Tips on Getting Started in Textile Crafts

You've decided that you need a creative outlet, and you're thinking you'd like to do something craftsy... Perhaps you want to decorate your home, or have the ability to give homemade gifts, or perhaps you're just looking for a hobby. Where do you start? What do you do? Here are some ideas to learn some various types of crafting.

Embroidery

Embroidery includes all the needlecrafts such as needlepoint, cross stitch, basically anything that stitches threads onto another fabric.

The easiest way to learn and start Embroidery is counted cross stitch. It's literally a matter of reading the directions and counting, if you use the beginner's kits. I do recommend using kits because it comes with everything you need, and in the beginning you don't want to come up with your own designs and stitches. Most large craft stores have whole beginner sections, or you can do an online search for "beginner counted cross stitch." As you learn your stitches and get used to the feel of the fabrics and threads you can start to come up with your own designs. Designs can be bought in which you buy your own materials and use the bought patterns. Once you graduate from that you can begin your own creations.

The main skills needed are a little manual dexterity and patience.

Projects include everything from wall hangings (samplers) to pillows to frames to blankets. Pretty much anything that has underlying fabric can be embroidered.

Knitting & Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting are wonderful crafts to learn if you're interested in something soothing. Many people start yarn work as a stress relief tool, for something to do while watching TV or movies at night to unwind. The main difference between the two is the stitches themselves and the tools (knitting needles vs. crochet hook).

Many of the larger craft stores have classes in which to learn the basics. Or there are books, just search "learn knitting" or "beginner knitting" (or crocheting). Online learning tools such as eHow are a great resource to get started, just use the same search terms.

The skill needed is some manual dexterity - you're using your hands and fingers to manipulate the yarn.

Projects include pretty much anything wearable from hats to mittens to sweaters to purses. Blankets and potholders are common items as well.

Scrapbook

Scrap booking is a wonderful craft to preserve your family's memories. Scrap booking is simply a creative way to preserve, protect, and present photographs.

Many of the larger craft stores have classes and workshops to get you started. There are also beginner kits that can be purchased online or at the major craft stores. Just use the search term "beginning scrap booking." There are businesses as well that sell the materials needed, and use parties to sell the items and show you how to start using them such as Topline Creations or Creative Memories.

The skills needed are a little manual dexterity as you're manipulating paper and decorations, and a little creative flow. In the beginning the kits help you out with the ideas so you don't have to be originally creative until you've gotten used to your materials.

Sew

In my experience so far this is the most difficult to learn to do correctly and with skill - but that just may be my skill set.

You will need a sewing machine. For information on beginning to use a sewing machine, try here, Sewing Machines 101. Another great resource for learning is Sewing.org.

If you're a beginner in sewing I really recommending contacting your local craft store and finding out about classes in the area to learn the basics. After that, you can find patterns for just about anything online and in your local craft stores.

Crafting is a great way to relax, use your creativity, have a hobby, make gifts, even make some money. Dabble around, find something you like. If textile crafts aren't your thing, look into jewelry making, painting, clay - anything you can do with your hands can make a world of difference in your life, creatively speaking. Have fun!