From 42% of US consumers aged 25 to 34 crafting weekly to $12.6 billion in online sales in 2023, the arts and crafts industry is proving it is not just a pastime. Women make up 72% of US purchasers while the workforce is also 68% women, yet store wages still average $14.85 an hour. These contrasts between who buys, who works, and where sales are happening set up the most interesting statistics worth comparing.
Key Takeaways
- 42% of US consumers aged 25-34 participate in arts and crafts activities weekly
- Women account for 72% of arts and crafts purchasers in the US in 2023
- Millennials represent 35% of the global arts and crafts market spenders in 2023
- US arts and crafts industry employed 145,000 people in 2023
- Hobby and craft stores in US had 142,000 employees in 2023, up 2.1%
- Average hourly wage for craft store retail workers was $14.85 in US 2023
- The global arts and crafts market size was valued at $52.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030
- In the United States, the arts and crafts industry generated $44.3 billion in retail sales in 2022, marking a 7.8% increase from 2021
- The North American arts and crafts market accounted for 38% of the global share in 2023, driven by high disposable incomes
- E-commerce sales channel dominated US arts and crafts with 32% share in 2023
- Physical craft stores generated $19.5 billion in US revenue 2023
- Etsy platform crafts sales reached $13.2 billion globally in 2023
- Sustainable materials adoption in crafts rose 28% in 2023
- Digital crafting tools (Cricut machines) sales up 22% to $1.1 billion 2023
- Upcycling crafts trend: 41% consumer interest increase since 2021
With steady growth, strong female participation, and rising online and sustainable crafting, US arts and crafts demand keeps expanding.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Demographics28 stats
01
42% of US consumers aged 25-34 participate in arts and crafts activities weekly
02
Women account for 72% of arts and crafts purchasers in the US in 2023
03
Millennials represent 35% of the global arts and crafts market spenders in 2023
04
58% of US parents with children under 12 buy crafts supplies monthly
05
Gen Z (18-24) engagement in DIY crafts rose to 65% in 2023 from 52% in 2020
06
Urban dwellers make up 61% of arts and crafts hobbyists in Europe
07
Households with income over $100K spend 2.5x more on crafts than average
08
47% of US Baby Boomers (55+) participated in knitting/crochet in 2023
09
In the UK, 29% of consumers aged 35-44 are frequent craft buyers
10
Hispanic consumers in US represent 18% of crafts market buyers, growing 11% YoY
11
55% of college-educated adults engage in arts and crafts regularly
12
Single-person households buy 22% more craft supplies per capita
13
In Canada, 38% of women aged 25-44 craft for stress relief
14
African American consumers account for 12% of US crafts sales in 2023
15
62% of remote workers increased crafting time since 2020
16
Pet owners spend 15% more on pet-themed crafts
17
In Australia, 41% of consumers under 30 use social media for craft inspiration
18
Retired individuals (65+) comprise 28% of yarn buyers in US
19
LGBTQ+ community participation in crafts at 52%, higher than average
20
Rural US consumers buy more traditional crafts, 34% vs 21% urban
21
Students (18-22) account for 14% of online craft supply purchases
22
In India, 53% of urban women aged 20-35 engage in crafts
23
Gamers crossover to crafts: 31% buy miniatures/paints
24
Eco-conscious consumers (prefer sustainable crafts) at 48% of market
25
Parents of teens spend 28% on teen-led craft projects
26
Veterans engage in therapeutic crafts at 39% rate
27
In Brazil, 45% of middle-class women craft regularly
28
Music hobbyists crossover to crafts at 27%
Interpretation
Consumer Demographics Interpretation
Consumer demand for arts and crafts is being driven by a younger and more engaged audience, with 65% of Gen Z (18 to 24) taking part in DIY crafts in 2023 up from 52% in 2020, alongside strong weekly participation among 25 to 34 year olds at 42% and heavy purchasing by women who make up 72% of US buyers in 2023.
