Crochet making in Tuscany

18 September 2025

Under the Tuscan sun Emma Pickering and Marina Russo have joined forces to offer a rewarding creative experience to all those passionate or curious to discover this versatile craft with a five-night retreat near Lucca.

A holiday dedicated to exploring the art of crochet promises not only to be fun but also offers a range of unexpected benefits. This age-old textile technique has evolved from humble beginnings into a modern fashion statement, even making waves in today’s swimwear. Recognized for its signature looped stitches and endless versatility, the craft blends history, artistry, and innovation in ways few other techniques can match… so why not enjoy it soaking in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside?

Villa Vistosa, a delightful rustic-style villa standing on the panoramic Ciciana hill, is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and forests…a breathtaking and picture postcard setting! Only twenty minutes from the charming and lively town of Lucca with its towering Renaissance walls, it invites you to delve into timeless beauty, harmonious landscapes and rich cultural traditions. It is here that Emma and Marina host a successful crochet retreat where participants learn to make a wide array of summery items (but not only!) to enrich their wardrobe.

The Villa Vistosa retreat is part of Emma Pickering’s journey to offer people of all walks of life the opportunity to engage in this mindful craft. With a solid background in crochet making, when the request for her own creations became overwhelming, she launched Oh So Pretty & Clever with the aim to empower others to create their own beautiful items. “My aim was to create a welcoming space where people could come together, learn, and experience the joy of crochet, no matter their skill level,” she tells us, adding: “There’s so much pressure in today’s world to be perfect or have a flawless life, and I wanted to create a space where people feel accepted and can just enjoy the process of learning something new, without the stress of perfection.” With local and online classes well established, she envisaged taking her mission one step further: organizing crochet retreats in inspiring settings both in the UK and abroad, where participants can spend time together, relaxing, exploring and enjoying the art of crochet.

The origins of crochet may be lost to history, yet today, crochet has officially made a strong comeback with designers and boutiques alike reinventing the classic technique and offering a fresh new take. Further crochet has found an unexpected yet vibrant place in modern fashion: swimwear. Once considered purely decorative or reserved for cozy scarves and throws, crochet is now redefining beachside aesthetics. Crochet swimwear—bikinis, monokinis, and cover-ups alike—has become a sought-after look. Bold colors, openwork patterns, and customizable fits make crochet swimwear not just clothing, but wearable art. A popular hobby, embraced even by countless jet-set stars, it is also renowned for alleviating stress. “The best part is seeing how crochet brings people together. It’s a hobby that not only allows for creativity, but it also promotes well-being, and I love seeing how it has helped so many people connect with themselves and each other,” says Emma.
Emma’s encounter with Marina was serendipitous, providing her with the ideal partner for a retreat in a gorgeous setting. Born and raised in Italy, Marina set off to discover the world at an early age. Crochet has been her companion since 2011, when she started making custom crochet garments and accessories, quickly transitioning to designing her own crochet patterns. She had a strong desire to share her ideas, and thanks to the online nature of her work, she was able to do so while traveling. As a teacher she also launched a YouTube channel (@Bloodimaryart.com), sharing tutorials and tips. Her return to Italy in 2023 was the opportunity to widen her collaboration options, not only by selling her crochet pieces and handmade wire jewelry at local craft markets, but by putting together all her knowledge to offer the ideal holiday in her home country…. And what’s more in a breathtaking location.

With its 11 air-conditioned bedrooms, stunning views and a delightful pool to bask in the Tuscan sun, Villa Vistosa offers the ideal environment to explore or perfect this craft. Through dedicated crochet sessions guests work on projects designed to cater to varying skill levels. Marina especially loves creating crochet garments through made-to-measure patterns, from beachwear and crochet mesh tops, to mini dresses, scarves and sweaters… and she has recently discovered Tunisian crochet - a blend of knitting and crocheting, resulting in clothes with beautiful drape and texture.
The experience is enriched by a series of fun cultural outings in Florence and Lucca, and of course great meals by the onsite chef. At the Villa Vistosa crochet retreats, friendships flourish as guests immerse themselves in both learning the craft and bonding with others who share the same passion. Each participant leaves with unique, handcrafted pieces to cherish for the summer. Emma and Marina are excited to expand their business with plans for more sun-soaked European retreats on the horizon!

Crochet Meets Coastal Fashion in Italy

Given Italy’s stunning coastlines and strong summer tourism it’s no surprise that local designers have started blending traditional crochet with beachwear. Handmade crochet bikinis, monokinis, and chic cover-ups now feature in summer boutiques, beach clubs, and even high-end resort collections. Italian crochet swimwear often stands out for its elegant patterns inspired by lace-making traditions and high-quality natural yarns. Contemporary Italian brands and artisan labels—some even led by young women reviving their grandmothers’ techniques—are bringing this tradition back with a modern twist. Platforms like Etsy have helped Italian crochet swimwear gain visibility internationally, often marketed as “slow fashion” with a strong story of local heritage.

Brazil: The Epicenter of Crochet Swimwear

In a world of fast production and fleeting trends, crochet continues to hold its own—timeless, tactile, and thoroughly modern.
Brazil, known for its vibrant beach culture, has embraced crochet swimwear not just as a trend, but as a staple in its fashion identity. Brazilian beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana are often showcases for handcrafted, colorful, and form-fitting crochet bikinis. The country’s long-standing tradition of handmade crafts and its emphasis on sensual, body-conscious fashion make it the perfect environment for crochet swimwear to thrive. Local artisans produce unique, handmade crochet pieces that are sold in markets, boutiques, and online platforms. These creations reflect Brazil’s love for color, pattern, and individuality. In fact, many designers have gained international recognition for incorporating crochet into swimwear lines, blending traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes. While Brazil leads the way, countries like Australia and the U.S. (particularly in California and Florida) have also seen a rise in crochet swimwear due to bohemian and beach-inspired fashion trends.