Leading arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft has announced the crafting trends set to hit 2023 so let’s take a look at what they are.
Tufting
A method of crafting that involves weaving small ‘tufts’ through a backing fabric to create a soft, tufted look and feel. Typically tufting is done with a tufting gun and used to make rugs. It allows for intricate patterns and images, which probably goes some way to explaining why it’s so popular.
Punch needling
Punch needle embroidery is similar in technique but gives a more embroidered look to designs. It’s essentially embroidery with ribbon or yarn.
Latch hooking
Another rug making technique similar to tufting but using a manual latch hook needle through a canvas grid. This one is useful for using up scraps of wool leftover from knitting.
Sewing clothing
Making clothing by hand has always been popular, but it seems to be coming back into trend with full force as a sustainable lifestyle choice. Searches for sewing patterns increased by nearly 300% in 2022.
Making to sell
Macraweave
Macraweave is a relatively new craft entering recent trends. This low budget craft combines elements of weaving with macrame knotwork.
Knitting
Knitting has seen a huge boom in popularity over the last year, with no sign of it dropping. Searches for knitting patterns have increased by over 1000%.
Crochet
Likewise, crochet remains a popular choice with specialists such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com reporting a huge increase in sales of crochet kits.
Many of these crafts can be combined with lots of them using and reusing components leftover from other projects so they’re easy to try out, particularly if you already have a craft such as knitting on the go. Use your leftover scraps of yarn to try latch hooking or macraweave. Some require more equipment and initial outlay, like tufting or sewing. See if you can try out a friend’s equipment or attend a workshop to see if you enjoy the process.
