Best Selling Craft Supplies on EtsyWhat Actually Sells
Craft supplies are Etsy's unsung hero category. While everyone chases handmade jewelry and printables, smart sellers quietly build $5K-$15K/month businesses selling the materials other creators need. With 2,400+ monthly searches for "etsy shop supplies" and craft supplies representing 8% of Etsy's total marketplace revenue, this category offers something rare: predictable repeat customers and lower competition than finished goods.
🎨Quick Answer: What Craft Supplies Sell Best on Etsy?
The highest-selling craft supply categories on Etsy in 2026 are:
Jewelry-Making Supplies
$8-$45 per order, beads, findings, chains (40-60% of craft supply sales)
Fabric & Sewing Supplies
$6-$35 per order, specialty fabrics, elastic, bias tape
Packaging & Branding Supplies
$15-$75 per order, custom stickers, tissue paper, boxes (for Etsy sellers)
Paper & Stationery Supplies
$8-$50 per order, cardstock, envelopes, washi tape
Candle & Soap Making Supplies
$12-$60 per order, wicks, fragrance oils, molds
Resin & Epoxy Supplies
$15-$85 per order, molds, pigments, tools
Embroidery & Cross Stitch Supplies
$6-$40 per order, floss, hoops, patterns
Vinyl & Heat Transfer Materials
$8-$55 per order, Cricut-compatible materials
Leather Craft Supplies
$10-$95 per order, leather pieces, tools, hardware
Knitting & Crochet Yarn
$15-$125 per order, specialty/hand-dyed yarn
Key Success Pattern: Supplies for trending crafts (resin, Cricut projects, candle-making) consistently outperform traditional supplies. Bulk quantities targeting small business buyers (not hobbyists) drive 60-70% of high-volume shops' revenue.
Fastest Growing Categories 2026
Trending supply niches with explosive growth
UV Resin and Molds
55% YoY growth - TikTok/Instagram craft trend driving massive demand for quick-curing resin and unique mold designs for jewelry, keychains, and home decor.
Sublimation Blanks
48% YoY growth - Personalization boom fueling demand for sublimation-ready mugs, tumblers, phone cases, and other blanks for custom printing.
Laser Engraving Materials
42% YoY growth - Maker space expansion and affordable laser cutters creating demand for specialized wood, acrylic, and leather materials.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Supplies
38% YoY growth - Sustainability trend driving Etsy sellers to seek compostable mailers, recycled boxes, and biodegradable packaging materials.
Cricut/Silhouette Consumables
35% YoY growth - Continued machine adoption creating steady demand for compatible vinyl, transfer tape, cutting mats, and specialty materials.
Why Craft Supplies Work Better Than You Think
The strategic advantages of the supplies category
The B2B Advantage
Most Etsy sellers think B2C (selling to consumers). Smart supply sellers think B2B (selling to other Etsy sellers and small craft businesses). Benefits: Repeat purchases (jewelry makers reorder findings monthly), bulk orders (50-500 units vs. 5-10), less price sensitivity (businesses care about quality and fast shipping more than $2 price differences), and predictable demand. Example: A jewelry findings shop serving hobbyists might see 20 orders/week at $12 average. The same shop targeting small jewelry businesses sees 8-12 orders/week at $65-$150 average—same product, different positioning.
Lower Competition, Higher Margins
Finished goods competition: Handmade necklaces (1.2M+ active listings), Custom t-shirts (850K+ listings), Art prints (600K+ listings). Craft supply competition: Jewelry findings (180K listings), Candle wicks (25K listings), Leather craft supplies (45K listings). Translation: 3-10x less competition for similar profit margins (35-65% typical).
The Compounding Advantage
Craft supplies benefit from network effects: Crafter discovers your shop for one item, returns for complementary supplies, becomes repeat customer for restocks, and refers other crafters in their community. One customer = 5-20+ orders over 12-24 months (vs. finished goods where repeat rate is 5-15%).
Low Manufacturing Barrier
You don't make craft supplies—you source and curate them. No production time, no equipment investment, no handmade labor bottleneck, and scalable inventory model. Your value: Curation, bundling, specialized selection, reliable stock, and fast shipping.
Top 10 Best-Selling Craft Supply Categories
Deep dive into what actually sells
1. Jewelry-Making Supplies (Findings, Beads, Chains)
Why it dominates: Jewelry is Etsy's #1 handmade category. Every jewelry maker needs constant restocking of findings, beads, and chains.
