# Quaint Kitsch Crochet moves from stale pastime to opportunity to express individuality. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published May 1, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/quaint-kitsch ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Quaint Kitsch trend? **Quaint Kitsch:** Previously seen as a hobby for the agoraphobic, the art of crochet is being revamped as an easy means to express individuality. As the DIY wave picks up the pace, more methods of easy creation and customization are becoming popular. In an age where individuality reigns supreme, consumers respond well to the opportunity to express themselves. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 16, 2012 to Apr 16, 2014 - Published: May 1, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Quaint Kitsch trend ### DIY Wave With the rise of the DIY culture, methods of easy creation and customization are becoming more popular, allowing for opportunities to express individuality. ### Character-Based Design The creation of crocheted dolls and toys has shifted towards designing recognizable characters from popular media such video games and TV shows, creating opportunities for collaborations and licensing deals. ### Knit Fantasy The whimsical designs of hand-knit toys and decorations is trending, providing opportunities for the creation of fantasy-themed products for children and adults alike. ## What the Quaint Kitsch trend means for industry ### For Arts and Crafts The field of arts, crafts, and hobbies is expanding with new ways of self-expression and creativity in the form of crochet and knitting. ### For Toy Industry Increasing interest in handmade dolls and stuffed animals presents an opportunity for toy manufacturers to collaborate with crochet and knit artists to create bespoke toys and doll collections. ### For Entertainment Industry The popularity of character-based designs and toys from popular franchises such as Game of Thrones, Pokemon, and Disney make for an opportunity for collaborations and licensing deals with entertainment industry players. ## Trend signals for Quaint Kitsch Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Quaint Kitsch trend 9 featured examples from Sep 16, 2012 to Apr 16, 2014. - [Coffee Cup Costumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mug-sweater): These Mug Sweaters Insulate Your Drink and Feel Soft Against Your Hands (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The handmade goods industry can benefit from exploring unique and practical handmade accessories for everyday use. - [Super Hero Baby Bonnets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geekling): These Creations By Geekling Are Contemporary, Cute and Nerdy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: This trend presents an opportunity for baby product businesses to tap into the geeky market. - [Plush Fantasy Eggs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dragon-eggs): These Knit Dragon Eggs are a Plush Version of Daenerys’ Dragon Eggs (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The handmade crafts industry can explore the use of crochet knitting techniques to create intricate and customized products, appealing to consumers looking for unique items. - [Cute Crochet Baby Crowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-hat): This Crochet Crown Baby Hat Turns Any Infant into a Princess (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities may include incorporating crochet baby hats and other trendy accessories into the fashion accessories industry to cater to a broader customer b… - [Sea Creature Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mermaid-tail-sleeping-bag): The Mermaid Tail Sleeping Bag Will Keep Your Child Cozy (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Designers and manufacturers can create innovative products for children such as adjustable and interactive sleepwear, particularly sleep bags and blankets. - [Cuddly Handmade Monsters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crochet-pokemon): You’ll Love These Crochet Pokemon by Kuro-Mizuo (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The toy industry has an opportunity to tap into the demand for unique and collectible toys, like these crochet Pokemon, by offering customizable and handmade options. - [Cute Crocheted Cartoon Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocheted-dolls): These Adorable Crocheted Dolls Feature Your Favourite Characters (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The art and crafts industry can benefit from the demand for crocheted dolls, providing opportunities for artists, designers, and manufacturers to create and sell their own unique… - [Crochet Canine Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knitting-kit): The Knit Your Own Dog Knitting Kit is the Perfect Pass Time (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft and hobby stores can benefit from the trend of pet-themed crafts by offering supplies and kits for customers to create their own pet-related products. - [Kooky Snail Tea Cozies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knit-tea-cozy): Anke Klempner's Makes Charming Snail-Like Knit Tea Cozy Designs (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Supplying materials like knitting needles, yarn, and patterns to help customers create unique tea cozies can drive sales and innovation. ## Recent trend clusters - 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