Have you ever wanted to learn how to design crochet patterns? Colder weather is soon on the way so let’s look at designing some simple fingerless gloves.
Why fingerless gloves?
I chose fingerless gloves due to the simplicity and the demand! In today’s technologically advanced world, people need AND WANT fingerless gloves. Have you ever tried to use your phone with regular gloves on? The average monthly search volume on Etsy for “fingerless gloves crochet pattern” is 3600.
Not to mention people like me (crochet vendors) need you to design the patterns so that we can purchase and crochet them.
The simplicity of fingerless gloves is the face that you only need to crochet a rectangle (sewn together with a hole for the thumb) to crochet fingerless gloves!
The photo above is from when I learned the crocodile stitch and made fingerless gloves.
**Side note** anytime you use a fancy stitch, such as the crocodile stitch, it is better to use a plain colored yarn. The fancy color distracts from the pattern of the stitch. So, remember to either use fancy color or fancy stitch, never both!
Fingerless Glove Sizing
The first step in crocheting fingerless gloves is to figure out the sizing. Start by measuring your own hand. Measure around the palm of your hand for the width and then measure the height you want for your gloves. Also measure where the thumb opening should go!
Now that you have the size figured out, it’s time to pick out the design or stitches you will use.
The starting chain
Once you know the stitches you plan to use you can calculate your starting chain. Use whatever formula goes with your set of stitches and get the chain as close to the length or width of your glove, depending on if you crochet the pattern from top to bottom or side to side. (What I mean by that is if you were going to do a shell stitch pattern, you would have to use a multiple of 6 + 2 until you reached your desired size/length.)
You will want to go past your desired length just a little because once you add the stitches to the chain it will shrink up some.
Usually, a quick Google search will get you the information you need on the starting chain for your selected stitch. Start with something less complicated to get your feet wet! Perhaps a simple row of one stitch in alternating colors and then once you have a feel for the process move to something you really like.
TAKE NOTES
It is imperative that I remind you to write down everything you do, every step you take in making the glove.
How many chains did you decide on?
What were the measurements of your hand?
What is the starting formula you used to create the chain length?
How many rows did you crochet?
What row is the thumb opening on?
Write it all down so you don’t have to do it all over when you are ready to crochet the second glove.
Write the pattern
Once you start crocheting, start writing the pattern. Write it as you go, make notes, it doesn’t have to be written to perfection, this is just the first draft. You will likely make changes as you go. Write each step down as you do it when you crochet the first glove.
When you crochet the second glove, use your notes so that you can find mistakes if there are any! When finished make sure the 2 gloves look the same. If they do and you think the pattern is correct, then start working on a final draft.
How do you make money selling crochet patterns?
You make money selling crochet patterns by creating the pattern once and being able to sell it over and over again. This is known as passive income. This is income that you don’t actively work for. You actively work to create the pattern, but from there it is more of a “set it and forget it” type of income. Etsy (or whatever platform you use) sells your pattern over and over and even automatically sends the buyer the digital file for you. All you do it watch the money come in.
Now, as with anything passive, there is a lot of work that goes into getting it off the ground. For example, with Etsy you will need to understand SEO – search engine optimization – and do some type of marketing if you want your product to actually be seen. It is not as simple as write the pattern, list the pattern, and make money. People have to be able to find the pattern so they can purchase it.
I will stress again, it is a lot of work in the beginning, but once you understand it, it does get easier.
Do crochet patterns sell on Etsy?
In a word: YES!
Crochet patterns are a huge seller on Etsy. On average there are 90,500 searches each month for the term “crochet patterns.”
The Downtown Crochet Bag is a purse that I designed and is available for purchase on Etsy.
Can you Create your own crochet patterns to make a living?
As I mentioned above, it is A LOT of work to get started, but it is possible. The trouble with that is that most people who want to do this already have full-time jobs. This really cuts into the time you need to really set yourself and your store up. Not to say it can’t be done, but it takes determination.
I don’t sell many patterns, currently, but I do sell digital products and I have put in 3 years almost and this year I have brought in about $2000 AFTER fees. In 2023 my pocket hug cards went somewhat “viral” and put my shop on the map. To date I have sold the design seen below over 700 times.
Check out my other blog post on other ways to make money with your crochet also!