"Crafting Timeless Designs, One Stitch at a Time."

"Crafting Timeless Designs, One Stitch at a Time."

Monday, May 19, 2025

15 Online Selling Platforms To Sell Your Handmade Crafts

Laptop on a sewing table with handmade crafts, fabric, and shipping supplies for online selling



The question isn't if you’ll sell your handmade crafts online, but where you’ll sell them.


Handmade crafts come in many forms—sewn doll clothes, aprons, jewelry, paper goods, candles, ceramics, upcycled décor, and more. The beauty of handmade is its uniqueness, and with so many platforms available, you can choose the best home for your creations.


Gone are the days when eBay was the only option. Today, you can build your store, sell on handmade-exclusive sites, or list your crafts locally. Some platforms are free, others charge a small fee, but all offer a place to get started.


How To Find What’s Selling in Handmade Crafts

Knowing what’s trending can help you create items buyers are already searching for. Here are some of the best ways to research what’s hot in handmade right now:

Pinterest—Search for handmade ideas and crafts. The most pinned and repinned items are often in high demand.

Google Trends – Type in your craft niche (like “handmade candles” or “doll clothes”) to see what people are searching for over time and by location.

Etsy & Etsy Autocomplete – Browse bestsellers and featured shops. Try typing phrases into the Etsy search bar—autocomplete suggestions are based on actual user searches.

Amazon Handmade Bestsellers – Visit the Handmade section on Amazon and check the best sellers for real-time insights into what’s selling across major categories.

YouTube – Search for “trending handmade crafts” or “DIY crafts 2025.” Crafters and influencers often showcase popular styles and seasonal projects.

TikTok & Instagram Reels – Use hashtags like #handmadegifts, #crafttok, or #smallbusinesscheck. Watch what's going viral—especially around holidays or new trends.

Craft Store Websites (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Craftsy) – Check featured products, seasonal kits, or “new arrivals” to see what retailers promote.

Facebook Groups & Marketplace – Join handmade seller groups or browse listings in your area. See what people are posting and what items are getting the most interaction.

Shopify’s Trending Products Reports – Browse Shopify’s blog posts and “trending products” lists. While not handmade-specific, they can spark ideas for handmade versions of in-demand items.

Google Shopping & eBay Trends – Search “handmade” or “DIY” on Google Shopping to see sponsored products. Check “Trending on eBay” for what’s rising demand—even within handmade categories.

Craft Fair Websites & Event Pages—Visit online listings for events like Renegade Craft Fair, Harvest Festival, or local holiday markets to see what vendors are offering this year.

Zibbet, ArtFire, and other Craft Marketplaces—These niche platforms showcase handmade products. Browse their featured or most-loved items for inspiration.


Where to Sell Handmade Crafts Online

Ebid

Pros: No store fee, international reach.

Cons: Smaller audience than eBay.

Charges a small listing fee and commission on sale.


Mercari

Pros: Easy to use, free to list.

Cons: Not known specifically for handmade.

The commission only applies after a sale.


Etsy

Pros: Huge handmade audience, lots of traffic.

Cons: Very competitive, fees can add up.

Charges $0.20 per listing and a commission after a sale.


eBay

Pros: Global reach, optional store.

Cons: Higher fees and crowded categories.

Free for 250 listings/month to start; fees apply after.


Webstore

Pros: Local focus, no listing fees.

Cons: Less buyer traffic than larger platforms.

Optional $5/month for local ad promotion.


Ecwid

Pros: Free for 10 products, integrates with blogs.

Cons: Limited features on the free plan.

Easy to set up a shop within your existing website or blog.


Handmade at Amazon

Pros: It is a high-trust platform with a large audience.

Cons: Application required, higher fees.

You must apply to be accepted as a handmade seller.


Bonanza

Pros: Free to list, versatile item categories.

Cons: You must promote your store to generate sales.

Suitable for handmade, vintage, and home items.


GLC Craft Mall

Pros: Very affordable store plans.

Cons: Smaller customer base.

$4.50/month for 300 items, plus a 5% processing fee.


eCrater

Pros: 100% free to list and sell.

Cons: Requires some marketing to drive traffic.

Supports books, magazines, and handmade items.


Folksy

Pros: Handmade-focused, UK-based.

Cons: Primarily UK traffic, but US sellers are welcome.

Free to join, with listing and commission fees after three free listings.


Aftcra

Pros: Handmade-only, USA-based.

Cons: Limited audience compared to Etsy.

No listing fees; US sellers only.


Shop Handmade

Pros: 100% free with your store page.

Cons: Older platform; may require extra marketing effort.

You only pay your chosen payment provider’s fee.


Facebook Marketplace

Pros: Free, large audience, can be local or national.

Cons: Not all categories are searchable by keyword.

Use for fast-moving or made-to-order crafts.


Payhip

Pros: Free to start, excellent for digital or physical handmade items, and easily integrates with blogs.

The cons are a 5% fee on the free plan and low built-in traffic—you'll need to promote it yourself.


💡 Pro Tip:

Avoid copying the same product description word-for-word if you're selling on multiple platforms. Instead, rewrite each one slightly to avoid Google seeing it as duplicate content. This also helps tailor your message to each platform’s audience.


Can You Sell on More Than One Platform?


Absolutely! Many sellers list on multiple platforms, but you'll want to manage inventory carefully and track where each item is listed to avoid accidental double sales.


Using different product photos or slightly different wording for each listing also helps you reach more people and rank better in search results.


Don’t Forget: Photos and Descriptions Matter


A good photo is worth a thousand clicks. Use natural lighting, show your item from multiple angles, and add something for scale (like a spool of thread or a ruler).

