The best craft books to get you started with a new hobby

If you're looking for a new hobby to keep yourself occupied, but aren't sure where to start, why not get yourself a craft book?

Craft books are a great way to learn a new skill and get advice from experts before you start. They'll give you the confidence you need as well as all of the techniques to master the craft.

These craft books can be ordered online and delivered right to your door. Also, you'll be able to get your hands on any equipment you need, meaning you can start on your new craft straight away.

From quilting to wood crafting, painting and knitting, we’ve chosen some of the best craft books that can inspire you to take up a new hobby.

Starting a new hobby with craft books

Here's how to get started with some of the hobbies we've suggested thanks to the best craft books.

Quilting

This is an ancient hobby that remains hugely popular, with lots of quilting groups around the country. It’s pretty easy to start quilting. You don’t even need a sewing machine, as you can do it by hand.

All you need is some fabric, and you can always start with old clothes. It’s a great hobby as you can enjoy it thoroughly without any specialist equipment.

You could make a quilt for yourself, or for a present for a family member or friend. Plus, there are schemes such as Project Linus where quilts are given to children in need.

Knitting

If you haven’t already embarked on knitting as a hobby, you’re about to join a massive community. There are more than 7 million knitters in the UK at the moment.

Not only can you be really creative with the patterns you follow, but you can also be really productive too. This could involve making your own sustainable clothes and toys for little ones.

However, you will need equipment for this. It goes without saying that you'll need wool and needles, obviously. But, if you can’t find any wool, you could always unravel an old jumper and re-use the wool.

Crochet

Crochet has seen a resurgence in recent years, with Facebook groups and YouTube tutorials everywhere you turn. One of the best recommended YouTube experts is Bella Coco.

It’s easy to start, and easy to get addicted to. It just takes a few stitches and you’ve made something, so it’s no wonder it’s a fast hobby to adopt. To get started, all you need is some yarn or wool, a crochet hook, and some scissors.

You can make all sorts of things with crochet, from blankets to hats, scarves, and bags.

Embroidery

To get started with embroidery, a hobby that has become ever popular in recent years, you'll need embroidery thread, embroidery needles and embroidery scissors. You may want to practice with an embroidery hoop and fabric before moving on to more challenging materials.

Embroidery is a great craft to customise old clothes or personalise items as gifts.

Painting

Whether you fancy painting a watercolour landscape, a still life of the fruit in your bowl, or some modern techniques with acrylics and oils, painting is a hobby that anyone can get started with, whatever artistic talent you think you have. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the next Rembrandt, as long as you’re enjoying the process.

It can be daunting knowing where to start, so get yourself a good book that explains the basics and give it a go. It’s a great pastime when the weather’s lovely and you can sit outside, but equally enjoyable when it’s raining and you’re indoors.

You will need some kit to get started painting, from paintbrushes to materials and canvases.

Flower Arranging

For beautiful bouquets around your home, learn the skill of flower arranging. Another craft that's been around for centuries, flower arrangements were used in the Victorian era to send hidden messages.

A pretty easy craft to get started with, arrange the flowers with complementary colours in mind. You'll want to add the largest flowers first and create symmetry with the smaller flowers around the outside. To get started, you'll simply need a vase full of water and a selection of flowers of your choice.

You'll also need scissors or shears to trim the stems, and preservatives to add to the water to keep the flowers fresher for longer. In terms of binding the flowers, tape, rope or ribbon works just fine. Before long, you'll have blooming bouquets to give to your friends and loved ones.

Woodcraft

If you have some spare wood knocking around, either from your wood stores for your log fire, or perhaps a fallen branch off your tree then you’ll be surprised how much you could create from one piece.

Whittling is a really mindful process, as it requires tiny but precise movements. It's a hobby you can easily do from your armchair, although it does take some tidying up afterwards. But, you’ll be so pleased when you’re cooking dinner using a spoon you made yourself.

Pottery

Usually taken in a class or workshop, as specialist equipment like pottery wheels is provided. It's a pretty messy craft, which makes doing it from home a bit more challenging.

However, there's nothing stopping you from getting a head start for any classes you wanted to join. Additionally, there are clay sculpting sets you can use at home to get some practice before jumping straight into pottery.

Origami

Find a bit of paper lying around and off you go. This craft originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago. Paper folding was originally often religious in nature, but now is a simple craft that doesn’t require much in the way of equipment. However, it does need a lot of concentration and dexterity.

Calligraphy

It’s generally recognised as the script from ancient Rome, and a bit of calligraphy can bring words alive. Whether you fancy learning for fun or to create your own pieces of art, practising calligraphy is a beautiful hobby.

Need somewhere to rest your book? Check out our shortlist of the best book holders that will keep your page open while leaving your hands free.