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Craft Focus magazine is a bi-monthly trade publication for the craft industry, distributed to Art & Craft shops, Toy shops, Model shops, Haberdashers and Needlecraft retailers.
Each issue contains detailed information on upcoming trade shows and reviews many new and innovative products, enabling retailers to make informed and profitable buying decisions for their business. Find out more about the magazine here.
Subscribe now and we shall tell you the moment a new issue of Craft Focus magazine is out! You will also receive our free monthly newsletter too.
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Welcome to our fi rst issue of 2026! We hope you enjoyed a fantastic ‘golden quarter’ and are feeling positive and inspired for the year ahead in retail. In this jam-packed edition, we look ahead to brighter days with our spring and Easter craft guide, alongside our spring fabrics feature. You’ll fi nd plenty of uplifting projects your customers will love, paired with a fresh, cheerful colour palette to help chase away those January blues.
We also showcase a variety of exciting sewing projects, including new cross stitch kits from Bothy Threads, as well as Bamboline Dolls – a wonderful new addition to Creative Solutions.
Elsewhere, we take a deep dive into the upcoming h+h cologne trade fair and catch up with its sister show, h+h americas, featuring a Q&A with Darrin Stern, President and Managing Director of KM Inc.Pantone has unveiled Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year, inspiring our round-up of soft, billowy white products that are sure to delight. We also round up the latest show and industry news.
As always, we’d love to hear from you. Do keep in touch with your latest products and industry news – we’re just a phone call away!
Happy reading
Rachel Westall, Editor
PS. If you have any news you would like to submit to this site or Craft Focus magazine, please email editor@craftfocus.com
Rachel x
Nelson Plain Claret is a refined 100% cotton shirting fabric designed for durability, comfort, and everyday versatility. Woven from 1/40's yarns, which are slightly thicker than standard poplin yarns, this fabric has a subtly heavier hand feel that improves body and reduces opacity while preserving the smooth, crisp finish poplin is known for. The rich claret colour adds depth and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for shirts that need to balance a professional appearance with practical performance. Breathable and comfortable against the skin, Nelson Plain Claret is well suited to uniforms, workwear, and everyday shirts where reliability and polish are essential. Produced in accordance with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, this fabric delivers dependable quality and environmental peace of mind, combined with the timeless appeal of a classic plain-weave cotton.
For further info, email: sales@acornfabrics.co.uk or visit: www.acornfabrics.com
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SoloCrafts is based in Manchester, where it moved when the current owners took charge in 2014. Since then, it has been operating as a distributor of cross stitch and other needlecrafts for some of the world's biggest brands. Solocrafts is currently working with 15 brands covering cross stitch, tapestry, embroidery and most recently, knitting yarns. Emma Smith Managing Director of SoloCrafts talks to Craft Focus about working with some of the 15 biggest names in needlework...
ICHF Events, the leading organiser of creative and crafting events in the UK, has announced its lineup for 2026. The year promises to be an inspiring one for craft enthusiasts, hobbyists, and makers of all kinds, with events spanning the UK. Key events in 2026 include Crafting Live 27th – 28th February 2026 at Sandown Park Racecourse. Crafting Live is a must-attend event for crafters of all skill levels. Featuring a wide range of workshops, live demonstrations, and suppliers, this event is the perfect opportunity to discover new techniques and materials.
