Cozy Hobbies to Try at Home: Simple Ways to Relax and Have Fun
One of my many in-progress craft projects. This particular one is a punch needle kit from Chloe Art Crafts on Etsy.
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As much as I love to travel, I am a homebody at heart. Home is my happy place. It is where I can let my hair down, throw on a pair of sweats, and just be, dropping any and all pretenses and, at least temporarily, shedding my outside-world responsibilities.
Given my love of home, it should not be altogether surprising to hear that I am an avid hobbyist (I sometimes think I might have too many hobbies 😆). If it’s a fun, cozy hobby, I’m in. I’m not one to gatekeep, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite hobbies (as well as ones I hope to try soon) with you.
Needlework
Needlework: my very first hobby. I have been threading needles and passing floss through fabric since I was seven. My needlework journey began with my mother teaching me how to cross-stitch, and from there, I learned to embroider. If you are new to needlework, I recommend following the same course I did, mastering cross-stitch before moving on to embroidery.
Supplies: What do you need to get started?
Most of the kits that I link to include all of the necessary supplies, but there are some exceptions, which I note in each item’s description. I also recommend purchasing the following:
John James Cross-Stitch and Embroidery Needles Set. Kits typically include needles, but their quality can vary widely. John James is one of the needlemakers that I trust and use, and this introductory set provides you with a few of the most popular needle sizes for embroidery and cross-stitch. (In case you’re curious about the many types and sizes of needles, John James has a helpful guide on their website.)
Aqueenly Embroidery Scissors. You will need a pair of scissors to cut your thread, and while you could use a pair of regular old scissors lying around your house, I would not recommend it. Why? To prevent the ends of your thread from fraying, you need to use sharp scissors, and to prevent accidentally cutting your fabric, you need to use a small pair of scissors with precision. Enter embroidery scissors. This entry-level pair from Aqueenly will suffice as you start your needlework journey, but should you decide to stick with the craft, you might consider upgrading your scissors (I love my pair of German-made Dovo scissors).
Cross-Stitch
Okay, now that we’ve gone over the necessary supplies, let’s get you stitchin’, or should I say cross-stitchin’.
This beginner-friendly kit includes six designs, all of which are stamped directly onto the fabric. This allows you to focus on the act of stitching itself as opposed to stressing over whether you counted the holes on the fabric correctly and are actually stitching where you should be stitching.
Once you feel comfortable handling a needle, managing thread tension, and creating stitches, you can move on to counted cross-stitch (The Geeky Stitching Co on Etsy sells a number of adorable counted cross-stitch kits).
Please note that this kit only includes two embroidery hoops, so if you want to display all of the pieces, you will need to buy additional hoops.
Embroidery
Related to but different from cross-stitch is embroidery. Whereas cross-stitch primarily uses the cross-stitch with the occasional backstitch or knot thrown in, embroidery makes use of a variety of stitches.
What I like about this kit is that it introduces you to the most common embroidery stitches via three sampler patterns, and it even includes a floral piece that allows you to practice some of the stitches that you’ve learned. Plus, all of the patterns are stamped onto the fabric, so no tracing is required.
After you finish this kit and feel ready to move on to more advanced patterns, I recommend checking out Jessica Long Embroidery’s Etsy shop. She has some truly gorgeous designs.
Please note that this kit only includes two embroidery hoops, so if you want to display all of the pieces, you will need to buy additional hoops.
Crewel Embroidery
Crewel embroidery is a type of embroidery that uses thick wool thread to create gorgeous, dimensional designs, often for use on upholstery or curtains. Although I have not yet tried my hand at crewel embroidery, I am eager to (I need to first complete my current embroidery projects).
This beginner-level kit from Melbury Hill features full instructions and a design that is pre-stamped onto the fabric.
Please note that this kit does not include an embroidery hoop. Per the product description, one of the following hoops is recommended: 10-inch embroidery hoop, seat frame with a 10-inch hoop, or table clamp with a 10-inch hoop.
Needlepoint
Not to be confused with needlework is needlepoint, a subset of needlework. Needlepoint involves creating diagonal stitches with wool or other thick threads on a stiff canvas. Dimensions’ storefront on Amazon has a variety of needlepoint kits; I’m partial to this “Winter Sky Cabin” pattern.
Bargello
Rounding out the needlework category is bargello, a type of needlepoint that uses vertical stitches to create geometric patterns. Etsy has a fairly large offering of beginner-friendly kits, but I think the kits from Kits, Bits, & Bobs’ shop are particularly nice.
