Hi, it’s Michelle. 👋 Crochet Current cuts through the pattern clutter to bring you useful tools, links and news for your crochet hobby (or business). This week, we explore Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, infinite eyes, and could you become a crochet teacher? Keep reading for these and more! 🧡 

In this week’s e-mail:

• The Crochet Surprise Movement That’s Spreading Joy

• Will a Devil Wears Prada 2 accessory become a must have?

• Knitted Knockers, and

• Labubu or Lafufu?

YARN OVER HOOK

My Weekly Favorite Finds

A curated selection of useful (mostly) crochet-related articles and tools I’ve come across recently for you to explore. All links have been vetted! 🧡

💰 Crochet Business

• If selling on Etsy or at markets is not for you, but you still want to make money with crochet, become a certified crochet instructor and teach classes locally for some extra cash. (CraftYarnCouncil)

• Not crochet-related as such, but the YNAB budgeting app is a good way to make sure you have enough $$ to buy yarn! Game changer! (YNAB)

👁️‍🗨️ Crochet Supplies

• Every eye type, shape and size under the sun for your amigurumi or stuffed animals! (SuncatcherCraftEyes)

📌 Crochet Skills

• What’s your crochet skill level? This round up helps you know what type of patterns you should try for success. (AmericanCrochetAssociation)

• Take your crochet to the next level with this advanced Bruges Lace Crochet class (CGOA)

 🧡 Featured Crochet Charity

• This national group offers crocheted and knitted “knockers” to any breast cancer survivors who want them. (KnittedKnockers)

LOOPED IN

Crochet News

• Fashion alert! The Devil Wears Prada 2 is filming in New York and star Ann Hathaway was spotted during a scene wearing a patchwork dress and a (probably) crocheted straw bucket hat. 👒 Will they be all the rage when the movie drops? Start designing now! (Read more: HarpersBazaar and $83 Hat)

• The Plarn Patrol. A St. Louis group of women gather every Monday to crochet used plastic bags into sleeping mats for people of the streets. 🛍️ With each mat taking 600-700 bags to make, the group divides the labor between them and create a community while giving back. (Read more: StLouisReview)

• Crochet is “lit”. 🔥 No longer your grandma’s crochet, Gen Z and Millennials are embracing crochet not just as a hobby, but as a form of therapy, creative expression, and even a side hustle. Social platforms have accelerated the acceptance of crochet into the youth culture. “That’s fire, bro!” (Read more: CitizenDigital)

• What the heck is a Labubu? Everyone is obsessed by these viral creatures. Resembling a cross between a troll and a gremlin, they sell out in seconds! But don’t be fooled by fakes - how to spot them and where to find patterns to crochet the little buggers! (Read more: WomansWorld)

STITCH BY STITCH

🧡 A Movement Spreading Kindness and Joy with Crochet

What happens when you leave a crochet heart on a park bench or a crochet bookmark tucked beside a library book?

A stranger finds it, smiles, feels a little less alone and shares the joy with family, friends and maybe even the internet. That’s the magic behind Random Acts of Crochet Kindness, or RAOCK.

What is RAOCK?

Born of the “Random Acts of Kindness” movement, Random Acts of Crochet Kindness groups started popping up across the globe. 

Crocheters make small, fun items accompanied by a note and leave them in public places for strangers to find.

These items are tagged with a note or a card that says something like, “Take me, I’m a gift.”

Many include an inspirational message or a link to a Facebook group, QR code or hashtag. Popular tags include #RAOCK and #RandomActsofCrochetKindness.

Why It Matters

In today’s fast-moving and often isolating world, simple gestures of kindness can have a big impact.

These little yarny surprises found at random can brighten someone's day, offering hope, and fostering a quiet sense of connection.

For the maker, it’s a meaningful way to give back using their craft. For the finder, it can be a touching and unexpected reminder that someone cares.

Popular RAOCK Projects

Items are usually small, quick and easy makes. Quirkiness is a plus. Paired together with a handwritten or printed note in a baggie or alone, there is no limit to what to make:

• Mini plushies like bees, octopi, frogs, or turtles

• Pocket hugs and “worry worms”

• Crocheted hearts, rainbows, crosses and flowers

• Bookmarks or coasters

• Lip balm holders or keychains

Tips for making your own RAOCK pieces

Keep it simple and safe. Use washable yarn and avoid buttons or small pieces that could be a choking hazard. The small projects are a great use for leftover yarn! Whip up one or two right after you finish a project with the leftover yarn.

Attach a tag that explains the gift, and if you like, add a QR code that links to a kindness group or forum where the finder can share their story.

How to Join In

Start by searching Facebook for a local RAOCK group in your area or visit unofficial site RandomActsofCrochetKindness.com. Many towns and regions have their own active communities that coordinate drops, share photos, and offer free printable tags.

The groups share patterns and ideas along with pictures of items they’ve made.

The Ripple Effect

Even the smallest item can create a wave of kindness. One finder shared, “I found a little crochet bee on a windowsill. It made me cry—in a good way. I didn’t know how much I needed that reminder.”

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just looking for a way to be kind, RAOCK is a beautiful, low-key way to connect with the world. You never know who might find your gift—or how much they’ll need it.

IN STITCHES

WEAVING IN THE ENDS

Thanks for reading! Let your friends know about this corner of the world that takes a break from the pattern noise but is still about everything you love!

—Michelle 🧡

P.S. Reply to this e-mail and let me know what you most enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy)