The Power of Hobbies: Tom Daley’s Journey with Knitting and Crochet
Finding a hobby that brings joy, relaxation, and a sense of calm is one of the most valuable things someone can do. For Olympic diver Tom Daley, this has been a life-changing experience. Known for his incredible talent in the pool, he also gained attention during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when he was seen knitting and crocheting while sitting with his teammates. This moment not only captured the public’s imagination but also revealed a deeper side to the athlete.
Daley has since spoken about how these creative activities have helped him unwind and find balance in his life. He often mentions that after years of focusing solely on work and training, he needed something different to slow down and take a break. “I learned to unwind and slow down a bit,” he says. “My coach always said I was on the go and doing too much. For me, the best part about creativity is taking a break to rest and relax. It’s how I reconnect with myself and my personal tastes.”
A New Chapter: Hosting a Knitting Competition
Tom’s passion for knitting and crochet has now taken a new turn. ITV producers have recognized his enthusiasm and asked him to host a brand-new Channel 4 series called Game of Wool. This competition will feature 10 participants who will tackle a series of complex challenges to become the UK’s first TV knitting champion.
The show is being compared to Bake Off, but with a focus on wool and knitting. Contestants will create unique designs and impressive pieces using only wool. While the first season has yet to be officially confirmed, it is expected to air later this year.
“I am very excited, and slightly nervous, to be taking on my first ever hosting role on a project that encompasses everything I’m passionate about,” Daley says. “I adore all things knitting and encourage everyone to pick up some knitting needles and give it a go! I cannot wait to see the creations our knitters will weave together, and hope this inspires people at home to get involved too!”
How to Make Your Own Diet Coke Crochet Bag
If you’re interested in trying your hand at knitting or crochet, Tom Daley has shared a step-by-step guide to making his famous Diet Coke bag. Below are the materials you’ll need and the detailed instructions:
What You’ll Need
- Red yarn
- Silver yarn
- Crochet hook
- A needle
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make a Granny Square
You’ll make three granny squares in total to finish this bag. Each square has four layers, which are called rounds. For each, you’ll use red and silver yarn to get a Diet Coke-inspired look.
Step 1A: Red Yarn
– Make three little chains with your hook.
– Turn them into a small ring.
– Into the ring: Make four more chains.
– Do three treble crochets into the ring.
– Make two chains (this forms a corner).
– Do three more treble crochets.
– Repeat until you’ve made four sides with corners.
– Finish with two treble crochets.
– Close the ring by pulling your yarn through the top chain.
– Cut the red yarn and tuck in the end.
Step 1B: Silver Yarn
– Attach silver yarn in one of the corners.
– In that space: Make four chains.
– Do three treble crochets.
– Make one chain.
– In each of the next three corners: Three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain.
– When you get back to the first corner: Do two treble crochets and close the round.
– Cut the silver yarn and tuck in the end.
Step 1C: Red Yarn
– Start in a corner.
– In corners: three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain.
– In sides: three treble crochets, one chain.
– Go all the way around.
– Finish, cut the yarn, and tidy the end.
Step 1D: Silver Yarn
– Repeat the same steps as Round three:
– Corners: three treble crochets, two chains, three treble crochets, one chain.
– Sides: three treble crochets, one chain.
– Finish and snip the yarn.
Step 2: Sew the Squares Together
Once you have made three granny squares by following the above method, you want to sew them together to form the shape of the bag. To do this you want to:
– Put two squares together with the front sides facing in.
– Use silver yarn and a needle to sew along one side using a zig-zag stitch.
– Add the third square to form a pouch.
– Knot and snip your yarn.
Step 3: Make the Handle
Now it’s really coming together! All you need is to create a handle so you can carry around your Diet Coke with ease.
- Do six half treble crochets across the top:
- Two stitches in one section of the square.
- Two in the space between sections.
- Two in the next section.
- Make one chain, then turn your work.
- Keep stitching rows of six half treble crochets, turning each time, until your handle is approximately 12cm long (around the height of a can of Diet Coke).
- To finish the handle, you can:
- Stitch the end of the handle to the other side using your hook (just like you started), OR
- Use a needle and silver yarn to sew it on using a zig-zag stitch through the edge.
- Knot the end, cut the yarn. Now it’s time to show off your Diet Coke crochet bag.
