“It’s Been Healing”: 78 People Share Their DIY Wins (New Pics)

Millions of people are embracing a do-it-yourself culture with an enthusiasm not seen in a long time.

According to a survey, around 71 % of US adults have done at least one DIY or craft project in the past year. Gen Z and millennials make up a significant share of that growth.

Across the UK, Gen Z is getting into hobbies their grandparents loved — crochet and knitting groups, pottery classes, mahjong nights, and even supper clubs.

What might look like a trip down memory lane is actually part of a bigger trend. Slower, hands-on activities are making a serious comeback to help with digital detox.

According to a 2025 survey done in Great Britain, 30% of Gen Z said they participate in crafts for mental well-being — more than double compared to older age groups.

Studies show that community-based craft programs can increase people’s sense of belonging and social connection, helping with their overall mental well-being.

Experts say hobbies also reduce stress and improve mood. In fact, creative tasks like knitting, crocheting, painting or pottery are thought to be meditative.

They keep your hands busy and your brain focused, which means you won’t constantly be reaching for your phone.

A survey of Gen Z and millennial homeowners and renters found that those who have completed home DIY projects said it boosts their confidence, happiness, and satisfaction for about seven weeks.

Another big reason why people are turning towards DIY is the economy. The prices of just about everything are sky‑high, and paying someone else to do the work feels like a luxury a lot of us can’t afford anymore.

When a quote from a contractor hits three grand for a bathroom redo, or a handyman wants hundreds just to hang shelves, watching YouTube fix‑it videos and hitting the hardware store starts to look way more appealing.

People are doing projects themselves because it’s practically a budget hack.

This cost‑conscious mindset has even shaped the broader DIY ecosystem. Markets are now increasingly stocked with project kits and tools for beginners.

The overall craft industry in the US hit about $51 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $87.38 billion by 2035.

This surge in DIY interest has only accelerated since the pandemic.

Studies show that ever since Covid hit, more people have been ditching mass-produced items and getting back into making things by hand. It’s partly for the fun of it and sometimes for creative expression.

The analysis states about “71% of US consumers now identify as crafters, with approximately 85 million active creatives across the United States and Canada.”

DIY helped people regain a sense of control during the pandemic, when they felt overwhelmed by news and isolation. When everything went online — school, work and even friendships — turning to arts and crafts was a way to bring a touch of physicality back into life.

Climate awareness has also become a big part of why people are picking up DIY and handmade projects.

Instead of automatically tossing something the moment it gets a little scuffed, more people are choosing to repair, upcycle, repurpose and make things last.

That mindset goes with broader sustainability habits, like preferring secondhand or recycled materials, fixing clothes instead of throwing them out, and learning old‑school skills like sewing or electronics repair as a way to cut down on waste.

It is also a way to avoid fast, disposable consumer culture.

Surveys show that around 75% of Gen Z prefer to buy sustainably rather than go for big brand names. Many of them are even willing to pay more for eco‑friendly products and actively choose secondhand products first.

Places like repair cafés and fix‑it clinics are also popping up in some countries. Here, people can bring broken things, swap skills, share tools and learn how to fix stuff together.

These workshops also work as meet‑up spots where you learn something useful and form new connections.

It’s also not unusual to see crafters seeking out natural fibers like hemp and organic cotton, plant‑based dyes, or recycled materials, to make their handmade creations as eco‑friendly as possible.

The best part about these DIY projects, apart from feeling fulfilled and having something pretty to look at, is how accessible almost every hobby has become.

Instead of needing expensive classes or years of trial‑and‑error, you can learn crazy creative skills from bite‑sized videos and step‑by‑step photo guides.

Whether it’s a 60‑second TikTok showing how to make a resin coaster or an Instagram reel walking you through macramé knots, online content has democratized the whole craft world.

There are several communities where people share tips and hype each other up.

The internet has basically turned what used to be a solo hobby into something connected and social.

Ultimately, the true value of DIY lies in the meaning it brings.

When you gift a handmade candle or a knitted scarf to a friend for their birthday, it shows that you went the extra mile to make them happy.

And in a world that often feels overwhelming and fast, DIY becomes more than a hobby. It’s a reminder that we can build, fix, and shape our own lives, piece by piece.