Seven Free Craft Projects to Do in Isolation

Proving that creativity and crafting can’t be contained, there’s been a steady stream of free craft projects and DIYs popping up around the interwebs.  

From sewing and crochet to slow stitching and upcycling your old clothes, you’re likely to find something fun whatever your creative desire – and material supply – extends to. So whether you’ve always got a project on the go or you’re one of the many that previously ‘never had time’ for craft, here’s a roundup of seven free #isolationcreation projects to occupy idle minds (and hands).

PHOTO ABOVE: PETALPLUM

Corona crochet club

A bit of contextually sensitive, tongue-in-cheek humour can be a salve to crisis-induced anxiety, and this free COVID-19 themed amigurumi pattern, from self-confessed crochet nerd Claire of Once Upon A Yarn, is no exception. The Japanese practice of crocheting or knitting animals and creatures with super kawaii (cute) faces – known as amigurumi – is therapeutic on a few fronts. Firstly, concentrating on counting loops and following the pattern will get you into the mindfulness flow. Secondly, creating a visual reminder is helpful in the psychological battle against the invisible virus. And finally, according to Claire, adding a cute face takes the big scary feelings away – without trivialising or diminishing their importance – and helps everyone understand their impact.        

A slow stitch in time 

In Ellie Beck (aka PetalPlum)’s free online video course, the considered art of slow stitching begins with making a cup of tea and ends with the creation of a dreamy (and functional) wrap-up pouch for you to use. Along the way, you’ll learn the meditative art of embroidery, slow stitching and string-making with a bit of natural dyeing, basic design and colour theory thrown in.     

Sew good

Your opportunities to show off snazzy new outfits might currently be confined to the check-out assistant or your Insta following, but that doesn’t mean we need to stop sewing (or wearing) said outfits! Treat yourself to some new isolation threads with this super cute top from DIY Daisy – with just the right amount of sass and a universally flattering wrap, this ruffled delight is made for your next Netflix, Zoom or Hangout party.  

From A to beeswax wrap

Is there anything beeswax can’t do? From lip balms and body butters to these DIY beeswax wraps from Peppermint friends Biome, it’s hard to argue with its appeal (unless you’re vegan of course, in which case, you could try swapping the beeswax for candelilla or soy wax). If you haven’t made the switch to zero-waste food wrapping alternatives, now is the perfect time, so you can make food stretch further, reduce supermarket treks and continue to fight climate change from the kitchen. 

All rugged up 

Is your rag pile growing at an exponential rate? If you’ve been hoarding leftover material and offcuts like some kind of sustainable bowerbird, then our functional – and colourful – rainbow rag rug is here to help. Use fabric strips, rope or rattan and add a jumbo crochet needle, and – hey presto! – you’ll get a pretty little rug to jazz up your floor. 

Stuck on you

Now that we’re all working from home, beautifying our spaces has never felt more important. Show your fridge some love by clearing it off and creating some simple clay magnets by DIY queen Geneva Vanderzeil of Collective Gen (in the hue of the moment, terracotta) to hang momentos, photos and reminders of the outside world. Or, you could create a vision board with all the things you wish for the world once we’ve done our bit to #flattenthecurve and we’re allowed out again!  

Dyeing to craft

Part science experiment, part craft activity, the magical, alchemic process of natural dyeing is a fab way to freshen up old wardrobe faves. Forage for your ‘dye’ in the backyard, on your socially distant exercise outings, or from your very own kitchen scraps. This guide to the fun, free craft of natural dyeing – from homemade lifestyle blog A Beautiful Mess – is a great place to start, with various hues shown and a guide to accessible mordants (colour fasteners) found in your home.