Are you ready to learn a new craft this year? Check out this list of new crafts to learn and find a new hobby for the new year.

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Before I start talking about all the amazing new crafts to learn this year, I wanted to let you know about the conquer your clutter super bundle that’s on sale right now for 95% off. This bundle is super helpful at teaching you how to get your entire home organized! And with all these new crafts you’re going to be making, you’re going to need to know how to get your craft room organized!

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Now onto all those new crafts to learn this year!

Benefits of learning a new craft

Why should you learn a new craft? What’s the big deal?

What are you doing while you’re “wasting time?” Are you on social media? Are you playing games on your phone? Why not “waste time” creating something special? You could be spending that time crocheting or knitting socks for the homeless or chemo caps for cancer patients.

Here are some surprising benefits of crafting.

Better Mental Health

Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the USA, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Medications and counseling have been very effective, but more recently alternative treatments are getting more attention.

Among those alternative treatments is crafting. Who knew?

Handcrafts such as sewing, painting, etc. have the following positive benefits on mental health:

• Reduced anxiety: Being focused on a craft project can have similar effects to meditation and can allow you to focus on the positives in your life.
• Improved mood: Creativity allows you to change your perspective on life, turning negative emotions into positive ones.
• Increased happiness: Crafting is a way to stimulate dopamine without medications, which makes you feel happy. (Source)

Bonding time with your kids

Arts and crafts can bring the whole family together and create a strong bond. Your kids are looking for ways to spend time with you and what better way than to find new crafts to learn with them.

Connecting with your child(ren) through crafts will help them develop the necessary mental skills they need when they grow up. Plus, working with your hands stimulate hand and finger muscles while also improving fine motor skills.

Always have gifts on hand

Handcrafted gifts are so much more personal than store-bought ones and they mean more.

If there’s a new baby in the family, crochet baby booties and hats make the perfect gift idea!

Homemade room sprays and drawer sachets make great housewarming gifts.

And the list goes on and on. When you have new crafts to learn, the gift idea possibilities are endless!

Make extra money

There are thousands of crafts that make money. This is a great idea for stay-at-home moms or if you want to turn your hobby into a business. You can sell at craft fairs or you can sell online right from the comfort of your own home.

If you choose to sell your handmade items online, there are many options out there. One option is to open your own Woo Commerce store right on your own website. Other options include Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Artfire, Craftsy, and Amazon. (These sites do come with fees.)

If you don’t want to pay fees to sites like these, then you have the option to put your items on Facebook and Instagram and have customers message you for an invoice when they see an item they want to purchase.

New Crafts to Learn This Year

Now that we know the benefits of crafting, let’s dig right into finding new crafts to learn. This list includes crafts for beginners, kids, and adults. And if you just want to brush up on your crafting skills, that’s fine, too!

1. Crochet

I learned to crochet a few years ago and became slightly addicted to it. I have more yarn than I know what to do with and I still want more! (Yes, I know I have a problem.) To me, crocheting is one of the most relaxing crafts ever. Plus, I’ve used my crochet skills to help others as well. Right now I have a box full of 40 chemo caps sitting in my living room that I’m getting ready to donate to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation.

https://twitter.com/MTJFoundation/status/1343588038488829960

You don’t need a lot of supplies to learn to crochet. The main supplies you need include:

• Aluminum crochet hook
• A skein or ball of yarn
• Scissors

I would recommend starting with an aluminum crochet hook because it’s easier for the yarn to glide. Click here to see the exact set of hooks that I use and love.

Searching “crochet for beginners” on YouTube will bring up thousands of results to teach you to crochet with videos. This was the easiest for me to learn. Or, you can search websites that teach with text if you learn easier by reading. The Spruce has great information for beginners as well.

2. Knitting

Just like crochet, knitting also only uses a few items to start off with. These items include:

• Knitting needles
• Yarn
• Scissors

Knitting is on my bucket list of crafts to learn this year. I have the needles and the yarn, now I just need to learn how to do it.

Once again, The Spruce has a lot of information on knitting including how to cast on, different stitches to try, and how to bind off. And if you learn easier by watching videos, then search “how to knit” on YouTube and you’ll see thousands of results.

3. Woodworking

Woodworking involves cutting, shaping, and joining wood to create decorative pieces. These pieces can be as simple as a planter box to as elaborate as a kitchen table. The possibilities are endless with woodworking.

There are quite a few tools that you’ll need to start woodworking. These tools include:

• power saws
• hand saws
• sanders
• files
• planes
• hammer
• drill
• tape measure
• square
• workbench or sawhorses

As your woodworking skills grow, so will your tools list. A great site full of information for beginner woodworkers is Woodworking for Mere Mortals. Search Pinterest and Google for different beginner woodworking patterns.

4. Painting

Painting can include anything from paint-by-number kits to canvas art painting to pour painting. There are hundreds of possibilities when it comes to painting.

There are many different types of painting styles and techniques that you can learn more about here. My mom and I enjoyed canvas painting classes before the pandemic. The photo below is of us painting a bunny with our church.

