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Not so long ago, needle craft was a skill that many women were expected to be proficient in. Knitting, crochet, sewing and embroidery were common activities that allowed us create any number of practical and decorative accessories for our homes. However, as mass manufacturing took hold, transforming the textile industry, handmade goods gave way to mass produced products that were easier, quicker and cheaper to buy. Very quickly, needle craft became somewhat out-dated and the skill was at risk of being lost as younger generations failed to see the point of investing their time in learning these seemingly archaic skills.

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However, the current period of economic instability has lead to a resurgence in the popularity of craft amongst the younger generations. In recent years, we have seen the return of a ‘make do and mend’ mentality as consumers have once again resorted to making their own goods by hand. This mentality has filtered through to designers who have revisited these old craft techniques and skills whilst at the same time reinventing them and giving them a modern twist.

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In 2011, knitting and crochet have featured heavily on the design scene as we have witnessed a proliferation of unique, long-lasting, lovingly-crafted products for our homes that have been created using these techniques. From cushions, rugs, and furniture, to lighting, storage, clocks and wallcoverings, it seems that nothing has escaped this years’ trend for needle craft in interior design, which is great news for us this winter.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment Melanie Porter made a splash at this years’ London Design Festival when her knitted furniture and lamps were on display at the Truman Brewery as part of Tent London.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment Claire-Anne O’Brien also took part in London Design Festival. Her fabulous knitted stools were exhibited at Designers Block.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment Italian manufacturer Casamania has jumped on the bandwagon with the Granny Lamp designed by Pudelskern.

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The giant knitted products by Christien Meindertsma have been around for a while but are a perfect addition to the knitting trend. These knitted poufs are a great solution for informal seating and add a burst of colour to the room.

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The Aran Rug by Christien Meindertsma provides a cosy place for relaxation. It is handknit, using enormous custom-made knitting needles, from the wool of 18 merino sheep.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment London-based designer Naomi Paul has created some wonderful hand-crocheted pendant lamps inspired by traditional craft techniques and the emotional attachment we all hold to materials.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment For knitted storage, Ferm Living stocks some lovely little knitted baskets as well as some gorgeous floor cushions.

Share on Facebook Tweet Comment Even wallpaper isn’t exempt from the knitting trend and Surface View stocks a genius digital paper called Knitted Room, which is designed by Chae Young Kim.

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Hooked Design is a Finnish company that produces hand-crocheted rugs made from waste from the textile industry.

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As temperatures start to drop we can fill our homes with these cosy, comfy, chunky, crafty goods that add texture, warmth and colour to a room. So whether you crack out your knitting needles on these long winter evenings and get making your own home accessories or whether you purchase some of the incredible products already available on the market, you’re in for a warmer winter this year.

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If any of you know of any other great products that fall into this trend, please do let us know by leaving a comment with a link. Or alternatively, we’d love to know if you have any plans to make your own knitted or crocheted goods this winter.