Unusual things to crochet, distinct from a broader “unique” framing, focuses specifically on ordinary everyday objects rendered unexpectedly in crochet, the kind of subject matter that surprises people precisely because it is so mundane in real life. I find this specific category, taking something completely unremarkable and rendering it in soft yarn, produces a genuinely funnier reaction than an already-fantastical subject would. This list covers ten odd everyday-object ideas.
The List
- Crocheted power outlet: A wall-mountable felt or crochet piece mimicking an electrical outlet, complete with faux plugs. About 30 yards, 1.5 hours.
- Toast with a face: A slice of toast amigurumi with a simple embroidered expression. About 25 yards, 1 hour.
- Crocheted remote control: A soft, non-functional replica remote, popular as a baby toy alternative to the real, chewable thing. About 30 yards, 1.5 hours.
- Tiny trash bag: A small drawstring pouch shaped and colored like a black garbage bag. About 15 yards, 45 minutes.
- Crocheted band-aid: A flat felt-backed patch shaped like an adhesive bandage, usable as an applique or a joke gift. About 10 yards, 30 minutes.
- Miniature traffic cone: A small orange cone shape, oddly satisfying as a desk accessory. About 20 yards, 1 hour.
- Crocheted receipt: A long, narrow strip with embroidered “text” details, a strange but genuinely funny novelty piece. About 15 yards, 45 minutes.
- Tiny stapler: A rounded office-supply shape rendered soft and huggable. About 20 yards, 1 hour.
- Crocheted USB drive: A small rectangular shape with a felt “connector” tip. About 15 yards, 45 minutes.
- Miniature fire extinguisher: A red cylindrical shape with a small nozzle detail, an unexpectedly popular novelty item. About 25 yards, 1.5 hours.
Why Ordinary Objects Make Surprisingly Good Subjects
An object nobody expects to see rendered in soft yarn earns a stronger reaction than an already-cute or already-fantastical subject, precisely because the contrast between the mundane real object and the soft handmade version is the entire joke. I have given several of these as genuinely well-received gag gifts, since the recipient rarely sees the specific object coming.
Tips for Designing Your Own Unusual Object
Look around a specific room, like a kitchen, office, or bathroom, and list every object you see, then pick the most boring, overlooked item on the list as your subject, since the least glamorous everyday objects tend to make the funniest crochet subjects precisely because nobody expects them.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an everyday object a good crochet subject?
The most boring, overlooked everyday objects tend to work best, since the humor comes from the contrast between the mundane real object and an unexpectedly soft, handmade version of it.
Want more genuinely unique project subjects too?
See a related list focused on unusual techniques and fantastical subjects.
See unique things to crochet