The 10 Best Newsletter Formats for Craft Businesses

Are you feeling stuck overthinking how to start a newsletter for your handmade business? If you're struggling to write a craft newsletter, read this. I'll break down the best newsletter formats specifically for your creative business to get you unstuck.

Email newsletters are one of the most powerful ways to connect with your customers, share your creative journey, and sell your handmade products. The best part? You own your email list—unlike social media followers that can disappear with algorithm changes.

I'll explore 10 newsletter formats that work wonderfully for craft businesses, complete with examples tailored to different types of creative entrepreneurs.

1. Briefs and Bullets: The Quick Update Format

This popular format combines short stories (briefs) with bulleted sections to create an easily digestible newsletter.

Perfect for: Busy crafters who want to share multiple updates without overwhelming readers.

Example for a candle maker:

• Main brief: "Our Fall Collection Launch" (250 words about your new seasonal scents)
• Secondary brief: "Behind the Scenes: How We Source Sustainable Wax" (200 words)
• Bullet section called "Burning Tips" with 5 quick tips for making candles last longer
• Bullet section called "Scent Pairings" linking to complementary products

Example for a knitting pattern designer:

• Main brief: "New Winter Sweater Pattern Release" (250 words about your latest design)
• Secondary brief: "Choosing the Right Wool for Beginners" (200 words)
• Bullet section called "Quick Stitches" with 3-5 handy knitting tips
• Bullet section called "Yarn Finds" with links to quality yarns on sale

The key is keeping each section short and scannable. Your customers are busy people who appreciate quick, valuable information.

2. TLDR Summaries: Curated Content

This format focuses on sharing valuable links with your own brief summaries and insights.

Perfect for: Crafters who enjoy curating content and adding their expert perspective.

Example for a quilter:

• "New Free-Motion Quilting Technique" (link to tutorial) + Your summary and how you've used this technique
• "Fabric Care Guide" (link to article) + Your additional tips for keeping quilting fabric pristine
• "Color Theory for Quilters" (link to resource) + Your takeaway about color combinations that sell well

Example for a professional organizer:

• "Small Space Storage Solutions" (link to article) + Your practical addition about craft room organization
• "Decluttering Psychology" (link to podcast) + Your insight about helping crafters let go of supplies
• "Container Store New Products" (link to website) + Your recommendations for craft storage items worth buying

This format positions you as a helpful guide in your craft niche while saving your audience time.

3. All Bullets: The Quick-Scan Format

This format uses mostly bullet points to share lots of information in an easy-to-skim way.

Perfect for: Crafters who have lots of small updates, tips, or news to share regularly.

Example for a paper crafter:

• 🎨 New watercolor card kit now available
• 💡 Try adding salt to wet watercolor for amazing texture effects
• 🗓️ Next week's virtual card-making workshop registration closing soon
• 📦 Free shipping on orders over $35 this weekend only
• ❓ Most asked question this week: "How do you store your stamps?"
• 🔗 Check out this amazing scoring technique from @PaperPro

Example for a ceramics artist:

• 🏺 Studio sale starts Friday at noon EST
• 🔥 Kiln firing schedule for custom orders posted
• 💫 New glazing technique preview (photos included)
• 🎁 Holiday pre-orders now open with 10% early bird discount
• 📱 Tag us in your coffee mug photos for a chance to win
• 🧵 Discussion thread: What's your favorite clay body?

This format works wonderfully for frequent updates and time-sensitive announcements.

4. Curated List: The Numbered Template

This format follows a consistent template each time, making it super easy to write.

Perfect for: Crafters who want a low-stress, repeatable newsletter format.

Example for a soap maker:

• 3 ingredients I'm excited about this month
• 2 soap-making techniques I'm perfecting
• 1 customer question answered in depth

Example for a leather worker:

• 5 tools I can't live without
• 3 leather care tips for customers
• 1 behind-the-scenes project sneak peek

The beauty of this format is that readers know exactly what to expect, and you have a clear template to follow each time.

5. High-Value Curations: Special Opportunities

This format focuses on sharing valuable opportunities, deals, or hard-to-find resources with your audience.

Perfect for: Crafters with access to insider information or special deals.

Example for a jewelry maker:

• Exclusive gem supplier having a 48-hour sale (with your affiliate link)
• Limited edition metal findings just released (that you discovered)
• Beginner-friendly wire-wrapping class open for registration (that you recommend)
• Discontinued beads available at 70% off (that you found)

Example for a yarn dyer:

• Wholesale wool source now open to small businesses (information most don't know)
• Early bird pricing for the fiber festival (with your discount code)
• Limited edition dyeing equipment bundle (that you've negotiated for your subscribers)
• Ethically sourced alpaca yarn back in stock (that sells out quickly)

This format provides clear value to your subscribers and positions you as an insider in your craft niche.

6. Daily Analysis: The Expert Insight

This format involves frequent, in-depth analysis of topics in your craft niche.

