From the studio

Guides & inspiration

Technique tutorials, project guides, honest course reviews, and ideas for anyone who makes things.

52 of 52 articles

Crochet the Perfect Sweater — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet the Perfect Sweater

Review of Crochet the Perfect Sweater on Udemy. Intermediate-level garment course — pattern difficulty, yarn guidance, gauge swatching, and sizing all assessed.

udemy sweater garments
Maya Ford
18 Nov 2025
A sewing machine on a craft table with fabric and sewing accessories

Sewing

Do I Need an Expensive Sewing Machine?

No — here's exactly what a beginner machine needs, what to ignore at the top end, and specific picks at every price point.

Clara Webb
27 Oct 2025
Hand stitching fabric next to a sewing machine showing both methods

Sewing

Hand Sewing vs Machine — Which Should I Start With?

A fair comparison — cost, speed, learning curve, space, and what each one is actually for.

comparison
Clara Webb
13 Oct 2025
Crochet Cardigan — Granny's Cardi in Spring — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet Cardigan — Granny's Cardi in Spring

Review of Granny's Cardi in Spring on Udemy. Intermediate crochet cardigan — skills needed, yarn costs, sizing accuracy, and finish quality assessed.

udemy cardigan garments
Maya Ford
9 Sept 2025
Handmade sewing gifts including pouches, tote bags and accessories

Sewing

Best Sewing Projects for Gifts

A tote bag, a cushion cover, a zipped makeup pouch, a set of cotton napkins, a simple apron and a reusable produce bag set are the six beginner-friendly se

gifts
Isla Reed
18 Aug 2025
A selection of handmade knitting gift ideas including scarves and hats

Knitting

Best Knitting Projects for Gifts

A chunky garter-stitch scarf, a ribbed headband, a simple cowl, garter-stitch dishcloths, a beanie hat and a pair of fingerless mitts are the six beginner-

gifts
Isla Reed
4 Aug 2025
Beautiful handmade embroidery pieces that make thoughtful gifts

Embroidery

Best Embroidery Projects for Gifts

Six beginner-friendly embroidered gift ideas — each frameable or wearable, with specific kit and floss picks.

gifts
Isla Reed
21 Jul 2025
A collection of handmade crochet gift ideas including bags and home accessories

Crochet

Best Crochet Projects for Gifts

Six beginner-friendly crochet gift projects — each achievable in a weekend, with specific pattern and yarn picks for each.

gifts
Isla Reed
7 Jul 2025
A cosy crocheted blanket in progress showing neat rows of stitches

Crochet

How to Crochet a Blanket — A Beginner

A step-by-step guide to your first crochet blanket — choosing size, yarn and stitch, realistic time estimates, and three beginner-friendly approaches.

tutorial
Rosa Lin
23 Jun 2025
Crochet — Intensive Amigurumi Course (Beginner-Advanced) — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet — Intensive Amigurumi Course (Beginner-Advanced)

Review of the Intensive Amigurumi Crochet Course on Udemy. Claims beginner-to-advanced in one course — we check whether the progression actually works.

udemy amigurumi online-courses
Maya Ford
17 Jun 2025
A finished crocheted beanie hat in chunky yarn with a folded brim

Crochet

How to Crochet a Beanie — A Beginner

A basic beanie is worked in the round from the crown down (or brim up) using half-double or double crochet. Standard adult beanie uses about 100 g of aran

tutorial
Rosa Lin
9 Jun 2025
A beginner crocheted scarf in soft yarn showing simple stitch rows

Crochet

How to Crochet a Scarf — A Beginner

A basic crochet scarf is a rectangle of any stitch you like worked in rows until the scarf is the length you want. A standard adult scarf is 15–20 cm wide

tutorial
Rosa Lin
26 May 2025
Crafting for Mental Health: What the Evidence Actually Says — Article article

Article

Crafting for Mental Health: What the Evidence Actually Says

Does crafting genuinely help with mental health? We look at what the research actually says — including the PMC systematic review — plus where to book a class.

