Melbourne's store shaping our modern craft culture

The modern craft culture behind one of Melbourne’s favourite knitting stores

For many people, knitting and crochet are not just hobbies, they’re creative outlets, communities and a way to slow down in an increasingly online world.

Step inside Morris & Sons and it quickly becomes clear why the store has built such a loyal following among Melbourne’s craft community. Alongside shelves lined with brightly coloured yarns, needles, tools and patterns, there’s also a strong sense of creativity and connection. Customers can gather for workshops, share finished projects online and return regularly to the store for inspiration on what to create next.

While craft has always had a dedicated audience, modern knitting culture has evolved far beyond traditional stereotypes. Social media has introduced a new generation of makers to the world of knitting and crochet. The rise of “slow hobbies” has also encouraged many people to reconnect with more tactile, screen-free creative pursuits.

According to the team at Morris & Sons Australia’s knitting scene has “really upped its game” in recent years, with new tools, like lightweight, flexible circular needles that make projects (like seamless knits) easier, faster and more accessible for beginners and experienced knitters alike.

Spend enough time around knitters and crocheters and you’ll discover an entire language of its own. There are FA’s, your First Attempt at trying a new technique, stitch, or pattern type.) HOTN projects (Hot Off The Needles), and ‘frogging’, the process of pulling out stitches to fix a mistake, named after the “rip it, rip it” sound made as yarn is unravelled. Or if you get a collection of ‘frogging’ projects you can put them into the ‘Frog Pond’, until you are ready to deal with them.

There’s also the idea of a Destash, where makers trade or donate yarn collected for projects that may never quite eventuate, something perfectly captured by the store’s popular tote bag reading: “Contains Yarn + Good Intentions”.

For those looking for inspiration for projects during the cooler months, Morris & Sons has hundreds of patterns to choose from. You can also order a project kit from their website to be delivered to you, or visit the store in person to choose your own yarns, colours and tools to personalise a project. Here are 3 of our favourite finds:

One standout is a bold monochrome scarf available in striking black-and-white, or charcoal marl. A very Melbourne style project to undertake.
https://morrisandsons.com.au/products/alberts-scarf-kit


For something more sentimental, knit a beautifully soft merino baby blanket with colourful detailing, which in available in 3 different colourways.
https://morrisandsons.com.au/products/florence-blanket-kit


Proof that modern craft culture continues to evolve can be found in the growing popularity of crochet projects inspired by anime, gaming and collectibles, with Pokémon-themed crochet books and patterns.
https://morrisandsons.com.au/products/pokemon-knitting-pikachu-kit

 

Beyond the products themselves, what keeps many customers returning is the supportive community surrounding the store. The Morris & Sons community are encouraged to share their finished projects for the chance to be featured and win a $100 store voucher each month, with the wider knitting community voting and cheering on their favourite entries across social media.

It’s that combination of creativity, expertise and genuine community that has made Morris & Sons more than just a place to buy yarn, it’s a destination for Melbourne’s modern craft culture.

 

Share Your Current WIP (Work in Progress)

We’re giving away five “Contains Yarn + Good Intentions” tote bags.

To enter, share a photo of your current (or finished) piece on Facebook and tag us @shopcollin234 so we can find your entry.

Winners will be selected on 30 June 2026, and can either collect their tote bag directly from the store or have it posted out.