Trendsetting in Textiles: Upcoming Knitting and Crochet Trends in 2024

Knitting and crochet have always enjoyed a certain level of popularity in the fashion world, but now more than ever, we see more designers and brands incorporating these handmade techniques into their latest collections. Trends revolving around kitting and crochet are reflected in the latest designs, which showcase intricate patterns, unique textures, and a wide range of colour palettes.

The demand for handmade masterpieces continues to rise as they make waves in the fashion world, providing a sense of authenticity and creativity. With the latest trends and colour palettes, the world of knitting and crochet in fashion has never been more exciting. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned knitter or crocheter there's something for everyone to explore and create in this ever-evolving realm of fashion.

Why Keeping Up with Knitting and Crochet Trends Matters

Knowledge of the latest knitting and crochet trends fosters creativity and builds a thriving community. Adapting to these trends helps enthusiasts and businesses stay popular, attract new crafters, and improve their creations. It also opens up opportunities for makers, businesses and designers to try new things and gain more recognition in the creative world.

A great way to stay updated on emerging trends is to get involved in in-person or online knitting and crochet events. Not only is this a wonderful way to find new friends and socialise with like minded individuals but it’s also the perfect way to share ideas and exchange knowledge with fellow crafters. Joining knitting and crochet groups or associations provides valuable resources and connections to stay informed. This, in turn, will aid in the nurturing of individual and group creativity and success in the ever-changing world of yarn and stitches.

Are you ready for an exciting year of crafting with yarn? In 2024, there are some fantastic emerging trends in store for knitting and crochet enthusiasts, whether you're a seasoned artisan or a modern designer. At Thread Collective, we're thrilled to guide you through the colourful and textured world of crafting ahead.

1. Sustainable Crafting: Upcycling, Repurposing, and Crafting with Care

One of the major knitting and crochet trends for 2024 is the simple act of crafting sustainably. Use yarns made from recycled fibres, and choose natural, Earth-friendly colours to create beautiful pieces while helping the environment. Get creative by upcycling and repurposing old garments or leftover yarn scraps into new treasures. This eco-friendly approach breathes new life into forgotten materials, reduces waste, and adds a unique touch to your projects.

For instance, turn an old sweater into a stylish hat, unravel the yarn to knit a new garment or transform yarn scraps into a colourful patchwork blanket. Consider exploring local thrift stores or organizing yarn swaps with fellow crafters to find materials for your sustainable projects. You could even take your search online by finding groups that encourage the selling/buying of preloved yarn or yarn that has been sitting in a collection unused. By embracing sustainable materials and creative recycling, your crafting journey becomes beautiful, environmentally conscious, and community-oriented.

2. The Power of Colour: Experimenting with Bold and Subtle Hues

This year, expect to see a variety of colour palettes that reflect the shifting trends and moods of the times. From bold and vibrant colours to calming tones, the colour palettes for 2024 are expected to offer a rainbow of options for creative expression and visual appeal.

Experimenting with bold shades and subtle pastels to create unique and eye-catching pieces when working on knit or crochet projects is always exciting. Bold hues like electric blue, emerald green, and hot pink can make a striking statement in your work, while softer pastels such as baby blue, blush pink, and mint green can give a more delicate and understated look. You could even start experimenting with knitting and crochet trends in colour simply by leaning into the Pantone colour of the year, a gentle peach tone dubbed "Peach Fuzz."

The key to finding the perfect colour combination for your project is to play around with different shades and see what works best for the design you have in mind. Feel free to mix and match bold and subtle colours to create a visually appealing contrast and add depth to your work. You can create a yarn wrapping around a piece of card to see which colours look great next to each other or use paints, pencils or technology to draw a rough sketch of your garment and experiment with colour options before purchasing your yarn.

Whether you're making a cozy sweater, a stylish scarf, or a decorative blanket, incorporating bold shades and subtle pastels can make your knit or crochet project stand out. Experiment with vibrant or soft colours you might not normally choose next time you plan a new project. Let your creativity flow, and watch your creations come to life with every stitch.

3. Texture Takes Centre Stage: Elevating Your Craft with a Modern Twist

In 2024, texture is the name of the game. When adding a modern twist to your hand-knit and crochet projects, experimenting with different types of yarns and textures can significantly impact your work. Consider incorporating chunky yarns, metallic threads, and heavily textured yarns such as boucle and faux fur yarns for a contemporary look. Chunky yarns can add visual interest and a cozy, relaxed feel to your projects, while metallic threads offer a touch of glamour and shine. Faux fur and boucle textures can add a luxurious and trendy touch to your creations.

