15 Best Handicraft Business Ideas

Are you creative and willing to build a business based on your unique skills? Then, the handicraft business can be a path where you can show your passion and creative abilities. Also, it requires minimum funds to begin. With a few essential tools and mental fortitude, you can reach out to several individuals and even receive projects from abroad.

Read below to learn about 15 handicraft business ideas you can begin from the comfort of your home.

Handicraft work consists of artistic skills and has the potential to convert into business opportunities. It means you can produce handicraft products with high artistic value if you know the skills.

Below are some of the top handicraft business ideas you can try:

1. Shell Crafts

Shell artefacts are a unique form of handicraft in India. If you love to collect shells and know how to convert them into extraordinary artworks, you can begin your shell artefact business. Artisans can use coconut shells and seashells of various sizes and shapes to make ornaments. It includes – rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and many other unique artefacts.

• Investment: ₹40000 to ₹1 lakh
• Resources: You will need plywood sheets, reflective glass sheets and seashells to start this business.
• Benefits of Starting a Shell Craft Business:
  • This business promises flexibility as you can start small and manage all the business aspects on your own initially.
  • It is not necessary to have a physical store to start this venture. You can start working from the comfort of your home.
  • The start-up cost for this business is low.
  • Shell products are in demand worldwide.
  • You can customise your products according to the choice of your client.
• Market Demand: As the demand for shell artefacts increases, this industry has growth potential. For example, Shell India has grown at a CAGR of 20% over the past 5 years.
• Profit Margin: 40% on total revenue.

2. Beadwork

Beadwork doesn't require a lot of space or technical training and is an accessible business option to start from home. A beading business is one of the best handicraft business ideas if you wish to sell your unique and handmade bead items to the public.

The beadwork techniques can be categorised into - bead crochet, bead knitting, loom and off-loom weaving, stringing, bead embroidery, and bead tatting.

• Investment: ₹30000 to ₹50000
• Resources: You will need marketing materials, raw materials, basic office supplies, and a website to start this business.
• Benefits of Starting a Beadwork Business:
  • You have large profit margins with only minimal investment and labour costs.
  • You can customise your items as per the choice of your client.
  • The start-up cost is relatively low in a beadwork business, as you can start from your home.
  • You can target handicraft exhibitions and fairs to promote your business.
• Market Demand: The global beadwork industry market size might expand at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2022 to 2030.
• Profit Margin: 35% - 40% on total revenue.

3. Jute Craft

One of the best small handicraft business ideas is a jute craft business. Jute fibre can transform itself into impressive artefacts and handicraft items. Jute handicraft items are appealing and adorn the favourite spaces of homes, offices, hotels, etc.

• Investment: ₹60000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
• Resources: You will need raw materials, a basic setup, tools and equipment, a website, packing materials, PVC buckles, etc., to start this business.
• Benefits of Starting a Jute Craft Business:
  • Jute is a 100% biodegradable, low-energy recyclable item and is a profitable business.
  • Jute items are much in demand nationally and internationally.
  • You can customise your items as per the choice of your client.
  • Consider visiting handicraft exhibitions and fairs to promote your business.
  • You can interact with several artisans to understand the work and learn about the changing market trends.
• Market Demand: The global jute bag market will reach US$ 4.2 billion (approx. ₹34325.42 crore) by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.67% from 2023-2028.
• Profit Margin: 35% - 40% on total revenue.

4. Doll Making

One of the most intriguing handicraft ideas for business, handmade dolls are much in demand as popular interior décor items. You require minimal investment to start this business from your home. Additionally, you can visit artisans in rural areas to understand the process and art of making dolls. It will allow you to gain a lot of information about this business.

• Investment: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs
• Resources: You will need organic products to make handmade dolls. These include – cloth, wood, paper and other plant materials, and shells.
• Benefits of Starting a Doll-Making Business:
• Just like other handicraft businesses, doll-making is a low-investment venture.
• You can start making dolls from your home, pack them and deliver them accordingly.
• Handmade dolls are much in demand in the national and the international market.
• Market Demand: The global doll and toy market might reach $235.5 billion in 2030 (approx. ₹1924082.10 crores). The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.04% from 2023 to 2027.
• Profit Margin: 5% - 20% on total revenue.