wellbeing mental health research
Tom Ashby
14 May 2025
Best Online Craft Courses in the UK 2025 — Honest Platform Comparison — Roundup article

Roundup

Best Online Craft Courses in the UK 2025 — Honest Platform Comparison

The best online craft courses in the UK — Domestika, Skillshare, CraftCourses and ClassBento compared.

online courses Domestika beginners
Jo King
12 May 2025
Deep three-dimensional waffle stitch crochet texture on a finished piece

Crochet

Waffle Stitch Crochet — Deep 3D Texture Step by Step

Waffle stitch produces the most dramatic 3D texture in crochet — deep peaks and valleys using front-post and back-post double crochet. Step-by-step guide.

tutorial
Rosa Lin
12 May 2025
What Is a Taster Class? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking — Article article

Article

What Is a Taster Class? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

What does 'taster class' actually mean in the UK? What's included, how long they last, and whether they're worth it compared to a full course. Honest answers.

beginners what to expect taster classes
Tom Ashby
10 May 2025
Is Glass Blowing Safe? What to Know Before You Book — Glass blowing article

Glass blowing

Is Glass Blowing Safe? What to Know Before You Book

Glass blowing is safe when done with a trained instructor. Here's what to expect from a UK taster session.

glass blowing safety beginners
Finn Barrett
7 May 2025
Best Craft Hobbies to Start as an Adult in the UK (2025) — Roundup article

Roundup

Best Craft Hobbies to Start as an Adult in the UK (2025)

Looking for a new craft hobby as an adult? We compare the most popular UK crafts by cost, difficulty, and what you actually get out of them — no fluff.

beginners craft hobbies gift ideas
Tom Ashby
5 May 2025
What to Wear to a Pottery Class (and What to Leave at Home) — Pottery article

Pottery

What to Wear to a Pottery Class (and What to Leave at Home)

What to wear to a pottery class — practical advice on clothes, shoes and what to leave at home.

beginners what to expect
Finn Barrett
1 May 2025
Soft rounded puff stitches in a crochet project showing the raised texture

Crochet

Puff Stitch Crochet — How to Make Soft, Rounded Puffs

Puff stitch creates soft, rounded 3D texture — cosier and rounder than bobbles. Step-by-step guide, common mistakes, and the best projects to try first.

tutorial
Rosa Lin
28 Apr 2025
The Amigurumis Crochet Masterclass — Crochet article

Crochet

The Amigurumis Crochet Masterclass

Review of The Amigurumis Crochet Masterclass on Udemy. Right for intermediate crocheters wanting complex characters — but does the depth actually deliver?

udemy amigurumi online-courses
Maya Ford
15 Apr 2025
Decorative shell stitch crochet pattern showing fan-shaped stitch clusters

Crochet

Shell Stitch Crochet — A Beginner

A shell stitch is 5 double crochets worked into the same stitch, creating a fan-shaped cluster. It's one of the most versatile decorative stitches in

tutorial
Rosa Lin
14 Apr 2025
Close-up of textured bobble stitch crochet fabric showing rounded poppable bobbles

Crochet

Bobble Stitch Crochet — How to Make Neat, Poppable Bobbles

Bobble stitch adds tactile 3D texture to crochet. Step-by-step guide to making a 5-dc bobble, fixing flat bobbles, and the best projects to try first.

tutorial
Rosa Lin
31 Mar 2025
Textured moss stitch crochet fabric showing the alternating stitch pattern

Crochet

Moss Stitch Crochet — A Beginner

Moss stitch is a beginner-friendly crochet pattern worked by alternating single crochet and chain-1 stitches across every row. It produces a neat, tightly-

tutorial
Rosa Lin
17 Mar 2025
Beginner Amigurumi — Crochet a Character — Crochet article

Crochet

Beginner Amigurumi — Crochet a Character

Honest review of Beginner Amigurumi: Crochet a Character on Udemy. Covers what you'll make, the skill level needed, and whether it's worth buying in 2025.

