I use social media just to watch what these makers are up to. They are small business owners who either create content full-time or as a side income, and some of them are moms like me! I'm more interested in makers who sell patterns to other makers rather than selling completed projects for retail, so keep that in mind as you read through my list. They are knit/crochetwear designers which is what I aspire to be. Their business models are all different, so it's cool to pick an approach that works for you (or mix-and-match like I plan to do). They are so supportive and offer advice and encouragement for other makers insterested in pattern designing or yarn businesses.

1. Sewrella

I am always impressed by Ashleigh's entrepreneurial spirit. To me, she's a trailblazer in the maker community. I found her when I was looking to make my first sweater. She had a YouTube video tutorial and a free pattern on her website. In fact, all her patterns are free! She knits AND crochets, so she has a vast library of patterns for both crafts.

She also doesn't shy away from sharing her success story. I've heard her mention snippets on social media and in interviews, and she documents how she did it on her online course, The Sewrella Method. Recently she took a step back from designing to work on her hand-dyed yarn business, Sewrella Yarn. I bought my first hand-dyed yarn a few weeks ago, and I'm so excited to see it in person!

She has three kids, runs at least two businesses, has buttloads of passive income from the empire she has set up, and has a husband who owns his own successful printing business. He helps out with her business and prints cute stickers for her branding sometimes. Her whole story inspires me to create and put content out there to inspire others.

Websites: sewrella.com, thesewrellamethod.com, sewrellayarn.com
Instagram: @sewrella and @sewrellayarn

2. Knitatude

Chantel is another success story I love. She's funny and bold, and her social media game is on point. For her, Knitatude is a side business. She works full-time at a job she loves while designing patterns on the side. She also doesn't shy away from sharing her success story. She sells pattern templates to aspiring designers and speaks up about pricing your worth and the math involved with grading your designs.

She is solely a knitter, so keep that in mind if you are solely a crocheter. The patterns on her website are beginner-friendly but challenge you to try new things. I bought her "Easy Eyelet Yoke Cardigan" pattern to make for my mother-in-law, so I'll be sharing that WIP once I get started.

Website: knitatude.ca
Instagram:@knitatude

3. Debrosse

Teresa fueled my desire to crochet. Her beautful, minimalistic style showed me that crochet wasn't the "ugly little sister" of knitting. I found her when she was publishing her Modern Crochet book. My sisters got me that book for Christmas, and I absolutely love it. I've made her Torbeck Beanie three times already as gifts. The slouch on that beanie looks good on EVERYONE. It's available on her website as well.

I don't know much about her personal life besides she's a philanthropist and lives in NY, but she puts out great content.

Website: debrosse.com
Instagram: @debrosse_nyc

4. Darling Jadore

Sierra is the designer behind Darling Jadore. I had to search for her name just to write this post because she's elusive about her personal life on social media. She doesn't go into depth about her success, but her story is still amazing. She was a licensed attorney with a knitting hobby and found that she could make more money designing knitwear than practicing law! She's on another level as a designer because she has experience in the fashion industry and has training in sewing. Her work really does speak for itself. Her knit and crochet patterns are so beautiful and unique. Out of all my favorite makers, I've purchased the most patterns from Darling Jadore. The first time I saw the Icicle Beanie, I was hooked.

Website: darlingjadore.com
Instagram: @darlingjadore

5. All About Ami

Stephanie's content is so wholesome. She provides all her patterns for free on her website. She has a lot of nice hat, cardigan, mitten, and amigurumi patterns. All of them are beginner-friendly too! She gives good tips on the tools and yarn she uses and links to her Amazon storefront.

Besides her helpful content, I just enjoy watching her cute life with her daughters and husband. She shares dinner and sweets recipes. She sometimes posts things that her husband makes (like a yarn shelf, a Sailor Moon cake, or Gundam). I'm probably partial to her because I'm Asian too with a love for Sailor Moon and a young daughter. Her oldest daughter is just beginning to crochet too, and I hope I can share this hobby with my daughter when she gets older.

Website: allaboutami.com
Instagram: @allaboutami

So these are my top favorite and highly recommended accounts to check out if you either want to get into knitting/crochet or want to get into knitwear design. Go check them out, and I guarantee you'll find something you love!