5. Glass Work

Another superb handicraft business idea you can consider is making glasswork items. India has a massive market for glassware items. Currently, the glass-making industry in India is mostly involved in making items like bottles, beads, bangles, window pens, etc.

• Investment: ₹2 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs
• Resources: You will need tools, colours, and space to work.
• Benefits of Starting a Glass Work Business:
  • You will be able to make unique products out of glass.
  • Customisation according to the client's requirement is possible.
  • Glasswork items are in demand nationally and internationally.
• Market Demand: There is an increase in demand for glasswork items, as artisans come up with unique products for customers. Therefore, this business has a growth potential of over 7.5% CAGR by 2027.
• Profit Margin: 40% on total revenue.

6. Candle Making

Several individuals have set up their candle-making businesses at home as this is one of the most profitable handcraft business ideas. Innovatively-designed creative handmade candles make an excellent gift item. Therefore, if you have a creative mind, you can turn candle-making into a profitable career.

• Investment: ₹25000 to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Resources: You will need marketing materials, wax, containers, fragrances or essential oils, colouring agents, shipping and packaging supplies and a place to work.
• Benefits of Starting a Candle-Making Business:
  • The investment is quite low and involves minimum labour costs as well.
  • It is a scalable craft that you can use to transform into lovely pieces of gift items.
  • It is easy to customise this product according to your client's requirements.
• Market Demand: The global candle market might reach a value of USD 10.30 Billion (approx. ₹84186.07 crores) by the year 2030. It will grow at a CAGR of 6.20% by 2030.
• Profit Margin: 30% - 45% on total revenue.

7. Handmade Bags

Handmade bags are much in demand in the fashion industry. If you are willing to make handmade bags out of beads, natural fibres or by knitting, you can sell them via consignment at various places as gifts. Consider this your handicraft business if you want the comfort of home. You can post pictures of your handmade bags online and on your website to sell them.

• Investment: ₹8 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs
• Resources: You will need raw materials, nylon, canvas, beads, and other tools and equipment.
• Benefits of Starting a Handmade Bag Business:
  • Most individuals love handmade bags as they portray a traditional look.
  • You can start the business from home, involving a few artisans only.
  • As an entrepreneur, you will get exposure to several handicraft fairs and exhibitions.
  • You are likely to receive more referrals for your unique product.
• Market Demand: There is an increase in demand for handmade bags globally as it sets a different fashion quotient. Therefore, this sector has growth potential in the future i.e., a CAGR of 6.10% from 2023 to 2026.
• Profit Margin: 20% to 25% on total revenue.

8. Crochet and Knitting

Crochet and knitting can be a lucrative as well as hands-off business. Convert your knitting patterns into a profitable business by making adorable baby items, washcloths and bath items along with accessories, apparel, etc. You must have a proper understanding of knitting techniques to operate this business. It will help you create high-quality products that appeal to your target audience.

• Investment: ₹30000 to ₹50000
• Resources: You will need tools and materials, including knitting needles, yarn, and patterns.
• Benefits of Starting a Crochet and Knitting Business:
  • You do not require a high investment to start this business, as you can start from home.
  • Labour cost is low if you are the one working on several projects.
  • You can easily customise items according to the customer’s choice.
  • Since global knitting marketing is strong, you can have international clients too.
• Market Demand: The knitwear market might reach a value of US$ 998.6 billion (approx. ₹8163754.72 crore) by the end of 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% by 2031.
• Profit Margin: 78% on total revenue.

9. Handmade Jewellery Designing

Handmade jewellery is another superb handicraft business idea you can consider. Handmade jewellery is much in demand in the market. It is not compulsory to work with precious metals. However, you can use threads, beads, bells, and textiles to make a unique piece of art. Remember, you require excellent craftsmanship in this business.

