Crochet machines don’t exist

Because the stitches involved are just too complicated to replicate on a machine

Although there are several types of machines to create faux crochet textures

But they are not the exact stitches that crocheters use

Just to let you know that our crochet designs are 100 percent carefully made by hand

How unique and special is that

So If you come across a talented small crochet business owner, please support them by buying or sharing their posts

That way you're boosting their creative expertize and super powers

Cos this is not a walk in the park

Pics: Crochet motifs prep for an Irish crochet lace dress
Akelacrochet

HOW TO COST YOUR CROCHET ITEMS

Have you been under pricing your crochet items and are wondering how to price your beautiful creations?

Costing is an important part of every business and it is important all Entrepreneurs learn how to cost their products effectively
This is one of the core things that sustains a business and helps it grow.

Below is a rough sketch to get it right!

1. Calculate the cost of direct materials: this includes yarn, embellishment or accessories and packaging

Example:
Let's say you're making a newborn baby dress set that includes a headband and a pair of booties

You will need 1 ball of Yarn Art Adore -#5,000 a ball
Accessories(ribbons, buttons, flowers - ₦1,000
Packaging-#500

2. Labor: This is not profit
Labour is what you charge for your time and skill.
Everyone is unique at their skills, knowledge, and job expertize
Pay yourself the worth of the time you spend crocheting.

Example: If you spend 8 hours to make the newborn dress set then (8 hours at N1,000/hour) = N8,000
You must learn to increase your crochet speed to be able to cost your time meaningfully.

3. Basic delivery/main delivery : Unless the client is within your location and is willing to come pick up the order if not you are to factor in cost of transportation to the motor park or logistic company to send the item.
Example: basic delivery fee - N1,000
Main delivery fee- N3,000

4. Add overhead business costs
Overhead: These include light bill, data, airtime, transportation to and fro market to buy materials or delivery fee if you're ordering them online, etc

You must learn to factor in costs of electricity if you combine sewing with crochet, cost of mobile data if you browse to achieve your desired creation, buy paid patterns, as well as create content regularly and run paid ads to attract clients.

Example: Business costs for data/airtime - N500
Marketing: Money spent on promoting your items(sponsored ads - N500
Market runs- N500

5. Then you include Your Profit
Profit is that amount of money you want to earn on each item you make.
Example: Desired Profit - N3,000

Add everything together
Total Selling Price will be = Materials + Labor + Delivery + Business Costs + Marketing + Profit

Example:
Direct materials and packaging: N6,500
Direct Labor: N8,000
Basic delivery(for online business): N1,000
Business Costs: N1,000
Marketing: N500
Market runs: N500 (for specific designs that require you sourcing for the materials locally or online)
Profit: N3,000
Total selling price : N20,500

Main delivery feefor online businesses)
N3,000 depending on location/logistic company.

Note: Basic delivery is for taking the item to the park/logistic company or calling a dispatch rider to do this on your behalf.

Although this is just a rough stretch on the idea of pricing.

Selling your crochet items is the combination of all these factors put together IMHO
Without these you are not running a business but a charity organization.

If you want to grow in business then take the business like a standard business.

Let no customer pressurize you to undercharge your creativity
It's not worth the stress.

Not everyone is your customer. Know this and know peace

However you must ensure that your price measures up with the quality(materials used neatness & packaging) of the product you're delivering.

Summary of my epistle is
KNOW YOUR WORTH AND CHARGE ACCORDINGLY.
Those that value your expertize will pay without arguing.

I hope this helps.