In recent years we’ve seen a surge of new crocheters and knitters. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to stay home, and many decided to pick up a craft. Crocheting and knitting are mindful and meditative activities that require focus and concentration, which is a great way to relax and de-stress. Additionally, with the increased popularity of handmade and DIY projects, many people are drawn to crocheting and knitting because it allows them to create unique and personalized items for themselves or as gifts for others.

So as a new crocheter or knitter, which platform is best for me?

There are several platforms available for crocheters and knitters to connect with other crafters, share their makes, and find inspiration for their next project. Depending on your individual needs and preferences, different platforms excel in different fields and offer different tools and features.

1. Ribblr

Ribblr is a crafting platform designed specifically for crocheters, knitters and sewists. It allows crafters to design and sell their own patterns. Ribblr features a unique set of technology tools, including the first of its kind pattern creator called Ribbuild. It features community features that allows users to connect with each other, share their projects, and get feedback and support. Unlike the other platforms on this list, Ribblr is not focused on traditional PDF patterns. Instead, they’ve created an interactive digital format called Ribblr ePattern. This format is available on Ribblr only and can be accessed via the free Ribblr app on your phone or tablet, or on the Ribblr website. This not only helps protect designers and fight pattern piracy, but also allows crafters to enjoy many unique interactive features: Line by line progress tracking You can track your progress by clicking each line on Ribblr ePattern, and even open up a stitch counter by clicking the word ‘Rep’ or ‘Repeat’. Smart Sizing You can select to view the instructions for your own size only! This really declutters the view and helps minimize mistakes. Clickable stitch tutorials Ribblr ePattern has built-in video tutorials. You can click on any stitch or abbreviation in any pattern to watch them! This means you don’t have to turn to various websites every time you work on a new project with stitches you are not familiar with. Journals and makes Crafters can start a journal when they craft to keep track of their progress by adding notes and pictures. They can then even sell their make on Ribblr once they finish it! It's also game changing for designers The process of designing your own pattern is challenging, and there are barely any tools for designers to help them create their patterns. Ribblr offers designers a first of its kind pattern builder, Ribbuild, which is completely free! This includes game changing features like automatic translation between US and UK terms, and converting between cm and inches. You can read more about it in this article. You can also generate a PDF version of your interactive pattern, should you need it. Ribblr also protects designers with safe testing tools and by fighting piracy. Finally, it excels in fees. There are no listing fees and you can sell completely for free without paying a commission, using the fee-reducing program, $elFee. Pros ✅ A free app that you can browse without creating an account ✅ Accessibility tools such as dark mode, reduce motion, left hand mode, and font enlargement. ✅ Many unique interactive features that help following patterns ✅ A huge catalog of free & paid patterns ✅ Easy to use pattern builder (That can even generate a PDF version of the interactive pattern) ✅ Sell finished makes ✅ Lowest fees for sellers Cons ❌ Currently has more crochet than knitting or tunisian patterns ❌ Currently cannot onboard sellers in Africa and parts of Asia

2. Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling handmade, vintage, and unique goods. It has become a popular destination for artists, collectors, and consumers who are looking for one-of-a-kind items or handmade gifts. Many designers sell their crochet and knitting PDF patterns on Etsy. Although Etsy’s traffic is huge (almost 380 million visits every month), it is not focused on fiber arts, so most of the visitors are not interested in crochet or knitting. Etsy is known for high selling fees for digital items which includes a fixed listing fee every time your product sells, or every 3 months, whichever comes first. On top of that, Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee and a payment processing fees which is charged at up to an additional 6.5% plus a fixed fee. There are additional fees too, such as Offsite Ads (up to 15% additionally), currency conversion fee, and a deposit fee. This means designers earn less every time they sell. Pros ✅ Big traffic ✅ A large variety of patterns ✅ You can sell finished makes Cons ❌ Not targeted for crocheters and knitters ❌ Extremely high fees for sellers ❌ Only paid patterns, no free listings ❌ Patterns are not in interactive format and are hard to download using the mobile app

3. Ravelry

Ravelry is an online community and marketplace for knitters and crocheters.. It was founded in 2007 and has since become a staple destination for people interested in pattern and yarn databases, forums for discussing techniques and projects, and a marketplace where members can buy and sell knitting and crochet patterns. You must sign up to browse the website. Designers can either link patterns from their personal blog or website, or upload them directly to a pro account. With that in mind, the process of creating a pro account is rather complex and confusing. Crafters can browse and search for patterns and yarns in their large database, and communicate with other users in the community forums. Pros ✅ Has a big catalog of patterns and yarns ✅ Low fees for designers Cons ❌ No app ❌ You must create an account to browse the website ❌ Patterns are either PDF format or blog patterns with no interactive features ❌ The website is not user friendly

4. LoveCrafts

LoveCrafts is an e-commerce for crafting and hobby supplies, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, and papercrafting. It was founded in 2012 and has since become a popular destination for crafters and hobbyists looking for a wide variety of materials and inspiration. LoveCrafts offers a range of products, including yarn, fabric, patterns, and tools, as well as video tutorials and other resources to help users learn new skills and techniques. You can buy and sell patterns (PDF) on LoveCrafts. Pros ✅ A great range of materials available ✅ PDF reader with some tracking tools Cons ❌ PDF patterns only, no interactive patterns ❌ No community

5. Ko-fi

Ko-fi is a platform that allows creators to receive financial support from their fans and followers. It is similar to other crowdfunding platforms, but rather than setting up a campaign to raise a specific amount of money for a specific project, Ko-fi allows creators to receive ongoing support in the form of coffees or small payments from their supporters. Creators can set up a Ko-fi page where they can share their work and receive payments from their supporters, who can choose to make a one-time payment, product purchase or sign up for a subscription to support the creator on a regular basis. This platform is suitable for sellers (designers or makers) though it isn’t suitable for crafters wanting to browse for inspiration or find a community. Pros ✅ Sell both digital files and finished makes ✅ You can get money by offering subscription plans ✅ User friendly Cons ❌ No app ❌ Not targeted for crocheters and knitters ❌ No search option - only direct link for a specific designer or maker ❌ Patterns are not in interactive

Final notes

Overall, all platforms cater to different needs, and provide value. Ribblr offers a wide range of unique tools for both designers and crafters with a free app for those who want to get inspired, connect with others, and enjoy tools which make it simple to create and sell patterns.