We Like Sewing readers know that we like to share fun seasonal trends from time to time, which is why our editors can’t wait to share hot Summer 2024 trends that we’ve been seeing everywhere. From fashion and home decor trends to popular prints and fabrics, we’re here to keep you up to date with trends in the craft industry. If you can’t wait to get a head start on your summer sewing, we’ve included some of our favorite patterns that you can start stitching today. Start off this summer with fresh looks and fun sewing and quilting projects with our latest trend report.
Polka Dots
While style forecasters are calling for stripes to be the trending pattern of Fall 2024, Summer 2024 is seeing ready-to-wear retailers like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters pushing a plethora of polka dots into their summer selections. Rather than the adorkable, sweet polka dots of the early 2010s (think Zooey Deschanel’s character Jess Day on New Girl), the current take on this pattern is more romanticized, appearing on maxi and midi dresses with empire waists, corset-inspired boning and puff sleeves. This trend encompasses the popular nap dress of the past few years and combines it with bold polka dots in color palettes of black, white and red.
Modern Coastal
In terms of home décor trends, retailers such as West Elm are pushing the theme of modern coastal, a more minimalist version of the coastal grandmother trend of last summer. Think less cozy Nancy Meyers and more sleek stay in the Hamptons. While coastal and nautical décor for summer is no surprise, this trend is seeing a move away from crisp whites and pale blue to navy and warm tan, rich colors that are approachable and welcoming. If you love the coastal look, then you should check out Zoe Ballard’s Morning Regatta Quilted Throw Pillow from our July 2023 issue. This quilted throw pillow pattern is the perfect project to give your home some coastal vibes.
Ric Rac Trim
Honestly, we’re really excited about this one. While the 2010s were ruled by pom pom and fringe, this summer is seeing the rise of bright and colorful ric rac trim. Whether as oversized trim on mini skirts and dresses, or more delicate trim on sheets and pillowcases, ric rac is a perfect combo of playful and sweet. Ric rac trim is an easy update to add to your go-to dress from last summer to make it look fresh and new and is widely available multiple sizes and a rainbow of colors.
Citron
More popular for home décor than garments, citron is the reigning color of Summer 2024 according to a trend report from Society6. The bold combination of lemon yellow and lime green, this vibrant hue is ideal in small doses, making it perfect for accent pieces like throw pillows or table setting décor. We think this shade would be a fun pop of color to add to a summer quilt project, adding a burst of eye-catching yellow-green among more muted greens or chill neutrals like charcoal or slate blue.
Cowgirl Vibes
We’re not gonna lie: we thought this trend (popular for several years now) would be tapering off by this summer. However, given the huge impact of Beyonce’s latest country music-inspired album, along with the continued popularity of embroidery inspired by 60s country music legends like Gram Parsons and Porter Wagoner, the cowgirl trend continues to thrive. Update a boring blazer or denim jacket with fun fringe or embroidery details to fully embrace this trend.
Garden Girl
According to an Etsy trend report for Summer 2024, the latest aesthetic to pick up speed is “garden girl”, closely related to the pastoral trends from the past few years. Garden girl is specifically aimed at spring and summer, with botanical motifs, soft colors and natural fabrics like linen. Popular for both clothing and home décor, this trend would fit well with flower or garden-inspired quilting projects, like Megan Farrell’s Split and Squared Flower Quilt Pattern from our July 2023 issue, that perfectly shows off delicate floral prints.
Sports-Core
Another trend pulled from Etsy’s report, sports-core is centered specifically around tennis-adjacent clothing and accessories. Think pleated skirts, preppy colors and monogrammed accessories, in either crisp tennis whites or more summery colors like Kelly green and hot pink. If you love this preppy look, then be sure to check out Mary Beth Temple’s French Rose Pleated Tennis Skirt from our May 2023 issue, which combines a classic pleated tennis skirt with flirty pink. You can even mix it up with other trends for this summer, making your skirt in citron or adding whimsical trim to the waistband or hem.
What craft or fashion trends have you been noticing lately? We’d love to see what trends our readers have been spotting in the comments below!