Craftcore

Craftcore
Detailed embroidery. Picture by @cinnamonryan on Instagram.
Decade of origin	Late 2010s
Key motifs	Patchwork, quilting, crochet, chunky knits, embroidery, beading, macramé, tie-dye
Key colours	Varies widely, often vibrant and eclectic, but can also be natural and earthy
Key values	Authenticity, sustainability, individuality, nostalgia, mindfulness, DIY ethos
Related aesthetics	Boho-Chic Cottagecore Grandmacore Pearlcore Whimsicraft

Craftcore is an aesthetic in fashion and interior design that celebrates the visual appeal of handmade craftsmanship and traditional techniques. Rather than being defined by the act of crafting itself, the aesthetic is characterized by the finished look of items that prominently feature visible handiwork such as crochet, patchwork, chunky knits, embroidery, and quilting.

The trend gained significant mainstream attention around 2020, partly as a response to the global COVID-19 lockdowns which renewed interest in domestic hobbies and slow, mindful processes.

Fashion

Craftcore uses garments that showcase the artistry of their construction. The aesthetic was brought to the forefront by a new generation of designers and has been featured on the runways of legacy labels like Chloé, Valentino, and Dior. Key looks often feature traditional yarn crafts, including chunky and colossal knits like the oversized sweaters popularized by Hope MacCaulay, as well as visible crochet trims and detailed embroidery. Patchwork and quilting are also central, with brands like Bode and Chopova Lowena creating signature pieces from vintage quilts and repurposed fabric remnants. The aesthetic also incorporates other techniques like beading, macramé, and artisanal tie-dye to create unique "one-of-a-kind" pieces.

Interior Design

In home decor, Craftcore emphasizes creating a personalized and soulful space through handmade objects. This involves a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. The aesthetic is expressed through decorative items that carry the touch of a human hand, such as hand-painted vases, handmade pottery, and tufted rugs or mirrors. Textiles are also central, with items like quilted blankets, patchwork cushions, and macramé wall hangings used to add texture and a sense of warmth and authenticity to a room, in direct opposition to the uniformity of mass-produced decor.

Philosophy

The Craftcore aesthetic represents a conscious shift away from "soulless, mass-produced goods towards objects that carry a story, a soul and a personal touch." It is fundamentally aligned with the slow fashion movement, acting as a "rebellious statement in a world of fast fashion and overproduction." The aesthetic places a high value on authenticity and the uniqueness of handmade items, where no two pieces are exactly alike. It also taps into a sense of nostalgia, reviving "granny crafts" and traditional techniques as a way to create a tangible connection to the past and disconnect from a highly digital world.

Gallery

Strawberry flower pot by scandireader on Tumblr

Book by Quartzbound on Tumblr (linked is their tutorial!)

Handpainted (animal crossing themed) pants by hooodie-weather on Tumblr

Crotchet lemon bag by berriesandbonnets on Tumblr

Embroidered overalls by alisonsmouth on Tumblr

Embroidered shirt by xyrion-kyrel on Tumblr