You can craft it! How to start crafting and how to level up your skills for 2023
There's nothing more rewarding than picking up a new hobby, and crafting is a wonderful way to keep your hands busy as well as helping you feel happier, more mindful and connected. Whether you're looking for the perfect pastime or have an idea you want to craft into the world, here you'll find all the beginner guides and resources on how to start your crafting journey. Let's get making!
New to knitting? Start right here!
Whether you're a first-time knitter, a lapsed learner or a once-upon-a-timer, there's no time like the present to start (or restart!) your knitting journey. We've got loads of brilliant beginner tutorials on everything from how to hold the needles and casting on, to knitting your first row; as well as a step-by-step guide to getting started with knitting.
Video tutorials are a great place to start! You can pick up basic techniques, handy tips and tricks and learn new patterns – all from the comfort of your sofa!
Get hooked on crochet!
Learning to crochet can seem daunting, especially if you've never picked up a hook before – but we're here to show you the ropes and get you absolutely hooked! Crochet can be utterly therapeutic once you get into the swing of it, and the results are stunning. Our how to crochet guide has everything you need to get started with your new crafty endeavour – from the tools you need to get started to tutorials for your first granny squares!
Time to upskill your stitching!
Whether you’re a keen crafter or a newbie to needlecraft, cross stitching is a brilliantly rewarding and therapeutic craft to add to your repertoire. If you’re keen to learn how to cross stitch but don’t have a clue where to start – we’ve got your back!
Express your ideas with embroidery
If you're someone who likes to have creative freedom in their craft adventures, embroidery is the hobby for you. Mastering the basic embroidery stitches is easy peasy with our step-by-step videos. Once you've got yourself kitted out with the embroidery essentials - stranded cotton, an embroidery hoop, invisible marker and scissors - you're set to go! Just don't get too distracted by all the free embroidery patterns first...
Get started with sewing
Most of us will have done a little sewing in the past – whether it's mending split trousers or replacing a lost button on a coat. Rather than sticking to sewing essentials, take up sewing as a new hobby! As well as being super practical, sewing can also be a brilliant creative form of self expression. Why buy off the rails when you can design and sew your own clothes and accessories from scratch?
Give quilting a go!
If you're all for fabulous fabrics, simple sewing techniques and gorgeous garments and home accessories, quilting could well be the craft for you. From cutting shapes and sewing them together to turning your creation into a finished quilt, there's lots to learn. Luckily, we've got all you need to get started!
Fancy becoming a baking boss? Let's get you started!
Inspired by the talented bakers that grace your TV screens? Still dreaming of the gorgeous smells of freshly baked cookies from the festive season with your family? Now you can achieve this whenever you want by getting to grips with a few baking basics! To get your kitchen kitted out and make sure you have all the essential recipes to get you started, we have loads of baking tips, tricks and idea roundups to fuel your imagination.