Metal Findings
Jump rings, lobster clasps, ear wires, head pins ($6-$25 per pack). High-demand: gold-filled and sterling silver findings (40% of finding sales). Bulk packs (100-500 pieces) for business buyers.
Beads
Gemstone beads, glass beads, seed beads, spacer beads ($8-$55 per strand/pack). Trending: natural stone beads, freshwater pearls, miyuki delica beads. Curated bead collections and color-coordinated sets.
Chains
Finished necklace chains, bulk chain by the foot ($10-$45 per order). Gold-filled, sterling silver, stainless steel. Multiple lengths and styles (cable, rolo, satellite, box chain).
Selling Strategy:
- •Offer both retail packs (hobbyists) and wholesale bulk (businesses)
- •Bundle complementary items ("Earring Making Kit" with ear wires + jump rings + packaging)
- •Stock trendy metals (rose gold surged 2024-2025, now stabilizing)
- •Fast restocking of staples (gold-filled jump rings, sterling ear wires)
- •Clear photos showing size, quality, and finish
SEO Keywords: jewelry findings bulk, gold filled ear wires, jewelry making supplies wholesale, sterling silver jump rings, gemstone beads
2. Packaging & Branding Supplies (For Etsy Sellers)
Why it sells: Every Etsy seller needs packaging. Targeting fellow sellers = built-in, motivated buyer base.
Custom Stickers & Labels
Business logo stickers, thank you stickers, product labels ($12-$45 per sheet/roll). "Handmade with love" stickers, care instruction labels. Custom shop name stickers (personalization premium).
Gift Packaging
Tissue paper (solid colors, patterns, custom printed) ($8-$35 per pack). Ribbon, twine, raffia ($6-$25 per spool/bundle). Small gift boxes, jewelry boxes, kraft boxes ($15-$65 per pack of 25-100).
Mailer Boxes & Bags
Custom printed mailer boxes ($35-$150 per pack of 25-50). Poly mailers, bubble mailers (branded or plain) ($18-$55 per pack). Compostable/eco-friendly mailers (30% price premium, strong demand).
Branding Essentials
Business cards, hang tags, thank you cards ($15-$50 per pack). Wax seals and stamps ($8-$30). Branded tape ($10-$28 per roll).
Selling Strategy:
- •Target Etsy sellers specifically ("Elevate your Etsy shop packaging")
- •Offer sample packs (5-10 pieces so sellers can test before bulk buying)
- •Bundle "Unboxing Experience Kits" with coordinated items
- •Show mockups of products in use (packaging in action)
- •Emphasize fast turnaround (sellers often order last-minute before big restocks)
SEO Keywords: etsy shop supplies, packaging for etsy sellers, custom business stickers, small business packaging, eco friendly mailers
3. Fabric & Sewing Supplies
Why it sells: DIY clothing, quilting, and home decor communities actively buy specialty fabrics and notions.
Specialty Fabrics
Minky fabric, faux leather, cork fabric ($8-$28 per yard). Organic cotton, bamboo jersey, linen blends ($10-$35 per yard). Pre-cut fabric bundles and fat quarter sets ($15-$45 per bundle).
Elastic & Trims
Fold-over elastic (FOE), waistband elastic ($6-$22 per 5-10 yards). Bias tape, piping, ric rac ($5-$18 per pack). Lace trim, fringe, pom pom trim ($8-$30 per yard/roll).
Sewing Notions
Snaps, buttons, zippers ($6-$25 per pack). Interfacing, stabilizers ($8-$28 per yard). Thread bundles, embroidery floss ($10-$35 per set).
Selling Strategy:
- •Offer multiple cut sizes (1/2 yard, 1 yard, 2+ yards, bulk bolts)
- •Create themed fabric bundles (seasonal colors, coordinated patterns)
- •Target specific niches (bow-making supplies, baby clothing fabric, bag-making materials)
- •Show finished project examples (not just flat fabric photos)
- •Provide fabric specs (stretch %, weight, care instructions)
SEO Keywords: minky fabric by the yard, fold over elastic bulk, cork fabric sheets, organic cotton fabric, sewing supplies
4. Candle & Soap Making Supplies
Why it sells: Candle and soap making exploded 2020-2024 and remains strong. Makers need constant consumables.
Candle Making
Candle wicks (cotton, wood, pre-tabbed) ($8-$35 per pack of 50-100). Fragrance oils and essential oils ($12-$55 per bottle). Candle dye, mica powder, color blocks ($6-$28). Candle containers (tins, jars, vessels) ($15-$75 per case). Soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax ($18-$95 per bulk bag).
