In a world full of trending TikTok dances, viral challenges, and social media, “granny hobbies” are making a comeback in today’s younger generation.

“Granny hobbies” are hobbies or activities such as knitting, crocheting, sourdough breadmaking, puzzles, sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, and more. They are associated with grandparents, but with the help of social media, are taking the interest of young adults. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have both amplified the trends, allowing for tutorials and new inspiration.

“I got into making sourdough over Christmas break this year because I just wanted to find new hobbies and it seemed fun. I had seen it on TikTok and a lot of people always made it look so hard, but it’s really not,” Kinsey Biggerstaff, Quincy University sophomore, said.

She also adds that she is happy to see sourdough becoming popular because it is a good skill to have, and it does not go to waste. Many types of sourdough can be made with different add-ins, such as cheese or cinnamon, using instructions from a phone.

Crocheting is another hobby that is making its return within the younger generation. Even though this is a hands-on task, it has found a way to expand just from people scrolling on their phones. Crocheting has recently blown up on the internet, inspiring people to create. People can learn how to make crochet flowers, blankets, clothes, bags, and more, all with the help of an online tutorial. The hashtag #crochet has generated over 11.9 million posts on TikTok.

“I saw someone on TikTok doing it and then I found out several of my teammates were doing it. I’ve made a tote bag, a few coasters for my mom’s car, and a couple of scarves,” Karlie Ingle said.

Ingle is a junior at QU and also said she wants to try knitting, but that may be a bit more challenging.

Other hobbies, such as gardening, puzzles, and even sewing, are taking off. Crafting and doing hands-on tasks can be stress-releasing and allow for a productive use of time, rather than people just mindlessly scrolling on their phones.

“Cross-stitching is really fun. I also like embroidering things on my clothes. I have projects going on at home on one of my old Carrhart hoodies that I’m embroidering the sleeves,” Madison Whiting Wagner, senior, said.

Granny hobbies can bring old clothes back to life and motivate people to participate in the revamping process. These activities can bring people together and encourage community, with hobby groups forming on college campuses.

Once labeled old-fashion, these hobbies are being brought back to life with the help of social media and being reframed as sustainable, productive, and creative. For many young adults, planting a garden or picking up a crochet hook is more about finding peace and balance, rather than nostalgia.

As technology continues to advance, these hobbies are tending to stick around and prove that they never truly went out of style.