Knitting Needles etc.

Whenever I'm in the yarn section at a Michaels craft store, I usually see knitting samples such as scarves and baby blankets. Who makes these? The reason why I am asking is because I can both knit and crochet and am wondering if there's a chance of getting some part-time work doing this myself.

I wondered the same thing! When I asked I was told that they were supplied by the yarn manufacturers to show gauge and how a particular yarn works up. If you're looking for work, why not see if they will let you teach a class. I know the JoAnn's stores hire people for that.

5 Responses

1. 5gr8k9s Says:
   May 29th, 2009 at 9:08 pm

   I wondered the same thing! When I asked I was told that they were supplied by the yarn manufacturers to show gauge and how a particular yarn works up. If you're looking for work, why not see if they will let you teach a class. I know the JoAnn's stores hire people for that.
   References :

2. Mary B In Chester Says:
   May 29th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

   I used to work at Michael's & if there is an employee that can crochet, for example, he/she makes some examples. I was in charge of the Art dept. & I put my water color paintings on display as well as acrylic & oil styles. The girl in wood crafts, made & painted small shelves, stools, etc. for display.
   If the store close to you doesn't have anyone that knits/crochets, maybe they could utilize your work! Go & talk to the Manager. Good Luck!
   References :

3. cuteknitter2000 Says:
   May 29th, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   It's usually the person who is teaching the class that provides the sample, just like at a yarn shop.

   When you talk to the manager, make sure that you will be properly compensated for your time- knitting and crocheting are specialized skills and are worth more than minimum wage.

   Good luck!
   References :
   Knitter for 18 years, sample knitter for major companies.

4. michellelmf Says:
   May 29th, 2009 at 10:39 pm

   some yarn companies have people who knit them and they send a sample with their yarn orders to stores
   References :
   yarn companies
   I also knit samples for major yarn compnaies
   been knitting for 20+ years and a new published sock knitting desginer

5. ceci9293 Says:
   May 29th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

   Don't contact the chain stores. They get them from the yarn companies (unless it's a class sample, in which case the teacher usually supplies it.) Try contacting the yarn companies and asking about sample knitting. Better, ask about test knitting — most yarn lines also market patterns and will pay knitters to knit them up looking for errors, etc.

   You could also try local yarn shops. The ones here let the employees knit samples as much as they want with any yarn they want. Sweet deal…
   References :

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