As you learn to crochet more and more, you will have small pieces of leftover yarn. Never throw these away! Trust me, you will find a use for it, no matter the size. A lot of people make “scrap blankets” or things of that nature, but if that isn’t your thing, I have another couple of meaningful crochet ideas for you to use your scrap pieces on. You might even brighten someone’s day in the process.
The first idea I will give you is a popular “Random Acts of Kindness” idea called a worry worm. These are small worms you crochet for the purpose of giving away. You may be asking, “what is a crochet worry worm for?” According to Google, a worry worm is a “pocket mental health stress reliever. pocket sized toy to relieve stress, anxiety and worrying thoughts. Perfect gift for kids”.
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Worry Worm Origin
From the information I was able to find on Google, the worry worm was created by a lady named Linda and originated in a town called March, which is located in England. Crafter starts new craze in Fenland town (fenlandcitizen.co.uk)
The idea Linda had was to create them and place them around her town for random people to find and keep. It was a sort of anonymous kindness designed to brighten someone’s day. She even created a Facebook Group with another woman named Michelle called “Worry Worms ….March Cambs”.
COVID19
The last few years have put a strain on our children. Social distancing, isolation, masks; it’s all been a lot for kids to try and understand. Anxiety can be a real issue for a lot of children. The purpose of the worry worm is sort of a cross between a fidget toy and a stuffed animal friend.
Children can use the body of the worm as a fidget toy, and then use the worm in general as a friend to confide in. A worry worm is small, portable, and discreet. Worry worms can be used to keep children occupied during something such as grocery shopping, or it can be used during more intense times such as doctor visits.
ADHD & Autism
Some children can really benefit from a fidget toy and this is where a worry worm can be beneficial. Children with ADHD are known to benefit from the calming that fidget toys provide. Fidget toys are also known to keep children alert, even in a classroom setting, and all you need is a relatively short piece of yarn to get started crocheting a worry worm.
Fidget toys are also good for stress relief in children. Adults sometimes use stress balls when they are feeling stressed, this is the same concept, only a different version for children.
Another area where worry worms are beneficial is Autism. A lot of children with Autism have sensory overload. A worry worm is a type of sensory toy. It essentially serves as a distraction from the overload another sense is feeling.
Free worry worm poem printable
Each crochet worry worm generally comes with a quote or poem telling the person how to use it once they find or receive it. There are a few variations on the quotes, but each has the same general idea. Enter your email below to receive a free worry worm poem printable I created.
Want to Design your Own Worry Worm Cards?
I have the Canva template I used to design my worry worm cards available for purchase in both my blog store and my Etsy store!
Free Worry worm crochet Pattern
A crochet worry worm is great project, even for a crochet beginner. The only stitches required are the chain stitch, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet. You start by chaining 25 with a E/3.5 MM hook. Then you slip stitch in the second chain.
Now it’s time to make the coils or the body of the worm. To do this you simply work 4 single crochets in EACH chain stitch. Be careful not to skip any. Work all the way back until you get to first chain. Making these coils is a great learning experience for a beginner. You can see how adding multiple stitches into one chain stitch creates the coil.
In the first chain stitch you will work 12 double crochet. 12 stitches in ONE chain stitch. This creates the head of the worm.
What is a pocket hug?
A pocket hug is a pocket-sized keepsake to give to someone to let them know you are thinking of them and/or love them. The idea is that it is small enough it can be put in your pocket and taken with you when you are on the go giving you a constant reminder that you are loved.
Generally speaking, most pocket hugs are heart shaped and can be made out of anything from metal to wood, and of course crochet. Any crochet applique could be used for a pocket hug, but probably the most frequent used is a crochet heart applique.
Free crochet heart applique
The crochet heart applique I have done here is also beginner friendly! The instructions are as follows:
Crochet Heart – US terms
Crochet Heart Applique Pattern
Make a magic loop, chain 3 and working into the magic loop, 3TRC, 3DC, chain 1, 1TRC, chain 1, 3DC, 3TRC, chain 2, slip stitch into magic loop and pull the thread to close the center of the heart. Your heart is complete!
Pocket hugs are great for adults and kids alike
Kids can take them when they are going somewhere without their parents, such as school or an overnight trip away from home.
Social isolation brought on by COVID19 has made things such as pocket hugs very important. With so many people unable to connect with family and friends it means a lot to know you aren’t forgotten.
If you enjoy the story of these 2 items and the sound of donating items to make people feel better, please also see this post. The last section of the post includes other causes that accept donated crochet items. If you know of other groups or organizations, please add them to the comment section. I would love to include them!
3 DIFFERENT POCKET HUG POEMS AVAILABLE ON ETSY
Other Considerations
In addition to the worry worms and pocket hugs, people have also come up with the emotional support pickle, the positive potato, as well as the chill pill or happy pills. All of these make great items to sell at craft fairs or markets as well.
Lastly, I thought I would try my hand at creating something unique. I know people love the amigurumi jellyfish, so I thought I would create a poem to go with them! You can find those exclusively in my Etsy store.
Emotional Support Pickle Printable Cards
positive potato printable cards
How can i get the printable tags for the heart hug