Other Fiber Arts
Needlework is but one type of fiber art, and in this section, I’ll introduce you to some of the other crafts in this category.
Supplies: What do you need to get started?
As was the case with the needlework kits, most of the kits that I link to in this section will include all of the necessary supplies, with one notable exception: scissors. From trimming yarn for knitting to cutting fabric for rag rugs, you need a sturdy, sharp pair of scissors. I use these 8” scissors from Fiskars.
Punch Needling
Punch needling is such an easy yet fun craft. The hardest part (and it’s not really that hard) is threading the needle, and once you do that, it’s just a matter of punching the needle through the fabric along the lines of the pattern.
I love this punch needle coaster kit from Stitchery Craft Supply. The designs are beginner-friendly, and when all is said and done, you have six beautiful, usable coasters – how neat is that?
Knitting
Knitting: the quintessential fiber art. After a long hiatus from knitting, I recently got back into the craft and knitted myself a large, chunky (and super comfy) blanket. It is such a fun and relaxing hobby, and with practice, the act of knitting becomes almost second nature to the point where you can move the needles and create stitches without thinking. I love throwing on a cozy movie or TV show in the background while I knit – it’s the very definition of cozy.
I recommend starting your knitting journey the same way I did: with a scarf. A scarf is a great first project because there’s no adding or dropping stitches. You simply knit row after row of the same number of stitches. This kit is ideal because it comes with everything you need (yarn, needles, and pattern).
Crocheting
Crocheting is knitting’s cousin. It’s similar yet distinct. If you try knitting and aren’t feeling it, give crocheting a go, and even if you enjoy knitting, you should still try crocheting on for size.
The Woobles sells a ton of beginner-friendly crocheting kits. Their kits come with everything you need to make an adorable plush, and what’s more, they come pre-started, allowing you to practice your crocheting without worrying about how to make the initial stitch.
My work-in-progress rag rug
Rag Rugging
Rag rugging is one of my favorite hobbies. Not only is it incredibly relaxing, but it’s also a wonderful (and creative) way to upcycle old clothing and other materials. All you need to get started is a toothbrush rug needle, a pair of fabric scissors, and fabric. To learn how to turn that fabric into a rug, watch Barri-Jayne Makes’ rag rug tutorial on YouTube.
I’ve linked a toothbrush rug needle similar to the one I use below.
Latch Hooking
Latch hooking is a craft that I have not yet tried but really want to. It involves looping and knotting short pieces of yarn through a canvas grid to create a design. Oftentimes, latch hooking is used to create rugs or pillow covers.
There are plenty of latch hooking kits on Amazon, so choose whatever pattern speaks to you (and doesn’t look too difficult). Just be sure to double-check that the kit comes with everything you need (e.g., it includes a latch hook).
Macramé
Macramé is another craft on my want-to-do list. By knotting cords, you can create everything from wall hangings and plant hangers to jewelry.
Cord Plus Quartz on Etsy has a lovely, Bohemian-inspired macramé kit that’s perfect for beginners.
Needle Felting
And last but not least in the category of “Other Fiber Arts” is needle felting, a craft that involves sculpting loose wool fibers into a specific design through the use of a barbed needle.
Felted Sky on Etsy has so many adorable felting kits, many of which are beginner-friendly. I, for one, am a fan of this succulent kit, but all of the other kits are just as cute.
Please note that this kit does not include a mat. Per the product description, a foam, burlap, or wool mat is recommended. The mat can be purchased separately or via an add-on to the kit.
Cozy Gaming
Gaming isn’t just for the guys, nor are FPSs and RPGs the be-all and end-all of video games. There is a subgenre of gaming designed for relaxation: cozy games. I transformed my sister, a self-proclaimed non-gamer, into a cozy gamer, and now, I hope to make a cozy gamer out of you, too.
Supplies: What do you need to get started?
To play cozy games, or any games in general, you need a console or computer. Some cozy games only run on select platforms (e.g., only on PCs), and others run on all platforms. It just depends.
In terms of consoles, your options are:
PlayStation 5 (PS5). If you want a beefier, more powerful PS5, you can purchase the Pro model, but if you only plan on using it for cozy games, I would recommend saving the $200 and just purchasing the standard model. Plus, the Pro does not come with a disc drive; you have to purchase one separately.
In terms of which to buy, I would recommend doing your research and seeing which console will play more of the games that you’re interested in. You might also find that all of the games that you want to play are available on PC, and if you own a PC, buying a console might be unnecessary.
For each of the games that I list below, I note the platform(s) on which it is available, but please be aware that these might change (i.e., a game might become available on a platform at a later date).