5. Pottery

A fun new craft to learn this year is pottery. It can seem a little overwhelming, but it’s actually fun if you take it one step at a time.

If you’re just starting out and want to try your hand at pottery, you’ll only need a few tools to get started:

• Clay
• Pottery wheel
• Kiln (if you want to turn your pottery into ceramics)
• Tools such as cutter wire, brushes, sponges, and calipers

Soul Ceramics has a lot of great information on starting pottery as well as buyer’s guides and how-to’s.

6. Beadwork

Beadwork involves stringing beads together with a sewing needle and thread or a beading loom and then attaching them cloth. Beadwork can be used to create beautiful wall hangings and even lampshades.

To get started with beadwork, you only need a few items:

• Seed beads
• Needle
• Thread
• Beading loom

When I was younger I had a beading loom and loved it! I used it often to create different patterns in my beadwork. It was fairly easy to learn and easy to use. You can learn all about using a beading loom through the links here.

7. Jewelry Making

My mom loves to make jewelry and she makes some beautiful pieces. I love her earrings and necklaces! I’ve made jewelry in the past and had a lot of fun with it. I still have all of my supplies but haven’t had a chance to work on any recently. Hopefully, I can get back into it soon. It’s quite relaxing!

I purchased most of my jewelry making supplies from Michael’s because their prices are low, plus they always have great coupons.

To get started with jewelry making, you’ll need a few tools, such as:

• wire cutters
• round nose pliers
• chain-nose pliers
• flat nose pliers
• crimp tools
• beads
• wire
• jewelry findings

Beadaholique.com has some great video tutorials and lots of information to help you get started.

8. Soapmaking

Soap making is another one of those really fun crafts to learn. After you learn the basics you can make all types of beautifully scented soaps. Making your own soap at home is also a safer option than some store-bought soaps that contain a lot of unknown chemicals.

There are 4 methods for making soap – cold process, melt and pour, hot process, and rebatch. You can learn more about those here and figure out which method is the best for you. The melt and pour method is probably the best for beginners.

To get started making melt and pour soap, you’ll need these tools:

• scale
• cutting board
• measuring spoons
• whisk (preferably metal)
• large knife
• rubber spatula
• soap molds
• large glass liquid measuring cup
• fragrance dyes and soap-safe dyes (if you plan to add color)
• rubbing alcohol
• melt and pour soap base

I’ve made melt and pour soaps in the past and while they are a lot of fun to create, they can get pricey. Just keep that in mind if you’re on a crafting budget. You can find soap making supplies at craft stores such as Micheal’s or Amazon.

You can find tons of recipes for making soaps on Pinterest.

9. Candlemaking

Store-bought candles can get a little pricey, but you can make them yourself at home and save some money. Also, you can control what goes into the candles, making them safer for your home.

You only need a few tools when you start out making candles:

• a pot
• stove or hot plate
• wax
• wick
• container for your candle
• optional fragrance and color

Check out this site for easy step-by-step instructions to get you started making basic candles.

Supplies to make candles can be found at craft stores and online. Or you can get started with a kit like this one.

10. Paper Crafting

Paper crafting can be anything from scrapbooking to card making to origami. There are tons of different types of paper crafts you can learn about.

To get started with paper crafting, you just need a few basic supplies: paper and scissors!

This site has a lot of great paper crafting ideas. My favorite is the crepe paper wisteria!

11. Embroidery

Embroidery is known to be quite relaxing and easy to learn. You can do this craft while watching your favorite movie or listening to a great audiobook.

To get started with embroidery, you’ll need:

• embroidery hoop
• small, sharp scissors
• embroidery floss
• embroidery needles
• fabric of your choice

You can learn more about the basics of embroidery and stitches here. And if you’d rather start out with a kit, Amazon has great deals on those!

12. Loom Knitting

I learned to loom knit years ago by watching Denise at Loomahat.com. She has the easiest tutorials and videos to teach you all the basic stitches. Also, her patterns are super easy to follow. And they’re beautiful!

Loom knitting is similar to knitting, but it’s done on round or rectangular looms. It’s so relaxing! My favorite thing to make on the small loom is baby booties, which I donate to our local birth center.

To get started with loom knitting, all you need are:

• Knitting looms (you can get an entire set of everything you need here)
• Yarn needle
• Hook
• Yarn

Be sure to check out Loomahat.com for easy-to-follow instructions and videos to get started!

13. Pour Art

Pour art, also known as acrylic pouring, has become extremely popular lately. Basically, you’re pouring liquid acrylic paint onto a canvas or other surface and tilting the canvas to create different effects.

This craft is great for beginners and you only need a few supplies to get started! These include:

• Canvas
• Acrylic paint
• Palette knife
• Silicone oil
• Plastic cups
• Wooden stir sticks
• Disposable gloves

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here or search “acrylic pouring” on Pinterest for many different ideas.

14. Macrame

My mom used to macramé all the time. She made beautiful flower pot holders that hung in our living room by the window over the television.

