If you've ever wondered, "How much should I charge for this?", chances are, you've been told the outdated formula:
"Just charge materials times three!"
This so-called pricing method has circulated in the crochet community for years, but let me tell you—it’s hurting us all!
Not only does it drastically underpay you for your time, effort, and skill, but it also reinforces the idea that crochet should be priced cheaply, which devalues the entire industry.
Let’s break this down so you can see just how flawed the x3 pricing method really is.
The Flaws of the 3x Pricing Formula
Let’s put this outdated method to the test with a real example.
I was commissioned to make a lapghan that took me around 35 hours to crochet. I still had to sew in the yarn tails, so by the time I finished, the total labor time was 40 hours.
For materials, I purchased 8 skeins of yarn at $4.99 each, totaling $39.92.
Now, applying the x3 formula:
📌 $39.92 × 3 = $119.76
That means I’d be earning $119.76 for 40 hours of work—or less than $3 per hour.
Would you work for less than $3 an hour?
Minimum Wage vs. Crochet Pricing
Let’s compare that to a standard 9-to-5 job. The in 2025 the federal minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25 per hour.
For a 40-hour workweek at minimum wage, you’d make $290 before taxes.
That means the outdated x3 pricing method doesn’t even meet minimum wage!
It’s self-imposed sweatshop labor, and you deserve better!
Now, I know some of you may be thinking, "I don't make large pieces like that. I only crochet quick projects like beanies."
So, let’s put that to the test, too.
Pricing a Crochet Beanie
Let’s say I make a beanie that takes 2 hours to complete, using one skein of yarn at $4.99.
📌 $4.99 × 3 = $14.97
At 2 hours of work, that’s $7.48 per hour—barely above minimum wage.
That’s better than the lapghan, but is that truly what your time and skill are worth?
Are you worth more than minimum wage? (YES, YOU ARE!)
The Solution: Charge by the Hour + Materials
I know what some of you are thinking:
💭 "But Crystal, everyone crochets at different speeds!"
💭 "That’s not fair to the customer!"
Yes, it is fair.
The real unfairness is seeing sweatshop labor, mass-produced, crochet hats in Walmart for $5—because we, as a community, have accepted underpricing as the standard.
Handmade crochet cannot be replicated by machines. Every piece is crafted one stitch at a time, by hand.
That is worth something.
So, the question isn’t whether you should charge more—the question is:
How much is your time worth?
Are you a beginner still mastering your skills? Maybe you charge $8 per hour.
Are you experienced, with years of practice and expertise? Maybe you charge $10 to $15 per hour.
Do you have a crochet business, certifications, or have taught crochet classes? Then you should be charging a premium rate.
Your pricing should reflect your skill level and professionalism.
How I Price My Work
Let’s go back to my lapghan example:
📌 I crochet 16 stitches per minute.
📌 The lapghan had 34,500 stitches.
📌 That means 35+ hours of crochet time.
let's say I only charged $7 per hour for this. (I usually charge $15 to $20 per hour).
📌 $7 × 35 hours = $252
📌 Materials cost = $39.92
📌 Estimated shipping = $10
Total = $301.92
Beanie Pricing: Hourly vs. Etsy Market
📌 A beanie takes 2 hours to crochet.
📌 The yarn costs $4.99.
📌 let's say I only charge $10-$12 per hour for smaller projects.
That means my pricing would be:
📌 $10 per hour × 2 hours + $4.99 = $25
📌 $12 per hour × 2 hours + $4.99 = $30
Guess what? Go look on Etsy—the average price for a handmade crochet beanie is $25 to $30.
Charging by the hour isn’t unfair—it’s what professionals do.
Why You Need to Stop Using the x3 Pricing Formula
The x3 pricing method has run its course. It’s time to bury it for good.
Every crochet artist deserves to be paid fairly. Underpricing hurts not just you but the entire community.
So, what are YOU worth?
Are you ready to start valuing your work?
📌 Step 1: Decide on an hourly rate.
📌 Step 2: Calculate your time spent on each project.
📌 Step 3: Add in material costs and any additional expenses (like shipping or Etsy fees).
And most importantly—don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!
Final Thoughts - "How much should I charge for my Crochet?"
You are a crochet artist. You have years of experience, skill, and talent that deserve fair compensation.
Your work is not machine-made. It is crafted by hand, one stitch at a time.
That is worth something.
So, the next time someone tells you to charge "materials times 3," tell them:
🚫 "No, I charge what I’m worth." 🚫
One stitch at a time,
love that lasts a lifetime.
Until next time,
happy crocheting—and charge what you deserve!
Ready to Turn Your Crochet into a Profitable Business?
Visit my Etsy shop for professionally designed crochet patterns that you can use to create and sell your own handmade pieces at fair prices.
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