Simple and easy! Crafts perfect for killing time
Here are some craft ideas recommended for those who suddenly have an unexpected gap in their schedule, feel at a loose end because the plan they had fell through, or are looking for something to focus on to pass the time.
Crafting has become a bit of a trend as we spend more time at home.
These days, you can buy all kinds of craft supplies at 100-yen shops, making it easy to get started.
We’ve put together simple ideas that are easy even for beginners, so if you’re new to crafting, please give them a try!
Quick and easy! Perfect crafts for killing time (1–10)
Cardboard Weaving Coaster
Even if you’re not good at knitting, you can easily give it a try using cardboard! Cut a rectangle of cardboard and make slits at 1 cm intervals along the top and bottom edges, then hook and wrap the warp threads into the slits.
Next, wrap the yarn that will be the weft around a smaller piece of cardboard, and pass it horizontally through the gaps between the warp threads.
Cut the warp threads on the back, remove the piece from the cardboard, and tie them in several places so it doesn’t unravel.
You’ll have a woven piece you can use as a coaster, and more.
While the structure makes complex projects difficult, it’s a perfect method for anyone who wants to enjoy the feel of weaving!
fabric wreath
When you’ve got small leftover pieces of fabric from making bags or drawstring pouches and can’t bring yourself to throw them away, try making a fabric wreath with those scraps! Cut the remnants into small squares, then use a thin stick or similar tool to press them into a styrofoam wreath base.
Keep inserting a balanced mix of colorful fabrics until the base is no longer visible, and you’re done! Since there’s no sewing involved, even young children can join in.
Enjoy crafting together as a parent and child!
free stitching needle
A free stitching needle is a simple type of embroidery where you thread a special needle with yarn and lightly punch it into the fabric.
Fit the fabric you want to embroider into a hoop to secure it, then set embroidery thread or thin yarn into the dedicated needle.
After that, just follow the outline you drew on the fabric, punching the needle in, and you’ll end up with fluffy, three-dimensional embroidery! Although embroidery often has the image of being a high-difficulty craft, with a free stitching needle, no special techniques are needed and anyone can enjoy it easily.
Why not start it as a hobby to enrich your time at home?
A scrunchie you can make by hand sewing
If you usually tie your hair with a plain black hair elastic, why not try making a stylish scrunchie with some fabric and elastic in your spare time? Sew the fabric into a long, narrow tube, turn it right side out, thread the elastic through, and stitch it closed so it’s loose enough to wear around your wrist—voilà, you’re done in no time! Use a fabric design you love to quickly tie back hair that gets in the way while doing housework or eating, and even a simple updo will look super chic.
Matching scrunchies for a parent and child would make for a lovely outing, too.
Seasonal and event decoration items
If you want to try handicrafts but can’t think of what to make, how about creating ornaments or wall decorations themed around the season or upcoming events? For Christmas, you could make a Santa Claus ornament; for spring, a wall decoration featuring cherry blossom patterns.
By making seasonally themed crafts, you can feel the changing seasons even indoors and enjoy each seasonal event more.
There’s no need to think you have to make something elaborate! You can create cute pieces just by cutting and pasting, so start with something simple and give it a try.
smartphone shoulder strap
This is a smartphone shoulder bag made with cowhide leather for leathercraft that you can buy even at 100-yen shops.
Prepare a piece of cowhide large enough to wrap your phone, and score fold lines so it can be folded into thirds.
Cut out the center so the phone’s screen is visible.
Cut a piece from a clear file or similar transparent sheet and attach it with tape or glue to create a window.
Fold the leather, punch holes in the four corners with an awl, and secure them with rivets.
Finally, attach a button to the flap side and add shoulder hardware to finish.
You can make it without any sewing, so give it a try!
Charms made with 100-yen shop parts
Dollar stores have lots of cute craft parts lined up.
Just by combining them, you can quickly make an adorable charm! The method is super simple: put mixed parts like stars, hearts, and beads into a capsule-shaped piece, then attach a chain.
If you swap the charm for an elastic band, it also becomes a cute hair tie with a decoration for kids.
Be sure to pick your favorite items from the wide variety of parts and give it a try!
Easy eco bag with a tenugui
These days, it’s become normal to bring a reusable shopping bag.
How about making a handmade eco bag you can tuck into your purse when you go out? When it’s something you made yourself, you feel more attached to it, right? Using two tenugui cloths you can get at a 100-yen shop, let’s make a reusable bag in the shape of a supermarket plastic bag.
It’s simple because you just sew straight lines to create an easy shape.
It even has a gusset, so it holds plenty.
You can never have too many eco bags—make them with your favorite prints and carry one with you every day.
A basket made with kraft tape
Let’s make a realistic basket using kraft tape you can even buy at 100-yen shops! Cut the strips to specific lengths for each part, then glue and weave them together to build the basket’s shape.
It’s recommended to use clothespins and similar clips to keep glued sections from coming apart as you work.
If you take your time and work carefully, you’ll end up with a high-quality basket like the ones sold at boutiques! It’s also great as a gift, or as a basket for holding gifts.
wool felt
Needle felting, where you use a special needle called a “needle” to poke and shape fluffy, three-dimensional creations, is one of the most popular crafts! You can even buy kits at 100-yen shops, making the material costs very affordable.
When you make animal plushies with wool felt, the felt’s texture perfectly recreates their fluffiness, making them incredibly cute.
Adorable needle felt pieces also make great gifts.
If you’d like to give something handmade, why not try needle felting? It lets you create impressive, polished pieces with ease.