Pricing your crochet projects can seem next to impossible. It’s really difficult to come up with a price that is fair for both you and your costumers. I have seen several methods for pricing, but, none of them ever really seem to be fair for all projects. I know some people who charge per hour. I know others who use materials x 3. I even know people who charge hourly + materials. Personally, I use a mixture of these three methods and a method of my own. It really depends on what you’re making.
First, I am going to explain to you the three common pricing methods. Then I am going to break down each category of crocheted items and show you which method is most effective for that item. Then, I am going to show you why each method doesn’t always work all the time for pricing your crochet projects.
Pricing Your Crochet Projects
Method 1:
Charging materials times 3.
Method 2:
Charging per hour at a rate of $10.00
Method 3:
Charging per hour and adding materials
Keep in mind that when you are pricing your crochet projects, charge for total materials, not just the materials that were used.
In a perfect world, method 3 would be the one that we should use, but, for the costumer, it just isn’t feasible.
What pricing method should you use?
First, find the category of what you are making. Then follow the pricing method associated.
Headbands/Ear Warmers
For Basic Headbands and Earwarmers:
- Method 1: Charging Materials times 3
- Materials: $4.00*3 = $12
Method 2: Charging per Hour1/2 hours of work*$10.00 = $5.00
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- Materials: $4.00 +1/2 hours of work*10 = $9.00
For dual colored/added decoration Headbands/Earwarmers
- Method 1: Charging materials times 3
- Materials: $6.00*3 =$18
Method 2: Charging per Hour3/4 hours of work*$10.00= $7.50
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- Materials: $6.00 + 3/4 hours*$10.00 = $13.50
In both situations, Method 2 turns out to be far too low, So, I’ve crosses that out of the mix. Left over we have Method 1 and Method 2. Now, ultimately you would strive for method one. But, this all depends on your area and your experience. If you’re not sure just use your better judgement and choose a number that’s between Method 3 and Method 1. (Numbers may vary based on your materials and time spent making.)
Scarves
Simple Scarf with Plain Stitch
- Method 1: Materials * 3
- $6.00 * 3 = $18.00
- Method 2: Charging Per Hour
- 2 hours * $10.00 = $20.00
Method 3: Charging Per Hour +Materials$6.00 + 2 hours * $10.00 = $26.00
For the simple Scarves go with Method 1 or Method 2.
Intricate Lacey Scarf or Novelty Yarns
Method 1: Materials * 3$6.00 * 3 = $18.00
- Method 2: Charging Per Hour
- 2 hours * $10.00 = $20.00
- Method 3: Charging Per Hour +Materials
- $6.00 + 2 hours * $10.00 = $26.00
For more intricate patterns stick with Method 2 or Method 3.
Cowls
- Method 1: Materials * 3
- $7.00 * 3 = $21.00
Method 2: Charging Per Hour1.5 hours * $10.00 = $15.00
- Method 3: Charging Per Hour + Materials
- $7.00 + 1.5 hour * $10.00 = $22.00
For Cowls I find it best to stick with either Method 1 or Method 3.
Shawls/Ponchos
- Method 1: Materials * 3
- $15.00 * 3 = $45.00
- Method 2: Charging Per Hour
- 4-5 hours * $10.00 = $40.00 – $50.00
- Method 3: Charging Per Hour + Materials
- $15.00 + 4 1/2 hours * $10.00 = $60.00
For shawls and ponchos all the methods shown are appropriate. Go with your better judgement taking into account your area, your experience and the intricacy of the pattern.
Hats
For Basic Hats
- Method 1: Charging Materials times 3
- Materials: $5.00*3 = $15.00
Method 2: Charging per Hour1/2 hours of work*$10.00 = $5.00
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- Materials: $5.00 +1/2 hours of work*10 = $10.00
For basic hats Method 1 and Method 3 work!
