Some crochet pattern books teach new stitches. Others offer fresh design ideas. And once in a while, a book tries to build something bigger than crochet itself. Random Acts of Crochet Kindness: Little Projects to Share the Love by Olivia Dieterich promises tiny acts of everyday magic, a global movement, and a simple purpose rooted in kindness — all delivered through small crochet projects meant to be shared with strangers.
If you’re wondering whether this book is truly worth adding to your crochet library, not just for the lovely idea behind it, but for the crochet patterns themselves, you’re in the right place. I’ve examined the instructions as a designer and instructor, tried some of the content and I’m sharing exactly what you can expect before you decide.
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Thanks to Search Press Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
Table of contents
- About the Author & The Crochet Kindness Movement
- What Crochet Patterns Are Inside the Book?
- What are the Patterns in Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Like?
- What Crochet Terminology Is Used
- Who is This Book Really For? (Skill Level Breakdown)
- Supports Included for Makers
- Supplies You’ll Need to Make the Projects
- Extra Content: Tags, Stories & Community Pages
- Where to Buy Random Acts of Crochet Kindness by Olivia Dieterich
- Final Verdict: Is This Book Worth Adding to Your Library?
About the Author & The Crochet Kindness Movement
The founder Olivia Dieterich is a UK-based crocheter who launched a uk-based facebook group called Random Acts of Crochet Kindness in 2019. What began as a small local community quickly grew into a worldwide movement, with affiliate groups spreading across a global scale. Her vision was beautifully simple: leave a small act of kindness — a crocheted item with a little note — on a park bench, in a café, or anywhere someone might need a smile.
Olivia’s story is personal and heartfelt and she shares some of that in the book. Alongside crochet, she works as a yoga instructor and counsellor. This is her first book. You can find her on Instagram at @crochyay.
There’s no doubt about the power of crochet to connect people — and this book leans fully into that message.
What Crochet Patterns Are Inside the Book?
The book contains 25 crochet patterns, five contributed by guest designers: Bella Coco, Sarah-Jane Hicks, Natasha Emmerson, Alexandra Lund, and Eleanor Clarke. Most designs are simple crocheted items that function as appliqués or small standalone gifts.
Included patterns:
- Sparkle
- Teeny Flower
- Mini Smiley
- Natasha’s Friendly Flower
- Star Flower
- Big Flower
- Rainbow
- Lexie’s Envelope
- Leaf
- Sarah-Jane’s Love Cats
- Lucky Clover
- Butterfly
- Sunshine & Clouds
- Heart
- Eleanor’s Flower
- Campfire
- Sherries
- Strawberry
- Sunshine
- Ladybird
- Bella Coco’s Pocket Heart
- Candle
- Ice-Cream Cone
- Watermelon
- Mini Monster
What are the Patterns in Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Like?
The patterns are brief and mostly straightforward. A few may feel confusing at first read-through due to writing choices that were made and the choice to stray from standard crochet conventions. For example, chain 1 turning chains are noted as not counting as a stitch in some places, but that logic isn’t applied consistently elsewhere, such as with slip stitches (which, if you’re going to note turning chains, should also be noted). That inconsistency could trip up newer makers. If you’re a beginner and want to learn about crochet standards you should know, check out my tutorial here.
With hook and yarn in hand, I was able to work through the confusing spots, but beginners may need patience. Many of the designs are similar to free crochet patterns already available online, so beyond the acts of kindness concept, the book doesn’t introduce a strong design style that feels unique to the current market. The patterns do not include gauge information, sizing, yarn brands/specific colors or yarn amounts.
What Crochet Terminology Is Used
All patterns use US crochet terminology. A US-to-UK conversion chart appears inside the front cover and again on page 16..
Who is This Book Really For? (Skill Level Breakdown)
The intention appears to be accessibility for total beginners, but I don’t feel the execution fully hits that mark. The projects are small and quick, but the lack of photo tutorials, limited visual supports, and occasional unclear wording mean complete beginners may struggle. Project notes are very limited and there are no troubleshooting tips or tricks included.
Once the instructions are interpreted, the actual stitch work is simple. Experienced crocheters familiar with basic stitches and comfortable following written instructions will manage these patterns easily.
Overall skill level: Easy – but not true beginner-friendly without outside support.
Supports Included for Makers
A “How to Crochet” section begins on page 16, covering basic stitches used throughout the book. Instructions are paired with illustrations rather than photos. Unfortunately, some of these illustrations are unclear, and added directional arrows occasionally increase confusion rather than reduce it. Certain terms, like “reinsert,” are used where “insert into a different stitch” is actually intended, which may also confuse and frustrate new learners.
Beyond this section, there are no photo tutorials, no pattern support, and no additional learning resources. Makers who rely on visual guidance may find this limiting.
Supplies You’ll Need to Make the Projects
Projects use:
- DK weight 100% cotton yarn <–(I personally like this Lion Brand DK Cotton)
- 4 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Paper and pen
- String for attaching labels
Simple, accessible supplies — easy to source.
Extra Content: Tags, Stories & Community Pages
A significant portion of Random Acts of Crochet Kindness focuses on the concept behind the global movement: how to tag projects, where to leave them, and how to share acts of kindness with the local community. There are templates for tags starting on page 104, plus note pages to document where your creations were left. Peppered throughout are also some real-life stories of people who have participated in the movement along with pictures of their projects being left “in the wild”.
This reinforces the lovely idea at the heart of the project — small crocheted gifts creating a profound effect through simple purpose. The emotional message is clear: tiny acts of kindness can brighten lives.
Where to Buy Random Acts of Crochet Kindness by Olivia Dieterich
You can find this pattern book on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Final Verdict: Is This Book Worth Adding to Your Library?
This is a cute collection of quick, easy-level crochet patterns wrapped in a heartfelt mission. If you’re drawn to acts of kindness, enjoy leaving small crocheted surprises in your community, and love the idea of being part of a worldwide movement, this book may resonate deeply.
From a purely crochet perspective, the designs are simple and accessible once interpreted, though not especially unique compared to existing free resources. Beginners who need strong visual instruction or structured learning support may want to explore other resources first.
I love the intention behind this project — the power of crochet used as a vehicle for connection — but personally, I wouldn’t add this one to my long-term crochet library based on pattern content alone.
If the story, the global movement, and the message speak to you, you’ll likely find joy here. If you’re primarily looking for standout crochet pattern instruction, you may want to browse before committing.
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