Crochet’s comeback can create jobs, strengthen India’s economy: Giriraj
Crochet and hand knitting are making a strong comeback in India, driven by Gen Z creators, slow-fashion trends and growing demand for handmade products. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the revival of these traditional crafts has the potential to generate large-scale employment, empower women artisans and strengthen India’s creative economy.
The minister was speaking at the unveiling of the ‘Premium Hand Knitting Yarns Collection 2026’ by Ganga Acrowools Limited at Le Méridien New Delhi. Organised in collaboration with Heartbeats Premium Yarns, the event brought together distributors, retailers, designers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and artisan communities.
The exhibition highlighted how knitting and crochet are expanding beyond traditional winter wear into home décor, boutique fashion, gifting and designer collaborations. A major attraction was the display of advanced “intelligent yarns” capable of creating self-forming patterns, textures and colour designs, making high-end craftwork easier and more accessible for creators.
Amit Thapar, President of Ganga Acrowools, said the company aims to build an ecosystem supporting creators, retailers and self-help groups. The company currently exports to more than 60 countries and manufactures over 900 yarn varieties.
Ganga Acrowools also announced a Rs 750 crore manufacturing expansion in Punjab, aimed at boosting production, innovation and employment generation. The company said its “Knitting Happiness” initiative is focused on artisan partnerships and SHG-linked livelihood programmes to scale India’s growing handmade craft economy.