• Investment: ₹5 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs
• Resources: You will need tools and equipment, raw materials, marketing materials, and a space to begin.

• Benefits of Starting a Handmade Jewellery Business:

  • As a business owner, you will have better exposure to services like trade shows and exhibitions.
  • Like other handicraft businesses, the handmade jewellery venture doesn't require huge investments.
  • You can begin working from a small space at your home.
  • Handmade jewellery is also in demand worldwide.
  • You can customise your products according to the choice of your clients.

• Market Demand: The global jewellery market size might expand at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2030.
• Profit Margin: 5% - 20% on total revenue.

10. Pottery

The pottery industry is a revenue generator in several rural and small-scale households. The Indian handicraft sector is an exporter of pottery and ceramic items. These have a great demand in global and national markets. So, if you have a passion for pottery and ceramics, consider this as one of the best small handicraft business ideas you can start.

• Investment: ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs
• Resources: You will require a pottery wheel and a kiln, clay, hand, carving and decorating tools, glaze and colourants, and a space to work.

• Benefits of Starting a Pottery Business:

  • Pottery products are in high demand in India and among international customers.
  • The cost of beginning a pottery business in India is low, as the raw materials and tools you require for this business are available.
  • The labour cost in the pottery business is also low.
  • By starting a pottery business, you can preserve and promote Indian culture and heritage.

• Market Demand: The global pottery market size might expand at a CAGR of 3.8% by 2030.

• Profit Margin: 60% on total revenue.

11. Embroidery

Embroidery is a handicraft that artisans use to decorate fabric or other materials with needle and thread/yarn. It is a classic form of art that many people are interested in. If you love embroidery and work on dresses, hats, and other textiles at home, you can start this business at a minimal cost.

• Investment: ₹50000 to ₹1 lakh
• Resources: You will need an embroidery machine with computer and embroidery software, thread spools, needles, embroidery hoops, platens, and spare parts.

• Benefits of Starting an Embroidery Business:

  • The cost of starting this business is also low, as you can begin from the comfort of your home. 
  • You can attract customers by presenting customisable and personally made designs in embroidery.
  • Embroidery work has a demand in the international market.
  • This business requires minimal labour costs as you can start working single handedly or with the help of your family members.
• Market Demand: The global embroidery market size might grow to USD 2.2 billion (approx. ₹17983.35 crore) by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.3%.
• Profit Margin: 75% - 80%

12. Brassware

source: brassware

India is one of the largest brass makers worldwide and stands topmost in making brass handicrafts. The brass handicraft business allows a platform for rural artisans to make money. It comes in brass bells, puja items, animal figurines, chandeliers, utility items, statues, brass planters, vases, furniture, lanterns, etc. All these items carry a lot of value.

• Investment: ₹50000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
• Resources: You will need brass, tools and equipment, a basic workplace setup, and a website to start this business.
• Benefits of Starting a Brassware Business:
  • The start-up cost is low in the brassware business as you can start from home.
  • You have considerable profit margins with only minimal labour costs.
  • Visit handicraft exhibitions and fairs to promote your business.
  • Brassware items are much in demand in the global market. So, you have chances to get international clients.
• Market Demand: The global brass market will rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period between 2022 and 2028. The Brass rods business is witnessing a CAGR of 2.6% from 2023 to 2029.
• Profit Margin: 2% to 5% on total revenue.

13. Sholapith Décor

An eco-friendly craft from Bengal, sholapith is another unique handicraft business you can consider. Sholapith art has been in practice for a long time and artisans use it in various religious and social customs. You can make attires of gods and goddesses, ornaments, and other forms of décor using shola pith. However, you must have extreme patience while making items out of shola pith.