udemy amigurumi online-courses
Maya Ford
4 Mar 2025
A crochet pattern with abbreviations and symbols annotated for beginners

Crochet

How to Read a Crochet Pattern — Abbreviations, Symbols and Common Formats

Crochet patterns use standard abbreviations (sc, dc, ch, sk) and symbols (a plus sign for single crochet, a long vertical for double crochet) that condense

tutorial
Rosa Lin
3 Mar 2025
A classic crocheted granny square in multiple colours on a flat surface

Crochet

How to Crochet a Granny Square — The Classic Beginner Pattern

A classic granny square is three or more rounds of 3-double-crochet clusters worked in a spiral around a central ring, separated by chain-2 corner spaces.

tutorial
Rosa Lin
17 Feb 2025
Hands forming a crochet magic ring ready to start crocheting in the round

Crochet

How to Crochet a Magic Ring — The Essential Technique for Amigurumi and Hats

A magic ring (also called 'magic loop' or 'adjustable ring') is a starting technique that creates a tight, closable centre for projects

tutorial
Rosa Lin
3 Feb 2025
Learn How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners! — Crochet article

Crochet

Learn How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners!

Is the Learn to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners course on Udemy worth it? Maya reviews the content, pacing, character variety, and who it's really for.

udemy amigurumi online-courses
Maya Ford
21 Jan 2025
Crochet work showing a seamless colour change using the invisible join technique

Crochet

How to Change Colour in Crochet — The Invisible Join Technique

The cleanest way to change colour in crochet: on the last stitch before the colour change, pause when you have 2 loops left on the hook, switch to the new

tutorial
Rosa Lin
20 Jan 2025
Crochet work demonstrating the half-double crochet stitch technique

Crochet

How to Half-Double Crochet — A Beginner

Half-double crochet sits between single and double crochet — softer and drapier than sc, faster than dc. Here

tutorial
Rosa Lin
6 Jan 2025
Step-by-step guide to working double crochet stitches with hook and yarn

Crochet

How to Double Crochet — A Beginner

Double crochet is a taller stitch used in blankets, scarves and most decorative crochet. To work it: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull up a loop (

tutorial
Rosa Lin
16 Dec 2024
Crochet Pattern Granny Square — The Easiest Ever — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet Pattern Granny Square — The Easiest Ever

Is The Easiest Ever Granny Square course on Udemy actually beginner-friendly? We review the pattern approach, video quality, and what you'll end up making.

udemy granny-square online-courses
Maya Ford
10 Dec 2024
Hands working a single crochet stitch showing each step clearly

Crochet

How to Single Crochet — A Beginner

Single crochet is the shortest fabric-building stitch in crochet. To work it: insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on

tutorial
Rosa Lin
2 Dec 2024
A beginner learning the six essential crochet stitches with yarn and hook

Crochet

Basic Crochet Stitches for Beginners — The 6 You Actually Need

Every crochet pattern builds on six basic stitches. Here's how to work the chain, slip stitch, single, half-double and double crochet, with beginner tips.

beginners tutorial
Rosa Lin
18 Nov 2024
A beginner teaching themselves to sew at a sewing machine

Sewing

Can I Teach Myself Sewing?

Yes, you can teach yourself sewing — but more than any other craft we cover, a structured course genuinely saves weeks of frustration. The machine has a re

beginners
Clara Webb
4 Nov 2024
The Ultimate Course for Beginner and Intermediate Crochet — Crochet article

Crochet

The Ultimate Course for Beginner and Intermediate Crochet

Review of the Ultimate Crochet Course for Beginners and Intermediates on Udemy. Does it actually bridge both levels? Honest assessment — spoiler: it depends.

udemy online-courses beginners
Maya Ford
22 Oct 2024
A beginner teaching themselves knitting with two needles and yarn

Knitting

Can I Teach Myself Knitting?

Yes — most knitters are self-taught. Here's how to learn from YouTube and books, a realistic beginner timeline, and when an in-person class is worth it.