02 · Category
Employment Statistics27 stats
01
US arts and crafts industry employed 145,000 people in 2023
02
Hobby and craft stores in US had 142,000 employees in 2023, up 2.1%
03
Average hourly wage for craft store retail workers was $14.85in US 2023
04
68% of arts and crafts workforce in US are women
05
Global arts and crafts manufacturing employs 2.1 million workers in 2023
06
US self-employed crafters number 1.2 million in 2023
07
Craft teachers and instructors: 45,000 employed in US 2023
08
Turnover rate in US craft retail at 42% annually in 2023
09
Etsy sellers (crafters) totaled 7.5 million active in 2023, many part-time
10
UK arts and crafts sector employs 120,000 full-time equivalents
11
Average salary for graphic designers in crafts: $58,200in US 2023
12
15% growth in craft workshop instructors since 2020 in Europe
13
Canada crafts retail employs 25,000, with 3.4% YoY growth
14
Artisan craftsmen in India: 7 million, mostly informal sector 2023
15
US unemployment rate in arts/crafts retail: 4.2% in 2023
16
Online craft platforms support 500,000 gig economy jobs globally
17
Australia craft industry full-time jobs: 18,500 in 2023
18
Part-time workers make up 55% of US craft store staff
19
Craft supply manufacturers employ 320,000 in China 2023
20
Median age of US craft retail workers: 38 years in 2023
21
Brazil handicrafts formal employment: 250,000 in 2023
22
22% of craft workers have college degrees in US
23
Germany crafts sector jobs: 95,000 in 2023
24
Gig economy crafters earn average $25/hour on platforms
25
France artisan craftspeople: 85,000 registered in 2023
26
Remote craft designers grew 18% to 12,000 in US 2023
27
Italy fashion crafts employment: 150,000 in 2023
Interpretation
Employment Statistics Interpretation
In 2023, the US arts and crafts employment picture shows steady scale and strong participation, with 145,000 people working in the industry alongside 142,000 jobs in hobby and craft stores, 68% of workers being women, and wages averaging $14.85 per hour.
03 · Category
Market Size And Growth30 stats
01
The global arts and crafts market size was valued at $52.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030
02
In the United States, the arts and crafts industry generated $44.3 billion in retail sales in 2022, marking a 7.8% increase from 2021
03
The North American arts and crafts market accounted for 38% of the global share in 2023, driven by high disposable incomes
04
Online sales in the arts and crafts sector reached $12.6 billion in the US in 2023, representing 28% of total sales
05
The DIY crafts segment within the arts and crafts market grew by 9.1% year-over-year in 2023 to $18.4 billion globally
06
Europe's arts and crafts market was valued at €22.5 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 4.3% through 2028
07
The craft supply market in Asia-Pacific expanded to $15.7 billion in 2023, fueled by urbanization and rising middle class
08
US arts and crafts retail sales per capita reached $132in 2022, up from $118 in 2021
09
The global knitting and crochet supplies market, a subsector, hit $7.2 billion in 2023 with 6.5% CAGR forecast
10
Hobby and craft stores in the US saw total revenue of $28.9 billion in 2023
11
The arts and crafts market in India grew 12.4% to ₹450 billion in FY2023
12
Canadian arts and crafts industry valued at CAD 5.1 billion in 2022, with 5.7% growth expected
13
The painting supplies segment reached $9.8 billion globally in 2023
14
UK arts and crafts market size stood at £4.2 billion in 2023
15
The scrapbooking market, part of crafts, was $3.6 billion in 2023 with 4.8% CAGR
16
Australian arts and crafts sector generated AUD 3.8 billion in 2022
17
Global art supply e-commerce sales hit $21.4 billion in 2023
18
Brazil's crafts market reached BRL 12.5 billion in 2023, growing 8.2%
19
The jewelry making crafts market valued at $6.1 billion in 2023
20
South Korea's arts and crafts industry at KRW 4.5 trillion in 2023
21
US craft beer related crafts (labels etc.) contributed $1.2 billion indirectly in 2023
22
Mexico's handicrafts exports totaled $450 million in 2023
23
The global origami supplies market grew to $1.8 billion in 2023
24
France arts and crafts retail at €6.3 billion in 2023
25
The embroidery market segment reached $4.2 billion globally in 2023
26
Germany's hobby crafts market valued at €3.9 billion in 2022
27
Indonesia crafts industry at IDR 150 trillion in 2023
28
The quilling crafts market hit $850 million in 2023
29
Spain's arts and crafts market at €2.1 billion in 2023
30
Global macrame supplies market grew to $2.3 billion in 2023
Interpretation
Market Size And Growth Interpretation
With the global arts and crafts market reaching $52.8 billion in 2023 and set to grow at a 5.2% CAGR through 2030, the market size and growth story is being reinforced by fast-moving demand such as US online sales hitting $12.6 billion in 2023 and comprising 28% of total sales.
