How I Price My Handmade Pieces (and Why It Matters)

I get asked pretty often how I come up with the prices for my handmade items — sweaters, hats, scarves, and all the cozy things that come out of Three Stitches Handmade. And honestly? It’s a great question.

I think a lot of people don’t realize how much time, care, and energy go into making something from scratch. You see a finished pullover and think, “Oh, that’s cute!” — but behind the scenes, there’s a lot of work: choosing yarn, testing stitches, fixing mistakes, weaving in ends, washing, blocking, photographing, writing listings… all before it even makes it to the shop.

So I thought I’d break it down a little, because transparency is really important to me.

When I price an item, I start with a simple formula:

Hours to make × $15/hour + materials = final price.

That’s it. No secret markup, no guessing game. Just fair pay for the time I spend creating, plus the cost of the yarn and any notions or packaging I use.

Now, $15 an hour isn’t me trying to get rich — it’s actually on the lower end of what skilled craft labor should earn. But it’s a starting point that feels accessible while still honoring the time and energy I put into my work. Some projects take just a couple of hours; others take days (and many cups of coffee).

And the materials? Those aren’t bargain-bin yarns. I use quality fibers that feel amazing to wear and will last. Sometimes they’re hand-dyed, small-batch, or ethically sourced — and I think that kind of intentionality deserves to be part of the story.

I know handmade pieces can cost more than what you’d find at a big store, and that’s okay. They’re not meant to compete with factory-made things — they’re meant to exist instead of them. Each one is made by real human hands (mine!), in a home filled with yarn, coffee mugs, and probably at least one cat supervising.

When you buy something from me, you’re not just paying for an item — you’re supporting a maker, a process, and a way of living that values time, creativity, and care. You’re helping me do what I love, and that means the world.

Every piece I make has a story woven into it — a mix of slow mornings, creative bursts, tangled yarn, and a lot of heart. If you’ve been thinking about adding something handmade to your life (or gifting one to someone special), you can take a peek at my [Made to Order Collection] or browse what’s ready to ship in my [Shop].

Whether you buy something or just stop by to see what I’ve been working on, I’m so grateful you’re here. Every like, share, and kind word keeps this little handmade dream going.

Thank you for being part of it. 💛