Introduction
You just tied off the last stitch of your newest crochet piece—maybe it’s a squishy amigurumi fox, a chunky knit-look blanket, or a trendy scrunchie set in dreamy pastels. It’s beautiful, it’s handmade, and now you’re wondering: Where should I sell this?
For many crocheters turning their hobby into a side hustle (or even a full-time gig), the big decision often comes down to two main options: Etsy, the world’s largest online marketplace for handmade goods, or local markets, like weekend craft fairs, farmers’ markets, or pop-up shops in your community.
Both paths have passionate fans, real success stories—and real headaches. But here’s the honest truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” choice depends entirely on you—your personality, your lifestyle, your goals, and even the type of items you love to make.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between selling on Etsy and selling at local markets across five critical areas: audience reach, customer interaction, time and effort, profitability, and long-term growth. You’ll get practical examples, honest pros and cons, and smart strategies—whether you’re team digital, team in-person, or ready to do both.
So grab your favorite hook, get comfy, and let’s figure out which path helps your crochet business thrive.
Audience & Reach: The World vs. Your Hometown
One of the most striking differences between Etsy and local markets is who sees your work—and how far it travels.
Etsy gives you access to a global audience. With over 96 million active buyers (as of 2025), your shop could be discovered by someone in London looking for a custom baby blanket, a teacher in Texas needing classroom decor, or a gift shopper in Australia hunting for unique handmade presents. This is especially powerful if you specialize in niche, seasonal, or highly customizable items—things that might not sell well in your small town but have a ready market online.
Plus, Etsy operates 24/7. A customer can browse your shop at 2 a.m. and place an order while you’re asleep. That kind of passive reach is hard to beat.
On the other hand, local markets connect you directly with your community. You’re selling to neighbors, local business owners, school parents, and fellow creatives who genuinely want to support hometown talent. The word-of-mouth potential is real—one happy customer might invite you to vend at their church bazaar or recommend you to a boutique owner.
But your reach is naturally limited. If you live in a rural area or a city with few craft events, opportunities may be sparse. And unlike Etsy, local sales only happen when you’re physically present.
Practical takeaway: If your creations appeal to a broad or niche audience beyond your ZIP code, Etsy offers unmatched scale. But if you love building local relationships and your items resonate with your community’s style, local markets can be incredibly rewarding.
Customer Experience: Screens vs. Smiles
How you interact with buyers can deeply affect your joy—and your business growth.
At local markets, every sale is personal. You watch someone’s face light up as they hold your crocheted mushroom keychain. You hear their stories (“This would be perfect for my granddaughter’s birthday!”). You can offer on-the-spot adjustments (“Want this beanie in mustard instead of gray?”). This human connection is energizing—it reminds you why you started crocheting in the first place.
Face-to-face interaction also builds instant trust. People see your hands, your materials, your passion. They’re more likely to splurge on a $45 shawl when they understand the hours and care behind it.
Etsy, by contrast, is mostly digital and asynchronous. Buyers connect with you through photos, descriptions, and reviews. While you can build loyal fans (many Etsy shoppers return again and again), the experience lacks the warmth of a shared laugh or a handshake.
That said, some makers prefer this distance. If you’re shy, introverted, or managing social anxiety, Etsy lets you share your work without the pressure of constant conversation.
Think about it: Do you feel energized after talking to strangers—or drained? Your answer might point you toward (or away from) the craft fair booth.
Time, Effort & Logistics: Hidden Work Behind the Scenes
Don’t let anyone tell you selling handmade is “easy.” Both paths demand serious effort—but in very different ways.
Selling on Etsy requires strong digital skills:
- Taking bright, clean product photos (no blurry iPhone shots!)
- Writing keyword-rich titles and descriptions (“Handmade Crochet Baby Blanket – Neutral Organic Cotton – Gender Neutral Nursery Gift”)
- Packaging orders carefully and shipping them on time
- Responding to messages and managing returns
- Navigating Etsy’s fees (around 6.5% per sale + payment processing + optional ad costs)
The upside? Once your shop is polished, sales can roll in without you lifting a finger. It’s true passive potential—if your listings are visible and your products stand out.
Local markets, meanwhile, demand intense bursts of energy:
- Spending days crocheting enough inventory
- Paying booth fees (anywhere from $20 to $200+ per event)
- Hauling tables, displays, and stock to the venue
- Standing for 6–8 hours in heat, rain, or wind
- Managing cash, card payments (via Square or PayPal), and leftover inventory
But you walk away with cash in hand and no shipping stress. And if the event is well-attended, you can make a month’s Etsy income in one Saturday.
