Over the years I have researched, found, and curated many of the things I’ve needed to operate my business successfully. If you’re like me, you want to have tools that last a long time, are easy to use, and have a good return on investment (ROI).
All the things in this post are what I have found to work and still use regularly. Do your research and find what works for you, this is just a list of what I use and what works for me.
Transparency First: Hey there, wonderful reader! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. It's a win-win situation – you get great products or services, and I get a little support to keep doing what I love.
Fiber Arts
My favorite for warp string when tapestry weaving.
These tapestry needles are great for weaving in ends and are handy to have around.
When working with smaller skeins this is what I have and use. If I didn’t have this one I would get the Knit Picks yarn winder.
I like this triple-strand twisted tope in tapestry weaving. You can split up the rope into three separate pieces or weave them together for big texture. Also good for other projects.
I love being able to interchange needles and cords that work together seamlessly and stay conveniently together. They look amazing and I have enjoyed knitting with them. I did get some additional cords.
I like to use these for drying my hand-dyed yarns and for macrame. I use these s-hooks for hanging yarn, macrame, etc
I really like this stand for a studio and these s-hooks.
Business Materials
My favorite little workhorse! Seriously though, what was I even doing before having a label printer?? I did a lot of research before choosing my rollo, and it's more than paid for itself. It’s a thermal printer, so it doesn’t use ink. They’ve since come out with a wireless label printer which would be super handy too. I have one with a cord but it works great, no complaints here!
Rollo has their own line of label sheets, but I get different packs depending on price since they all serve the same purpose. Like these, or these.
This is the printer I use for anything that needs to be printed, like order slips. Here is a similar printer that is less expensive. This is the paper I get.
This is my most recent business tech buy and it might very well be the best one I’ve ever made! I don’t know how I lived without it. I design websites (mine and others), and I do all my graphic work in-house, so having a big screen that is color correct was super important. I did all of it on my little college laptop previously. So yeah, this monitor is a game-changer. Here are the links to the keyboard and mouse that I got with it too. The computer we use with it is a custom build thanks to my older brother.
I use this for weighing out my fibers and packages. I used to use a scale with a built-in screen but upgrading to a separate weight reader was a decision I should have made long before it was a problem. Here is the same scale but in gold!
- Camera and Accessories
*You don’t need a fancy camera to take good pictures! Although it does help and as your business grows, I highly recommend you get a nice dslr or mirrorless camera, but it’s really of no use to you if you don’t know how to use it.
I use my sister’s (ancient haha) canon rebelt3i which works great for what I’ve needed, it’s also discontinued. My favorite camera right now is the Fujifilm X-S10 with the kit lens that I got last year for traveling. It’s the best thing ever for travel and I also use it for product photography.
Another camera I use is my mom’s Canon 6d Mark ii, which captures amazing pictures and videos. This is the lens I use on my mom’s camera.
This super handy adaptor tool lets you download your photos or videos straight from the SD card to your iphone. Can’t forget the flashcards!
- Tripod
The tripod I use with my smartphone is currently unavailable, this is another good option. Here’s the one I use with my camera.
I store extra fiber, packing supplies, and whatever else in these large bins. They stack nicely for vertical storage, plus you’ll never lose the lids! Super handy and are always in use. I also love these 6qt clear containers for organizing smaller things.
- Shelving and cubes
Figuring out how you want to store your stuff is critical. I’m a yarn and fiber shop and I didn’t have these nice cubes when I started. And it sucked. I spent (wasted) so much time fulfilling orders with the way I had my stuff organized originally. Don’t make my mistake, make a good system for yourself.
You have to have a good taper when sending out orders, and don’t forget the tape!
Stickers add such a nice personal touch, and I know whenever I get a package with a sticker it never fails to make me smile! Obviously, choose stickers that fit your brand image.
I love the aesthetic of a rolly cart and what makes me love them more is how useful they are! Great for holding packing supplies, projects, yarn, etc. They hold quite a bit of stuff and are easily movable when you have the wheels on.
Confession time, I think I have a problem. I can’t help myself when it comes to pretty baskets. So to justify getting them, I actually use them. Bonus, they make fabulous photo props and pretty yarn holders!
Event Equipment
I really like this brand and have gotten a few of their tents for different events. They are high quality, easy to set up, and look great! Often I will see tents just falling apart, or plain old ugly which isn't attractive to customers. Instead of getting the cheapest tent that will break after a couple of uses, spend a little more on one that will last you a long time. I can’t count the number of times I have used these and they still look new even years later, 10/10 recommend!
We typically use two of them in a booth with one being the “checkout counter.” We also use your typical white folding tables.
This is the best! Plus, it’s big and heavy so it won’t be easy for someone to steal. I put a woven jute placemat over it with products on top to help it better blend in. If you want a smaller one this is a great cash register too.
- Square
I use the small square tap reader, but if you want to spend a little more this square machine would be a good investment.
*I do not recommend just using the magstripe card reader as times are changing towards digital payments!
Other Recent Favorites
I am an avid reader and love the ability to have many books in one place that I can take everywhere with me. Don’t worry I love my physical books too, but Kindles are so convenient and handy. I use the Kindle Paperwhite to mimic the real thing. I am currently reading Clara Parkes’ book, “Knitlandia” which I am loving so far!
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the mountains and these are the shoes I use. They work well and are good-looking too!
This is my most favorite thing ever! Like I want to tell everyone and their best friend about this little backpack! I used it all over Europe to hold necessities and my camera! Tons of pockets, including secret ones which were a must for me. I have it in black but now I want to get it in light blue too!
I know I sure could have used this list of business must haves a few years ago! Hopefully you found this blog post helpful, and if you did save it on Pinterest!