Soap Making
Soap molds (silicone, wood) ($10-$45 each). Melt & pour soap base ($15-$65 per bulk block). Colorants, micas, glitters ($8-$30). Fragrance oils, essential oils ($12-$55). Soap packaging (shrink wrap, cigar bands, boxes) ($10-$40).
Selling Strategy:
- •Bundle starter kits ("Beginner Candle Making Kit" with wicks, wax, fragrance, containers)
- •Stock trending fragrances (seasonal scents, popular blends)
- •Offer bulk discounts (wicks by 500-count, wax by 10-50 lbs)
- •Target small candle/soap businesses with wholesale pricing tiers
- •Include usage instructions and recipes
SEO Keywords: candle making supplies, wood candle wicks, soy wax bulk, soap making supplies, candle fragrance oils
5. Resin & Epoxy Supplies
Why it sells: Resin crafts went viral on TikTok/Instagram 2022-2026. Trend remains strong with jewelry, coasters, keychains, and art.
Resin Materials
UV resin (fast-curing, popular for jewelry) ($18-$65 per bottle). Epoxy resin kits (2-part resin for large projects) ($25-$95 per kit). Resin dyes, pigments, mica powders ($8-$35 per set). Glitters, dried flowers, embeds ($6-$28).
Molds
Silicone molds (keychains, jewelry, coasters) ($8-$35 per mold). Mold variety packs and themed sets ($15-$55). Custom/unique mold designs (lower competition).
Tools & Accessories
Resin mixing tools, stir sticks, measuring cups ($10-$30). Heat guns, UV lamps ($15-$65). Safety equipment (gloves, respirators) ($8-$25).
Selling Strategy:
- •Bundle beginner kits (resin + molds + pigments + tools)
- •Show finished examples using your molds (inspiration drives purchases)
- •Stock trending mold designs (keychains, earring blanks, trinket dishes)
- •Target jewelry makers and small resin businesses with bulk resin options
- •Create design tutorials showing your products in use
SEO Keywords: uv resin for jewelry, resin molds silicone, epoxy resin kit, resin pigments, resin supplies bulk
Sourcing Strategies: Where to Find Profitable Supplies
How to source quality inventory at competitive prices
Wholesale Suppliers (Domestic)
Best for: Consistent stock, reliable quality, fast shipping to customers. Top domestic wholesalers: Alibaba/AliExpress (international, requires vetting, 2-4 week shipping, lowest cost), Wholesale craft suppliers (domestic wholesalers - faster shipping, higher cost), Direct manufacturer relationships (best margins once volume justifies). Vetting process: 1) Order samples before bulk ordering, 2) Check reviews and seller ratings, 3) Test product quality (photograph, use in projects), 4) Verify shipping times and consistency, 5) Calculate landed cost (product + shipping + Etsy fees).
Liquidation & Overstock
Best for: Unique finds, higher margins, limited quantity runs. Where to source: Liquidation auctions (returns, overstocks from big box), Estate sales and going-out-of-business sales, Manufacturer overruns and discontinued items. Pro tip: Limited quantity creates scarcity and urgency ("Only 20 available"). Market as "limited edition" or "vintage stock."
Creating Your Own Products
Best for: Differentiation, brand building, highest margins. What you can create: Hand-dyed yarn, fabric, or ribbon; Custom-mixed resin colors or glitter blends; Pre-assembled jewelry findings kits; Curated supply bundles (themed collections); Custom packaging designed for specific crafts. Advantage: No direct competition on unique items. Builds brand loyalty.
Pricing Strategy for Craft Supplies
Formulas and tactics for profitable pricing
The Pricing Formula
Cost of Goods + Etsy Fees + Labor + Profit Margin = Selling Price. Example (Jewelry Findings): Wholesale cost (100 jump rings): $2.50, Packaging/labeling: $0.50, Etsy fees (10%): $0.60 (on $6 sale), Labor (sorting, packaging, listing): $1.00, Desired profit: $1.40, Selling Price: $6.00. Profit margin: 23% (acceptable for high-volume, low-touch products).
