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Start a Cross-Stitch Patterns Business

What you will be doing.  Crafting is a wonderful way to spend free time.  Finished crafts can be given to loved ones and friends as gifts for birthdays and other occasions.  Cross stitching is a unique form of embroidery that doesn’t need a sewing machine to complete. 

Cross stitching is easy to learn.  Each pattern has a color coding so that the person stitching knows where to place each piece of thread.  The patterns used can be as varied as you like.  Most patterns are of birds, animals, or writings.  As a seller of patterns, you can come up with your own ideas and market them to the public. 

Clients may have a specific pattern in mind.  Using their guidelines and cross stitch software, one-of-a-kind patterns can be created.  No idea will be too big or too small once you get the hang of using the software. 

How to start.  Purchasing cross stitch patterns from craft stores will give you an idea of what is available already.  Use a few of them as demonstration pieces for craft fairs and flea markets.  Study how the patterns are designed so that you can develop your own. 

This business can be started in your home.  A website allows you to showcase your work and offer patterns for sale.  You will need a place to set up your workspace.  The workspace should consist of, but is not limited to:  computer, cross stitch software, printer, telephone, fax machine, work table, and storage for patterns. 

Starting costs.  This sort of business may need anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to start depending on your advertising costs.  Cross stitch patterns can be purchased wholesale from a supplier if you invest in a business license.  A color catalogue is a great way to advertise at shows and markets, but it is not cheap.  To flesh out your catalogue, several different samples like pillows, wall hangings, and monogrammed linens will need to be prepared. 

Setting up your own website and advertising on others requires money.  To maximize the power of your advertising dollar, choose websites that relate to crafting and embroidery in particular when looking for advertising space. 

Skills needed.  Creativity is a main ingredient in a crafting business.  This will allow you to take your clients’ visions and turn them into cross stitch patterns.  This will also aid in creating your own patterns to sell online or at local venues.  People are always on the lookout for new and exciting things in the world of crafting and you could be just the person to give it to them. 

Marketing.  In order to sell your patterns, your name needs to be known to others.  The Internet is the fastest growing way to advertise worldwide for less money.  Selling unique patterns and items on your own website and eBay will increase your visibility.  Join crafting forums and add your website name to your signature line.  This is a free way to advertise and talk about what you do at the same time. 

Once you become established in the niche you choose, expand your business.  This could be as simple as offering more expensive lines of products like monogrammed linens for hotels and wealthier clients.  Offering to teach cross stitch classes at the local community center or college will help establish your business locally. 

Craft businesses take creativity, drive, and a fun personality.  There are a number of ways to expand and grow the business whenever you are ready to do so.

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