Changes to Pattern Prices, a Follow-up

When I posted on Instagram about the forthcoming changes to prices, there were a few queries, and I want to follow up on some questions - hopefully I can clear a few things up!

Image description: the crown of the Rhinebeck Hat is featured, shown in teal and variegated autumnal shades. with lines of stitches radiating out from the centre.⁠

My prices haven't increased in over 3 years. In that time my business has changed & I've needed to take on extra help, which in turn means costs have increased. I can't keep absorbing that. I make minimum wage & we survive because I spend nearly 300 hours a month working.

This increase is not because of taxes. I mentioned that my prices are tax-inclusive as a reminder that no-one will be paying extra where possible - but that isn't the reason for the increase. Taxes, like any business cost, have to be taken into account, but my prices have always been tax-inclusive.

Knitting pattern prices have been kept artificially low, the majority of Hat patterns are still given away for free. It's soul destroying seeing this happen, as if somehow a Hat pattern doesn't take time or effort to develop, as if it cannot be unique or of value.

Hat pattern prices vary greatly, to only look at one market or demographic for comparison is a bit of a trap. Take into account the differences in content or support between designers & publishers and it gets even trickier, not to mention varying business costs, experience, fees & tax set-ups.

A lot of time has been spent considering my options before coming to this decision. There are designers charging more for their Hat patterns, & there are designers charging less, but again - our work varies so much & comparing what we charge is counter-productive.

I hadn't mentioned it previously but Patreon rewards will change to reflect the price increase & there's the option of annual memberships for folks who'd like an additional discount or don’t want the worry of monthly payments. And as always, The Woolly Hat Society is free to join & members receive exclusive discounts & early access to free patterns.

As someone who's been priced out of things my entire life, I totally get folks concerns & how it can feel like yet another thing is financially out of reach. I've put a lot of thought into this because I want to keep my prices as fair as possible for everyone. But we need to remember that financial accessibility isn't a one-way street.