The State of the Yarn Market 2016: Views from TNNA, CYC, and YMN

2016 will bring three different studies of the yarn market, from The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA), Yarn Market News, and the Craft Yarn Council. What is each one good for? How do they differ?

The State of Specialty NeedleArts (TNNA)

Use this study to understand the state of the fiber arts industry. This consists of fiber artists, specialty retailers, wholesalers, and each market segment (knitters, crocheters, weavers, spinners, needlepointers, cross-stitch, and embroidery). The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) has sponsored The State of Specialty NeedleArts, including The State of Specialty Yarn, in 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2016. This is THE authoritative study of U.S. yarn and needle work market size, growth, and trends. The new study is in the spring of 2016.

This study in 2013 included the results of surveys of 12,475 knitters, 2,892 crocheters, 1,302 weavers, 898 spinners, 841 needlepointers, 2,979 cross-stitchers and embroiderers, 670 yarn retailers, 96 needlepoint retailers, 115 counted thread retailers, and 225 needlearts wholesalers, plus industry interviews and reviews of government and corporate data. All surveys are strictly anonymous.

Tracking Study (Craft Yarn Council)

Use this study to get an in-depth view of knitting and crochet consumers from the perspective of mass-market yarn manufacturers and crafts chain stores. This study only includes a consumer survey. A two-page summary is available from 2014. CYC anticipates releasing a new study in early 2017.

 YMN 2016 Retailer Survey (Yarn Market News)

Use this study to get a view of current issues and trends at specialty yarn retailers. YMN conducted a 50-question survey of yarn retailers in January 2016. They will present the results at their March 2016 conference.

Note: Hart Business Research produces The State of Specialty NeedleArts for TNNA.