Starting a crafting journey can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools. Whether you’re diving into knitting, sewing, pottery, or any other craft, having the right tools at your disposal is key to creating successful and enjoyable projects. The quality of your tools can make all the difference: Helping you work more efficiently, achieve better results, and, most importantly, make crafting more fun.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 essential handcrafting tools that every beginner should have, no matter the craft they choose:
- The must-have tools for every crafting beginner
- Choosing quality tools for lasting results
- Specialized tools for specific crafts
- Build your way up to a specialized toolkit
These tools will serve as the foundation for your crafting journey, and as you develop your skills, you’ll have a solid base to build upon.
The must-have tools for every crafting beginner
When starting out, it’s important to keep things simple and focus on the tools that are necessary for a variety of handcrafts.
Here’s your shopping list:
- Scissors
- Needles
- Yarn
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Cutting mat
- Ruler
A good pair of scissors is an absolute must for any crafter. You’ll use them for cutting fabric, paper, yarn, and many other materials. For beginners, it’s worth investing in a sharp, durable pair that will last. Make sure to choose scissors that are comfortable in your hand and appropriate for the type of craft you plan on doing.
Whether you’re knitting, sewing, or doing embroidery, needles are indispensable. Sewing needles come in various sizes and types, so having a small selection on hand can cover a wide range of crafts. For knitting and crocheting, make sure to have the right knitting needles or crochet hooks in different sizes for different types of yarn.
If you’re starting with knitting or crochet, yarn is obviously essential. For beginners, go for a medium-weight yarn, which is easier to handle and perfect for most projects. Choose yarns that feel soft in your hands and are easy to work with. Also, experiment with different colours to keep your creative energy flowing.
A hot glue gun is one of the most versatile tools in any crafter’s arsenal. It can be used for everything from crafting decorations to sticking fabrics or embellishments. Having a reliable glue gun with high-quality glue sticks is key to ensuring your projects stay intact for the long term.
If you’re working with sharp tools like scissors or craft knives, a cutting mat will save your surfaces from damage. A self-healing cutting mat will allow you to cut easily without worrying about your table or desk being ruined. It also provides a smoother cutting experience, which is important for clean, precise results.
A ruler helps ensure your measurements are precise and accurate, especially if you’re cutting fabric or paper. Whether you’re making straight lines for sewing or paper crafts, a good metal or acrylic ruler with clear measurements will guide your craft and keep things even.
Choosing quality tools for lasting results
When it comes to handcrafting, investing in good-quality tools can really pay off. Sure, cheap scissors or needles might get you through a few projects, but as you get more into your craft, you’ll start to notice how much easier and more enjoyable crafting can be when you have the right tools. High-quality tools can improve your precision, make your work more efficient, and even prevent frustration, such as broken needles or tools that don’t work as they should.
Consider your tools as an investment that will help you achieve better results in the long run. Spending a little more on durable items, such as a solid pair of scissors or a well-made glue gun, will give you better crafting experiences and allow you to enjoy the process more.
Specialized tools for specific crafts
Knitting or Crocheting
For knitting, you’ll need knitting needles in various sizes, depending on the thickness of the yarn you’re using. Circular needles are also useful for larger projects like blankets. If you’re into crochet, a set of crochet hooks in varying sizes will be essential.
Sewing
If you’re planning on sewing, you’ll need a sewing machine, but don’t forget the smaller essentials like pins, a seam ripper, thread, and fabric scissors. A measuring tape is also essential for taking accurate measurements of fabric.
Pottery
For pottery, you’ll need a pottery wheel (if you’re creating wheel-thrown pieces), along with clay tools such as rib tools, wire cutters, and a kiln for firing your pieces. Beginners can start with air-dry clay and simple hand-building tools before investing in the larger, more expensive equipment.
Paper Crafting
For paper crafting, you may want a paper trimmer, which will give you neat, straight cuts for cards, scrapbooks, or other projects. Punches and stamps can also add unique designs to your paper crafts.
Build your way up to a specialized toolkit
Starting your handcrafting journey doesn’t require a massive toolkit. By beginning with a few essential tools, you can dive into your creative projects without feeling overwhelmed by options. Focus on building a collection of reliable, versatile tools like scissors, needles, yarn, and a hot glue gun. As your skills grow, you can begin to add specialised tools tailored to your craft:
- Get started with a basic assortment of crafting tools, such as scissors, needles, yarn, rulers, glue gun and cutting mat
- Work your way towards more specialized equipment for your respective hand craft, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks in varying sizes, stamps, clay, etc.
- There are no limits to your creativity
- Opt for high-quality tools because as far as quality goes you want to buy a tool once, not twice
- Care for your tools: Some needles can be sharpened, scissors can be re-shaped, clay can be re-hydrated
Remember, it’s not about having every tool under the sun right away; it’s about starting with the basics and gradually upgrading as you gain experience and find what works best for you. Over time, you’ll build a collection of tools that make crafting more enjoyable, productive, and rewarding.
“Creativity takes courage.” – attributed to Henri Matisse
So, pick up your tools, get creative, and start making! The world of handcrafting is waiting for you to explore.
