Finding Trends for Handmade Items in 2023

When we hear the word “trends”, some of us may think of things like acid-washed jeans, jelly bracelets and scrunchies. (Am I showing my age??). Of course, trends in handmade items are more subtle but can still be very effective in boosting your sales.

By trying to update your handmade products with the latest trends, you can keep your collection fresh and relevant. This keeps your existing customers interested, and can help you attract new ones.

The trick is finding the latest trends in handmade items, and then figuring out how to apply them to your product line. If you can do your research during your planning sessions, then you should be able to weave the new versions of your products into your business as part of your daily tasks.

Let’s go over a few ways that you can find what’s trending in the handmade space.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Categories for Trends

First let’s talk about trend categories related to handmade products.

Generally, you’re going to see trends in color, patterns, style, and use. You may be able to apply all, some or just one to your specific products. It really depends on what you sell, but if you can figure out a way to apply a trend to your product line, it will keep your creations relevant and new.

Color Trends

Color trends may follow the Color of the Year, put out by Pantone every year. They may also depend on the market and the overall aesthetic that’s trending in the marketplace.

2022’s color of the year is Very Peri. But if you read up on Etsy’s trend reports, they are noticing Emerald Green is a dominant color. 

If you search for knit baby gifts, however, you can see that the colors shown are mostly neutrals. This might change in the future, but it’s good to look at what’s selling for your particular products, while also searching for color trends overall. 

Pattern Trends

If you make items related to home decor, clothing, or textiles in general, then you might want to pay attention to pattern trends.

Animal prints may be in style for the season, while next season you might see geometric prints being popular.

Style and Use Trends

Keeping up with style and use trends can be especially helpful in updating your collection. You can update your collection to reflect new trends in jewelry, home decor, scents, and more.

1. Finding Trends in Handmade Items – Use Good Ole’ Google

It may seem obvious, but Google is a great place to start. You may need to sift through the results you get in order to find trends that are current and applicable to your craft.

To get started, create searches that include either your product type or maybe the category of trends you’re looking for.

For example, you can search for “jewelry trends 2023”, or “color trends 2023”. If you’re a soap maker, you could even search for fragrance reports or skin care trends. 

2. Etsy Trend Forecasts and Shopping Guides

Even if you don’t sell on Etsy, you can use their posts to see what they feel is trending at the moment. 

Their trend reports are current and cover just a few months at a time, so you can get a good idea of what is currently tracking on their website. 

I also appreciate how their trend report is separated into categories of items, such as home & living, clothing, and jewelry.

Check out Etsy’s Shopping Guides to see what products and categories are currently popular on the website. 

One of their recent guides highlighted 9 different shops to follow. From here, you can review the shops and see why they were chosen. You may be able to apply some of their best practices to your own products.

3. Creative Market

If you make digital products then you are probably aware of Creative Market. It’s a great place to see what’s trending in terms of graphics. If you make vinyl products, t-shirts, and other transfer products, use Creative Market to see what styles are currently trending in the marketplace.

Trends in Handmade Items are Out There!

While your products are no doubtedly your own unique creations, there are definitely ways you can update them or create new variations by using current trends. It’s up to you how subtle or bold these changes are. Just adding a new color or pattern to an existing piece can give it new life! 

Looking for more inspiration? Join my FREE Facebook group, created exclusively for handmade business owners like you.