• Investment: ₹50000 lakhs to ₹1 lakh
• Resources: You will need raw materials, sholas, tools and equipment, beads and other items for décor, and a space to work at home.
• Benefits of Starting Sholapith Décor Business:
  • Sholapith poses no threat to human health as it is plant-derived and doesn't require the use of chemicals in its production process.
  • Sholapith's natural properties indicate that the final product is of the highest quality.
  • Products of shola pith are in demand worldwide.
• Market Demand: Bengal's eco-friendly ivory craft has a demand in the international market.
• Profit Margin: NA

14. Basket Weaving

Basket weaving falls under the umbrella of handicrafts and requires extreme patience and skill. A basket-weaving business model is an ideal option for small-scale industries. Like other handicraft businesses, you can begin this business from your home. Create beautiful handmade baskets using materials- straw, wicker, bamboo, and natural fibres to retain their uniqueness.

• Investment: ₹10000 to ₹50000
• Resources: You will need tools and equipment along with basket weaving supplies, including dyes, reed, and cane.
• Benefits of Starting a Basket Weaving Business:
  • You can begin this unique business from your home.
  • Basket weaving is one of the best products for a small-scale business because it does not require a lot of investment.
  • Since it is a handmade product, it is in demand globally.
  • You can employ artisans who know about this craft and make unique baskets to sell as ideal home décor items.
• Market Demand: With the increasing demand for handmade baskets worldwide, this industry has growth potential.
• Profit Margin: 65% on total revenue.

15. Batik Printing

If you have a knack for batik printing, you can consider this art form as a business venture. Batik is an age-old Javanese art form much in demand in the global market. People love to wear batik printed clothes wherein a piece of cloth is decorated and covered in a layer of wax before they dye it.

• Investment: ₹6 lakhs to ₹7 lakhs.
• Resources: You will need wooden printing blocks, a bleaching machine, other tools and equipment, and a space to work.
• Benefits of Starting Batik Printing Business:
  • It is a unique craft and has demand in India and abroad.
  • You can make a lot of innovations in the batik design according to your client's choice.
  • The art of batik has high artistic value, a fusion of art and technology a batik print can allure people to wear unique designs and hence contribute to preserving the culture.
• Market Demand: There is an increase in demand for batik printing globally as artisans come up with unique design concepts. Therefore, this sector has growth potential in the future.
• Profit Margin: NA

Before you plan any business structure, there are certain things you must consider. These are as follows:

1. Find Your Passion: It is necessary to find your area of interest and then learn whether it is the market requirement. It will help you choose the business that will target your target audience.
2. Communicate With People: An ideal way to understand the market requirement is to communicate with people. In the handicraft business, you can talk to your local people to understand which handicraft is in demand.
3. Learn and Develop Your Skills: The handicraft business is a lucrative business idea but requires extreme passion and patience. Before choosing the sector, you must learn and research the market. Try developing your skills in beading, embroidery, etc. It will help you choose the exact business plan.
4. Undergo a Course: If your business requires expertise, it is ideal to undergo a course. This way, you will learn more about the art form. It will polish your skills. Therefore, you will be able to understand which art form you wish to transform into a business venture.

Considering all these options, proceed with your idea. However, always seek expert advice if you have any doubts or queries.

Before considering starting a handicraft business, there are a few things you must take into consideration:

• Unique Selling Proposition: Every business has that unique selling point that differentiates it from its competitors. Your handicraft business must also have that special feature that will attract customers and make them purchase.
• Target Market: Understanding the target market is equally important. It will help you understand who your potential customers are. Accordingly, plan a business structure that aligns with their requirements.
• Capital Investment: Investment is one of the most important factors you must consider, before starting your handicraft business. Evaluate the amount of capital you have and the fund you wish to invest. If you require investors to fund your business, you must begin fund-collecting immediately.
• Market Research: You must undergo market research to learn about changing market trends to adapt according to customer needs. It will help you in shaping your business idea.
• Develop a Business Plan: A proper business plan is ideal to help in structuring your business ideas. It outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections regarding that business. Moreover, it also gives a view of the potential challenges that you might face.

Trusted Team Members: Ensure you have a trusted team who will support and guide you through the highs and lows of your handicraft business. An expert team with diverse expertise will help you benefit from various business aspects.