The internet straight-up broke when Prada dropped their crochet-wrapped safety pin brooch for the low, low price of… seven hundred and seventy-five U.S. dollars. Yes. For a safety pin. A gorgeous, bougie, “I brunch in Milan” safety pin—but still.
Now, as someone who loves a good craft project almost as much as I love an NA espresso martini, and as someone whose father crochets like a wool-wielding wizard, I did what any self-respecting creative gremlin would do:
I bee-lined it to Michael’s, grabbed a basket of supplies, and put my dad to work faster than you can say “Prada, who?”
And let me tell you—this whole thing awakened my teenage-era nostalgia for friendship pins and friendship bracelets. Suddenly, it’s 1992, I smell Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon spray, and I’m trading sparkly creations with my besties at lunchtime.
But listen… crafting is humbling.
And this project? Oh, it taught me things.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way (So You Don’t Have To Bleed On Your Beads)
1. Bead + Pin Sizing Is Not a Suggestion—It’s Survival
I grabbed several strands of beads that were giving “yes queen” colors and textures… only to discover they did not fit onto the safety pins I bought. Because physics. And because I apparently think vibes matter more than measurements. Not a total loss—those beads will become bracelets one day when I feel like pretending I’m organized—but still. Check your sizes. And don’t go cheap on the pin selection, as it’s the foundation of your design.
2. According to My Dad: The Yarn You Use Absolutely Matters
My dad was the official crocheter on this mission, grumbling the entire time that “no one is going to buy these.” (Rude, but also… “Not with that attitude!” and Dad brand consistency.)
He wants you to know:
- “Cord” yarn = BAD.
- Pliable, soft yarn = GOOD.
- The right yarn makes wrapping the pin easier and helps avoid unnecessary cursing.
If you want to know his specific yarn preferences, please call him directly, because I’m not about to start a father-daughter fiber war.
3. I Poked Myself. Repeatedly.
Those tiny silver ball beads? The ones tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving weekend? Yeah… they bite.
I pierced myself more than once, drew actual blood, and needed my readers even to SEE what I was doing because I am now squarely in my “fabulous 50s crafting auntie” era.
But we persist!
4. My Favorite Creation? The Orange + Tan Striped Pin
Throw in a rhinestone thunderbolt charm and suddenly it was chef’s kiss.
This one ended up being the closest to the Prada original—if Prada had a personality and a sense of humor.
Why I Love This Project (Besides Being Petty Toward Luxury Prices)
These DIY pins are actually perfect for:
- Personalized gifts for your gal pals
- Bag charms (because purse decor is HAVING A MOMENT)
- Jacket bling
- Celebrating your inner crafty teenager
- Reminding Prada that they don’t own the rights to yarn and hardware
Between pins, patches, and a little bit of sass, I’m fully leaning in.
Want to Try It Yourself? Start Here: Video Inspiration
The internet is basically a crochet safety pin fan club right now, and honestly, I support it. Here are some of my fave recreations:
- Instagram @peachesanddiesel104 – HILARIOUS!!!!!
- Instagram @crochets_by_geet
- YouTube Short
- TikTok @crochizastudio
- TikTok @sunnyknitting
And if you go searching, you’ll find endless tutorials across TikTok, IG, Facebook, and YouTube. Just look for “Prada Crochet Safety Pin Tutorial,” and prepare to lose an hour of your life.
Basic Steps (According to the Internet Craft Illuminati)
- Grab a jumbo safety pin (select your metal of choice for maximum designer energy – I’m a silver or platinum gal all the way).
- Pick your yarn or crochet cord in the color(s) you want. My dad wants you to know that the striped pattern is more complicated than a single solid color.
- Use a single crochet stitch to wrap around the pin.
- Add charms, beads, or anything that makes your sober heart happy.
Boom. You’ve just made a $775 accessory for the price of a latte.
Final Thoughts
Crafting is cheaper than therapy (mostly). It’s a great way to channel your sober creativity. And it’s a fun excuse to text your dad and say, “Hey, can you crochet this? No, don’t roll your eyes at me.”
If you make one of these DIY Prada-inspired safety pins, please send me pics. I want to see your creations, your color schemes, your charm choices… and any Band-Aids you had to apply along the way.
Stay crafty, stay sober, and remember:
You don’t need Prada when you have personality.
CURATED CRAFTS: The Art of Crochet – The Story of a Handmade Crocheted Tablecloth (Yes, also made by my dad – I wonder what Prada would price this at?)
CURATED CRAFTS at The Sober Curator is all about keeping your hands busy and your mind inspired in sobriety. Whether you’re diving into art therapy, channeling your inner Sober Picasso, or laughing your way through a Pinterest fail, creative expression can be a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional healing. Crafting isn’t about perfection—it’s about expanding your mind, expressing your feelings, and having fun along the way.
Follow our latest DIY inspiration on Pinterest, or, if crafting isn’t your thing, check out our #QUITLIT section for book recommendations that feed the soul. You can also shop our curated list of supplies on our Amazon Storefront.
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