If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the dreamy aesthetic of craftcore.
Think hand-knitted cardigans, patchwork dresses, embroidered totes, and one-of-a-kind accessories made with love. But craftcore is more than just a trend – it’s a movement that celebrates traditional skills, sustainability and the charm of handmade goods. And for Aussie creatives and online sellers, it’s an exciting opportunity to tap into the circular fashion economy.
Whether you’re already a maker or looking to start a side hustle, here’s how your small business can embrace craftcore, and sell your creations using a Little Big Shop account.
What does craftcore look like?
Craftcore is an aesthetic and fashion movement inspired by the handmade, the homemade and the heart-led. Rooted in nostalgia and DIY culture, craftcore celebrates slow, thoughtful creation over mass production. You’ll often see items like crocheted and knitted garments, upcycled clothing and folk-art inspired homewares.
It aligns closely with the values of the slow fashion movement, where the focus is on quality, individuality and sustainable production. In short, craftcore is a beautiful rebellion against fast fashion – and it’s here to stay.
How craftcore ties into the circular fashion economy
The circular fashion economy is all about repurposing materials rather than wasting them, and keeping fashion items in use for as long as possible. It’s recently gained a lot of traction, as people are increasingly prioritising sustainability in everyday purchases.
Good On You, a platform that rates the sustainability of fashion and beauty brands have touched on the importance of adopting circular fashion practices.
“Circular fashion is a system where the manufacture of an item and the end of its life are equally as important.”
– Good On You
Craftcore fits into the circular fashion model perfectly, as it often involves upcycling, repairing and re-imagining existing pieces. Aussie small businesses that embrace craftcore can help reduce textile waste and promote conscious consumption – all while offering customers something truly special.
Craftcore product ideas
If you’re ready to lean into this trend, here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Upcycle vintage pieces
Source vintage or second-hand clothes from op shops and markets, then add your own twist with embroidery, dyeing or patchwork.
Get knitting or crocheting
Handmade knitwear like scarves, jumpers and beanies are timeless staples of the craftcore look. Use ethically sourced yarns or natural fibres for bonus sustainability points.
Handmade jewellery and accessories
Think beaded chokers, mismatched earrings or hand-painted tote bags. Craftcore is all about charm, colour and creativity.
Visible mending kits
Offer DIY kits that teach people how to mend and embellish their own clothes, a great way to encourage slow fashion and extend the life of garments.
Whimsical homewares
Handcraft items like patchwork cushions, hand-painted mugs, woven wall hangings or rustic ceramics that blend function with folk-inspired charm.
Get inspired by more craftcore and upcycling hobbies that have the potential to turn into side hustles, in our blog post “Unique ecommerce side hustles you should take up!“
Start selling your craftcore products using Australia's best eCommerce platform - Little Big Shop
If you’re making gorgeous craftcore products, it’s time to start selling them. Little Big Shop is the perfect eCommerce platform for Aussie makers, designers and small business owners.
Here’s why:
- Quick & easy setup: You can launch your own online shop in minutes – no tech skills needed.
- Customisable storefront: Match your site to your craftcore aesthetic with beautiful, flexible design options.
- No commissions: Keep more of what you earn – Little Big Shop doesn’t take a cut of your sales.
- Local help: As a proudly Australian platform, you’ll get support that understands your business and your audience.
From setting up product listings to integrating payment options and shipping, Little Big Shop gives you everything you need to turn your hobby into a business.
The rise of craftcore is more than just a trend. Craftcore is a reflection of changing values in how we create, shop and dress. As more Aussies seek out pieces that are handmade, meaningful and environmentally conscious, the demand for slow fashion and craftcore products will only grow.
So if you’ve been dreaming of turning your creativity into a business, now’s the time. Set up your Little Big Shop today, and start sharing your craftcore magic with the world.