© Nintendo
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Even if you’ve never played it, you’ve probably heard of Animal Crossing, the game made famous during the pandemic. Set sail to an island and begin life anew. Befriend your neighbors, design your house, explore your new island home, gather resources, and even grow some crops. It’s a low-stakes, cozy game and a perfect introduction to the genre.
Other platform(s): N/A; Switch exclusive
Stardew Valley
I went through a period of several months where I was borderline obsessed with this game, playing it whenever I had a spare moment. It is addictively fun.
The basic premise of the game is that you move from a big city to rural Stardew Valley to bring your grandfather’s long-abandoned farm back to life, but there’s more to this game than simply planting and harvesting crops. You become part of the community, forming relationships with townsfolk and helping to restore the dilapidated community center, and you also explore the town and surrounding area, mining for resources and fishing the lake, river, and ocean. Plus, you get to design and decorate your home and farm.
Coral Island
This game is my latest obsession. It has a similar gameplay to Stardew Valley with a tropical twist. You play as a newly arrived farmer on a tropical island, and over the course of the game, you work to grow your farm, improve the town, build relationships with townsfolk, and mine for resources. What makes Coral Island unique from Stardew Valley is that it also has an underwater component; namely, part of the gameplay involves diving in and cleaning the ocean. And you may or may not encounter merfolk.
Other platform(s): PS5 | Xbox Series X
Fae Farm
In the same vein as Coral Island and Stardew Valley is Fae Farm. You farm, explore, mine, and build relationships – but there’s a magical twist.
Other platform(s): PC | PS4/PS5 | Xbox One/Series X
Eastshade
Moving on from farming sims (though I could list more), we have Eastshade, an open-world adventure game. Your character is a painter who has traveled to the island of Eastshade to fulfill their mother’s dying wish to paint several picturesque locations. Along the way, you meet various locals and complete numerous side quests. The game’s greatest appeal, however, is its stunning visuals; I often found myself just wandering around and soaking in the gorgeous landscapes. It is a truly relaxing and tragically underrated game.
Other platform(s): Xbox One/Series X | PS4 (PS5 compatible, but per PlayStation’s website, some features may be absent)
A Short Hike
Another fun adventure-based game is A Short Hike. Your character is a bird on a mission: hike to the top of Hawk Peak to get cell reception. Reaching the summit, however, proves to be more difficult than expected, and as you and your character soon learn, the true adventure is in the journey. What I love about this game is that you can take your time; there’s no rush to reach the mountaintop. You can explore the park in which the game is set at leisure, completing side quests and tracking down buried treasure to your heart’s desire.
Other platform(s): Nintendo Switch (Switch 2 compatible) | PS4 (PS5 compatible, but per PlayStation’s website, some features may be absent) | Xbox One/Series X | Linux
Miscellaneous Crafts
This final category is a bit of a hodgepodge, containing an assortment of crafts. If none of the aforementioned hobbies has enticed you, then perhaps one of these will be more your cup of tea.
Supplies: What do you need to get started?
As this category is a mix of different types of crafts, I have noted any additional supplies that are needed in each individual item’s description.
Book Nook
Add some whimsy to your bookshelf with a book nook. What’s a book nook? It’s a tiny diorama of sorts that you assemble and place on your bookshelf. I recently bought this garden house book nook from Rolife on Amazon, and I can’t wait to start putting it together. Rolife has several other book nooks on their Amazon storefront as well as a collection of “miniature houses” that I think could also work as book nooks (they just might take up more room on your bookcase).
LEGO
LEGO sets aren’t just for kids. From Star Wars and Lord of the Rings to Minecraft and Super Mario, there’s a set for just about everything and everyone. I, for one, am partial to their Botanicals collection.
Paint by Numbers
Have you always wanted to try your hand at painting, but don’t feel as though you have the artist’s touch? If so, why not dip your toes into painting with a paint-by-numbers kit? Etsy has a large selection of paint-by-numbers kits, so find a design that catches your fancy.
Please note that some kits come with a rolled canvas, while others come with a pre-framed/stretched canvas. Be sure to read the product description to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Mosaics
Create something you can not only admire but also use with a mosaic coaster kit.
Coloring
If you are looking for something low-key that doesn’t require assembling anything, then channel your inner child and color. Nowadays, there are a ton of coloring books made specifically for adults and teens, so it’s just a matter of finding one you like and picking up some colored pencils or markers.
I could list more things, but I’ll stop here before this list gets unmanageably long. Let me know in the comments if you plan on trying any of these hobbies.
Happy hobbying!
-Julia
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