Book Review: Random Acts of Crochet Kindness by Olivia Dieterich & Friends

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, it’s 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 members—purely to brighten someone’s day. These are projects with purpose, and Olivia’s 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, there’s 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.

There’s 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-Jane’s 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 book—it’s 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 you’re leaving a flower on a stranger’s 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.

• There’s 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 difference—one 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.

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