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weaving trends

What’s Next for Weavers: The Top Trends Shaping 2026

by Kelly 6 Comments

If you love seeing how colour, texture, and creativity change and grow through weaving each year, you’re in for a treat. The weaving trends for 2026 are rich with personality – mixing grounded, natural fibres with vivid colour, airy structures, and a sense of heart led craftsmanship.

In 2026, the weaving world is celebrating both innovation and nostalgia. There’s a focus on texture, tactility and fabrics you want to touch. Other focuses include sustainability, storytelling, and a fresh, romantic use of colour. Whether you weave on a rigid heddle, floor loom, or tapestry loom, there’s plenty of inspiration waiting for you!

You can check out my 2025 trends article here.

1. Colour Stories for 2026: Earth Meets Energy

The colour palette for 2026 feels both bold and comforting. Earthy neutrals like clay, terracotta, and olive green are forming the base, while jewel tones and vibrant brights are stealing the spotlight. Think teal, plum, coral, mustard, and leafy greens (don’t these sound exciting?!😍) all finding harmony in woven fabric.

Muted pastels are also making a comeback, especially those “dusty” or misty shades like washed lavender, icy blue, and chalky pink. These soft tones work beautifully for classic, understated woven pieces.

Pantone have not yet announced their “Colour of the year” (at the time of writing this article) but the rumours have me feeling very hopeful. After seeing their 2025 colour of “Mocha Mousse” (not my fave 😬) my fingers are crossed that the predictions for 2026 are true.

The rumour for 2026 is “Transformative Teal”! Yes please!! 🙏

Ideas to try: Combine an earthy warp (like natural linen or warm beige cotton) with a pop of vibrant weft — a rich teal, coral, or magenta — to reflect this year’s energy-meets-nature aesthetic.

2. Texture Is Everything

Weavers everywhere are embracing feel as much as look. 2026 celebrates texture in all its forms: raised surfaces, contrast between dense and airy sections, and openwork that plays with light.

Gauzy, transparent weaves are trending for their breezy look, while thick, structured patterns bring comfort and visual depth. You might notice more use of techniques like waffle weave, honeycomb, leno lace, and Brook’s Bouquet. All of these structures are perfect opportunities for movement and dimension.

Ideas to try: Mix heavy and lighter yarns in one project. A slubby cotton or handspun wool alongside a fine linen can create that tactile contrast this trend is all about. Check out the “crammed and spaced” method for simple but interesting textures.

3. Sustainability and Storytelling in Fibre Choices

Weaving in 2026 continues to lean toward natural and sustainable materials. Linen, hemp, organic cotton, and recycled blends are being reimagined in exciting ways – sometimes with innovative dyeing techniques or performance features like UV protection.

Natural dyes are also seeing a revival, not only for their gentle hues but for the connection they create between maker and material. Uneven, imperfect and nuanced tones are part of the beauty, each piece tells its own story.

Ideas to try: Experiment with naturally dyed yarns. Even small amounts in stripes or accent threads can add an earthy authenticity to your work.

4. Patterns, Shapes, and Structure

The design mood for 2026 plays between romantic softness and structured precision.
Checks, plaids, and oversized ginghams are making a big comeback, while large-scale geometric motifs add modern appeal.

There’s also a playful mix of light and dark romance: lace-like textures, sheer layers, and delicate fabrics paired with bold, grounded colours or heavier textures. This tension between gentle and strong is what keeps 2026 aesthetics so interesting.

Ideas to try: Design a piece that shifts from tightly packed sections to loose, transparent ones. Think about how you might combine a darker, solid background fabric with a lighter, lacy overlay.

5. The Handmade Revival: Embracing Imperfection as Beauty

One of the most exciting parts of the 2026 trend landscape is the celebration of imperfection. Handwoven, handcrafted textiles are prized for their irregularities, visible joins, and personal quirks. We’re moving away from the mass-produced look and embracing the wabi-sabi charm of human, handmade work.

For weavers, this is an invitation to relax into the process. Every slub, colour shift, and handwoven irregularity adds soul to your fabric.

Ideas to try: Leave visible or feature joins or use hand-spun or textured yarns that show movement and variation. Let your weaving tell its story. Aim for quality work without the need for perfectionism.

2026 – A Year of Expressive Weaving

If 2025 was about returning to craftsmanship, 2026 is about expressive connection. It’s about weaving with intention – bringing together colour, texture, and fibre choices that reflect who you are as a maker.

