Craft fair season in the Midwest is one of my favorite parts of running a handmade business. The energy, the shoppers, the conversations, and the chance to display all the cozy knitted throws I’ve been working on—it’s truly special. But preparing for a craft fair takes more than just making inventory. It’s a mix of planning, organizing, styling, and packing smart so your booth runs smoothly and professionally.
Here is my 2026 Midwest Craft Fair Prep Checklist—the exact process I follow to stay stress-free, fully stocked, and ready to sell.
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1. Inventory Planning
Before anything else, I take stock of what I already have and what I still need to knit.
✔️ Inventory checklist
- Count all finished throws
- Check variety: textures, colors, sizes
- Note best sellers from past seasons
- Prepare a list of “gaps” to fill
- Tag, label, and package all finished items
For 2026, minimalist, pastel, and lightweight acrylic throws are trending—so I focus heavily on that.
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2. Fair-Specific Planning
Every craft fair is a little different, especially in the Midwest where shows range from small pop-ups to large indoor markets.
✔️ Questions I ask each fair
- Is my booth indoors or outdoors?
- What booth size did I purchase?
- Do they provide tables or do I need to bring my own?
- How early can vendors arrive to set up?
- Do they charge extra for electricity?
- What payment methods are allowed or recommended?
I keep all this info in one notebook so I’m not hunting for emails at the last minute.
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3. Pricing & Payments
A smooth checkout experience matters—especially at busy fairs.
✔️ Payment prep
- Test my card reader
- Bring cash + small bills for change
- Set prices clearly on tags
- Create bundle or “fair-day-only” deals
- Print a price sign for my display
- Double-check tax rules for the state I’m selling in
Shoppers love clear pricing, so I make it easy to understand at a glance.
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4. Packaging & Branding
Presentation matters! It turns a simple purchase into a memorable moment.
✔️ Branding essentials
- Business cards
- Care instructions for knitted throws
- Branded thank-you stickers
- Shopping bags
- Small ribbons or ties
I also pack a “branding kit” with tape, extra labels, pens, and a mini stapler—just in case.
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5. Booth Display Setup
A cozy, visually appealing booth draws people in—especially for home décor items like knitted throws.
✔️ Display items I bring
- Folding tables
- Tablecloths (neutral colors always look clean)
- Grid panels or vertical racks
- Baskets for rolled throws
- A small standing sign or banner
- Height variations: crates, shelves, risers
- Clip-on lights (if allowed)
Vertical displays make a huge difference. People can see the textures and colors as they walk by.
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6. Marketing Before the Event
The more you promote, the more people show up! Midwest shoppers love supporting local makers.
✔️ Pre-fair marketing
- Post countdowns on Instagram
- Share behind-the-scenes booth prep
- Announce special fair-day pricing
- Show your inventory being finished
- Tag the craft fair in your posts or stories
Shoppers often come looking specifically for booths they saw online.
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7. Fair Day Toolkit
These are the things I never leave home without.
✔️ Fair-day must-haves
- Scissors
- Tape (packing + clear)
- Zip ties
- Extra price tags
- Batteries or chargers
- Pens + permanent markers
- Snacks + water
- Hand warmers (for fall/winter outdoor fairs!)
Midwest weather is unpredictable—be ready for anything.
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8. Packing the Car Efficiently
I stage everything the night before so setup morning is calm.
✔️ Loading list
- Inventory bins
- Display stands + tables
- Tablecloths + banner
- Payment kit
- Packaging supplies
- Emergency craft fair kit
- Personal comfort items
I load the car in layers: heavy items first, delicate displays last.
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9. Setup Strategy
Time goes fast during setup, so I always follow the same order:
✔️ My setup flow
- Tables + tablecloths
- Main display racks
- Throws placed by color family
- Price signs
- Checkout area
- Last-minute styling touches
Simple, clean, and inviting always wins.
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10. After-the-Fair Wrap-Up
Good recordkeeping helps you prepare better for the next shows.
✔️ Post-fair tasks
- Record sales total
- Note best-selling colors and textures
- Track remaining inventory
- Write down things I need for next time
- Review what worked (and didn’t) in my booth layout
This helps shape the rest of my 2026 knitting production plan.
Final Thoughts
Craft fairs are a big undertaking, but with the right prep, they become a joyful part of running a knitting business. This checklist keeps my workflow organized, my booth professional, and my stress low—so I can focus on meeting shoppers and sharing my handmade throws with the Midwest community.
Mentally Knitting 
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