Driven by a promise to his terminally ill nephew, Tran Minh Tung - a 29-year-old fitness enthusiast from Da Nang - discovered a passion for crocheting, crafting charming creations that have captured the hearts of many.

A promise born from love

Minh Tung's dual interests in bodybuilding and crocheting might seem worlds apart, but they both shape his daily life. After work, this muscular young man alternates between lifting weights at the gym and delicately crafting with yarn and a crochet hook.

For Tung, fitness builds his strength and energy, while crocheting provides peace and mindfulness. Each stitch is a meditative act, a moment to pause and breathe.

Tung’s journey with crochet began over a year ago with a heartfelt promise to his nephew, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of five.

“My nephew loved stuffed animals, especially a crocheted bunny he cherished above all. Seeing his attachment, I promised to learn crochet and fill his room with handmade animals. But by the time I completed my first piece in late 2023, he had passed away,” Tung said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Despite the loss, Tung is grateful for his nephew and the promise that sparked a passion he now treasures.

From awkward stitches to artistic creations

Tung taught himself crochet using online tutorials on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The first two months were filled with trial and error. His initial attempts were riddled with mistakes - uneven stitches, incorrect patterns, and countless do-overs.

But with persistence, he dedicated 3–5 hours each day to perfecting his craft. By November 2023, Tung had created his first crocheted bunny, a gift for his nephew before his passing.

"Every step matters when crafting a complete and beautiful piece. The most challenging part is shaping the product because even a small oversight means starting from scratch," Tung explained.

A craft that brings peace

Crochet has become a daily habit for Tung. Over the past year, he has lost count of the number of adorable items he has made, from handbags to stuffed animals. Each piece takes anywhere from 4 to 15 hours to complete, with more intricate designs requiring up to a week.

One of his favorite creations is the iconic Teddy bear from Mr. Bean, which has been especially popular with children.

“Crocheting teaches me focus and patience. It’s also a way to unwind and find calm after a busy day,” Tung shared.

Viral success and a new career path

One day, Tung decided to share his passion online, posting videos of his crochet work on TikTok. His skill and creativity quickly gained attention, with viewers marveling at the juxtaposition of his muscular frame and delicate craftsmanship. Orders started pouring in.

His products, priced between a few dozen and several hundred thousand dong, quickly sold out. Despite the growing demand, Tung remains committed to quality over quantity, ensuring each item carries his personal touch and the essence of handmade art.

“I don’t mass-produce or sacrifice craftsmanship for volume. Every product must have a unique soul - something that sets it apart,” he emphasized.

A source of joy and connection

Positive feedback from customers and followers motivates Tung to keep creating.

“One child with droopy eyelids messaged me, saying they had very few friends. I sent them a stuffed animal as a gift of encouragement. Another person said my videos brought them peace in the chaos of life. It’s those moments that deepen my love for crochet,” Tung said.

For Tung, each yarn creation is more than a product - it’s a vessel for connection, comfort, and creativity.

Thanh Minh