Pricing Tiers by Product Type
Consumables (wicks, findings, vinyl): 35-50% profit margin, higher volume, lower price per unit, compete on availability and shipping speed. Specialty Items (hand-dyed yarn, custom molds): 50-70% profit margin, lower volume, higher price per unit, compete on uniqueness and quality. Bulk/Wholesale Tiers: Offer quantity discounts (encourage larger orders) - 10 pieces: $X each | 50 pieces: 15% off | 100 pieces: 25% off. Higher margins on small quantities, lower on bulk (but higher total revenue).
Psychological Pricing
$5.95 vs. $6.00 - Classic "charm pricing". Bundle pricing - "$18 for 3 packs (save $6)" vs. individual pricing. Free shipping threshold - "Free shipping on orders $35+" (increases AOV).
SEO Strategy for Craft Supply Listings
Get found by crafters searching for supplies
Title Formula (140 characters)
[Product Type] | [Material/Style] | [Quantity] | [Use Case] | [Top Keywords]. Examples: "Gold Filled Ear Wires | 50 Pack French Hook Earring Findings | Jewelry Making Supplies", "Soy Candle Wax Flakes | 10 LB Bulk Bag | Natural Candle Making Supplies | Soy Wax", "Silicone Resin Molds | Keychain Mold Set 12 Shapes | UV Resin Supplies | Epoxy Molds"
Top Craft Supply Keywords (2026)
High Volume (Broad): craft supplies, jewelry making supplies, candle making supplies, resin supplies, sewing supplies. Long-Tail (Lower Competition): [material] + [product type] + [quantity] ("gold filled jump rings bulk"), [product] + for + [specific craft] ("vinyl for cricut projects"), [product] + [use case] ("packaging supplies for small business"), [brand compatible] + [product] ("cricut compatible vinyl").
Use All 13 Tags Strategically
Tag Strategy: 1-2 broad category tags ("craft supplies," "jewelry supplies"), 3-4 specific product tags ("jump rings," "candle wicks," "resin molds"), 2-3 material/quality tags ("gold filled," "soy wax," "silicone mold"), 2-3 use case tags ("jewelry making," "candle making," "small business"), 1-2 buyer type tags ("wholesale supplies," "bulk craft supplies").
Marketing Strategies for Craft Supply Shops
How to reach and convert craft buyers
Target Business Buyers (Not Just Hobbyists)
Why this matters: 1 business buyer = 10-20 orders per year. 1 hobbyist = 1-3 orders per year. How to target businesses: Listing language ("Wholesale pricing available," "Bulk discounts on large orders," "Perfect for jewelry makers, candle businesses, Etsy sellers," "Fast turnaround for restocking"). Messaging: Emphasize reliability, consistent quality, fast shipping, show quantity discounts clearly, offer custom/private labeling for larger bulk orders. Business-friendly policies: Net 30 terms for established repeat customers (off Etsy, via invoice), wholesale pricing tiers visible, sample packs available (businesses want to test before committing).
Social Media Strategy
Instagram/TikTok: Show supplies in use (finished projects, process videos), partner with craft influencers (send free supplies for features), repost customer projects (builds community + social proof), tutorials using your supplies (drives traffic to shop). Pinterest: Pin finished project ideas using your supplies, link directly to relevant supply listings, create boards by craft type (resin crafts, candle projects, jewelry tutorials), Pinterest users actively seeking craft ideas and supplies (high intent).
Email Marketing (For Repeat Customers)
Capture emails: Include flyer in packages: "Join our email list for 10% off next order + early restock alerts", offer lead magnet (free PDF guide, color chart, project tutorial). Email campaigns: Restock alerts ("Gold-filled findings back in stock!"), new product announcements ("New resin mold designs just added"), sales and promotions ("15% off candle-making supplies this week"), seasonal prep ("Stock up for holiday crafting season"). Frequency: 2-4 emails per month (too frequent = unsubscribes).
Scaling Your Craft Supply Business
Growth roadmap from first sale to $15K/month
Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-3)
Goal: First 50 sales, validate niche. Actions: Choose 2-3 focused supply categories (don't try to stock everything), list 30-50 products (enough variety to capture different needs), source from 1-2 reliable wholesalers, basic product photography (clean, clear, consistent), optimize listings for SEO (titles, tags, descriptions), ship fast and communicate proactively, request reviews from first customers. Success Metric: 50 sales in 90 days, 4.8+ star rating.