Perfect for: Established craft experts with strong opinions and deep knowledge.

Example for an embroidery expert:
Monday: Analysis of new DMC thread colors and how they compare to existing options
Tuesday: Breakdown of a trending stitch technique with pros and cons
Wednesday: Review of a new embroidery hoop design
Thursday: Commentary on sustainability trends in embroidery supplies
Friday: Examination of pricing strategies for embroidery artists

This is a demanding format that requires significant expertise and time commitment, but it can establish you as a leading voice in your craft niche.

7. Weekly Deep Dives: The Tutorial Format

This format delivers one comprehensive, in-depth piece of content weekly.

Perfect for: Crafters who want to share detailed knowledge and build authority.

Example for a resin artist:
Week 1: Complete guide to silicone mold-making for beginners
Week 2: How to price your resin art for maximum profit
Week 3: Troubleshooting common resin issues (bubbles, cloudiness, etc.)
Week 4: Eco-friendly alternatives in resin crafting

Example for a home organizer:
Week 1: Organizing craft supplies by frequency of use
Week 2: Creating an efficient craft room layout in small spaces
Week 3: The psychology of creative clutter and how to overcome it
Week 4: Digital organization systems for pattern collectors

This format works well if you enjoy teaching and have depth of knowledge to share.

8. Visual Newsletters: The Eye-Candy Format

This format uses beautiful images, infographics, or charts as the main content.

Perfect for: Highly visual crafts where seeing is understanding.

Example for a fiber artist:

• Color wheel infographic showing complementary yarn combinations
• Step-by-step visual tutorial for a complex stitch
• Before/after images of blocked vs. unblocked knitted pieces
• Chart showing different fiber properties (wool, cotton, acrylic)

Example for a sticker shop owner:

• Visual comparison of different printing methods
• Infographic on sticker paper durability
• Color palette inspiration boards for seasonal collections
• Behind-the-scenes photos of your production process

Visual newsletters stand out in crowded inboxes and showcase your artistic eye.

9. Short and Daily: The Bite-Sized Format

This format delivers very small pieces of content on a frequent basis.

Perfect for: Crafters with a specific teaching focus or tip series.

Example for a crochet pattern designer:
"Stitch of the Day" - one crochet stitch explained each day with a small photo and quick instructions

Example for a watercolor artist:
"Color Mix Monday," "Technique Tuesday," "Watercolor Wednesday," "Tool Thursday," "Finishing Friday"

The key to making this format work is consistency and keeping each edition truly short.

10. Community Spotlight: The Connection Builder

This format focuses on highlighting your customers and community.

Perfect for: Building a strong sense of community around your craft brand.

Example for a cross-stitch pattern designer:

• Customer spotlight featuring photos of finished projects
• Interview with a customer about their stitching journey
• Community challenge results and winners
• Customer questions answered by other experienced customers

Example for a planner sticker creator:

• Planner spread of the week from a customer
• Organization success stories from your sticker users
• Before/after planning system transformations
• Community tips for maximizing planner use

This format builds loyalty and encourages user-generated content.

Which Format Should You Choose?

The best newsletter format for your craft business depends on:

1. How much time you have to create each newsletter
2. What kind of content comes most naturally to you
3. What your specific audience wants and needs

You don't have to stick to just one format! Many successful craft newsletters combine elements from different formats. For example, you might have a main deep dive section, followed by a bullet list of updates, and end with a community spotlight.

The most important thing is to start somewhere and be consistent. Your newsletter format can evolve as you learn what resonates with your audience.

Remember, your newsletter isn't just about selling—it's about building relationships with the people who love your craft. When you provide consistent value, the sales will naturally follow.

Quick Tips for Craft Newsletter Success

1. Start with a clear subject line that tells readers exactly what's inside. For example: "New Summer Yarn Colors + Knitting Pattern Sale" is better than "June Newsletter."
2. Include beautiful photos of your products that match the quality of your handmade items. Take pictures in natural light and edit them to look professional.
3. Keep a content calendar with ideas for future newsletters. This makes it easier to sit down and write when it's time.
4. Add a personal touch by sharing small glimpses into your creative process. Your subscribers want to know the person behind the products.
5. Always include a clear call to action - whether it's "shop now," "register for the workshop," or "follow us on Instagram."
6. Be consistent with your sending schedule so subscribers know when to expect your newsletter. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly all work as long as you stick to it.
7. Segment your list if you have different types of customers. For example, send different content to hobbyists versus wholesale buyers.
8. Test different sending times to see when your open rates are highest. Many craft business owners find weekend mornings work well when people have time to browse.
9. Make your newsletter mobile-friendly since many people will read it on their phones while waiting in line or before bed.
10. Track your results to see which content gets the most clicks and engagement, then create more of what works.

Ready to start crafting your newsletter? Choose a format that feels doable and exciting to you, and hit that send button!