Best Cottagecore Hobbies to Try for a Slower, Happier Life
In a world that seems to move faster by the day, there’s something profoundly beautiful about choosing to slow down. To wake up and savor a quiet morning, to create with your hands, to fill your home with simple joys—this is the heart of cottagecore living.
For me, this way of life isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about reconnecting with traditions, with the skills our grandmothers and great-grandmothers passed down. It’s about finding peace in the rhythm of daily tasks, letting go of the rush, and embracing the beauty of simple, intentional living.
If you’re looking for ways to slow down and bring more of that gentle, cottagecore magic into your days, here are some of my favorite hobbies to try.
1. Sewing: Stitching Love into Every Seam
I was fortunate enough to learn how to sew from my mother and grandmother, and I’ll always cherish those moments spent at their side. My grandmother’s kitchen table was where I learned my first stitches, watching her mend, create, and transform fabric into something useful and beautiful.
Sewing isn’t just a skill—it’s an act of storytelling, a way to connect with the past while creating for the future. Whether you’re making a dress, a simple apron, or even mending an old quilt, sewing is a beautiful way to slow down and create something lasting.
Getting started: If you’re new to sewing, start with something simple like a pillowcase, a handkerchief, or a reusable shopping bag. Thrifted fabric or vintage bedsheets make excellent, sustainable choices for your first projects.
2. Crochet & Knitting: The Cozy Art of Patience
Unlike sewing, crochet didn’t come easily to me. I remember struggling with my stitches, my fingers fumbling with the yarn, undoing my work more times than I could count. But I kept going, slowly finding my rhythm, and one day, I completed my first (slightly uneven) scarf.
Knitting and crochet are some of the most meditative, soothing hobbies you can pick up. There’s something magical about watching a simple strand of yarn transform into a cozy blanket, a delicate lace shawl, or a warm sweater for a loved one.
Getting started: Choose a soft, chunky yarn and a beginner-friendly pattern, like a dishcloth or a simple scarf. And remember—it’s okay if your first few stitches aren’t perfect! The beauty is in the process.
3. Baking: Filling Your Home with Warmth
There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. Baking has always been one of my greatest joys—a way to nourish my family, show love, and create cozy moments at home.
Some of my favorite memories involve my little ones perched on a stool, peeking into the oven, waiting for a batch of cookies to finish. Baking is a way of slowing down, of savoring the simple pleasure of mixing, kneading, and watching something transform in the warmth of the oven.
Getting started: If you’re new to baking, start with an easy recipe—perhaps a rustic loaf of bread, check out my favorite beginner-friendly recipes!
4. Gardening: Growing a Life of Abundance
I grew up surrounded by gardening. My parents were wonderful gardeners, and my father even won a prize for the biggest pumpkin at the local fair when I was a child. There’s something deeply satisfying about planting a seed, tending to it with care, and watching it flourish.
Gardening doesn’t require a large plot of land—even a few herbs in a windowsill or a container of flowers on a balcony can bring so much joy. Digging in the soil, feeling the sun on your skin, and watching nature work its quiet magic is one of the most grounding, fulfilling experiences.
Getting started: Start small with herbs like basil or rosemary, or plant a few flowers that bring you joy. If you have space, try growing a few vegetables—nothing beats the taste of homegrown tomatoes or fresh lettuce straight from the garden.
5. Foraging: Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Foraging is a hobby that feels like stepping back in time, connecting with the way our ancestors lived in harmony with nature. Whether it’s collecting wildflowers, berries, or even herbs for tea, foraging invites you to slow down, observe, and appreciate the abundance around you.
There’s a quiet joy in walking through a field, basket in hand, gathering nature’s gifts. I especially love foraging for wildflowers in the spring and summer—there’s something so special about creating a bouquet from blooms you found yourself.
Getting started: Learn about your local plants before you begin, and always forage responsibly. A simple field guide or an online resource can help you identify safe and sustainable finds.
6. Pressing Flowers: Preserving Beauty
One of my favorite slow hobbies is pressing flowers. There’s something enchanting about capturing the delicate beauty of a bloom, preserving it, and using it for crafts, journaling, or home decor.
I love pressing flowers from my garden or ones I’ve picked on morning walks. It’s a simple, inexpensive hobby that brings so much joy and a touch of nature into everyday life.
Getting started: All you need are fresh flowers, parchment paper, and a heavy book. Place the flowers between the pages, weigh them down, and wait a couple of weeks for them to dry. Use them for homemade cards, bookmarks, or framed art.
7. Candle Making: Cozy Light for Long Evenings
There’s something incredibly peaceful about making your own candles, mixing scents, and pouring warm wax into jars. A flickering candle instantly transforms a space, making it feel warm, inviting, and nostalgic.
Making candles at home allows you to choose natural, non-toxic ingredients and create custom scents that bring comfort to your space. Lavender and vanilla for relaxation, citrus for a fresh start, or cinnamon and clove for a cozy autumn feel.
Getting started: Try a simple beeswax or soy candle kit. Experiment with adding dried herbs or essential oils for a personal touch.
8. Letter Writing: The Lost Art of Connection
In a world of instant messages and emails, there’s something truly special about receiving a handwritten letter. Taking the time to put pen to paper, seal an envelope, and send a note to a friend or loved one is an act of slowing down and cherishing human connection.
I love keeping a stash of beautiful stationery for this purpose. Writing letters feels like capturing a moment in time, preserving thoughts in a way that digital messages never quite can.
Getting started: Start by writing a simple letter to a friend, a thank-you note, or even a letter to yourself. Add a wax seal, dried flowers, or a touch of your favorite perfume for an extra special touch. Here is my Cottagecore Journal:
Bringing Cottagecore Hobbies into Your Life
If you long for a slower, more intentional way of living, start with just one or two of these hobbies. You don’t need to be an expert or have a perfect result—the joy is in the process.
Sew a simple project and embrace the beauty of handmade.
Pick up a crochet hook and allow yourself the time to learn.
Bake something from scratch and fill your home with warmth.
Plant something green and nurture it with care.
Take a quiet walk and forage for nature’s treasures.
These simple acts connect us to the past, to the land, and to ourselves. They remind us to breathe, to create, and to savor the beauty in each moment.
Which cottagecore hobby speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
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Brooke
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I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom and cottagecore enthusiast dedicated to creating a cozy, sustainable home. My journey into cottagecore is all about savoring life’s simple pleasures, from baking to gardening. I’m passionate about curating unique, sustainable pieces for my shop and sharing tips for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I can’t wait to share more about the beauty and charm of cottagecore living with you!
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