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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!

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