Clara Webb
21 Oct 2024
A beginner learning embroidery stitches on fabric with a needle and thread

Embroidery

Can I Teach Myself Embroidery?

Yes, easily. Embroidery is arguably the most beginner-friendly craft to self-teach, because every stitch is visible as you make it and there's no comp

beginners
Clara Webb
7 Oct 2024
A beginner teaching themselves crochet with yarn and a hook at home

Crochet

Can I Teach Myself Crochet?

Yes — and most crocheters do. Here's the fastest self-taught path, plus the mistakes that add weeks to the learning curve.

beginners
Clara Webb
23 Sept 2024
A beginner at a sewing machine completing their first sewing project

Sewing

How Long Does It Take to Learn Sewing?

A realistic timeline from threading a machine to wearing something you made — plus what speeds it up or slows it down.

beginners
Clara Webb
9 Sept 2024
Crochet Basics — 5 Easy Projects and a Bonus Course 3-in-1! — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet Basics — 5 Easy Projects and a Bonus Course 3-in-1!

Review of Crochet Basics: 5 Easy Projects 3-in-1 on Udemy. Three bundled courses — we check whether the value stacks up and who it actually suits.

udemy online-courses beginners
Maya Ford
3 Sept 2024
An embroidery hoop with colourful stitching showing beginner progress

Embroidery

How Long Does It Take to Learn Embroidery?

A realistic timeline from your first running stitch to a frame-ready botanical hoop — plus what affects how fast embroidery sticks.

beginners
Clara Webb
26 Aug 2024
A knitter making progress on a beginner knitting project

Knitting

How Long Does It Take to Learn Knitting?

A realistic timeline from your first cast-on to your first finished jumper — plus what affects how fast it sticks.

beginners
Clara Webb
12 Aug 2024
A person progressing through crochet practice showing a finished project

Crochet

How Long Does It Take to Learn Crochet?

A realistic timeline from your first chain stitch to finished projects — plus the variables that speed things up or slow them down.

beginners
Clara Webb
29 Jul 2024
Embroidery hoop showing the difference between embroidery and cross stitch techniques

Embroidery

Embroidery vs Cross Stitch — What's the Difference?

Both use thread, both use a hoop. Here's what actually separates them — and which one to start with.

comparison tutorial
Clara Webb
15 Jul 2024
Crochet for Complete Beginners — Crochet article

Crochet

Crochet for Complete Beginners

Honest review of Crochet for Complete Beginners on Udemy. Covers stitches taught, pace, what you'll make in your first week, and who it's best suited to.

udemy online-courses beginners
Maya Ford
9 Jul 2024
Crochet hook and knitting needles side by side to compare the two crafts

Comparison

Crochet vs Knitting — Which Should You Try First?

The honest comparison nobody else gives you — difficulty, cost, what you can make, and which one actually suits your personality better.

comparison
Clara Webb
1 Jul 2024
A beginner learning to knit with two needles and a ball of yarn

Knitting

Is Knitting Hard to Learn?

A fair answer — what makes the first hour awkward, how long until it clicks, and the specific sticking points that trip up beginners.

beginners
Clara Webb
17 Jun 2024
Is Embroidery Hard to Learn? — Embroidery article

Embroidery

Is Embroidery Hard to Learn?

The honest answer — what the first hour of embroidery actually feels like, where beginners get stuck, and how quickly your work starts looking real.

beginners
Clara Webb
3 Jun 2024
A beginner picking up crochet for the first time with yarn and a hook

Crochet

Is Crochet Hard to Learn?

The honest answer — what the first hour actually feels like, where beginners get stuck, and how quickly you'll be making something real.

beginners
Clara Webb
20 May 2024
Learn How To Crochet — A Complete Course for Beginners — Crochet article

Crochet

Learn How To Crochet — A Complete Course for Beginners

Review of Learn How to Crochet: A Complete Beginners Course on Udemy. Everything from your first chain stitch to a finished project — is it worth it?

udemy online-courses beginners
Maya Ford
14 May 2024

Looking for a workshop or course?

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