7 Free Online Resources to Cultivate Your Crafting Skills

Woman crafting at home
SunKids / Shutterstock.com

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.

You’re looking for online craft classes, 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.

Are these all online craft classes for adults? Not necessarily! Some of them can be for kids with adult supervision, too. Read what the class recommends as far as age and make your best judgment.

This list of online craft courses won’t break the bank, and they’ll help you find inspiration. Find out how to get started with these virtual craft classes.

1. Craftsy

Close up of person sewing
NeydtStock / Shutterstock.com

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.

2. A Beautiful Mess

Mother daughter doing crafts
Flamingo Images / Shutterstock.com

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 decor 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 macrame camera strap.

3. Damask Love

Craft supplies
Derek Hatfield / Shutterstock.com

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+.

4. Purl

Mother, daughter and granddaughter knitting together
Blend Images / Shutterstock.com

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.

5. Paper & Stitch

Creative workshop for kids with crafting supplies, glue, scissors and more.
LaineN / Shutterstock.com

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 stationery.

6. P.S. – I Made This

A woman handcrafts jewelry with beads
FXQuadro / Shutterstock.com

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.

7. The Spruce Crafts

crafting
SAQUIZETA / Shutterstock.com

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.

 

Upgrade to an ad-free experience

As a newsletter subscriber, you're already part of the family. Members enjoy distraction-free reading, PDF downloads, and exclusive perks.

No ads • PDF downloads • 2 free eBooks • Email us questions
Learn more about membership benefits •