Cool Wool School
Random Acts of Crochet Kindness by Olivia Dieterich is a joyful, heartwarming celebration of the power of yarn to connect people, lift spirits, and spread happiness one stitch at a time.
A Book Full of Heart and Hooks!
Random Acts of Crochet Kindness by Olivia Dieterich is a joyful, heartwarming celebration of the power of yarn to connect people, lift spirits, and spread happiness one stitch at a time. Far from being just a pattern book, its a call to action for crocheters of all levels to share their creativity with the world in meaningful ways.
The Concept
What sets this book apart immediately is its unique focus. Rather than concentrating on blankets, garments, or homewares, this collection is all about small, accessible projects designed to be left anonymously in public places, gifted to strangers, or shared with friends, family, and community memberspurely to brighten someones day. These are projects with purpose, and Olivias warm and compassionate writing draws you in from the very first page.
Each design includes not only instructions but also a little note or tag you can attach to your finished piece, explaining the idea of the kindness movement. This framing gives the projects extra meaning and encourages readers to use their skills to make the world a little softer, a little brighter.
Projects
The book includes 25 charming crochet designs, ranging from cheerful flowers, hearts, cherries, clouds, rainbows, ice-cream and even cats! Most can be completed in under an hour, making them ideal for scrap yarn and perfect for beginners. That said, theres enough variety here to keep more experienced crocheters engaged and inspired too.
Each project is thoughtfully explained with clear written instructions and often a story about how that particular item has been used to spread joy within the Random Acts of Crochet Kindness community.
Community and Spirit
The heart of this book is really the spirit of community and kindness that it cultivates. Olivia shares uplifting stories from crocheters around the world who have taken part in the movement, giving the book a deeply personal and emotional layer. Reading these short anecdotes is almost as delightful as making the projects themselves.
Theres also a guide to starting your own local kindness initiative, tips on leaving crochet gifts safely and responsibly in public, and even ideas for school or group involvement, making this a perfect book for crafters who want to build connections with others.
My Favourite...
My personal favourite was Sarah-Janes Love Cats, very sweet and endearing cat faces, with love heart noses. Awwww.
They are not only fun to make but are also sure to bring a smile to anyone who finds them tucked into a park bench or bus shelter.
My Observations
This is more than a pattern bookits a source of encouragement, positivity, and purpose. It reminds us that crochet is not just a solitary craft, but something that can truly touch lives. Whether youre leaving a flower on a strangers windscreen or gifting a rainbow to a friend going through a hard time, this book gives you the tools to make a small but meaningful impact.
Here are a few things I particularly liked:
The projects are fast and fun, making them perfect for crochet on-the-go or quick gifts.
The emotional stories peppered throughout add a lovely human touch.
Theres a growing online community connected to the book and its ideas, making it easy to share your work and find inspiration from others.
Summary
Random Acts of Crochet Kindness is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to combine their love of crochet with a spirit of generosity. Olivia Dieterich has created a book that not only delivers charming, easy-to-make projects, but also encourages us all to make a differenceone stitch at a time.
Whether you're a seasoned crocheter looking for a new kind of project, or a beginner searching for small, approachable patterns with heart, this book will leave you inspired, uplifted, and ready to spread some yarny kindness in your own community.
Craft Focus
Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (RAOCK) has a simple purpose: create something special and then leave it out in the world for someone else to pick up and enjoy. These tiny acts of everyday magic have captivated fans worldwide. The #RandomActsOfCrochetKindness hashtag has been used by countless people sharing their testimonies of being touched by the thoughtfulness of strangers.
After a personal tragedy, author and founder Olivia Dieterich started the movement to channel her sadness into creativity. She found that in addition to the boost to her own mental health, each small act of kindness had a profound effect on someone elses day as well. Her UK-based Facebook group now has over 350,000 members, and affiliated groups have since been created all over the world.
We say: Create 25 sweet and simple crocheted items to label with love and place in your local community, ready to brighten someone elses day.
Publishers Weekly
Dieterich began pairing crocheted flowers with encouraging messages, and leaving them in public for people to find, after she lost a friend to suicide in 2018. It gave me a sense of purpose, she writes in her book, which is named after the Facebook group (now 358,000 members strong) she founded soon after she started the practice. It made me happy knowing I was potentially making someone elses day a little bit better. Instructions for 25 tiny crochet projectsrainbows, hearts, butterflies, and moreare meant to spark joy.
Machine Knitting Monthly, October 2025
Creating something special and leaving it out in the world for someone else to pick up and enjoy has captivated fans worldwide. This book has everything you need to get involved in these tiny acts of everyday magic, including 25 patterns.
