Grandmacore hobbies surge among Gen Z and Millennials

Analog hobbies such as knitting, crochet, and embroidery are experiencing a significant surge among Gen Z and Millennials. Driven by a desire to unplug from digital screens and push back against fast fashion, these ‘grandmacore’ activities are transitioning from online aesthetics to tangible lifestyle shifts.

According to the Michaels 2026 Creativity Trend Report, searches for analog hobbies like knitting and embroidery increased by 136% over a six-month period, while yarn accessory sales rose 40% year-over-year. These crafts are being utilized as meditative, self-soothing tools to combat screen fatigue.

This trend is also moving into the social sphere through the rise of craft cafe pop-ups, workshops, and project-centered gatherings. These in-person experiences provide younger generations with ‘third places’ to socialize offline, turning traditional solo crafts into communal activities.