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The Specialty NeedleArts Industry
From fiber artists to designers, needlepoint canvas painters, manufacturers, wholesalers, publishers, reps and finally to the individuals who buy the yarns, fibers, canvases and embellishments and then enjoy creating their own treasures . . .
the number of people involved in the needlearts is far greater than you might think and growing!
They come together in guilds, they meet up at informal community gatherings, and sometimes they sit alone and enjoy the rhythm of the art.
They knit in the stands, crochet for a cause, and volunteer their time to teach young children to needlepoint, cross-stitch or embroider.
Based on information from TNNA's recent Survey "The State of Specialty Needlearts 2007," millions of people are avid needle arts enthusiasts . . . people who spend most of their leisure time enjoying the relaxation, creative expression and self satisfaction of working with yarn, fibers and threads, canvas and embellishments.
The Executive Summary of "The State of Specialty Needlearts 2007" is available to the public. Download here.
Needlearts — all about people
This industry is unique in that the nature of needlearts is different from most other businesses. At its core is the sharing of ideas, energy and knowledge, the passing on of age-old traditions. It's in this sharing that needlearts weave people together in a very special way.
It's not unusual to find informal groups of people engaged in needlearts almost anywhere: business cafeterias, fitness facilities, dorm rooms, in cars, on busses and planes.
Add to this communal feeling the inspiration of the finest colors, textures and patterns available, and suddenly you're empowered to create valuable treasures for yourself, your family or your friends, items that are not only functional and attractive, but become part of your own personal legacy.
The Trade The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA), a major trade association, represents over 2600 businesses providing specialty needlearts products and services. Other industry associations represent different facets of the needlearts and craft market. The Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA), Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), CHA Summer Convention and Trade Show are other important industry associations which often work together with TNNA in their efforts to strengthen and grow the industry.
Although it's difficult to determine the actual size of the entire needlearts industry, in TNNA's latest survey (2007), we estimated a total of 3100 independent retailers nationally. An additional 1000 independent stores carry needlearts products as a small part of their merchandise offerings. This does not include those companies servicing the general craft and sewing market.
TNNA's major trade markets, held twice yearly, bring together hundreds of vendors from all over the world to meet face to face with the thousands of professional needlearts buyers. Dedicated to you the public, these buyers take home the latest the industry has to offer . . . from products, to techniques, to promotional ideas.
Want to learn more about TNNA's trade shows?
The Needlearts Public
According to recent studies by TNNA and other noted organizations such as the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA), the Craft Yarn Council (CYCA) and Craftrends Magazine, the general craft market, as well as the needlearts industry, has shown a major increase since 2001.
Everyone's doing it!
Although the average age of today's needleartists ranges from 47 to 57, there are more and more people of all ages taking up this exciting and rewarding activity. Students — young women and men — are knitting and crocheting on college campuses; business people are releasing their stress by learning these relaxing techniques at lunchtime cafeterias; children and adults alike are learning knitting and crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch and embroidery at knit-outs and stitch-outs all over the country. Contact your local retailer to find out what's "stitching" in your community!
No matter who you are, how old you are, or where you come from, it's never too late or too early to learn. Most retailers offer classes for every level, from beginner to advanced. Find a retailer near you!
Consumer Guilds
Representing all these avid stitchers are several national consumer associations. These non-profit groups have local chapters that meet on a regular basis. Consumer guilds include the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA), The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA), the Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA), American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), the Handweavers' Guild of America (HGA), the National Embroidery Teachers' Association (NETA), the National Academy of NeedleArts (NAN), the Embroiderers' Association of Canada (EAC) and the National Quilt Association (NQA).
Get involved and make new friends while you learn to create beautiful and useful items!
Find a retailer near you.
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TNNA's trade show floor, open only to industry professionals, is filled with the newest products for the fiber enthusiast.
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