2025 was a lot for us crocheters. Between store closures, supply chain chaos, and AI drama, it was the kind of year that forced us all to adapt—whether we wanted to or not.

But it wasn't all turbulence. Some exciting things happened too, from viral trends that brought new makers into the fold to a renewed appreciation for community and connection.

Let's look back at what shaped our crafting world this year.

The JOANN Closure Changed Everything

The biggest shockwave came when JOANN stores closed nationwide. For millions of crocheters, JOANN was the place for last-minute yarn runs, browsing sales aisles, and squeezing skeins before buying.

Losing that changed how we shop. Suddenly, we couldn't just pop in for a few balls of Big Twist to finish out a big project. The shift to online-only shopping accelerated fast, and while it's convenient, there's something irreplaceable about seeing and touching yarn in person.

But in a silver lining: indie yarn shops stepped up in a big way. Local stores saw an influx of former JOANN shoppers and responded with expanded inventory, loyalty programs, and more events.

Many of us discovered higher-quality fibers, better customer service, and tighter-knit crafting communities as a result. It's been a painful transition, but it's also reconnected some of us with what makes this craft special—the people. Michael’s also purchased the Joann intellectual property, but we will wait and see whether they do something more in 2026 than the poor attempt so far this year.

Supply Chain Struggles Hit Home

Then came the tariff changes. New U.S. trade policies and the repeal of the de minimis rule disrupted yarn imports in ways most of us never saw coming.

European brands paused shipments. Small-batch dyers faced massive fee increases. Suddenly, our favorite colorways were out of stock or significantly more expensive.

For crocheters, this wasn't just inconvenient—it was a budget buster. Planning projects became trickier when you couldn't guarantee your yarn would arrive, or afford it if it did.

The whole situation highlighted how interconnected the global yarn market is and how vulnerable we are to policy shifts. Supporting local dyers became less of a preference and more of a necessity.

The Fun Stuff: Trends That Made Us Smile

Thankfully, 2025 wasn't all doom and gloom. Mini amigurumi absolutely exploded on social media. Tiny frogs, mushrooms, and dragons took over TikTok and Instagram, charming their way into millions of feeds.

These pocket-sized cuties were perfect for beginners—quick to make, scrap-friendly, and undeniably adorable. They brought a wave of new crocheters into the craft, which is always something to celebrate.

Granny squares also made a massive comeback. They showed up on fashion runways, in viral videos, and even in big-box retail stores. The revival felt both nostalgic and fresh, proving that some techniques are truly timeless.

For those of us who make handmade garments, this renewed cultural interest felt validating. Crochet isn't just a hobby—it's fashion, it's art, it's relevant.

Community Became Everything

Crochet cruises and retreats are selling out worldwide! With makers craving connection after years of isolation and uncertainty, these immersive events delivered. Workshops, social stitching, exclusive patterns—these gatherings reminded us that crochet is as much about community as it is about creating.

Meanwhile, Caron's Anniversary Cakes became the year's must-have yarn. Released exclusively at Michaels, these jumbo cakes sold out repeatedly, sparking a mini treasure hunt across stores and social media.

Bernat and Lion Brand also dominated with chunky blanket yarns in limited-edition colorways, fueling the ongoing love affair with quick, cozy projects.

The AI Problem We Can't Ignore

But the year ended on a frustrating note. AI-generated crochet patterns flooded online marketplaces, complete with computer-generated images that looked impressive but represented impossible designs. Buyers found themselves stuck with patterns that couldn't actually be made—distorted garments, impossible stitches, projects that defied the laws of physics and fiber.

It's eroded trust in digital marketplaces and reminded us all to be more careful. Support reputable designers. Look for real project photos. Read reviews. The convenience of instant digital patterns isn't worth the headache of a pattern that doesn't work. Let’s hope that online pattern platforms crack down on these patterns and “makers”. Convenience isn’t worth losing trust.

Looking Forward

So what did 2025 teach us? That our crafting world is more fragile—and more resilient—than we realized. We lost familiar stores and faced supply challenges, but we also found new communities, supported indie businesses, and welcomed thousands of new makers into the fold. We adapted, we problem-solved, and we kept creating.

Here's to whatever 2026 brings us . Hopefully more yarn, less drama!

What were your biggest yarn moments of 2025?

None this week—I’ve been busy with Christmas and packing—but this section will be back in the new year with extra finds 🧡

WEAVING IN THE ENDS

I’m traveling for the next couple of weeks and so there won’t be new issues of Crochet Current, but stay subscribed because I have big ideas for new tools to help crocheters in the new year!

—Michelle 🧡

P.S. Thanks for reading - forward to a friend!