Phase 2: Growth (Month 4-9)
Goal: 100+ sales/month, identify best-sellers. Actions: Double down on best-selling categories (kill slow movers), expand product line depth in winners (more colors, sizes, quantities), add bulk/wholesale pricing tiers, improve photography (lifestyle shots, in-use examples), run Etsy Ads on top 10 performers ($5-15/day), build email list (package inserts, lead magnets), partner with 1-2 craft influencers (send free supplies for posts), offer bundles and kits (increases AOV). Success Metric: 100-200 sales/month, $2K-$5K revenue.
Phase 3: Scale (Month 10+)
Goal: 300-500 sales/month, $5K-$15K revenue. Actions: Expand to 100-200+ SKUs in proven categories, develop signature products (hand-dyed yarn, custom molds, exclusive bundles), add second sales channel (own website, Amazon Handmade, wholesale to shops), hire part-time help for fulfillment, increase Etsy Ads budget ($25-75/day on proven winners), launch seasonal collections (holiday supplies, back-to-school, wedding season), create recurring revenue (subscription boxes for monthly supply deliveries), wholesale partnerships (supply to local craft stores, maker spaces). Success Metric: 300-500 sales/month, $5K-$15K revenue, 50-65% repeat customer rate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from common pitfalls
1. Trying to Stock Everything
Don't: Sell jewelry findings AND fabric AND resin AND yarn AND candle supplies. Do: Choose 2-3 related categories and dominate those niches. Deep inventory in focused categories = better SEO, more expertise, easier supplier relationships.
2. Competing on Price Alone
Don't: Race to bottom on generic supplies available everywhere. Do: Compete on curation, quality, bundling, availability, and speed. Lowest price attracts problem customers. Quality + service attracts loyal repeat buyers.
3. Ignoring Business Buyers
Don't: Only market to hobbyists with small retail packs. Do: Offer bulk quantities and wholesale pricing targeting small craft businesses. Business buyers = 60-70% of high-volume supply shop revenue.
4. Poor Product Photography
Don't: Blurry, dark, cluttered photos with unclear quantities. Do: Clean, well-lit photos with scale reference and exact contents shown. Bad photos = assumed low quality. Craft businesses won't risk it.
5. Slow Shipping
Don't: Wait 3-5 days to ship, use slow methods. Do: Ship within 1-2 business days, offer tracking, communicate delays. Craft businesses often need supplies urgently for active orders. Fast shipping = reorders.
6. No Bundling Strategy
Don't: Only sell individual items. Do: Create kits, bundles, and collections (beginner kits, color-coordinated sets, project kits). Bundles increase AOV by 40-60% and reduce decision paralysis.
Craft Supply Business by the Numbers
Best Practices for Craft Supply Sellers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Don't compete on price alone — Race to bottom destroys margins and attracts problem customers
- •Don't stock everything — Spreading too thin dilutes your expertise and SEO
- •Don't ignore business buyers — They represent 60-70% of high-volume shop revenue
- •Don't use poor photography — Blurry photos with no scale reference = assumed low quality
- •Don't ship slowly — Craft businesses need supplies urgently for active projects
- •Don't skip bundling — Selling only individual items misses upsell opportunities
- •Don't run out of best-sellers — Inconsistent inventory damages credibility
✅Do This Instead
- •Focus on 2-3 supply categories — Deep inventory in focused niches beats trying to stock everything
- •Target business buyers — They order larger quantities and reorder regularly
- •Offer bulk pricing tiers — Encourage larger orders with quantity discounts
- •Ship within 1-2 business days — Fast shipping builds trust and wins reorders
- •Use clear product photography — Show scale, quantity, and quality clearly
- •Create bundles and kits — Increases average order value by 40-60%
- •Maintain consistent inventory — Reliable stock of best-sellers keeps customers coming back
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling craft supplies on Etsy.
Related Guides
How to Sell Craft Supplies on Etsy
Complete business guide for building a craft supply business
Best Selling Handmade Items on Etsy
What finished goods sell best on the platform
How to Find Your Niche on Etsy
Niche selection strategies for supply sellers
Etsy Keyword Research Guide
Find profitable search terms for your supplies
Craft supply business income varies based on niche selection, supplier relationships, inventory investment, pricing strategy, and market demand. Revenue examples represent successful sellers and are not guaranteed outcomes. Always verify supplier quality before bulk ordering. Comply with all local business licensing, sales tax collection, and resale certificate requirements. Some craft supply categories may require specific certifications (fragrance oils, cosmetics-grade materials).
Ready to Start Your Craft Supply Business?
InsightAgent helps craft supply sellers identify trending materials, analyze competitor pricing, and discover which supplies buyers are actively searching for on Etsy.