How to sell your digital patterns

When I first knitting and crocheting, I did not realise there was a big online community that did the same thing as I did. I quickly realised that I loved using my hands more than any thing else. The first pattern I wrote was the Diagonal Squares blanket. I took sometime to upload it because I was not sure if anyone would want to download it. To date it is the most downloaded pattern that I wrote.

If you would like to write and sell your patterns you need to come up with an idea of your pattern. Be as original as you can be. The easiest solutions are usually the best.

Write your pattern

I write down my patterns as I go. Some are easier than others so you may have to unravel a couple of times. If it is a sewing pattern then you have to remember to take pictures as you go so you can include in your instructions. I usually write them on my Ipad or phone. When I am done I then transfer to Microsoft word or any word processing software. Make sure the instructions are easy to understand and the font you choose is easy on the eyes. Also include a contact email so that your customers can reach you if they have any questions. Include information about paper size to print on whether it will be A4 or Legal.

Take good pictures

What will sell your pattern are the pictures. Try getting pictures during the day with natural light showing off your pattern. Try to show the design as it would be used. If you can afford it get a professional photographer.

Convert to PDF

After you finish writing your pattern, convert your pattern to PDF. This is easier for people using different platforms to download.

Test your pattern

At this stage it is important to have your pattern tested. You can find pattern testers on Ravelry, paid and free. For sewing patterns you need to test the pattern by printing it out first and making sure that the dimensions will be correct once printed out. Make any corrections to your pattern.

Distribution

Once you have your pattern in PDF you need to distribute it and decide on the price point for your pattern. There are many ways to distribute your patterns online, you can use:

1. Your website
2. Etsy
3. Craftsy
4. Ravelry

With all these choices the first thing you will need is to sign up with Paypal. It makes it really easy to accept payments with you doing very little.

If you are hosting on your own website then you will need a plugin like Woocommerce to sell your patterns.

For the other websites I listed, you need to signup and create an account. Craftsy works best for me. With Etsy and Ravelry they will charge you a percentage of the money you receive. Etsy will charge you for listing items on their website. It is very little but if you do not sell then you still have to pay. I love Craftsy because its free to list. I get all the money I receive from the pattern buyers and I get more downloads and referrals to my website compared to the other websites.  Paypal will charge you as well for receiving money through them.

The advantage of selling through websites like Etsy and Craftsy is that you do not have to worry about maintenance of a website.  These websites will also help you in taking care of things like the new EU law on selling digital downloads. All you have to do is respond to the queries and make corrections as needed.

Promotion

Promote your pattern through relevant social networks like Ravelry and Craftsy. Also remember to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also write a blog post about your pattern. Have other people review your pattern on their blogs and social networks.

How often a pattern is downloaded or bought is seasonal. Most of the people that download my patterns are in North America, so during colder months especially around the holidays I get more hat downloads compared to other months. Sometimes the pattern that you think will be exciting for other crafter may not be but do not lose heart just keep doing what you like and sharing it.