Skip to main content

What Is Boho Style? A Guide for the Free-Spirited Fiber Artist

If you’ve ever been drawn to flowing fabrics, rich textures, and a sense of artistic freedom in your fashion and home décor, chances are you’re already in love with boho style. Whether you knew it or not. In this post, we’ll explore the definition, origins, and key characteristics of the boho aesthetic. Whether you’re looking to infuse your crochet projects with boho flair or just want to understand what makes this style so enduring, you’re in the right place.

What Does Boho Mean?

The word boho is short for bohemian, and it refers to a style rooted in nonconformity, artistic expression, and freedom from convention. It’s often associated with the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 70s, but its origins go back much further.

Boho style celebrates an eclectic, layered look inspired by travel, nature, and vintage charm. Think fringes, florals, lace, earthy tones, and a DIY spirit that makes it a perfect match for crochet lovers.

A Quick Look at the History of Boho Style

  • Early 1800s: The term “bohemian” originally described artists and creatives in France who lived unconventional, often nomadic lives, rejecting mainstream fashion and values.

  • Late 1800s – 1900s: Bohemian ideals blended with influences from Pre-Raphaelite art, Eastern and Romani culture, and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

  • 1960s–70s Revival: The hippie movement reignited boho style in full force, mixing vintage finds, natural fibers, global prints, and handmade elements.

  • Modern Day: Today, boho is a versatile aesthetic seen in fashion, home décor, weddings, and, of course, fiber art. It's evolved into a mix of rustic, romantic, global, and vintage-inspired looks.

Common Characteristics of Boho Style

Here’s a list of hallmark attributes you’ll often find in boho-inspired looks:

  • Flowy, relaxed silhouettes

  • Layering and eclectic mixing of patterns

  • Fringe, tassels, and pom-poms

  • Macramé and crochet textures

  • Natural materials and earthy tones

  • Handmade or vintage elements

  • Floral, paisley, or tribal prints

  • Spiritual or nature-inspired motifs (sun, moon, feathers, etc.)

  • Statement accessories and stacked jewelry

  • A carefree, artistic, wanderlust vibe

These elements create a look that feels free-spirited, personal, and often nostalgic—exactly why it pairs so beautifully with handmade items like shawls, wall hangings, and accessories.

Why Boho and Crochet Are a Perfect Match

Crochet is inherently creative and flexible—just like boho style. The textures, drape, and possibilities for color play mean that any crocheted piece can carry a sense of individuality and intention. If you’ve ever stitched up a granny square shawl, experimented with fringe, or made something with scrap yarn, you’ve likely tapped into the boho spirit already.

You can read about two recent crochet projects that have turned into a couple of my favorite boho projects of all time! THIS BLOG POST covers the virus stitch, why it's boho magic and how to get started crocheting it. If you'd like a totally different type of boho shawl, I made one using easy to make flower motifs that you can READ ABOUT HERE.

What’s Next?

This post is just the beginning! In upcoming blog posts, I’ll be diving into each of the attributes of boho style to show you how you can incorporate them into your crochet practice, wardrobe, and maybe even your home. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been making boho magic for years, you’ll find inspiration and ideas to keep your creative heart full.

This video is also the official soft launch of something I’ve been working hard on behind the scenes: my very first free quarterly digital magazine!

It’ll be packed with boho crochet inspiration, patterns, interviews, and fiber artist features. If you’re into this whole vibe-yarn, creativity, handmade fashion, and fiber joy-I’d love for you to join the waitlist.

Join the waitlist HERE!

What’s your favorite part of boho style? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I'd love to see your take!

Popular posts from this blog

Don't Panic! Here's An Alternative Yarn

Perfect Replacement for Big Twist If you’ve been a fan of yarn brands like Big Twist and K&C but are now worried about finding suitable replacements, I have great news for you! While these brands may not be as easily accessible as before, there’s a fantastic alternative that offers an incredible variety of yarns at competitive prices— Herrschners . Why Herrschners? Herrschners is a well-known name in the crafting world, and while they have only one physical location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, they ship nationwide and even internationally! Whether you’ve shopped from them before or are completely new to their selection, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the yarns you love from Joann’s can be found through Herrschners, often at similar or even better prices. Exploring Herrschners Yarn Selection Herrschners offers an extensive range of yarns, including well-known brands like Premier, Lion Brand, Yarnspirations, and Red Heart. They also carry their own house brands, which can ...
Read more

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...
Read more

Big Twist Yarn Finds a New Home

What You Need to Know Hey, fiber friends! If the news of Joann’s impending closures had you panic‑adding Big Twist to every cart in sight, breathe easy. Herrschners just swooped in with the rescue we didn’t know we’d get and it’s official: “Big Twist Yarn – Coming soon to Herrschners! Herrschners.com is thrilled to announce that we will soon be carrying your favorite Big Twist Yarn, bringing you an even wider selection of colors and textures for all your knitting and crochet projects… Sign up for our email notification list today, and be the first to know when this popular yarn arrives.” Why this matters Same beloved yarn, new storefront. Big Twist will no longer be tied to Joann’s shelf space, so once it lands at Herrschners, supply should stabilize. Read the BLOG POST on why I think Herrschners is the best replacement for Joann or watch this video:  Color possibilities. Herrschners hinted at “even wider” options; fingers crossed for the return of discontinued shade...
Read more