Smart strategy: Many successful sellers use both. They test new designs at local markets (“Do people love these cat ear headbands?”), then list the winners on Etsy for year-round sales. Others use Etsy profits to fund their market booth setup—creating a powerful cycle.
Profitability & Pricing: What’s Left After the Costs?
Let’s talk real money—because your time and talent deserve fair pay.
On Etsy, your “profit” isn’t your sale price. You must subtract:
- Etsy’s transaction fee (~6.5%)
- Payment processing (~3% + $0.25)
- Shipping supplies and postage
- Potential Etsy Ads spend (to boost visibility)
- Income tax (yes, really!)
Many new sellers underprice their work, forgetting to include their hourly rate. If a market bag takes 8 hours to make, is $25 really fair? Probably not. Etsy buyers often expect “handmade = cheap,” which can pressure you into undervaluing your skill.
At local markets, you avoid platform fees—but other costs add up:
- Booth fees
- Display supplies (tents, tablecloths, signage)
- Gas, parking, and food for the day
- Time spent not crocheting
However, local customers often understand the value of handmade. They see your hands at work, feel the yarn quality, and are more willing to pay $38 for that market bag because they get it. Plus, no shipping = higher margins per item.
Try this pricing formula:
Materials + (Your Hourly Rate × Hours Spent) + Overhead = Minimum Price
Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is worth—on either platform.
Brand Building & Long-Term Growth
Where can you build a recognizable, sustainable business?
Etsy offers scalability and data. With solid SEO and consistent branding (logo, packaging, shop aesthetic), you can grow a shop that attracts repeat buyers, custom requests, and even wholesale opportunities. Etsy also gives you sales analytics—so you know which products are trending and when to restock.
But remember: you’re renting space on Etsy’s platform. If policies change (like they did with the “handmade” definition in 2022) or fees increase, your business can be shaken overnight. You also compete with mass-produced “handmade-style” items from big retailers.
Local markets, while smaller, let you build a personal brand in your community. People remember “the crochet vendor at the downtown market” and seek you out. You can hand out business cards, collect emails for a newsletter, or partner with local cafes to display your work.
Over time, this grassroots loyalty can lead to teaching workshops, custom commissions, or features in local media—opportunities that are harder to spark online.
Best of both worlds: Use your market presence to drive traffic to your Etsy shop (“Find more styles online!”), and use your Etsy reviews to build credibility at events (“Loved by 500+ buyers worldwide!”).
Finding Your Perfect Fit: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Still torn? Ask yourself a few honest questions:
- Do I enjoy chatting with strangers—or prefer working alone? → Local = yes; Etsy = maybe.
- Do I need cash this weekend—or can I wait weeks for orders to build? → Local = faster cash.
- Are my items bulky, fragile, or expensive to ship? → Local avoids shipping risks.
- Do I live near cities with frequent, well-attended markets? → Local could be golden.
- Am I comfortable with tech, photos, and basic marketing? → Etsy will reward you.
And remember: You don’t have to pick forever. Many crocheters start locally to gain confidence, then expand online. Others begin on Etsy and later add markets for seasonal income or creative inspiration.
Your path can evolve as your life and business do.
Conclusion
Selling your crochet isn’t just about making money—it’s about sharing your creativity, connecting with others, and building something meaningful with your own two hands (and one trusty hook!).
Etsy offers global reach, passive income potential, and scalability—but demands digital savvy and resilience in a competitive space.
Local markets deliver human connection, instant feedback, and full pricing control—but require physical effort and depend on event quality.
The “best” choice isn’t about which platform makes more money—it’s about which one aligns with your energy, your values, and your vision for your creative life.
So take that first step. List your first Etsy item. Sign up for that spring craft fair. Or try both for three months and see what feels right.
Now we’d love to hear from you: Are you team Etsy, team local markets—or happily doing both? What’s your biggest win (or lesson learned) from selling your crochet? Share your story in the comments below—your experience might be the push another maker needs to start their own journey!
Maria Santos is a dedicated crochet and knitting enthusiast who finds joy in turning simple strands of yarn into meaningful, handmade art. With a natural eye for detail and a deep love for fiber crafts, she brings warmth, creativity, and years of personal experience to every project. Maria is inspired by the stories woven into each stitch and loves sharing that passion with others.
