Sustainability, Connection & Creativity in a Changing World

As makers, artists, and creatives, we are always listening to nature, to the rhythms of our hands, and to the shifting trends in the world around us. That’s why I’ve gathered insights for Macramé & Fibre Trends 2026, exploring where our craft is headed and how it continues to evolve. Each year, I love to take a step back and ask: What is shaping our community right now? Where is macramé going? What does the future of fibre art look like?

To find out, I reached out to some of the best macramé and fibre artists from around the world, asking them to share their insights and perspectives. Their answers revealed three powerful themes that will guide our creative journey in 2026: sustainability and nature, human connection and experiences, and the rise of AI and technology.

These themes aren’t abstract concepts—they are realities that touch our work every day, influencing the materials we choose, the designs we create, and the ways we connect as a community.

The amazing contributors for this issue are:

Maika Kamada | Laura Thiella | Polly Iannacone | Fatima Showkatian | Rachel Lawson & Siobhán Watt | Helen Anderson

Sustainability & Nature: Returning to the Source

The word sustainability might feel overused, but as macrame artists, it’s deeply personal. Every knot I tie begins with a fibre. Every design I sketch is inspired by textures, organic shapes, and the quiet lessons I learn from nature.

For 2026, I see a stronger focus than ever on eco-friendly cords, recycled cotton, organic fibres, and natural dyes. There’s a rising interest in organic shapes and nature-inspired designs that feel less “manufactured” and more like an echo of the earth itself. Installations that merge craft with ecological awareness will take centre stage.

For me personally, sustainability means making intentional choices: from sourcing cords that respect the planet, to creating pieces that stand the test of time. It’s about honouring Mother Earth as the source of our inspiration.

What excites me most is how this shift is inspiring both artists and clients. More and more, people are asking where this fibre comes from? And how was it made? In a world that is craving authenticity, sustainable materials are no longer optional; they are essential.

Human Connections & Experiences: Crafting Together

If sustainability grounds us in nature, human connection nourishes our souls. In 2026, I believe we will see even greater demand for craft workshops, fibre festivals, and creative retreats—moments where making becomes more than a solitary act, but a shared experience.

Macramé has always been a way for me to connect: first with myself, then with my daughters, and later with women all over the world. Teaching macramé has shown me that what people seek is not just a skill—it’s a moment of presence, a pause, a chance to sit with others and create something meaningful together.

I’ve noticed how many of us crave stepping away from our screens. When we gather in person—whether at a macramé retreat in Spain, a fibre festival in the UK, or a small workshop in someone’s living room—we open ourselves to stories, laughter, and connections that linger long after the knots are tied.

For me, this is the factor that will shape my work the most in the coming years. Creativity is important, but the true joy comes from sharing it.

AI & Technology: A Creative Crossroad

And then there is AI—the theme that sparks both curiosity and uncertainty. Technology is evolving fast, and whether we welcome it or resist it, it’s here to stay.

The question for us as makers isn’t if but how we engage with it. Some artists are experimenting with AI to generate patterns, colour palettes, or inspiration. Others, like myself, are more cautious—choosing instead to highlight what makes handmade so unique.

I’ve seen many AI-generated images circulating online that blur the line between the real and the impossible. While they can be beautiful, they sometimes create confusion about what can truly be crafted by hand. This makes it even more important to celebrate the authenticity of human touch, imperfection, and intention.

I believe the fibre industry in 2026 will continue to ask these important questions:

• How do we keep our work rooted in tradition and sustainability, while embracing new tools?
• How do we ensure AI enhances rather than replaces human creativity?

Personally, I see technology as a supportive tool rather than a threat. It can help us imagine, but it cannot replace the meditative act of tying knots or the human connection we feel when making together.

Emerging Fibre Trends for 2026

From sustainability to the role of AI, from nature-inspired designs to meaningful human connections, the voices of macramé and fibre artists worldwide show us that our craft is much more than knots and threads; it’s a mirror of the times we live in. These themes will continue to shape how we create, teach, and connect in 2026. Based on my own journey and what I’ve seen in the global macramé community, here are some of the trends I believe will shape our practice in 2026:

Small-scale creations:

Fashion accessories, wall accents, and functional home items that can be integrated into everyday life.

Eco-conscious pieces:

Fibres made from recycled or organic materials, chosen with care and intention.

Minimalist designs:

A shift from intricate boho pieces to clean lines, geometric shapes, and 3D textures.

Warm earthy tones:

Still very present, paired with industrial touches like metallic accents or raw finishes.

DIY kits & tutorials:

Quick, accessible projects for beginners who want to feel the joy of creating without overwhelm.

What People Will Seek in 2026

I believe 2026 will be the year of originality and soul. People will look for:

• One-of-a-kind pieces made just for them.
• Experiences: workshops, retreats, craft circles—that allow them to connect.
• Authenticity over mass-produced, AI-generated images.
• Eco-conscious choices that align with their values.

As an artist, I hope that macramé continues to be seen as more than a trend—it is a mindful practice that enriches lives, connects us, and honours the beauty of the handmade.

Final Thought

Every knot carries intention. Every piece tells a story. As we step into 2026, I hope these three themes—sustainability, connection, and mindful use of technology—will guide not just my own creative work, but the wider fibre community.

This is a time for slowing down, for honouring our materials, and for choosing creativity as a way to live more fully and more connected.

What makes these insights so powerful is that they don’t come from one perspective alone, but from a collective of artists who live and breathe fibre art in different corners of the world. Together, their voices reveal a future where creativity remains a grounding force, a way to connect with ourselves, each other, and the changing world around us.

If you’d like to dive deeper and read the full responses, predictions, and inspirations from all the artists who contributed, you can download the special edition zine we created for this project. It’s a beautiful collection of ideas, visions, and reflections you won’t want to miss. If you’re as curious as I am to explore how these trends will unfold, I’ve gathered more insights, inspiration, and voices from incredible fibre artists around the world in a special zine.

A celebration of the ideas, materials, and makers that will shape the future of our craft

Let’s step into 2026 with open hands, creative hearts, and a shared commitment to making beautifully, mindfully, and together.

Isabella, xox

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