Are you a knitter who dreams of turning your hobby into a business? Whether you’re a seasoned yarn wizard or just starting to think beyond gifting your makes to friends and family, the idea of selling online has probably crossed your mind.

Etsy has long been a go-to platform for handmade goods, and that includes everything from intricate baby hats to cosy chunky cowls. But with rising fees, increased competition, and changing algorithms, is it still worth it in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at the pros, the cons, and what it really takes to succeed on Etsy as a knitter today.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is an online marketplace specifically designed for handmade, vintage, and craft-related items. It launched in 2005, aiming to provide independent creators and small businesses with a platform to sell their goods. Unlike larger online marketplaces that cater to mass-produced products, Etsy carved out a niche by focusing on the unique, the handmade, and the personal.

When Did Etsy Become Popular?

Etsy began gaining serious traction around 2008–2010, coinciding with the global rise of the DIY movement, the “maker” culture, and a renewed interest in buying locally or from small businesses. By the mid-2010s, it had become a household name among crafters and shoppers alike, and today it boasts millions of sellers and buyers worldwide.

The Pros of Selling Knitting on Etsy in 2025

• Built-in audience: Etsy is still one of the first places people look for handmade knitwear.
  
• Ease of use: Setting up a shop is fairly straightforward with plenty of guidance along the way.
  
• Global reach: You can sell your items internationally without building your own website.
  
• Seller tools: Etsy provides analytics, advertising options, and listing features to help manage and grow your shop.
  
• Trust factor: Buyers often feel more confident purchasing through a known platform like Etsy.
  

The Cons of Selling Knitting on Etsy in 2025

• Rising fees: Listing fees, transaction fees, and advertising costs have increased in recent years, cutting into your profits. There is now even a charge to open an shop whereas it used to be free.
  
• High competition: You’re competing with thousands of other knitters, including those who underprice or use cheaper materials.
  
• Etsy ads: Offsite ads are now mandatory for sellers earning over a certain threshold, and you can’t opt out.
  
• Lack of control: Etsy can change policies, algorithms, and shop visibility with little notice. Some sellers report that their Etsy shops suddenly get closed down for no reason at all.
• Copycat concerns: Popular designs may be copied and resold by other sellers or even outside manufacturers. Etsy sellers report having their photos and design stolen and used on Temu and Ali-Express.

Alternatives to Etsy

If you’re unsure about Etsy or want to diversify your selling platforms, here are some alternatives to consider:

• eBay:
  
  • Pros: Large customer base, auction or fixed-price options, and relatively low fees.
    
  • Cons: Less of a handmade focus, and buyers may expect bargains over craftsmanship.
    
• Own Website (e.g., Shopify, Wix, WordPress + WooCommerce):
  
  • Pros: Full control over branding, pricing, and customer experience.
    
  • Cons: Requires more setup and marketing work, plus ongoing maintenance.
    
• Craft fairs and markets:
  
  • Pros: Immediate sales, local community exposure, and feedback from real people.
    
  • Cons: Time-consuming, seasonal, and weather-dependent if outdoors.
    
• Social media sales (Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok Shop):
  
  • Pros: Free to start, direct engagement with buyers, and potential viral reach.
    
  • Cons: Algorithm-dependent, hard to track orders if you’re not using a platform with checkout features.
    
• Local shops and consignment:
  
  • Pros: Support small businesses and get your work on physical shelves.
    
  • Cons: Lower profit margins due to shop commission, and slower sales turnover.
    

My Experience of Selling on Etsy

I opened my Etsy shop last winter, selling my hand-knitted hats made from high-quality wool. Each piece was unique and thoughtfully crafted, no mass production here! I was curious to see what would sell, how my pricing would hold up, and whether Etsy’s fees and traffic would be worth the effort.

Some items surprised me by selling quickly, while others didn’t get a single view. I talked about this and shared it in a YouTube video.

Watch the video here:

Selling knitting on Etsy – my experience of what did and didn’t sell

Thanks so much for reading this article about whether it is worth selling your knitting on Etsy in 2025. Do you have an Etsy shop? Share your link in the comments I am sure people would love to check it out.