More related reading
04 · Category
Sales Channels And Revenue30 stats
01
E-commerce sales channel dominated US arts and crafts with 32% share in 2023
02
Physical craft stores generated $19.5 billion in US revenue 2023
03
Etsy platform crafts sales reached $13.2 billion globally in 2023
04
Amazon Handmade crafts revenue: $2.8 billion in 2023
05
Michaels stores chain sales: $5.1 billion in fiscal 2023
06
Joann Fabrics crafts revenue: $2.3 billion in 2023
07
Craft fairs and markets contributed $4.7 billion to US sales 2023
08
Subscription box crafts services: $1.9 billion global revenue 2023
09
Wholesale to retailers: 45% of crafts supply revenue in US
10
Social media direct sales (Instagram/FB): $3.4 billion for crafters 2023
11
UK high street craft shops: £1.2 billion sales 2023
12
International exports of US crafts: $1.5 billion in 2023
13
Pop-up shops and events: 12% of annual crafts revenue
14
Big box retailers (Walmart/Target) crafts sales: $6.8 billion US 2023
15
Canada online crafts sales: CAD 1.8 billion in 2023
16
Personalized custom crafts via apps: $950 million revenue 2023
17
India handicrafts domestic sales: ₹300 billion in 2023
18
Corporate gifting crafts: $2.1 billion global 2023
19
Australia craft market online: AUD 1.2 billion 2023
20
Direct-to-consumer via websites: 25% of small crafter revenue
21
Brazil online crafts platforms: BRL 2.5 billion 2023
22
Museum gift shop crafts: $850 million US 2023
23
Flash sale sites (Groupon) crafts deals: $450 million revenue
24
Germany mail-order crafts catalog sales: €950 million 2023
25
Influencer affiliate crafts sales: $1.7 billion 2023
26
France hypermarkets crafts aisle: €1.1 billion 2023
27
NFT digital crafts sales peaked at $300 million then fell to $120M 2023
28
Japan craft kit vending machines: ¥50 billion sales 2023
29
Sustainable crafts premium pricing adds 18% to revenue
30
DIY kit sales surged 25% to $5.2 billion globally 2023
Interpretation
Sales Channels And Revenue Interpretation
In 2023, US arts and crafts revenue shows a clear shift toward digital with e commerce holding a 32% share, while major marketplaces and retailers still drive large totals such as Etsy at $13.2 billion globally and Michaels at $5.1 billion, underscoring how sales channels are reshaping the overall revenue mix.
05 · Category
Trends And Innovations29 stats
01
Sustainable materials adoption in crafts rose 28% in 2023
02
Digital crafting tools (Cricut machines) sales up 22% to $1.1 billion 2023
03
Upcycling crafts trend: 41% consumer interest increase since 2021
04
AR/VR craft tutorials viewed 500 million times on TikTok 2023
05
Eco-friendly paints market grew 15% to $2.4 billion 2023
06
3D printing for custom crafts: 35% adoption by small businesses 2023
07
Resin art trend exploded with 450% search increase on Pinterest 2023
08
Collaborative online crafting communities grew to 120 million members 2023
09
Plant-based dyes in crafts up 19% usage 2023
10
AI-generated craft patterns downloaded 10 million times 2023
11
Mental health crafting kits sales +32% to $800 million 2023
12
Vintage revival trend: 55% of millennials seek retro supplies
13
Modular craft kits for customization: market $1.2 billion 2023
14
Glow-in-dark crafts sales +40% post-pandemic
15
Cross-stitch digital apps users: 25 million active 2023
16
Bamboo and recycled paper crafts +27% growth
17
Holographic materials trend in jewelry crafts, 18% market share gain
18
Live streaming craft sales events generated $2.5 billion 2023
19
Kinetic art installations kits up 24%
20
Fermented dye techniques workshops +50% attendance 2023
21
NFT-linked physical crafts hybrid sales $250 million 2023
22
Scented candle crafting kits $950 million 2023
23
Laser-cut wood crafts machines sales +30%
24
Biodegradable glitter in crafts adopted by 62% of suppliers 2023
25
Metaverse virtual craft fairs attracted 15 million visitors 2023
26
Mushroom-based leather alternatives in crafts emerging, $100M market
27
ASMR crafting videos 2 billion views on YouTube 2023
28
Zero-waste pattern making software users +45%
29
Crystal-infused crafts trend, sales +38% for gemstone kits
Interpretation
Trends And Innovations Interpretation
With sustainable and tech-driven methods accelerating at the same time, makers increasingly embrace innovations like a 28% rise in sustainable materials adoption in 2023 and 22% growth in Cricut sales to $1.1 billion, alongside a 41% surge in upcycling interest since 2021.
report visual · Key figures
DIY crafting keeps growing among younger Gen Z
Gen Z engagement in DIY crafts rose sharply in recent years.
65%
Gen Z (18-24) engagement in DIY crafts rose to 65% in 2023 from 52% in 2020
62%
62% of remote workers increased crafting time since 2020
42%
42% of US consumers aged 25-34 participate in arts and crafts activities weekly
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Alexander Schmidt. (2026, February 13). Arts And Crafts Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/arts-and-crafts-industry-statistics
MLA
Alexander Schmidt. "Arts And Crafts Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/arts-and-crafts-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Alexander Schmidt. 2026. "Arts And Crafts Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/arts-and-crafts-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
amazon.com
shopify.com