10 couch crafts to quiet your mind and soothe your soul

Oh and change your life!!!

Do you have a nasty habit of finally sitting down in the evening after a long day, planning to relax with a nice show, only to find yourself watching the TV with one eye and scrolling on your phone with the other? Yes? So do I! I mean, if I don’t have anything to do with my hands, I quickly become a phone gremlin. Even last night, I found myself asking Ben if he could recap the latest episode of Severance, not because I was out of the room but because I was deep in my phone. Everyone hates that person and (because I forgot to bring my latest crafty craft) I was that person!

But, let me introduce you to: COUCH CRAFTS. They‘re fun, they’re cute, they’re portable, but most of all they’re the perfect antidote/barrier to scrolling and honestly are just the chicken soup/balm/camomile tea for the soul that I think you might need. At least, I know I do.

If you’re on the fence or couldn’t be bothered having to plan or prep a craft project at the end of a long day, let it be known that it has been scientifically proven (or should I say, I have personally noticed) that I tend to sleep so much better when I craft instead of scroll so it’s totally worth it. Just make a simple box of bits you can choose from when you sit down.

But what makes a good couch craft? Usually it’s something small and simple, and also something with repetition that allows you to look away and watch the tv whilst your hands keep moving, anddddd something that’s aesthetic enough to make you want to keep going, even when you mess up. Here’s a few ideas that in my opinion, pass that test!

1. Embroidery

Stick a bit of fabric in a hoop, thread a needle and just like that, you’ve flicked the calm switch. Embroidery is soothing and repetitive enough to feel like meditation... But cuter and nowhere near as annoying (I’ll share my struggles with meditation with you one day). And don’t worry if your first few tries are messy, practice makes perfect, and you have the rest of your life to chill on the sofa in the evenings and stitch! ( I have a course all about embroidery)

2. Air Dry Clay

Your first thought might be that air dry clay is way too messy for the sofa, buttttt keep a little tray nearby for you lap and can make small trinket dishes, rings or cute fridge magnets. There’s just something about clay that pulls you right into the moment. Pair it with a tea and some reruns of a favourite show and you’ve got yourself the dream wind down.

3. Beading your clothes

If you’re used to your fingers smashing a tiny screen, you’re going to love swapping it out for beading. Grab yourself a seed bead set (the colours alone will have your heart racing), draw a little shape on a tee using a frixion pen (you iron it off) and you’re ready! Start with the outline and then fill the rest in with beads. It’s fiddly in the best way and strangely addictive. (ICYMI my embroidery course also covers beading embroidery).

4. Junk Journalling

It’s time to get analog, which I’m sure is exactly what your brain is craving right now. Grab a cute journal, washi tape, old magazines, stickers, photos and get collaging. Once again it’s best to have a little tray to do this on. The best thing about junk journalling is that there aren’t any rules or things you need to achieve - just a few moments of peace.

5. Making beaded bags

This is a little more niche but hear me out. I mastered the art of beaded bag making a while ago and whilst it was quite hard to teach myself, once I got a few basic principles down it has become a very easy and repetitive task that doesn’t require too much brainpower, but keeps your hands busy all the while making a seriously cute project that literally everyone will comment on when you walk down the street does it get any better?! I made this tutorial for you if you want to learn yourself.

6. Knitting

The original cosy craft, and one that I have been meaning to pick back up. Everyone who knits swears by its calming powers - obviously, the tick tick of the needles is just what you need after a long day as it lulls you into a state of zen, worlds away from the group chat that’s probably melting down on your phone (or other such cortisol spikers).

7. Crochet

There’s something just so satisfying about looping yarn into something useful. Even if all you make is a slightly wonky square, you’ll feel like you’ve achieved something brilliant.

8. Miniature Dollhouse Decor

A dollhouse can feel like a daunting task and yes I may have lost a few nights (or weeks!) sleep in my time working on dollhouses but you know what? You don’t have to do a whole house! You can do a tiny little room to start with, a book nook, a CLOCK! or even just start with recreating a piece of furniture or decor that you like in miniature form. Once you’re you’re ready to tackle a full scale dollhouse you can always do each task on the sofa too, why not? Learn the basics of dollhouses here.

9. Cross Stitch

So many people in my broadcast channel tell me they love cross stitch, it apparently has the same relaxing and meditative qualities of embroidery and really just helps you to free your mind from the stresses of the day. I need to start!

10. Punch Needle Embroidery

Another craft I have been wanting to try, there are so many beautiful things you can make with a punch needle! It’s kind of like rug hooking for smaller projects and it’s super tactile and super satisfying.

The Couch Craft Starter Pack:

If you want to get started with a couch craft, honestly you won’t regret it, here’s a few things you’ll need.

• A little tray or basket of supplies you can pull out fast (before your brain reaches for your phone).

• Crafts that don’t need a table—like the ones above or others, lap-friendly is key.

• Comfy blanket, show you want to watch, your favourite tea.

• Permission to be a beginner. You’re not aiming for perfection—you’re aiming for peace.

So if you plan to do anything this weekend, gather supplies to do a few little couch crafts. Trust me it will turn your life around! You’ll be a whole new person! You won’t recognise yourself! Ok ok those are bold claims but I will go so far as to say you’ll probably be happier. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for good crafts on the sofa.

xxx Geneva