Have you ever shopped on Etsy? Nana does – a lot! I was recently asked what I buy on Etsy and decided to write this post on Why Quilters Love Etsy. But if you love to crochet, you will also LOVE ETSY.
If you crochet, you will Love Etsy for a number of reasons from the uniqueness of products available to the almost free patterns available at your fingertips. Come find out why Nana loves Etsy.
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Etsy is an American e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. So why should quilters know all about Etsy?
- Items available on Etsy are unique and often you can find items that you cannot find anywhere else
- Etsy offers fast shipping from the sellers. If it is patterns you are looking for, you can download them as soon as you pay.
- Hard to find and discontinued items are sometimes available on Etsy
- Searching for items is relatively easy
- Ideas, ideas, ideas. I regularly come to Etsy for ideas on what to create next and there are tons of new, unique ideas.
What can you buy on Etsy??
Everything! Etsy saved me during the COVID crisis. When items were sold out or taking weeks to deliver, I found all I needed from Etsy sellers. You can buy everything from yarn to gifts and everything in between. Simply search for what you are looking for and I guarantee you will find results.
Here are Nana’s Top Ten things Crocheters will Love on Etsy….
YARN
Individual ball and yarn packs are available from several retailers. When my regular online shops do not have what I am looking for, are out of stock or have extra long delivery times, Nana looks to ETSY!
Yarns that can be found on Etsy also include specialty brands that many yarn shops do not carry as well as many discontinued colors and collections. You will also find many hand-dyed skeins that have been handmade by an independent designer. Found a pattern but the yarn is no longer available? Try Etsy.
I searched “Yarn” in craft supplies and got nearly 200,000. Narrow your results by indicating the type “cotton yarn” or brand “Bernat yarn”. If you need help searching, Etsy offers some tips.
PATTERNS
Patterns, patterns and more patterns. Most are from independent designers that can be digitally downloaded right after purchase. Others are discontinued, vintage, or hard to find patterns and books.
From afghans to table cloths, sweaters to mitts, rugs to shopping bags. Any type of pattern from beginners to advanced. There are patterns!! Lots of patterns. And pattern books – modern and vintage.
HINT: Narrow your search by indicating the type of pattern you are looking for. For example, “crochet baby afghan pattern” “crochet poncho pattern”.
YARN BOWLS
Yarn bowls are a great way keep your yarn from tangling while you crochet.
Choose from a fabulous variety of designs. They come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Etsy has over 2,500 to choose from!!
LABELS
Personalize your items by adding a label. Tell them who made it. Tell them how to wash it. And if it’s an afghan you are making – add Baby’s name, the wedding date, a poem or sentiment. You can add anything you want to make your items special!!
TAKE YOUR CROCHET TO GO
Do you take your crochet with you wherever you go? Then you may find yourself looking for ways to carry your project and supplies with you. Etsy has a types and sizes of hook cases and project bags. They even have bags that keep your yarn organized much like a yarn bowl!!
If your travelling by air, a handy yarn cutter is allowed on planes! Another great gift idea!!
SUPPLIES
Find everything you need to crochet – hooks, yarn needles, scissors and more! Here are a few of my favorites!
Stitch markers – gorgeous designs reflect your individual personality. Be sure to get clasp type markers for crochet (not the ring type used for knitting).
SPECIALTY ITEMS
Lots of times patterns call for specialty items. Look for safety eyes for your Amigurumi project, special hooks and patterns for Tunisian crocheting, yarn bobbins for use when you are use multicolors and more!
DISPLAY THOSE AFGHANS
When you masterpiece is finished and your sipping your tea (or wine) wouldn’t it be great to gaze upon that gorgeous creation. Find many different blanket ladders from creative Etsy sellers.
CRAFT ROOM ITEMS
If you crochet you are going to Love Etsy for items to decorate and organize your craft room.
How do you store your yarn? On Etsy you can find boxes, baskets, shelves and bins to organize your yarn stash. And all the materials to make your own.
Crochet your own yarn storage with this gorgeous pattern! Yes it is from ETSY.
Keep track of your projects with a crochet journal or planner. Record the pattern name, start and finishing dates, a pattern review, a project photo, size made and size notes, hooks used, project and your gauge, and the yarn used. NOTE: These would also make fabulous gifts!
Or decorate your craft room with signs, clocks, and more!!
GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOOKER ON YOUR LIST
And finally, GIFTS! Etsy is the place to find a unique gift. You are going to find hundreds thousands of ideas to gift a crocheter (aka hooker). Yes, they have your typical T-shirts and mugs, but here’ are a few suggestions for something a little different:
JEWELRY – Charms, necklaces, keychains and more!
ORGANIZER BAG has lots of compartments for crochet hooks, yarn, and any other bits and pieces you may have. Love the way it also acts as a yarn bowl!!
TRAVEL SIZE CROCHET SET includes travel size hooks and a cute stitch marker to crochet in the car, on the plane, or simply have an extra set of hooks on hand. There are various charms to choose from.
These handmade rings keep your yarn in place for faster knitting or crocheting
If you want to see more of what Nana loves on Etsy, you can access my favorites HERE. I am always adding to this list and would love to know what you love about Etsy. Leave me a comment or find me on Facebook or Instagram!!
If you are a quilter, I haven’t forgot about you. Nana wrote this post last month on the Top Ten Things Quilters Love About Etsy!!