🧵 Why Crochet Businesses Fail (and How I’m Learning from It)

As many of you know, I follow Pam Grice from Crochetpreneur. In one of her recent newsletters, she mentioned four reasons why crochet businesses fail, and I couldn’t agree more. Like Pam said, “Running a crochet business isn’t easy.” And let me tell you—it really isn’t! Every day I ask myself the same question: What can I make that will sell? Let’s break down the four reasons she shared and how they apply to me as a Texas-themed crochet maker. 1. Burnout from Doing All the Things This one is very real. Between maintaining my website, posting on Facebook, clearing emails, organizing patterns, pricing items, and crocheting—it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Burnout happens when you try to wear all the hats in your crochet business. 2. Second-Guessing Pricing If you’ve ever worried that your handmade item feels “too expensive,” you’re not alone. I’ve done the math many times, but I still second-guess myself. The truth is: handmade crochet pieces have real value. Pricing fairly is part of running a sustainable crochet business. 3. Chasing Every Trend This one applies less to me since I stay focused on Texas-themed crochet and patriotic designs. Still, I’ve fallen into the trap of making items I thought would sell, only to end up with unsold inventory. At my next craft fair, I’ll be clearing out some of those items to make room for what really resonates with my audience. 4. Inconsistent Sales This hits home the hardest. Sales come here and there, but not consistently enough to plan or grow with confidence. Like many crochet business owners, I’m learning that building consistency takes time, strategy, and connection. So, What’s the Solution? The answer lies in relationships, trust, and community. Customers don’t just buy crochet items—they buy from makers they connect with. That’s why I’m working on building relationships with my customers, whether through craft fairs, my website, or my newsletter. Running a crochet business is a journey filled with challenges, but also opportunities to grow. By recognizing these struggles and focusing on community, I believe we can create sustainable crochet businesses that last.