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I Agreed to Knit for Money (and Immediately Regretted It)!

Knicoleknits

14,256 views

This week I’m sharing a personal story that every knitter might relate to at some point. In this video, I talk about the time I agreed to knit for money and immediately regretted it. From unrealistic expectations to the pressure of turning a passion into a business, I’ll cover it all!

Join me as I unravel the challenges and unexpected hurdles I faced, and find out why this seemingly simple decision (could have) turned into a knitting nightmare. Whether you’re thinking about taking on commissioned projects or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of knitting for others, this video is for you!

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Show notes:

What I'm wearing: Smokeshow by Thea Colman
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

What I made: His Vest by Churchmouse Yarn and Teas
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

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00:00 Introduction
00:39 The Story
02:58 The Planning
13:07 The Knitting
15:33 The Finishing
30:46 The Final Product
31:48 The Money

20 Comments

@Briael 2 years ago

When asked if I'll knit an item for someone, I offer to trade it for time. I suggest that I will work on their item ONLY when they are in my home undertaking a chore in return. So far nobody has viewed that as a fair trade, as they think my time comes free while theirs is too valuable to squander.

@wendybarrington5696 2 years ago

If I don't love you, I don't knit for you ... I won't turn my wonderful hobby into a job. Live and learn. ❤❤❤❤

@deniseyoung3738 2 years ago

I am a finisher with Loose Ends Project. We finish projects that the original crafter couldn't. It is done out of love and not money. While it is very satisfying to help a family with a beloved project, it's not something I want to do all the time!

@bonniephelps9481 2 years ago

I turned my hobby into a job when I knitted sample garments for a major department store. Although I was working in the Art and Needlework Dept and was paid by the hour to knit on weekends, it still spoiled my knitting experience. I don’t recommend knitting for money under any circumstances.

@marlasivak5978 2 years ago

Great information. I've been asked to knit for people who say, "I'll pay for the yarn." I always say "No". They have no idea the time and dedication it takes to make a garment (or how much quality yarn costs). I knit happily for my grandchildren, and occasionally for my grown children. Thanks for your time to make this video!

@karendiesner5008 2 years ago

Been there, done that - NEVER AGAIN!!! Zero pleasure in the making!

@Shetooktothewoods 2 years ago (edited)

I don’t knit for money and, when asked (or when it’s suggested I ought to) I point out that nobody is going to buy $150 socks. (Though I have seen straight up plain ribbed beanies at Nordstrom that cost more than that. 😮 I can’t remember the brand.)
The main thing is the joy killing, though. Knitting is something I do because I enjoy the process and the finished product. If it’s on-demand, that just kills the enjoyment. I was a volunteer paramedic in my youth and never turned it into my job for the same reason.
Now, if a loved one (a REALLY CLOSE loved one) asked me to make something for one of their loved ones… I might do that, just for the yarn cost. Maybe. Maybe I’d just teach them to knit and offer technical support. 😉

@allgirlreview433 2 years ago

I used to sew for money because I was a stay at home mom and I made just enough to buy fabric for myself. There is no way that I could craft for a living. More power to those that do.

@unplainjane123 2 years ago

I would never knit for money. How terrible to turn an enjoyable hobby into an obligation. I won’t even knit surprise gifts in case they don’t like it, it’s totally normal not to like a gift, but wouldn’t want to see my hard work not used.

@mariaknitsRN 2 years ago

will never knit for money! I only knit for myself and people who are knit worthy - which is my husband, children and my grandson.

@tricotetpiano 2 years ago

The worst part of commission knitting is the deadline. There is enough stress in life. Knitting is supposed to be a meditative, relaxing activity. You had fun planning, selecting yarn, etc. The rest was no fun 🥵🥵🥵

@moniquem8093 2 years ago

Knitting is my hobby and my passion, I love knitting but I can only wear so many sweaters lol, living in San Diego, so I knit for family and friends to stay busy, They pay for the yarn, pattern and the shipping and I knit, I don't ask for any compensation,
when I knit for my Etsy shop I knit for customers the same way, I only charge for the yarn pattern and shipping, it's not a get-rich hobby but a passion, I have a closet full of handknit items that I just wanted to knit because I love the yarn or the pattern,
and when my family askes me to make them something I am honored and happy to knit for them, knowing that this hand knit item will be around a long time even when I am not,

@venmanjenny 2 years ago

I have been asked many times to knit for money but this takes all the pleasure out of the craft. I have found these people, being friends, or friends of will give me a gift in return which is nice. I get the most pleasure out of giving knitted items so its a win win in my book!

@bg7491 2 years ago

You absolutely have bragging rights for that vest - beautifully done and it looks great on your uncle! 👍🏻😊Great video, and a nice reality check. I don't do commission work for pretty much all of the reasons that you covered. If I make something for someone else, it is either as a gift, or for charity donation.

@Luc.BooBak 2 years ago

Excellent video! I don't knit for money, nor I sell my knitted items. No one wants to pay... Even when it's only the cost of the yarn. 😔
When someone asks how much would this or that would be to knit, I put a very low price estimate on the table and guess what? No one has ever called or messaged back again after that. 😃

@cherylharasti1103 2 years ago

Agree hate when someone asks me to knit and tell me they will pay me. I hate the pressure and it sucks my joy for knitting and they have no concept of the cost.

@jls4382 1 month ago (edited)

"You just make bigger mistakes faster!" That's me in a nut shell. I've only been knitting 62 years... "I know what I'm doing" .... I'm being very careful... Very careful ... Ooops its still not perfect! I frog it. I do it again. And maybe again or once more just because... Eventually though it comes out just fine. Big sigh. This does remind me of the wise words of my beloved Sunday school teacher Miss Margaret Salisbury: "As ye sew, also shall ye rip." Oh, and yes, your vest is wonderful!

@danbev8542 3 months ago

What a great video! As usual, chock full of great information! I love your discussions!
Part of the problem is that we are used to buying cheap, manufactured crap (er…stuff) that is environmentally destructive (polyester made from petroleum is in everything), and exploits workers.
I believe costume designers for movies & tv employ knitters to make beautiful sweaters for certain films.
Wool went out of fashion when polyester fleece came on the market several decades ago, and the market nearly disappeared so beautiful wool is very expensive today. Back in the 60’s, fabric stores had large sections of wool fabric. Pendleton wool was $5 per yard!

@georginapederson6828 1 year ago

I recently joined as a new knitter and crochet, which means I can only knit for my family that loves my work because they love me, we meet as a group and donate projects to animal shelters, twiddle muffs to seniors homes and many items to shelters for the unhoused. We also recently participated in the craft fair where the proceeds went to the seniors club where we knit. It was my first time and I was shocked at how many were unwilling to pay even the bare minimum. The price would not even come close to paying for the yarn and other supplies. Some of these items (lots) were made by a 95 year young senior and her work is amazing. Of course she has been doing it since she was 8.
She makes beautiful scarves, hats, slippers a lot of baby dresses, baby sweater,bonnet and bootie sets. I realize not many new mums use those items anymore, but my point is, NONE of the items were getting even the minimal amount asked for. Very disappointing for all.
When I see homemade Afghans and other products brand new or barely used at thrift stores it breaks my heart.
No wonder the smart crafters out there are unwilling to make things for money.

@carolwhetzel5083 2 years ago

I knit The Weekender in a 4X for my niece who lives 12 hours away. Even though I had her favorite sweater and tons of measurements, it was so stressful! Thankfully, there was no deadline and it did fit her. She really likes it, but I pray she doesn’t ask me to make a second one!