CRAFT TRENDS 2026

Craft trends to watch in 2026

A Look Ahead with Get Sidetracked

If there’s one thing the past few years have shown, it’s that creativity thrives when times get tough. I have found peace and comfort in creativity, whether it’s sitting at my sewing machine or collecting sea glass for my next project. I am excited to be getting married in 2026 (hand making everything) but I am also excited by the craft trends already gathering momentum for the new year — along with a few timeless techniques getting a modern twist.

1. Imperfect Beauty: The Wabi-Sabi Revival

Perfection is out; personality is in. More makers are embracing the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi — finding beauty in imperfection, asymmetry, and age. Expect to see visible mending, patchwork with purpose, and hand-sewn details proudly on show. I am somewhat of an impatient crafter, I have never prided myself on perfection but rather embrace the quirks in my work.

Annie Spratt – unsplash

2. Slow and Sustainable Crafting

As eco-awareness deepens, the focus on mindful, sustainable crafting will continue to grow. Crafters are turning to recycled textiles, natural fibres, and even making their own paper or paints. The joy is as much in the process as the product. I am not an eco-warrior but I do take real pleasure in rescuing the unloved. I have a passion for old buttons, if I see an old sewing box in a charity shop I open it with such anticipation. I have recently added buttons to some felt flowers for my wedding table decorations.

vintage buttons in my collection

3. Mini Makes: Small Projects, Big Joy

I think with reels and TikTok videos getting shorter and shorter and with people’s time precious, “mini makes” are having a moment. Think small sewing projects, beadwork, hand-painted cards, and clay charms. These quick wins bring instant satisfaction and are great for using up fabric scraps or oddments. I made these pen holders and it took less than 20mins to put together.

4. Folk Tales & Whimsy

Storytelling is weaving its way into craft again — through folk-inspired embroidery, mythical animal art, and illustrations with heart. The trend taps into nostalgia, humour, and a yearning for comfort in a noisy world. I am excited to paint more birds and creatures from nature in the New Year, you never know I might also create a little story to go with them- watch this space.

5. Craft as Therapy

Creative wellbeing is no longer a side note — it’s central to why people make things. Whether it’s mindful stitching, paper folding, journalling through art, or music therapy-inspired crafts, making has become a meaningful act of healing and connection. I have taken real pleasure this year in making all of the flowers for our wedding table decorations, it’s been both mindful and meaningful.

6. Mixed Media & Hybrid Crafts

More crafters are mixing materials and tools than ever before — digital meets handmade. Expect to see Cricut vinyl on hand-painted backgrounds, embroidery over prints, and clay embellishments sewn onto textiles. It makes a real impact to a customer when you can personalise your hand made creations with their names or interests, I used my Cricut Maker 3.

Using a Cricut to personalise hand sewn items

7. Nature-Inspired Design

Botanical motifs and earthy palettes are timeless, but 2026 will see a shift toward local nature — celebrating wildlife close to home rather than exotic scenes. British birds, coastal finds, and hedgerow florals will take centre stage. Have you ever just sat in nature with a paper and pencil? It can fill the soul.

A painting I did of Porthgain harbour in Pembrokeshire for a friend

8. Crafting for Community

The past few years have reminded us how powerful shared creativity can be. Expect to see more local craft swaps, skill-share sessions, and community projects that connect people of all abilities and ages.

A local craft fair where I met loads of fellow crafters

Looking Ahead

If 2025 was the year of the “mindful maker,” then 2026 looks set to celebrate the joyfully imperfect crafter — someone who makes with purpose, with care, and with a story to tell. Whether you’re patching old fabric into something new, painting a fox in watercolour, or crafting a heartfelt gift from scraps, your creativity helps shape this evolving, eco-conscious future.

At Get Sidetracked, we’ll be exploring these themes through our own projects — celebrating slow, soulful making and finding joy in the process, not just the product. Please drop us a comment to share what crafts you’re looking forward to in 2026.

Thank you for reading

Fran x