Elevating Crochet Standards: Refuse Mediocrity to Build a Thriving Business

As crocheters, we pour our hearts into every stitch we make, but sometimes we let things slide. Maybe it’s a piece that isn’t quite as polished as we envisioned, or perhaps it’s a customer service detail that we think we can skip. It’s easy to slip into a mindset of “it’s good enough,” but here’s the truth: tolerating mediocrity can hurt our business in the long run. By elevating crochet standards, we can ensure our work consistently reflects the quality we strive for, leading to stronger customer satisfaction and long-term success.

This post was inspired by a powerful newsletter from Justin Welsh, who talks about the dangers of tolerating mediocrity in business. His message resonates deeply, and I believe it’s especially important for those of us running creative businesses like Crochet. As entrepreneurs, we need to refuse to settle for anything less than excellence—not perfection, but excellence in our work, our products, and our customer experiences.

The Dangers of Tolerating Mediocrity

Welsh’s message is clear: “You are what you tolerate.” If we allow mediocrity in our business, it will reflect in our work and hold us back from achieving success. When we tolerate “good enough,” we start to lower our standards, and that ultimately impacts the quality of the product or service we provide.

Every crochet piece you create—whether it’s a one-of-a-kind home decor item, a stylish hat, or a beautifully crafted swimsuit—should meet a standard of excellence. If a product doesn’t reflect the level of craftsmanship you know you’re capable of, don’t ship it out. Don’t compromise on the details. Your creations are a reflection of your talent and your brand, so they need to embody quality and uniqueness.

How to Apply Uncompromising Standards to Your Business

1. Refuse to Ship Half-Baked Products: There’s a temptation to cut corners when time is tight or when you feel the pressure to meet deadlines. But delivering anything less than your best can be detrimental to your reputation. Elevating crochet standards means ensuring that your customers receive the highest quality, and they will notice the difference. When something doesn’t feel quite right—whether it’s a stitch, the fit, or the finish—take the time to fix it. Remember, “good enough” is never good enough when “excellent” is possible.

2. Set High Standards for Your Customer Service: Just as important as the quality of your products is the experience you provide your customers. How you communicate with them, how quickly you respond to inquiries, and how you handle feedback all play a huge role in the success of your crochet business. Set a high bar for customer service and aim to exceed expectations every time. Even if it takes a little longer, make sure your customers feel valued and heard. A small touch of personalized service goes a long way in building loyalty.

3. Don’t Settle for Good Enough in Your Business Processes: Your business isn’t just about the crochet you create—it’s also about how you run things. From your website and sales pages to your social media and order fulfillment, everything should reflect the same high standards. If something isn’t working—whether it’s your sales strategy, your content, or your marketing efforts—refuse to just “make do.” Take the time to refine and improve it. Build systems that help you streamline your processes without sacrificing quality.

4. Push Yourself to Be Better Every Day: As crocheters and small business owners, we’re constantly learning. And we should always be striving to improve. If you don’t feel challenged, if you’re not growing, it might be time to reevaluate your standards. Whether it’s learning new crochet techniques, improving your marketing skills, or discovering ways to streamline your customer service, commit to continuous improvement. Excellence is a habit, not a one-time achievement.

5. Constantly Innovate and Evolve Your Designs: Don’t let your crochet pieces become stagnant. The market is ever-evolving, and so should your designs. Keep experimenting with new patterns, colors, and textures. Don’t settle for repeating the same ideas if you know you can push your creativity further. The best crocheters are those who aren’t afraid to innovate and try new things, always striving for elevating crochet standards.

Elevating Crochet Standards Reflects in Your Business

I have seen it time and time again: those who refuse to settle for mediocrity are the ones who build lasting, successful businesses. Whether you’re crocheting a custom piece for a client or planning the next phase of your business, refuse to accept anything less than your absolute best. Your work should stand out because of its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

As Justin Welsh said, “Your business is the sum of your tolerances.” If you tolerate mediocrity, your business will reflect that. But if you demand excellence from yourself and your business, you will see growth, success, and a stronger connection with your customers.

So, let’s stop tolerating “good enough” and start elevating crochet standards in every stitch, every customer interaction, and every business decision. The standard you set today will define your business tomorrow. Are you ready to take your crochet business to the next level? I hope this post inspires you to hold yourself to higher standards in your crochet business. Let’s refuse mediocrity together and build something truly exceptional.