn inventory, invest in ergonomic tools if hand fatigue is an issue, and add specialized equipment only for project types that generate consistent sales.
New vs Used Equipment
Most knitting and crochet tools have long lifespans and perform equally whether purchased new or used. Buying secondhand can significantly reduce startup costs. However, some items warrant new purchases from the start.
Safe to buy used: Needles, hooks, stitch markers, blocking supplies, storage bins, and yarn. Check that needles aren’t bent or damaged, and verify hooks aren’t cracked. Used needles from estate sales or online marketplaces are often excellent quality at 25–50% of retail price.
Buy new: Yarn, unless it’s sealed in original packaging. You don’t know the storage history of used yarn—it may have dust, pet hair, or odor issues that affect your finished products. Photography equipment should also be new or from reputable sellers, as you need functional lighting and cameras for business-quality images.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Convenient for quick purchases and a wide variety. Good for needles, hooks, storage, and tools.
- Specialty yarn shops: Local or online shops often offer higher-quality yarns, personalized advice, and access to indie dyers. Building relationships with suppliers can lead to wholesale pricing as your business grows.
- Estate sales and thrift stores: Excellent for finding quality vintage needles and hooks at low prices. Allow extra time for sourcing.
- Etsy: For specialty items, hand-dyed yarn, and vintage supplies from individual sellers. Read reviews carefully.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Local options for larger items like shelving and storage. Allows you to inspect items before purchasing.
- Yarn distributor websites: Once you’re established, look into wholesale purchasing from distributors to reduce material costs on bulk orders.
- Community groups: Local knitting and crochet groups often have members selling supplies or can recommend trusted local shops.