Your descriptions should:

• Include keywords a shopper might search for

• Mention fabric, size, use, and washing care if relevant

• Sound friendly and confident


Sell Your Handmade Crafts Offline Too


Craft Fairs

It's great in the fall. You can take orders, hand out business cards, and refer people to your website or store.


Flea Markets

Usually held on weekends. An easy way to test products and pricing.


Consignment Shops

You typically keep 60% of the sale. They do the marketing and selling for you.


Craigslist

List locally for free. Promote your Webstore or blog shop.


Festivals & Holiday Markets

Sell Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas crafts. Many shoppers come specifically for handmade gifts.


Starting a handmade business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Pick just one platform from this list and post 5–10 items. You’ll learn what works, how to reach your buyers, and how to grow from there.

🎯 You’re just one listing away from your first sale.

🛍️ Don’t forget to visit The Needle Market Shop for sewing supplies and tools to help you sell your handmade crafts!


 

Thursday, May 15, 2025

How To Create Appliqués for Sewing Projects: Easy Techniques, Tips, and Free Templates

A sewing workspace with colorful appliqué fabric pieces, scissors, fusible web, and an iron neatly arranged for a crafting project.
Craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind appliqués using these techniques and tools—from raw-edge to satin stitch styles.






“Everything You Need to Create Beautiful Appliqués—From Beginner Techniques to Creative Design Ideas and Downloadable Templates”



Appliqué adds vibrant personality, charm, and texture to any sewing project—from denim jackets to baby quilts and kitchen towels. Whether hand-sewing or using your machine, appliqué offers limitless creative possibilities. This guide will walk you through appliqué methods, tools, template sources, and helpful tips to turn any fabric into stitched artwork.

The Origins of Appliqué 

Appliqué—meaning “to apply” in French—has been a cherished needlework tradition for centuries. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and early American quilting, cultures worldwide have used appliqué to decorate garments, banners, and quilts. Whether sewn by hand or machine, appliqué evolved alongside fabric and thread, becoming both a practical repair method and a form of textile art.


✂️ Methods to Make Beautiful Appliqués


There’s no one “right” way to appliqué—each method adds a different texture and flair. Try one or all:

Fusible Appliqué

Fuse your shape to the base fabric using a fusible web like Heat n Bond. Always follow with stitching—straight, zigzag, or satin—for a secure hold.

Raw-Edge Appliqué

Cut your shape, pin or baste it, and stitch it down without turning the edges. The frayed edge adds rustic charm—perfect for denim, flannel, or boho styles.

Turned-Edge Appliqué

For a polished finish, press under the edges of your appliqué with a seam allowance, then sew it using a blind stitch or zigzag. Great for heirloom projects.

Reverse Appliqué

Layer fabrics and cut away the top fabric to reveal shapes below. This method is ideal for bold graphic designs and two-tone effects.

Satin Stitch Appliqué

This machine's zigzag stitch creates a bold, clean finish around shapes. Baste or glue the appliqué first, then use a tight zigzag to seal the edge.

Blanket Stitch Appliqué

Decorative and functional, this hand or machine stitch is great for whimsical or homespun styles.


🧷 Popular Materials & Tools for Appliqué


Appliqué fabric (use scraps, fat quarters, or repurposed garments)

Fusible web or fabric glue

Sharp scissors or rotary blade

Marking pencils, chalk, or washable pens

Pins, clips, or basting thread

Sewing machine or hand needle + thread

Small iron or press roller


📌 Step-by-Step: How to Apply an Appliqué


Choose & prepare fabric (wash, press)

Trace or draw your shape

Apply fusible web (optional)

Cut out the appliqué cleanly.

Position on your project

Iron or baste to hold

Sew around the edges with your preferred stitch.

Press and admire your work!


🖼️ Where to Find Appliqué Templates


Need a starting shape? Here are excellent sources:

Free Applique: Hundreds of basic shapes – animals, hearts, flowers

SewCanShe: Patterns for tote bags, quilts, holiday décor

Craft Freebies: 87+ free applique projects

Pinterest: Visual inspiration and shape collections

Children’s Coloring Books: Trace and resize! The Dollar Tree has great coloring books for appliques! 

Cookie Cutters: Perfect for holiday-themed appliqués

Google Clipart (Black & White Search)

Craftsy, Etsy: Printable patterns by Indie Designers

Appliqué Sewing Patterns: Search online for themed templates

Always check usage rights or give credit to the original artists if required.


Bonus: Your Printable Appliqué Checklist


 Appliqué fabric from stash or fat quarters

 Fusible web or glue

 Fabric scissors or rotary cutter

 Pencil, chalk, or erasable pen

 Base fabric (denim, cotton, felt, etc.)

 Pressing cloth & iron

 Sewing machine or needle & thread

 Template (printed or drawn)


💌 Free Appliqué Templates You Can Download


Here are links to start your collection:

FreeApplique.com – Hundreds of Templates

Craft Freebies – Pattern Library

SewCanShe – Holiday & Decor Templates

Homemade Gifts Made Easy – Adorable Baby Shapes


Appliqué is more than just decorating—it's storytelling with fabric. Whether adding a bunny to baby clothes or a rose to your tote bag, your hands and needle make it personal. Be bold, simple, and expressive—and don’t forget to have fun!


💌 Get Your Free Appliqué Printable!

Love this tutorial? Download the printable version to keep on hand at your sewing station!

🧷 Click here to download your FREE PDF: How To Create Appliqués For Your Sewing Projects
(Print it, pin it, or save it for your next project!)


Happy Sewing!
—R. Harris



 

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