When life is full and fast, it can be easy to put things you’d like to do to one side. You tell yourself you’ll get to it one day. Before you realise it, another year has passed and you're left wondering where the time has gone?

As we enter the spring season, it’s a great reminder that the new year is not the only time to start new hobbies.

If you’ve had ‘starting a crafting hobby’ or ‘learning a new crafting technique’ on your wish list for a while now, how can you progress until that actually happens? So you don’t find yourself in January 2027 no further forward.

There are many things you can do. It will depend on your personal circumstances and how much time and money you’ve got to dedicate towards it.

I’ve shared a collection of the main ones below, which I’ve roughly ordered from most to least expensive. You may find one suits you more than the others, or a pick-and-mix approach works better.

1. Attend a workshop

This is a brilliant way of starting a crafting hobby. The time to do it, which can be such a challenge for us, is already decided. You have an expert tutor on hand to ask questions of. You get to learn new skills, practise them and, in some cases, finish your project.

2. ‎Buy a kit or a course

Kits are a wonderful starting place because everything has been gathered together for you. All the materials and a pattern. Some now come with video tutorials and/or a way to ask for support from the designer. In comparison, a course has collated all the guidance together for you. Some people will provide the option for you to purchase the materials as a kit from them, and for others, you need to source the supplies yourself.

3. Attend an event

There are so many crafting events all over the country these days. Wool and yarn shows, textile fairs, and stitching festivals. Some are more independent; others are run by larger companies. These are a great way to meet lots of makers and designers. Purchase supplies, patterns and kits. Some even have workshops included in the ticket price, or for others, you can book workshops separately.

4. Use a book

A cheaper way to start a new crafting hobby. Whether you purchase a book or borrow one from a friend or the library. Books often have a very comprehensive introductory section taking you through all the equipment and materials you need. Followed by instructions on skills and/or projects you can make.

5. Watch tutorials

There are so many amazing crafting tutorials available online now. From very specific technique tutorials to more in-depth pattern reviews. These can be a great option to refer to if you’ve read something in a book that you can’t quite get your head around. Seeing someone actually do it can help the ‘penny to drop’. You will need to take more ownership on what you want to learn and what the next steps are compared to the previous options.

6. Ask like-minded people

Crafters are a friendly bunch. Often happy to share advice and guidance with others. I have a selection of beginner guides over on my blog. It’s a passion project I’m working on, so there will be a beginner guide for all the major crafts. At the moment I have knitting, crochet, tapestry weaving and peg loom weaving.

There are lots of different Facebook groups you can join. Or local groups that meet face-to-face. Whether they’re a general crafting meet-up or for a specific craft, like a local embroidery group, for example. If you’re lucky enough to have local independent crafting stores by you, their staff are often happy to help and advise. Please do remember to support local independents with your purchases as well where you can.

What now?

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with which step to take next.

If you do have a goal to spend more time crafting, I encourage you to spend 10–15 minutes thinking about what you’d specifically like to learn and which of the options listed above appeals to you most as a starting point.

If you need any help, feel free to reach out to me either on Instagram or via email.

Sophie Roberts Photo: SJ Burton Photography

Sophie is a creative mentor and workshop tutor at West Plum Studio, based in York. She’s passionate about helping people spend more time crafting.

She offers a variety of online and face-to-face workshops and events. Bringing people together to spend time working on their own projects, understanding how to overcome the barriers in their way and learning something new. As well as working with people 1-2-1. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced crafter.

Find out more about West Plum Studio on the website www.westplumstudio.co.uk and on Instagram @westplumstudio