It started like so many pandemic stories did — stuck at home, out of work, and scrolling through endless movies and TV series. But instead of just waiting for things to go back to normal, one crafter decided to pick up a hook and revisit a skill she’d had since high school: crochet. What began as a way to fill time quickly turned into earrings, then into custom orders, and eventually into a full-blown small business shipping products to customers in the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan.
The Spark in 2020
When the pandemic hit in 2020, work came to a halt. Like a lot of people, she found herself at home with time she didn’t know what to do with. Binge-watching could only occupy so many hours. So she started thinking about what else she could do — and remembered that she already knew how to crochet.
She started small. Earrings, mostly. Little things she could finish quickly and experiment with. From there, she moved into tulips and roses, and before she knew it, she had a growing collection of handmade pieces. The key was starting with manageable projects. You don’t need to dive into a king-size blanket on day one. Begin with something you can finish in an afternoon, and build from there.
Choosing the Right Yarn for the Job
Not all yarn is created equal, and the material you choose makes a real difference in how your finished piece looks and feels. For earrings and delicate accessories, mercerized cotton is the go-to. It has a smooth finish and a slight sheen that makes small details pop. It’s also sturdy enough to hold its shape, which matters when you’re making something as tiny as a pair of earrings.
For baby items, the rules change. Milk cotton yarn is a popular choice because it’s soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. Babies have delicate skin that can react to rougher fibers, so using a yarn that’s labeled safe for infants isn’t just a selling point — it’s a responsibility. If you’re making gifts for new parents, this is the kind of detail they’ll notice and appreciate.
Then there’s velvet yarn. It’s plush, luxurious, and works beautifully for items like stuffed toys or decorative accessories. But it comes with a catch: velvet yarn can be trickier to work with. It’s slippery and doesn’t show your stitches as clearly, which makes it harder to count rows and spot mistakes. If you’re new to crochet, save the velvet for after you’ve got a few projects under your belt.
What Customers Actually Want
You might think people only want the cute, trendy stuff — and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But there’s a surprising amount of demand for practical, durable items. One of the most common compliments this crocheter hears from her clients is that her work is sturdy. That might not sound glamorous, but it matters.
A lot of crochet pieces you see online have loose, open gaps between stitches. That’s fine for decorative items, but if someone is ordering a custom piece for their baby’s milestone photos or a personalized gift, they want something that won’t fall apart. Tight, consistent stitches make a piece last. And lasting pieces lead to repeat customers.
The most popular requests? Custom orders for baby milestones — think photo props, keepsakes, and gifts for first birthdays or christenings. People want something that feels personal. They send photos of what they’re imagining, and the challenge is translating that vision into yarn and thread.
The Time and Skill Behind the Price Tag
Here’s where things get real. If you’ve ever tried to sell handmade goods, you know the pricing conversation is never easy. Customers see a small item and wonder why it costs more than something mass-produced at a department store. The answer is simple: time.
A small rose might take 30 minutes to an hour. A more complex custom piece can take days. One crafter mentioned that she used to finish projects in one to two days, but now, with more detailed requests coming in, some pieces take up to five days. That’s not including the time spent sourcing materials, communicating with clients, and packaging orders.
Her pricing starts around ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 for simpler items and goes up depending on the design and detail. Custom orders with specific color schemes or intricate patterns naturally cost more. And that’s fair — because what you’re paying for isn’t just yarn. It’s the hours of practice, the sore fingers, and the patience it takes to get every stitch right.
If you’re a crafter yourself, don’t undersell your work. The time and care you put into each piece has real value. Customers who appreciate handmade goods understand that. And for those who don’t? Well, they might not be your target audience anyway.
Self-Taught and Growing
One of the most inspiring parts of this story is that she’s entirely self-taught. She learned the basics from YouTube tutorials and sharpened her skills through practice. No formal classes, no expensive workshops — just determination and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
She also found support in online crochet communities. Being part of a group of like-minded crafters helped her troubleshoot problems, discover new techniques, and stay motivated. If you’re thinking about starting your own crochet journey, joining a community — even just a Facebook group — can make a huge difference.
For similar beginner-friendly projects, check out this monster keychain pattern — it’s small, fast, and perfect for practicing your stitches without a big commitment.
The Business Side: Shipping and Social Media
Social media played a huge role in growing this business. She posts consistently on her page, and customers reach out when they see something they like. From there, it’s a conversation: what are you looking for? What colors? What size? She takes custom requests and works from reference photos as much as possible.
The results speak for themselves. She’s shipped orders to the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, and Japan. At one point, she even had simultaneous orders going to India and the USA. That’s a long way from making earrings in her living room during lockdown.
If you’re trying to grow your own craft business, don’t underestimate the power of showing your work. Post your finished pieces, post your works in progress, post the messy desk and the tangled yarn. People connect with the process, not just the product.
A Quick Look at the Blossom Bucket Hat
One of the best-selling items is the blossom bucket hat, which features a rose motif she’ll walk you through step by step. For this project, she uses milk cotton yarn with a 3.5mm hook. The hook size matters — too large and your stitches will have loose gaps; too small and the fabric will be stiff. Matching your hook to your yarn is one of those small details that separates a good project from a great one.
If you’re interested in making something similar, start with a slip stitch and work your way through the petals. It takes practice, but the result is worth it.
For more inspiration, you might enjoy this baby crabs pattern — it’s another small project that works up quickly and makes a great gift.
Taking Care of Your Hands
This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Crocheting for hours puts real strain on your hands and wrists. One piece of advice that stands out: don’t wash your hands immediately after a long crochet session. The repetitive motion already stresses your joints, and hot water can aggravate that. Give your hands time to rest.
Stretch your fingers regularly. Take breaks. If something hurts, stop. The project will still be there tomorrow. Your hands are your most important tool — treat them that way.
What You Can Take Away From This
Whether you’re picking up a hook for the first time or you’ve been at it for years, there’s something valuable in this story. Start small. Use the right materials for the job. Price your work fairly. And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there — the worst that can happen is someone says no. The best that can happen is your handmade piece ends up on the other side of the world.
Crochet isn’t just a hobby. It’s a skill that can grow into something much bigger if you let it. And it all starts with a single stitch.
If you’re looking for another quick project to build your confidence, try this crochet dishcloth pattern — it’s practical, simple, and a great way to practice keeping your tension even.