If you are looking for ways to monetize your crafts blog, affiliate marketing is an easy way to get started. The basic idea is that you promote other people’s products, often through an affiliate network, earning a commission if people actually end up buying thanks to your marketing. For instance, if I publish a pattern I usually make a list of recommended yarns and put links to places where one can buy those yarns. If someone buys I get a commission (usually a certain percentage) from the webshop owner at no additional cost to the customer.
You can find affiliate programs through affiliate networks which are kind of market places for affiliate programs (to mention a few affiliate networks: Share a sale, Awin, Adtraction). A company might also host its affiliate program in-house.
To get started with affiliate marketing you need to first apply for the affiliate program and once you get approved you start using special links which have parameters on them. Once user clicks those links there’s a technology behind the affiliate program that tracks if the user bought something through your link.
1. Knitpicks
What I love about Knitpicks is that they sell high-quality yarn at affordable prices. On their website, you can find yarn, needles & hooks, knitting patterns and books, project bags, yarn dyes and basically almost everything a knitter or crocheter might need. They currently ship only to addresses in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Their commission rates are also one of the best in the industry.
2. WeCrochet
WeCrochet is owned by the same company as KnitPicks so their mission as well is to sell high-quality yarn at affordable prices. On their website crochet.com, you can find yarn, hooks, crochet patterns and books, project bags, yarn dyes and basically almost everything a crocheter might need. They currently ship only to addresses in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
3. Etsy
Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures. The items you can promote on Etsy are for instance yarn, needles, buttons, project bags, patterns, and all kinds of knitting or crochet gadgets such as sock blockers and stitch markers.
The affiliate program for Etsy is hosted on Awin. So first you need to join the Awin network and then apply for Etsy affiliate program based on where you live. They have different programs e.g. for US, Germany, Scandinavia and so on but of course, you get a commission if someone from a different part of work buys through your affiliate link. Joining the Awin network costs 5$ but the money will be refunded.
4. Makerist
Makerist.com is an online marketplace that has thousands of patterns from indie designers all over the world. In addition to knitting and crocheting, they have patterns also for sewing, embroidery and more. Joining the Awin network costs 5$ but the money will be refunded.
5. Lionbrand yarn
Lion Brand Yarn Company, a 140 year old brand, reaches millions of knitters, crocheters, weavers, and other yarn crafters every week through the largest, most engaged social media platforms in the industry. On their website you can find more than 3 000 free knitting patterns and of course you can buy there the yarn and other supplies after you have found your perfect pattern.
Apply for Lion brand yarn affiliate program on Share a Sale.
6. Craftsy
Craftsy is a website with plenty of online courses related to fiber arts such knitting, crocheting, sewing but also cooking.
7. Lovecrafts.com
LoveCrafts has one of the largest selections of crafting supplies and yarns from different brands that I have come across. They have also plenty of free patterns and patterns by indie designers. What is good about them is that they ship worldwide.
Their affiliate program is hosted in house. Scroll down to their website footer to find more info.
8. KnitCrate
KnitCrate provides monthly subscription boxes with exclusive designs. Their yarns are environmentally friendly and mulesing-free.
9. Annie’s
Annie’s crafts products include crochet patterns, knitting patterns, quilt patterns, card and paper crafts, beading and jewelry kits and supplies, plastic canvas, cross-stitch, yarn & thread, fabric, craft supplies and much more.
11. Jimmy Beans Wool
Jimmy Beans Wool has a huge selection of yarns, needles, notions, and exclusive Jimmy Beans products too (like della Q and SmartStix!). They are also the owner of Madelintosh yarn brand.
Apply for Jimmy Beans Wool affiliate program on Share a Sale.
12. Mary Maxim
Mary Maxim online store has a huge selection of different yarns and other crochet and knitting related supplies as well as a number of many other craft supplies.
13. Furls Crochet
For the past 10 years, Furls has sold over 450,000 best-in-class crochet hooks, knitting needles, and other craft supplies as the premier luxury fiberarts tool manufacturer in the world.
Find more affiliate programs
Above are listed just a few suitable affiliate programs for crafters. To find more affiliate programs join the affiliate networks and browse through their list.
- Awin: MyFabrics.co.uk, FaveCrafts.com, The knitting network, Deramores, Create and craft, The Knitting Network and more
- Share a sale: Leisure Arts, Creative bug, Darn good yarn and more
- Adtraction: Adlibris and more