For dual colored/added decoration Hats
- Method 1: Charging materials times 3
- Materials: $7.00*3 =$21.00
Method 2: Charging per Hour3/4 hours of work*$10.00= $7.50
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- Materials: $7.00 + 3/4 hours*$10.00 = $14.50
For dual colored hat or hats with a flower/bow added Method 1 and Method 3 work. But, ultimately Method 1
For Character Hats:
- Method 1: Charging materials times 3
- $10.00 * 3 = $30.00
- Method 2: Charging Per Hour
- 2 1/2 hours * $10.00 = $25.00
- Method 3: Materials +Time
- $10.00 + 2 1/2 hours * $10.00 = $35.00
For character hats any method would work. Taking into consideration the intricacy of the pattern, your experience and your area.
Baby accessories (Booties, Hats, Leg-Warmers)
- Method 1: Materials * 3
- $8.00 * 3 = $24.00
- Method 2: Charging Per Hour
- 2 Hours * $10.00 = $20.00
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- $8.00 + 2 Hours * $10.00 = $28.00
For baby accessories any method would do!
Baby Clothing (Dresses, Photo props)
Method 1: Materials * 3$12.00* 3 = $36.00
Method 2: Charging Per Hour4 hours = $40.00
- Method 3: Materials + Time
- $12.00 + 4 hours * $10.00 = $52.00
Method 1 cut little too short for my liking I could even say the same for method 2.
Blankets
Method 1: Materials * 3$30.00 * 3 = $90.00 (Not Enough!)
Method 2: Charging Per Hour40 hours * $ 10.00 = $400.00 (YIKES!)
Method 3: Materials + Time$30.00 + 40 hours * $10.00 = $430.00 (YIKES!)
For all those methods, None will get you to the price you deserve for a blanket. So, I devised a method that will please both you and your customer.
Blankets
Length * Width * $0.05 + materials
For example:
Twin size blanket
40 * 75 = 3,000
3,000 * .05 = $150.00
$150.00 + $30.00 materials = $180.00
Graphghans
Length * width * $0.07
40 * 75 = 3,000
3,000 * .07 = $210.00
$210.00 + $30.00 materials = $240.00
Why doesn’t it always work?
Method 1: Charging Materials Times 3
You know I have always wondered where this method came from and why it thought to be effective. For example:
Jessica wants to buy a christening gown for her newborn daughters baptism. How much will that cost?
Typically, when crocheting a christening gown, you are going to use crochet thread. At Micheal’s a skein/ball of Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Thread is just under $3.00. For a newborn out fit you might need 1.5 skeins/balls of this, but, for fun lets just round that up to 2. So, your material cost is $6.00. So what’s your price? $18.00!? That is absolutely ridiculous. factor in the time it took you to make that item. On average it would take someone between 10-15 hours to make that gown. Last time I checked working for $0.18 an hour was against the law.
So, for Jessica $18.00 works great. But, for you, all you’re left with is a throbbing hand and a lot of wasted time.
Method 2: Charging Per Hour
Alright lets stick with the same project.
Like I said before, that christening gown would take anywhere between 10-15 hours to make. Crafters Wage is typically $10.00 an hour. So, that brings Jessica’s total to somewhere between $100.00 to $150.00.
So, for you that sounds great! But, if I were Jessica, I would be high tailing my butt to Wal-Mart.
Another Reason why charging by the hour doesn’t always work is:
Janette (has been crocheting for a year): Crochets the gown in 15 hours. Cost $150.00
Sherry (has been crocheting for 10 years): Crochets the gown in 10 hours. Cost $100.00
Why would you pay more money for someone less experienced to make something?
Method 3: Charging Per Hour + Materials
If Jessica wasn’t happy with the $100.00-$150.00, then she surely won’t be okay with adding material to that would she?
Some might dispute these pricing methods, but, through out my time selling items, these are the methods that has worked best for both me and my costumers. Of coarse there are exceptions for people who are family or repeat costumers, but, that is up to you.
*Disclaimer: All of these examples are based on approximations materials and totals may vary based on yours and the costumers preferences. Do what you feel fits best for pricing your crochet projects!*
