You’re looking for online craft lessons, but YouTube is full of amateurish tutorials and poorly demonstrated how-to’s. It might take more time to find a truly helpful online crafting guide, than it does to complete the project itself.
Are you ready to pick up the needles, the glue stick and the fancy electronic cutting machines to create a crafty DIY masterpiece? Start with these discounted or FREE craft classes from people with teaching experience that you can find online.
1. Craftsy
Whether your craft of choice leans toward yarn or paper and pencil, check out the FREE mini craft classes at Craftsy. Videos include Sewing Machine Feet A to Z, Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quiltmaking Skills, Figure Drawing: An Essential Guide and even several cake-decorating lessons. Craftsy also sells expanded online craft lessons in everything from jewelry-making and weaving to home and garden care that you can access through a premium membership. Their monthly membership is $7.99, and their annual membership is $79.99.
2. A Beautiful Mess
Run by sisters Elsie and Emma, A Beautiful Mess features FREE do-it-yourself craft classes for sewing, jewelry, yarn, paper and more, as well as make-it-yourself house décor tutorials, recipes and style tips. Whatever your creative outlet may be, they have something that will pique your interest and help you incorporate craftiness into all areas of your life. Check out this list of 50+ Homemade Gift Ideas if a loved one has a birthday coming up (or you just feel like treating yourself). Also take a look at their tutorial on How to Make a Simple Pop-Up Card or try your hand at creating this Simple Macramé Camera Strap.
3. Skillshare
Skillshare lets you learn new skills from experts and working professionals in a variety of creative topics, including watercolor, animation and photography. Check out their list of FREE classes to get started. Each class is broken down into short lessons and projects, so you can easily progress in a new hobby even if you’re short on time. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, try checking out Basic Watercolor Techniques for Beginners or Typography That Works: Typographic Composition and Fonts.
You can access the first video for most classes without creating an account, but you will need to sign up for a free account to watch all of the lessons available. If you want to explore all the classes that Skillshare has to offer, you can sign up for a premium membership that grants you unlimited access. For new members, the first seven days are free. After that it’s $32/month or $168/year.
4. Damask Love
Blogger and life-long crafter Amber Kemp-Gerstel is the force behind Damask Love. On her blog, you’ll find plenty of FREE online craft lessons, especially ones that involve working with paper or fabric. Every project available on Damask Love is written in her “do-able DIY” approach, which strives to take the intimidation and frustration out of crafting and let you dive right into creating. Give it a shot with her tutorial on How to Make a Paper Monstera Plant or learn How to Sew a Drawstring Bag. If you want to see Amber on the big screen and get your kids involved in crafting, she also hosts a family crafting show available on Disney+.
5. Purl
A New York City needle crafting store, Purl has online tutorials encompassing everything you’ve ever wanted to know about knitting, crocheting or any form of needlework. If you’re a crafting pro, check out their Projects section for new patterns and ideas, like this cozy Log Cabin Spectrum Blanket. If you’re still a novice, Purl also features a Tutorials section with tips, advice and beginner projects. Even if you’re not a knitter or sewer, the Craft section features something for everyone, including Braided Friendship Bracelets, Woven Felt Placemats and Printed Napkins.
6. The Craft Blog
If you already have some basic crafting experience and are seeking a little inspiration, take a look at The Craft Blog. The blog features ideas and more for papercraft, card making, scrapbooking, painting, yarn and even baking. The blog frequently includes FREE paper downloads, as well as printable craft templates and DIY step-by-step tutorials. If you’re a parent, take a look at their post on 20 Crafty Ideas to Keep Kids Busy. Also check out this tutorial on how to make adorable Confetti Heart PomPom Earrings with yarn or these tips on How to use Acrylic Paints in your Papercrafts.
7. Heart Handmade
Discover how crafting and creativity can boost your mental health with Heart Handmade, founded by art therapist-in-training Claire. Her FREE online classes include bullet journaling methods, lettering techniques and crochet tutorials. Improve your handwriting with these 15 Comprehensive Calligraphy Practice Sheets or make fun DIY gifts when you learn to Crochet Fruity Potholders.
8. Paper & Stitch
Paper & Stitch is dedicated to offering DIY lessons and design inspiration for modern life. Their website is helpfully broken down into numerous DIY categories, including sections for weekend projects, holiday, party and entertaining and paper goods. They also feature lifestyle tips on food, fashion and travel. Check out their tutorials on how to make DIY Notebooks in 5 Minutes, DIY Sunprint Party Favor Bags or Dip Dyed Watercolor Stationary.
9. P.S. – I Made This
Browse through hundreds of projects with step-by-step instructions on P.S. – I Made This. Try your hand at beading, painting and more with a variety of FREE online classes to choose from for beginners on up. Preserve memories with this Linen Matted Frame tutorial, bring new life to your garden with a Gold Leaf Planter or prepare for summer by making some Sunglass Chains.
10. The Spruce Crafts
Pulling from the experiences of over 10 passionate makers, The Spruce Crafts has thousands of in-depth articles and tutorials on a variety of crafts and hobbies. You can explore needle crafts, beadwork, paper crafts, embroidery, knitting and more. Plus, it’s designed for newbies and pros alike, with both beginner and advanced projects and lessons. Check out their tutorial on making a DIY Marbled Nail Polish Phone Case, get inspiration from their 18 DIY Canvas Art Ideas or discover 23 Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners.
Don’t be shy — we’d love to see your creations! Post links to your Pinterest page in the comments.
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