Crafts as a hobby in Finland 2024 survey

In September 2024, The Finnish Crafts Organization commissioned Taloustutkimus to conduct a major consumer survey on the hobby of crafts among Finns. The last time a similar survey was conducted was in 2021, when crafts had risen to particular popularity in just a few years. Craft hobbies have maintained their popularity, with half of Finns (49%) saying they do crafts, woodwork or construction at least a few times a month.

Crafting has become more common every year and the number of Finns who have not done anything related to crafting in the last year has fallen significantly from 2018 (23%) to 2024 (15% of Finns). Women are more likely than men to do handicrafts, handicrafts and hand-building.

A third of Finns would like to learn a new craft, public support for hobbies is seen as very important

For active craft enthusiasts, making, carving and building things is already a long-standing hobby and part of their lifestyle. 34% of Finns would like to learn a new craft skill or technique in the coming year. As many as 74% of those who are actively involved in crafts say the same. Finns are particularly interested in repair and maintenance courses, traditional crafts and crafts that do not require previous knowledge.

The popularity of knitting has been maintained, with 35% of Finns saying they knit at least a few times a month and 24% even daily or weekly. The popularity of various handicrafts related to renovation and repair has increased in particular. 19% of Finns say they do mending, mending or other textile repairs several times a month and up to 75% do this at least occasionally. Painting, redecorating and home improvement-related handicrafts are also very popular, with 84% of Finns doing them at least occasionally.

Active craft enthusiasts attach great importance to public funding for craft activities. 72% of them consider it very important and 31% of the population as a whole consider it very important to support craft activities with public funds. A further 41% considered it quite important to support the activity.

Finns are particularly interested in repair and maintenance courses, traditional crafts and crafts that do not require previous knowledge.

Crafts contribute to mental well-being

People do crafts primarily for the relaxation and perceived reward. For the majority of people who do crafts, crafts are also an important part of their lives. Crafting is perceived as calming and contributes to mental well-being. Handicrafts are a way of expressing oneself and one’s creativity, and there is a desire to spend more time doing them.

Money spent on crafts has fallen

25% of Finns say they have spent more than €100 on craft materials and tools in the past year, a slightly lower proportion than in 2021. Active craft enthusiasts also spent slightly less on craft materials and tools than in 2021, with an average annual purchase of €196, compared to €236 in the previous year.

However, interest in craft events and fairs has increased, with 18% of Finns wanting to visit an event or fair in the coming year and as many as 74% of active craftspeople.

One in four Finns has purchased products and services from a Finnish craft entrepreneur.

Craft courses attract interest and get good marks

Participants in craft courses are very satisfied with the courses offered by all providers and recommend them. In terms of courses, Finns would be interested in courses related to repair and maintenance, traditional crafts and crafts that do not require previous knowledge.

Enthusiasts believe that repair will become more popular

The survey also asked the public what they think will be the next trend in crafts? Repair, making something new out of something old, recycling and using recycled materials, and ecology were the most popular responses. Domesticity, natural materials and traditional crafts also emerged in the responses as future craft trends.