Macrame is easy to learn and most projects are created with only 5 basic knots. The only thing you need to get started with macrame is macrame cords. How simple! Although, I’m sure scissors come in handy, too.

Macrame for Beginners is a great site to help you with tips and tricks and the basics to get started. Click here to visit their site.

15. Ice Tie-Dye

Ice tie-dye is such a fun and easy craft to learn. With this craft, you can make beautiful t-shirts, pillows, and even curtains! All you need for this craft is ice cubes and powder dye.

Simply place some ice cubes on whatever fabric you choose, sprinkle the powder dye on top of the ice cubes, and wait for the ice to melt. While the ice is melting, the dye mixes in which creates amazing watercolor patterns!

You can see an easy-to-follow tutorial here for making ice tie-dye pillows.

16. Marbling with Paint

Marbling involves floating acrylic paint on top of a base of water thickened with cornstarch, swirling the paint around with a toothpick, and dipping a piece of wood or fabric into it to create a pretty pattern.

I’ve seen similar crafts made with spray paint. Just fill a wide container with water and keep spraying different colors of spray paint on top. Then dip your project into the water and roll it around so that the paint gets on it.

To see a tutorial done with a flower pot, click here. The Country Chick Cottage has more tips and tricks to learn here.

17. Cross-stitching

Cross-stitching is a craft that I loved to watch both my grandma and my mom do. I used to do smaller projects, but after a while, I just couldn’t see those tiny holes anymore!

However, this can be a very relaxing craft to learn and beautiful wall hangings can be made with it.

Usually, cross stitch projects come as a kit where you get all the supplies you need together. You can also find a pattern you love and purchase your items separately.

18. Sewing

This another craft my grandma loved and now my mom loves. I have my grandma’s old sewing machine, which still works great, but I’ve never used it! I love fabric, but for some reason, I just cannot get the hang of sewing.

Stitch Sisters have a great beginner sewing course for free on YouTube if you’re new to sewing and want to learn. They cover everything you need to know from beginning to end starting with sewing machine basics. I definitely plan to follow these videos when I have more time.

To see the course, use the links below:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

19. Wood Burning

Many years ago I loved wood burning. I worked for a man who made wood birdhouses and I would paint them or use wood burning to create beautiful patterns on them. We sold quite a bit and had a lot of fun with it. He went on to be a real estate agent and the birdhouse business stopped.

Wood burning can be quite satisfying. It’s also known as pyrography and uses a heated tool to gently etch designs onto the surface of wood pieces. You can purchase a wood-burning kit that has everything you need to get started.

This site has a lot of great information to cover the basics of wood burning.

20. Stained Glass

Stained glass crafting may require a lot of special tools to get started, but it’s fairly simple to learn. You can purchase stained glass kits to paint, or you can create your own project from scratch. To do that you’ll need:

• Glass
• Glass cutter
• Cutting oil
• Pliers
• Copper foil
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Flux
• Grinder
• Safety glasses and gloves

You can learn more about stained glass how to on Instructables.com.

21. Decoupage

I love to decoupage! You can see one of my favorite decoupage projects here.

Decoupage is the art of decorating anything with paper using a special glue called Mod Podge. You can use newspapers, magazines, napkins, fabric, tissue paper, and so on. There are thousands of different projects you can create! Even furniture!

A great site to learn more about decoupage is Mod Podge Rocks.

22. Quilling

Quilling is very inexpensive and involves rolling strips of paper and gluing them to make three-dimensional pieces of art. You can create beautiful cards and boxes, and even jewelry.

To get started with quilling you’ll need these supplies:

• A slotted quilling tool
• Quilling glue
• Scissors
• Paper strips
• Tweezers

The Curiously Creative has a great guide to paper quilling for beginners.

23. Tatting

This is another one of the crafts I want to learn sometime in the near future. It seems pretty easy to do.

Tatting is a technique used to create a type of lace. There are three different types of tatting which are needle tatting, shuttle tatting, and cro-tatting. This site explains the differences between each.

To start tatting, you’ll need:

• Thread – Size 10 cotton crochet thread is best to learn with
• Shuttle
• Needle
• Scissors

Tattered Treasures has a beginner tatting series which is super helpful. There are 20 lessons in all.

24. Upcycling

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you know how much I love to upcycle. You can see all of my upcycled projects here.

According to the dictionary, upcycling is “reuse (discarded objects or materials) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original”. In other words, turning trash into treasures.

Before you throw something away, think about how else it can be used. Soup cans can be painted and turned into flower vases. Empty candle jars can be turned into cotton ball holders. Just use your imagination and search Pinterest for ideas if you need to.

25. Weaving

Weaving is the process of lacing fibers together to make fabric or cloth. There are only 6 supplies you need to start weaving and they are:

• Loom
• Cotton yarn (Lily’s Sugar ‘n Cream)
• Weaving needle
• Yarn

Click here for a fun weaving class to learn about the basics of weaving.

That’s quite a list of crafts to learn this year! I hope you’ve found something new to try.

What craft will you be learning this year?