Etsy has long been a go-to platform for independent artisans and crafters to sell their handmade and vintage items, including embroidery designs. However, as the market for digital embroidery patterns and custom designs grows, many creators are seeking alternatives that offer more flexibility, better tools, or higher visibility. For U.S.-based embroiderers looking to expand their reach, there are several online marketplaces that cater specifically to this niche. These platforms provide a range of features, from customizable storefronts to advanced search capabilities, making it easier for both sellers and buyers to connect. Here are the top 10 Etsy alternatives for selling embroidery designs in the United States.
1. Creative Market
Creative Market is a popular marketplace for digital design assets, including embroidery patterns, SVG files, and clip art. It caters to a wide range of creatives, from graphic designers to sewers and embroiderers. The platform allows users to create and sell their own digital products, with a focus on high-quality, professionally designed content. Sellers can set their own prices and manage their inventory through an intuitive dashboard.
2. Society6
Society6 is another excellent alternative for artists and designers looking to sell their work. While it’s best known for selling prints and home décor, the platform also supports digital embroidery designs. Sellers can upload their creations, and the platform handles printing and shipping, allowing artists to focus on their creative process. Society6 offers a built-in audience of design enthusiasts, making it a great place to showcase your embroidery work.
3. Redbubble
Redbubble is a global marketplace where artists can sell their designs on various products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods. For embroidery designers, this platform offers the opportunity to license their artwork for use on different items. Redbubble also provides tools for tracking sales and managing your brand, making it a versatile option for those looking to grow their presence in the design community.
4. Adobe Express
Adobe Express, formerly known as Adobe Spark, is a design tool that also includes a marketplace for downloadable assets. While not primarily an embroidery design platform, it allows users to create and sell digital templates, which can be used for embroidery projects. This platform is ideal for designers who want to leverage Adobe’s ecosystem to distribute their work across multiple channels.
5. Fiverr
Fiverr is a gig-based marketplace where freelancers offer services, including custom embroidery design creation. While it’s not a traditional marketplace for selling pre-made designs, it’s a great platform for those who want to offer personalized embroidery services. Users can set up their profiles, list their skills, and connect directly with clients looking for custom designs.
6. Printful
Printful is a print-on-demand service that allows creators to sell their designs on a variety of products, including t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. For embroidery designers, this platform offers the ability to upload their patterns and have them printed on demand. Printful handles the production and shipping, making it an attractive option for those who want to focus on design rather than logistics.
7. Teespring
Teespring is a platform that enables users to create and sell custom-designed products, including embroidered items. The platform operates on a pre-order model, meaning that products are only produced once they are sold. This reduces the risk of overstocking and allows sellers to test new designs before committing to large orders. Teespring is particularly useful for those who want to experiment with different embroidery styles.
8. Spoonflower
Spoonflower is a unique marketplace that specializes in fabric and textile design. While it’s not focused solely on embroidery, it does allow users to upload and sell digital patterns that can be used for embroidery projects. The platform is known for its high-quality fabric printing and offers a range of options for creating custom textiles.
9. Etsy Alternative: Gumroad
Gumroad is a digital product marketplace that allows creators to sell downloads, including embroidery patterns and design files. Unlike Etsy, which focuses on physical goods, Gumroad is designed for digital products, making it an ideal choice for embroidery designers who want to sell their work online without the need for shipping or packaging.
10. Shopify
Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that allows users to create their own online stores. While it’s not a marketplace in the traditional sense, it gives embroidery designers the freedom to build a custom storefront, manage inventory, and handle payments. With a wide range of apps and integrations, Shopify is a great option for those looking to take full control of their brand and customer experience.
For U.S. embroidery designers, these alternatives offer a variety of options to suit different business models and creative goals. Whether you’re looking to sell pre-made designs, offer custom embroidery services, or build a branded online store, there’s a platform that can help you succeed. By exploring these alternatives, you can find the right fit for your unique needs and continue to grow your presence in the digital embroidery market.