Granny Hobbies: Why People Are Sewing and Knitting More

It used to be the case that the moment you hit retirement, you officially became a part of an exclusive club — a club filled with plenty of life wisdom, Werther's Original candies, and perhaps most importantly, “granny hobbies.” Knitting, crocheting, sewing, and playing mahjong were all activities reserved for people once they hit the geriatric life stage. But now? Granny hobbies are finally getting the recognition they deserve from everyone, no matter their age.

On TikTok, many content creators are showing off their newfound granny hobbies. Content creator Alex James posted a now viral video showing all the sweaters she knit in 2024. “Maybe I'm brave enough to try knitting a sweater finally,” one commenter said. In another TikTok, a different content creator shared her most popular crochet pattern. Then, there's the many sourdough kit starter videos, and even some viral videos of how to start gardening as a beginner.

So, why are younger generations suddenly leaning into hobbies that used to be reserved for their grandparents? It may be that people are tired of their phones. After years of being glued to the phone and doomscrolling through bad news, people are craving something slower — something that doesn't involve staring at a screen for hours. Granny hobbies, with their repetitive, hands-on nature, offer the perfect escape. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something tangible, whether it's a cozy sweater, a ripe tomato, or a perfectly crusty loaf of sourdough bread.

People also want new ways to practice self-care. Because many zillennials don't have hobbies at all, granny hobbies have become easy, low-effort interests to pursue.

In addition to being a productive way to pass time, these granny hobbies also come with mental health benefits, too. One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that knitting helped people with eating disorders manage their anxiety, with 74 percent of the participants stating that it had a “calming” and “therapeutic effect.” In a different study published in the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that crocheting made almost 90 percent of the 8,391 individuals in the study feel calmer. Gardening has also been linked to an increase in quality of life, as another study showed the positive association with gardening and reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and mood.

There's also a social aspect to the granny hobby renaissance. What was once a solo activity is now becoming something people are doing to find community. Those already in their granny hobby era are connecting with other individuals who are also interested in playing with balls of thorn. They're throwing parties, having game nights, and hosting cookbook clubs. And let's be honest, nothing bonds people more than a game of mahjong.

At the end of the day, the rise of granny hobbies is largely due to people wanting to find joy again. In a political climate where the future seems unclear and people's rights are on the line, making something with your own two hands can help you feel more in control. These hobbies offer a kind of fulfillment that not even the current administration can squander.

So if you've been wishing you could learn how to sew or you have been influenced to dive into the world of sourdough starters, take this as your sign to go full granny mode. Your mind (and your screen-time report) will thank you.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.