In addition to these textures, experimenting with different materials such as cotton, silk, and bamboo can add depth and dimension to your projects. Cotton yarns offer a soft and breathable option, while silk adds a luxurious and smooth texture. Bamboo yarns bring a silky sheen and drape to creations, perfect for creating modern and elegant pieces.

By combining various yarns and textures, you can create hand-knit and crochet projects that are both stylish and unique. Whether you want to add a contemporary twist to a classic design or create a bold statement piece, these modern yarns and textures will inspire your next creation.

4. Crafting for Everyone: Promoting Inclusivity in Knitting and Crochet

In knitting and crochet, fostering inclusivity in 2024 is about creating projects that welcome everyone. Customize your designs to cater to diverse tastes by incorporating detachable embellishments or adjustable features, making your creations adaptable to individual preferences. Experiment with various colours inspired by various cultural influences to ensure your projects resonate with a broad audience, fostering an environment of cultural appreciation.

Many designers now actively pursue inclusivity by creating patterns that accommodate various languages, sizes and shapes. Some designers even instruct makers on further adapting patterns for their unique bodies!

Additionally, inclusivity has been expanded by the abundance of patterns shared, many of which are free or have a meagre cost to lower further the entry barrier to the crafts suitable for various skill levels. Craft accessories like basic beanies or beginner-friendly shawls offer something for novices and experienced crafters.

By embracing customisation, diverse colours, and accessible patterns, you can help foster a maker space where everyone feels represented and inspired, ensuring the joy of knitting and crocheting is accessible to all.

5. Personal Touch: Making Your Creations Unique

In knitting and crochet, adding a personal touch makes your projects extraordinary. Consider putting initials, names, or unique embellishments to create one-of-a-kind pieces. For example, knit or crochet a cozy blanket and add initials for a personalized gift. You can experiment with colours or stitch patterns to highlight specific features in your project, giving it your style.

Personalization goes beyond the stitches; it's about adding a unique charm to your creations. Try customizing a hat's brim or adding unique details to a scarf. If you're crafting for a baby, consider putting their name on a blanket for a precious keepsake. The possibilities are endless, letting you make each project distinctly yours. Enjoy the creative journey of adding flair to make your knitting and crochet projects delightful.

6. Timeless Charm: Bringing Back Vintage Style in Knitting and Crochet

Get ready for a blast from the past as vintage-inspired knitting and crochet patterns make a stylish return in 2024. Celebrate classic designs with a modern flair, infusing your projects with the elegance of bygone eras. For example, try creating a cozy cardigan with a mid-20th-century vibe, using contemporary colours to give it a fresh look. Or bring old-school doilies back to life by incorporating them into a luxurious throw or blanket. You could even update retro accessories like berets or fingerless gloves with modern colours and yarn blends.

Revitalize traditional patterns, making pieces that capture the timeless charm of vintage aesthetics. It's no coincidence that the Met Gala theme is "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" in 2024. This trend is not just a revival; it's a nod to history and a way to add character to your creations, blending the best of both worlds in the ever-evolving world of knitting and crochet.

7. Community Connection: Crafting Together, Online

In the age of digital connectivity, online crafting communities have become vibrant hubs for enthusiasts. Engaging in these virtual spaces opens up exciting opportunities to interact with like-minded individuals who are passionate about knitting and crochet. You can join virtual knitting and crochet groups, where members from various corners gather to share their love for the craft. Participating in online forums allows you to discuss techniques, seek advice, and exchange ideas with a diverse community of crafters.

If you are based in Australia, you might be interested in joining the Australian Weavers & Fibre Artists Facebook group.

Beyond discussions, online events provide platforms to showcase your work, learn new skills, and collaborate on projects with fellow crafters. Sharing your creations in these digital spaces fosters a sense of community and allows you to draw inspiration from the diverse projects showcased by others. Crafting together online is not just about the final product; it's a way to connect, learn, and inspire each other, breaking down geographical barriers to create a global community of creative individuals bound by their love for knitting and crochet.

Embrace the Wave of Creativity in Knitting and Crochet

From inclusivity and sustainability to vintage revivals and personal touches, the knitting and crochet community is set to embark on an exciting journey in 2024. Embrace the opportunity to share your creativity, connect with the crafting community, and craft a future filled with colour, texture, and meaningful experiences. Whether knitting a warm jumper or crocheting an intricate blanket, Thread Collective is here to support your crafting dreams every step of the way. Let's make this year your most inspiring and creative one yet!