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One of my editors told me that kids today refer to cozy hobbies as “granny hobbies.” Of course, people of all ages and genders enjoy them. People who enjoy hobbies like knitting, coloring, bird-watching, and crocheting often find them relaxing. Experts suggest that learning new skills, particularly those that engage different areas of the brain and body, can enhance concentration and creativity. Plus, many of these activities are the perfect way to “go analog” and log off the internet for a bit.
Among my personal hobbies, I enjoy coloring. My friends and family love a variety of activities, including knitting, crocheting, and bird-watching. Anything that helps you learn and reduces the time you spend online can help alleviate stress. Some people knit or sew while watching TV, which stops them from being distracted by checking their phones.
A friend who loves to knit recommends Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann, published in 1971. She said it’s a classic by a knitting teacher who wrote easy instructions for beginners. However, there are also many recent crafting books available. Whether you’re making unique treats and gifts for family and friends or learning a new skill, there’s a lot to explore. These authors share their own passions, expertise, and cultural art forms with readers.
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The New Sashiko: A Fresh Approach to Japanese Embroidery by sashikonami
Sashiko is a traditional form of Japanese embroidery that dates back centuries. It’s used both for decoration and to reinforce worn fabrics. Sashikonami is renowned for her clear instructions and large photographs. This is accessible for beginners and more experienced embroiderers.
Fourth Wing: The Official Coloring & Sticker Book by Entangled and Lydia Fenwick
Confusingly, there are two new “official” Fourth Wing coloring books, both from Entangled. I prefer the one with a golden cover, linked above. It’s a traditional coloring book with beautiful line art of characters and scenes, thick paper, and a few stickers. Fourth Wing: The Official Coloring Book, with a black cover, focuses more on color reproductions of fan art than coloring pages. One may be more to your taste than the other.
Making Happy Things: 20 Joyful and Sustainable Sewing Projects by Sue-Ching Lascelles
Sue-Ching Lascelles (@suechinglascelles on Instagram) gained a following for her whimsical and creative projects, such as an outfit that resembles a disco ball. This book is all about upcycling and transforming items that you might have otherwise thrown away.
The Backyard Bird Journal: Pages for Writing, Sketching, and Living Deeply in Nature by Amy Tan
Yes, the author of The Joy Luck Club and many other novels is also passionate about birding and conservation. I love it when authors share their interests outside of writing with their readers. This journal, featuring her illustrations and commentary, is a companion to her 2024 nonfiction book The Backyard Bird Chronicles. This beautiful journal is versatile and low-pressure, letting you sketch, reflect, and record your observations.
The Great British Baking Show 2024: Comfort Bakes by the Bake Off Team
Love The Great British Baking Show? You’ll love the comfort inside the book inspired by the show. Book sections include cakes, biscuits (cookies), and breads—mirroring the focus of each week on the show. The instructions are easy to follow and take common allergies into account. This is one of several cookbooks by the show’s judges and contestants.
Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library: My Top 100 Stitches, Borders and Motifs by Sarah-Jayne Fragola
The author, @SarahJayneFragola on YouTube, founded Bella Coco Crochet. This book is a collection of her favorite patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to experienced. It’s a companion to Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Card Deck, a card deck of patterns. The deck is sold separately. Some crocheters find it easier to choose and learn individual patterns in this more portable format.
Want more great books about “granny” hobbies? You’ll want to check out these bookish hobbies and these other great craft books.
