Knitting Survey 2006

Sponsored by the British Hand Knitting Confederation and Future Publishing

Results of the first market research on knitting in decades has just been released. A joint venture between the BHKC and Future Publishing’s Simply Knitting magazine, this national online knitting survey was received with great success. Over 1,100 hand knitters responded giving the BHKC and Simply Knitting valuable insight into the lifestyles and attitudes of online UK hand knitters.

Here are some of the findings;

The National Online Knitting survey shows that the hand knitting market has experienced an upsurge in recent times, with half of survey respondents new to knitting, or returning to knitting after a break. This upsurge has been spurred on by the new yarns/wools available and assisted by new knitting-related media available. Simply Knitting magazine was stated to be a considerable influence for respondents to begin or return to knitting.

The National Online Knitting Survey discovered that hand knitters find knitting relaxing and a good way of relieving stress. To most respondents knitting is about relaxation and taking some “me time” as much, if not more, than the actual making of items for practical use. Knitting magazines, such as Simply Knitting, enhance this escapism aspect by immersing readers in an all-knitting magazine environment, and as such, are an important part of respondents’ knitting hobby.

One of the key attractions of knitting is its flexibility and portability as a hobby, and the ability to pursue other activities at the same time. Respondents to the National Online Knitting Survey stated various ways in which they knit, including in their home, or as a social pastime with friends, or while listening to music. The most popular way respondents knit was found to be in front of the TV.

The National Online Knitting Survey questioned respondents about their purchasing of knitting products and found the average UK online respondent spent £165 on knitting materials in the last 12 months. The lions share of spend went on yarns, followed by patterns and pattern books. Respondents also spent money on embellishments and tools. Knitters who read Simply Knitting magazine were found to spend significantly more than the average UK online respondent.

Highlighted in the National Online Knitting Survey was the fact that websites, followed closely by magazine reviews, are the top source respondents use to find out information about new knitting products and materials. In addition to this, almost half of the respondents learn about new knitting products and materials through magazine advertisements. Other popular sources are friends/families and exhibitions/shows.

The BHKC have also initiated many other activities that attract great interest such as the Knitted Textile Student Awards showcasing the best and most innovative work of young designers from colleges throughout the UK. The Relax and Knits and Knit ’n’ Natters which are staged at major craft exhibitions have resulted in thousands of new yarn craft enthusiasts and these events have also re-kindled the pleasures of knitting as a hobby for others.

National Knitting Week, which is co-sponsored by the BHKC and GMC Publishing’s Knitting magazine was a resounding success in its first year with over 100 major knitting events from Lands End to John O’Groats. It is already establishing itself as the most significant week in the knitting calendar with many events for October 06 already planned it is set to be even bigger and better than last year. There is a dedicated website, www.nationalknittingweek.co.uk which registers all the events and provides help on all aspects of organising an event. Free posters will be made available to all yarn retailers and knitting clubs throughout the UK. Please ask your yarn representative for details.

The Speed Knitting Challenge, National Knitting Awards and the Knitted Garden projects are also generating high levels of interest and participation. Further details and yet more initiatives and related news can be found on the BHKC website; www.ukhandknitting.com

The popularity of yarn crafts is still on the increase and the continued media exposure supported by the BHKC goes from strength to strength.  Promotions include all aspects of yarn crafts to ensure a high profile and presence from a fashion and lifestyle perspective. There have been entire pages in the national press, major slots on peak time TV and many radio interviews on topics such as  ‘A’ list celebrities who knit. The emphasis is on fun, relaxation and the therapeutic benefits. Knitting for quitting smoking and even to curtail depression have all helped to boost the knitting industry.

The exciting new yarns in glorious colours and textures and the mushrooming of clubs and groups have made knitting a very sociable as well as fashionable pastime. The increase in workshops and demonstrations held in stores, as well as at craft exhibitions and other venues, all endorse the fact that there has never been a better time to get hooked on this stress-busting hobby.