There are plenty of opportunities to pick up a new skill, whether you’re interested in learning how to paint furniture or create amazing beaded jewelry. And even if you’ve tried a particular craft and it’s just not for you, that doesn’t mean you should abandon your newfound interest altogether. Instead, pick out one small project and try to finish it.
We’ve rounded up ten handy tutorials that will teach you the basics of everything from knitting and embroidery to leatherwork and crochet, so there’s no need to abandon your new hobby just because it got a little more complicated than you expected. Scroll through the list below for some great DIY inspiration.
- How to Knit a Scarf – Don’t let your newfound interest in knitting turn into yet another dusty hobby that never gets used. Instead, pick up some colorful yarn and get started on this quick-and-easy knitted scarf tutorial from A Beautiful Mess. You can follow along even if you don’t know the first thing about knitting up a pattern. Aaand…done!
- How to Make a Custom Tote Bag – From Tie Dye to Dip Dyed, we’ve seen it all when it comes to tie-dye projects. But this simple tutorial from A Piece of Rainbow makes the DIY dyeing process accessible to even complete beginners. The best part? You can use this same technique for everything from pillows to t-shirts, making it a great beginner’s project on its own.
- How to Tie Dye – Once you’ve mastered tie-dye using A Piece of Rainbow’s method, try your hand at this DIY from Design Love Fest. The technique is a little more complicated, but you’ll end up with a beautifully patterned shirt ready to be worn as soon as it dries.
- How to Build a PVC Pipe Tripod Easel – A trip to the art store turned into my new favorite weekend pastime. With a $17 investment in PVC pipe and fittings, plus some fabric remnants from the craft store, I designed and created this colorful tripod easel in about an hour. If you don’t need it for yourself, use your new skills to make one as a gift! — Katie Aune
- How to Make a Friendship Bracelet – These fun, brightly colored bracelets are just the thing to keep you busy while watching TV, commuting for hours on public transit, or using up extra minutes of downtime throughout the day. Plus, they make great gifts! — Lisa Lin
- How to Embroider a Hand Towel – Sometimes, all it takes is one time around to become addicted to a new craft. My first time embroidering was on a hand towel, and I haven’t looked back since. With so many free designs available online, you can never run out of inspiration — or things to embroider! — Emma Lively
- How To Make an Embroidered Tote Bag – I’ve never been able to sew in a straight line, but this embroidered tote bag tutorial from The Crafted Life proved that even those who can barely thread a needle could create their own stylish bags. — Mary McDonald
