Interest in traditional crafts like needlepoint and crochet, often referred to as 'grandma hobbies,' is surging as people actively seek to reduce screen time and engage in analog activities. Experts attribute the trend to a desire for calm and creativity, especially among younger generations, fueled by social media and New Year's resolutions.
Interest in"grandma hobbies," or more commonly known on TikTok as analog activities , has only risen in the past few months. Activities that draw us away from the on TikTok, the exact platform users are trying to spend less time on.
While the app is great for how-tos on stitches, sharing progress via WIP Wednesday and gaining inspiration for future crafts and activities, it's the doomscroll aspect that individuals are seeking less of. We spoke with trend experts and needlepoint shop owners alike to gain insight on why individuals are swapping their , Etsy Trend Expert and the team at Etsy, needlepoint and crochet rank high, with searches for"beginner needlepoint items" up 208% YoY and searches for"crochet sweaters," up 162% YoY. "Needlepointing is emerging as the clear standout," Isom Johnson says."While interest is growing across several traditional crafts, needlepoint-related searches are significantly outpacing the rest—particularly among beginners.""It first got really popular during COVID with my age group via Instagram," says Krista LeRay, owner of , a needlepoint store based in Connecticut."I think since we were all stuck at home looking for things to do, people turned to needlepoint and the first big 'wave' of the industry started. Then, in 2023 up until now, it has gained a lot of traction on TikTok and with a younger demo and has really brought a ton of new eyes and now stitchers to needlepoint.""As we enter 2026, shoppers are looking to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions with new hobbies that help them slow down and step away from screens," says Isom Johnson."‘Grandma’-inspired crafts and activities like knitting and crocheting are the perfect way to unwind, providing a sense of calm and creativity without the pull of doomscrolling." Removing doomscrolling as part of one's routine is a common theme mentioned throughout the analog activities dialogue. "I think people love for two big reasons that are directly linked back to the same idea: connection," says Leray."Connection with ourselves and others. Needlepointing gets people off their phones and social media platforms and gets them back in the 'real world' in a way. You have to slow down, unplug and stimulate another part of your mind." A desire to return to activities that once brought joy in an era before our phones became an extension of our hands is also a contributing factor to analog activities. "There’s also a nostalgia factor; over the past few months, we’ve seen shoppers gravitate towards pieces that evoke feelings of warmth and coziness — just like sitting in your grandma’s living room," says Isom Johnson. This is also best seen via is a tote full of all of your favorite screen-free activities that you can reach for rather than scrolling on your phone. Whether it’s cross stitch or crosswords, many are swapping time on One creator advises keeping this bag “as accessible as your phone,” so you’re less tempted to reach for it.
Analog Activities Needlepoint Crochet Tiktok Screen Time
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