Prior to the pandemic, Germany’s arts and crafts industry suffered shrinkage over the course of the last five years. This is according to a report released in 2019 by the Initiative Handarbeit, the German industry association for the sector. The report reveals a significant decline in the volume of the German arts and crafts market, measured in consumer prices, over the past half-decade. From a substantial EUR 1.306 million in 2014, the market has contracted to EUR 1.159 million in 2018, which marks a notable decrease of over 11%. This downturn is particularly striking given how certain crafts like knitting, needle punching and embroidery have resurged in popularity. However, the study fails to distinguish between online and offline market volumes, which leaves questions regarding the impact of e-commerce unanswered. Furthermore, insights into price developments in relation to inflation and purchasing power are notably absent, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics. The year 2018 witnessed the most significant year-over-year decrease within the five-year period under review with the market volume plummeting by 5% from EUR 1.220 million in 2017 to EUR 1.159 million. This decline is largely attributed to factors such as an unusually long and warm summer, which managed to fully divert attention away from indoor activities like crafting. The second major factor is the mass extinction of smaller brick-and-mortar stores. As Germany's economic growth slows down, compounded by uncertainties surrounding Brexit and trade tensions, the crafting market may face further challenges in the years ahead. While the impact of the warm summer on crafting habits is evident, broader economic factors cannot be discounted in shaping the market's trajectory. However, the COVID-19 pandemic proved itself to be a net positive for the arts and crafts industry in Germany due to the increased time people spent at home in need of something to do.