6 Creative Hobbies Like Sewing: Diamond Painting and 5 Others

Hobbies like sewing have made a major comeback. While once regarded as “old lady” crafts, the lost arts our grandmothers mastered are becoming increasingly popular amongst younger generations. The explanations for this phenomenon range from collective nostalgia for better times to seeking something “real” in the mass-produced modern era. No matter what the reason is, everyone from 20-somethings to senior citizens is embracing sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening and other creative trends from earlier eras.  

If you are someone who already enjoys sewing, there are several similar hobby ideas worth trying your hand at. For those who are into producing handmade garments, knitting is a solid option. For those who may enjoy the more artistic side of crafting, diamond painting is the perfect choice because you're re-creating beautiful artwork that inspires and can evoke emotion. Keep reading to discover some other hobbies like sewing that will quickly become your new favorites!

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Diamond Painting

Like sewing, diamond painting allows you to create something beautiful and personal. Instead of using fabric, thread, and a sewing machine, however, you diamond paint with an applicator pen, resin diamonds, and a self-adhesive canvas. As a somewhat new craft on the hobby scene, diamond painting is much easier to learn than sewing because it does not require any special skills or expensive equipment. So it’s a great craft project for every age group. Even beginners can create brilliant works of art!

Diamond Art Club® kits come with extra sparkly rhinestones known as “drills,” an adhesive, self-flattening canvas, plus all the tools needed to complete the project. The tarpaulin canvas is pre-printed with symbols in a grid-like pattern, showing you exactly what color drill to place in each spot. While you’re working on the project up close, it may look a bit random. But when you are finished, you will have an incredible piece of art that reveals a magnificent image or landscape when viewed from a distance. 

Diamond art painting can be good for your mental health, too. It allows you to decompress, relax your mind and take a break from whatever work assignments, school projects or stressful tasks you are currently stressed about. Plus, it’s a fun hobby that can involve friends and family. With a large enough canvas, you can work on one end of the design while a buddy or sibling works on the other side. Just make sure to order extra drill pens, so everyone has the right tools to partake in the fun. 

Once finished, you’ll have a lovely work of art that will last a lifetime. With sewing, many people enjoy having a blanket, sweater or pair of mittens to show the work they have done or even gift it to a friend. Diamond art painting is quite similar in that regard. Simply frame your finished piece to give to another enthusiastic arts ‘n’ crafter, or hang it up in your bedroom, living room or workspace to cherish forever. 

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Cross-Stitch

If you enjoy working with a needle and thread, consider taking up cross-stitch. Like diamond painting, this craft hobby involves creating an image from hundreds of smaller elements. Only instead of each square being occupied by a resin rhinestone, each square is filled by an X of colored thread. 

Cross-stitch is easy to learn, and getting started is very budget-friendly. And if old-fashioned samplers are what come to mind when you think of this craft, think again. Modern cross-stitch patterns run the gamut from classic imagery to funny phrases and pop culture icons. Cross-stitch has been trending in a big way over the last few years, so you should have no trouble finding tutorials and patterns that match your interests.

To get started with this type of needlework, you will need embroidery needles, floss, an embroidery hoop, and fabric known as Aida cloth. It is a type of even-weave fabric featuring a natural mesh that is perfect for cross-stitching. White is the most common color of Aida cloth, but it comes in black as well as a rainbow of other colors. It also comes in different sizes and stitch counts for various projects. You can find everything you need for this new hobby on Amazon or at your local craft store. 

Knitting

Knitting has seen a major resurgence in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. What better way is there to make your Netflix sessions more productive than by whipping up a pair of socks while you binge? 

All jokes aside, knitting is a rewarding hobby. It’s hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment after producing a wearable garment or accessory using little more than sticks and string. It has been gaining some serious momentum in the fiber arts world, too, showing up on works in galleries and public art displays. Part of its appeal may be that it is possible to knit just about anything you can imagine. Another reason could be the serious surge in the variety and quality of yarn available to knitters over this past decade, which has improved the allure and value of woven items. OR from simple polyester strands to luxurious ombre dyed cashmere. Depending on your skill level, you can make everything from basic dishcloths and scarves to stunning cashmere sweaters. 

Crocheting

Crocheting is very similar to knitting, with one important difference. Instead of using two (or more) knitting needles, this craft only requires the use of a single crochet hook. And while you can knit or crochet many of the same things — blankets, scarves, and tote bags — certain objects are better suited to crochet. Knitting’s interlocking loops generally have more stretch, while crochet creates solid knot-like stitches, which is useful for projects you want to keep their shape. Amigurumi, for example, is the art of crocheted plush toys. Once you’ve mastered the basic stitches, you can create everything from tiny plushies to full-size stuffed toys. 

And, although you can still find tutorials on how to crochet toilet paper covers, this art form has also adapted to modern trends and is entirely appropriate for making your own clothes, too. From crop tops to sweaters, there are all sorts of fun things you can make once you learn how to crochet!

Quilting

Quilting technically is sewing, but it can be a brand-new hobby for someone who is more familiar with, say, stitching clothing on a sewing machine. The appeal of quilting is obvious. What’s better than making something warm and cozy to snuggle up in or give as a gift? In addition, a finished quilt is an incredible work of art, which can be hung on the wall as home decor.

While the idea of making a quilt may seem overwhelming, the process isn’t exactly hard. Sure, there are plenty of complex and difficult patterns out there, but there are also much simpler ones that are appropriate for newbies. Learning how to make a quilt takes time, and you will likely make loads of mistakes before becoming a pro. If you want to take your sewing skills to the next level, though, few hobbies are better suited than quilting. This hobby is a lot of fun if you are interested in upcycling, too, since you can repurpose previously used material or even use old t-shirts to make comfy quilts.

Gardening

Comparing gardening to sewing may seem like a bit of a stretch, but hear us out. Like sewing, gardening takes time and involves working with your hands. It also allows you to create something from virtually nothing and is incredibly rewarding. And it is probably a life skill that your grandmother (or great-grandmother) mastered long before you were born. 

Even if you live in a tiny apartment, you can still plant a “garden” on your windowsill, or check with neighbors and local online forums for a community garden you can join. There are even countertop gardening systems (complete with lights) available that allow you to grow fresh produce or herbs anywhere in your home. Just imagine how amazing your meals will taste, knowing that you grew some of it yourself? Whether you try your hand at indoor or outdoor gardening, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for food and pick up some valuable skills while working on this rewarding hobby. 

Conclusion

Whether you are feeling burnt out on sewing and in need of a change, or you are just interested in trying your hand at a new craft, there are all sorts of similar creative endeavors and crafts to choose from, and the hobby ideas mentioned here are an excellent place to start. From diamond painting using top-quality, Diamond Art Club® kits, to growing your own herbs and vegetables, there are plenty of hobbies that are great for anyone who enjoys sewing. No matter if you enjoy fiber arts specifically or just find it relaxing to make something with your hands, the suggestions above are just a few of the many projects to try. Check one out today, and you will be on your way to finding a new favorite hobby! You may even develop several new skills along the way. And if none of these projects sound like fun, try paper crafts like origami, jewelry making, woodworking, scrapbooking, and other craft hobbies. There’s no wrong solution!