Pattern Profits: Earnings on Ravelry, Etsy & LoveCrafts

Ever wondered how much money designers earn from selling patterns on platforms like Ravelry, Etsy, and LoveCrafts? In this post, we’ll explore the potential earnings, factors that influence success, and what to expect if you’re considering selling your own designs.

No nonsense, just the facts.

We also have this topic in video format over on our YouTube. Click the video below.

Do remember these fees are for a UK seller. Whilst most will be the same in other countries, there may be fees specific to your country instead of/in addition.

LoveCrafts

Sale fees (GBP)

• 35p
• 4% of sale
• 20% VAT (can be claimed back if selling as a business)
• 5% selling fee is sales are over £30 a month.
• No listing fee

Example: A £5 pattern sale for an independent designer who isn’t a business. Total £1.55 fees on £5 sale which leaves £3.45.

For sales over £30 a month I’d make £3.20 per £5 pattern.

Ravelry

Sale fees (USD)

• 3.5% commission fee if you earn $30 per month and this is null after $1500.
  • Under $30 commission fee is null.
• PayPal fee is 2.9% transaction fee + 0.3 cent
• No listing fee.

Example: On a £5 sale fees are 45 cents = 37p and I’d make £4.63.

Over £30 my fees would be 62 cents = 51p, leaving me with £4.49.

Sale fees (GBP)

• VAT: auto-renew sold 3p
• Processing fee 4% plus 20p = 42p
• Transaction fee 6.5% = 33p
• Regulatory operating fee 0.21% = 2p
• VAT transaction 7p
• VAT processing fee 8p
• Listing fee – auto renew 16p
• Initial listing fee 20p

Total £1.20p. Out of a £5 purchase this leaves £3.80

The short story

As a small indie seller (not a registered business) on a £5 pattern sale I’d make:

LoveCrafts  £3.45 / $4.21 / 4.09 euro

Ravlery £4.63 / $5.66/ 5.49 euro

Etsy £3.80 / $4.63 / 4.50 euro

Let us know which platform you prefer to use as a seller or customer. Next time we will be discussing the pros and cons of each one.