For knit designers, social media is more than just a place to share pretty pictures: it’s a powerful tool for visibility, community, and income growth. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve published a few patterns already, using social media to promote your designs can open doors you didn’t even know were there. And yes, it can feel overwhelming at first. But the good news is, you don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up with intention and creativity. Let’s explore how.
Choosing the Right Platform
Every platform has a different energy. Instagram is visual and community-driven. Pinterest acts more like a search engine. YouTube is perfect for longer-form content, while TikTok favors quick inspiration and personality.
The key tradeoff here? You can’t do it all at once. Choose 1–2 platforms to focus on based on:
- Where your ideal knitters hang out
- What kind of content you enjoy creating
- Your capacity and comfort level
It’s more powerful to show up consistently on one platform than to be scattered across five.
Crafting a Visual Identity
You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but consistency in your aesthetic will help knitters remember and trust your brand. Pick a few visual themes that reflect your vibe—cozy? romantic? dark academia?—and stick to them in your photos, colors, and fonts.
I often use natural light, soft backdrops, and warm tones to reflect my magical, cozy brand. Your visuals should whisper your personality before a single caption is read.
Telling Stories That Sell (Without Feeling Salesy)
“Using social media to promote your designs” doesn’t mean pushing product all the time. In fact, your most powerful posts often don’t sell anything—they connect.
Let your audience in:
- Share the inspiration behind a pattern
- Show messy sketches or early swatches
- Tell how a certain texture came from a childhood memory
These stories build trust and create emotional connections, leading to sales over time.
Engaging, Not Broadcasting
It’s easy to fall into the trap of just posting and walking away. But true growth comes when you engage—reply to comments, ask questions, share your followers’ successes, and celebrate their wins. Engagement breeds community, and community creates loyal customers.
One of my favorite tips: Post a poll or question in your Instagram Stories once a week. You’ll be amazed at how it starts to build conversation (even if it’s quiet at first).
Batching Content for Sanity and Sustainability
Planning ahead doesn’t kill your creativity—it protects it. Batching content (e.g., planning your posts weekly or monthly) helps you show up consistently without burnout. I like to create content pillars like:
- Behind the Scenes
- FAQs for Knitters
- Design Sneak Peeks
- Pattern Tips
This structure lets me be intentional with my time and frees me up to spend more energy where it counts: designing.
Measuring What Matters (And Letting Go of Vanity Metrics)
When you’re using social media to promote your designs, it’s easy to focus on likes and follows. But the true markers of success are:
- Website visits
- Newsletter signups
- Pattern downloads or sales
- DM conversations that lead to connection
It’s okay if you don’t grow fast. The slow, steady build is often more sustainable and aligned with your long-term vision.
You’re Allowed to Learn As You Go
The truth is: you don’t need to be a marketing expert to use social media well. You need to show up as yourself: consistently, creatively, and courageously.
“Using social media to promote your designs” doesn’t mean becoming an influencer or being glued to your phone. It means building a bridge between your inner creative world and the knitters who are waiting for it. Even if you’re starting small, you’re creating something real. And every step you take? It counts.