Sources & Inspiration For This Article:
Vogue Business, Fashion Network, Tiffany Hill Studio, Alliance Flax-Linen-Hemp

I hope today’s article has given you some inspiration to move forward with your own work. Stay true to your style, embrace texture and contrast, and let your weaving speak from the heart!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Filed Under: Weaving Tagged With: 2026, weaving trends, weaving trends 2026

7 Trending Weaving Techniques for 2025

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Weaving continues to evolve as more makers explore creative and innovative approaches to this timeless craft. Whether you’re a seasoned weaver or just starting out, these 7 trending weaving techniques can inspire your next project and introduce you to new techniques. Here’s what’s shaping up to be big in the weaving world in 2025:

1. Layered Textures and Dimensional Weaving

Gone are the days of flat, uniform weaves! Textured and dimensional designs are making a bold statement. Techniques like adding loops, tassels, and fringe create eye-catching depth. Combining materials like wool, cotton, silk, and even unconventional fibers such as raffia or metallic threads adds another layer of interest.

Tips to Try:

  • Use a pick-up stick on your rigid heddle loom to create textured patterns.
  • Add layers of roving or chunky yarn for depth and softness.
  • Try textured weave structures like waffle weave.

2. Sustainable Weaving Practices

Sustainability is a core focus for many weavers in 2025. Crafters are sourcing eco-friendly yarns, upcycling old textiles into weaving materials, and using locally-produced fibers. This movement gives projects a unique, meaningful story and supports local industry.

How to Incorporate Sustainability:

  • Try weaving with fabric strips from thrifted clothing or linens.
  • Seek out small-batch, hand-dyed yarns from ethical producers.
  • Research local manufacturers and see what they have to offer.

3. Bold, Colorful Palettes (but also earthy tones!)

This year is all about color! Vibrant, daring combinations like electric blue with coral or mustard yellow with magenta are taking center stage. Color blocking and ombré effects are especially popular, offering striking visual appeal.

Having said that, there seems to be a definite trend towards early color palettes too.

Have you seen the Pantone color of the year? When I first saw the “Mocha Mousse” for 2025 I admit that I was less than enthused. However, when you look at the color palettes on the Pantone website, some of them are quite lovely.

See point 4 below for how I used my own photos and an app to easily generate customised earthy color palettes ⬇️

Color Trends to Explore:

  • Use hand-dyed yarns for gradual color changes.
  • Incorporate color gradients or geometric shapes in your designs.
  • Explore an earthy palette with pops of bolder color.

4. Weaving with Natural Inspiration

Nature-inspired themes are gaining momentum, from earthy tones to patterns that mimic natural forms. Think flowing water, tree bark, or the soft hues of sunrise. Weaving with plant-dyed yarns and botanical fibers enhances this connection to nature.

Ideas for Nature-Inspired Weaving:

  • Use a neutral palette with pops of green or terracotta.
  • Try weaving leaf or wave patterns using pick-up sticks, finger-manipulated techniques or multi shaft weaving patterns.
  • Use a color palette picker that makes random color palettes or an app on your phone that allows you to generate a color palette from your own photos.

I used Palette Cam on my phone to generate some earthy tones from around my property:

5. Mixed-Media Weaving

Weaving isn’t limited to traditional materials anymore! Adding unexpected elements like beads, feathers, or even wire creates pieces that feel like sculptural art. This trend blends well with wall hangings and statement décor.

How to Get Started:

  • Weave sections with yarn and alternate with beads or macramé knots.
  • Experiment with unconventional materials like metallic threads or leather strips.
  • Keep an eye out when you’re in nature for inspiration or found objects.

6. Small-Scale Weaving for Everyday Use

Smaller weaving projects are having a moment. From keychains to coasters and bookmarks, these small pieces are perfect for testing techniques or using up leftover yarn. They’re also quick, satisfying projects that make thoughtful gifts.

Many weavers have a smaller creative space available to weave in, so compact looms and smaller projects are great options.

Quick Project Ideas:

  • Weave a set of colorful coasters for your coffee table.
  • Create small pouches or coin purses with your leftover warp.
  • Weave squares or strips of fabric to sew together to make a larger item.

7. Digital and Virtual Weaving Communities

With technology continuing to connect the weaving world, online weaving challenges, tutorials, and live workshops are booming. Weavers are sharing their work and learning from each other like never before.

Although there was little that was positive about lock downs and isolation, one take away is that we all realised how easy it is to connect with people all over the world through the internet. There are now many online weaving groups and guilds to choose from.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for weaving, with trends that inspire creativity, sustainability, and bold expression. Whether you’re experimenting with textures, exploring local artisans, or trying out mixed media, there’s something new for every weaver to explore.

What trends are you excited to try this year? Let’s celebrate the art of weaving together—share your ideas and join the conversation!

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

Filed Under: Weaving Tagged With: 2025, weaving, weaving trends

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