Independent review · No paid placement
Skillshare Review (2025)
A subscription platform with a huge craft catalogue — best for exploration and trying multiple crafts cheaply, but quality varies and depth is often lacking compared to Domestika.
Hobbify verdict
3.8 / 5
A reasonable entry point for craft exploration, particularly if you're not yet committed to a single discipline. The subscription model makes trying multiple crafts cheap. The ceiling is lower than Domestika — many craft courses are taught by enthusiastic amateurs rather than working professionals, and production quality is inconsistent. Good for getting started; less good for going deep.
The breakdown
How Skillshare scores
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Course quality (craft) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Highly variable — ranges from excellent to very basic; no editorial floor |
| Catalogue breadth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Enormous — almost every craft type covered at multiple skill levels |
| Price / value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~£14/month or £84/year for unlimited access — good value if you use it |
| Instructor credentials | ⭐⭐⭐ | Mixed amateur and professional — harder to identify quality than Domestika |
| Free trial | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free trial (currently 7 days) — easy to test before committing |
| Live / interactive element | ⭐⭐ | No live sessions; class discussions exist but are rarely active |
| Offline access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mobile app download available on premium plans |
At a glance
Pros
- Enormous catalogue breadth
- 7-day free trial
- Unlimited access while subscribed
- Good value if you take many courses
Cons
- Highly variable quality — no editorial floor
- You lose access if you cancel
- Mixed instructor credentials
- No live sessions
What Skillshare does well
Low cost for broad exploration
The subscription model makes Skillshare the cheapest way to try multiple crafts without committing to individual purchases. At ~£14/month, a single course on Domestika costs roughly the same as a month of unlimited Skillshare access. For someone still working out which craft they want to pursue, this is genuinely useful.
Enormous catalogue
Skillshare has courses on almost every craft imaginable — crochet, knitting, embroidery, weaving, pottery, illustration, sewing, leatherwork, macramé. Breadth is genuinely impressive, and you'll rarely find a craft discipline that isn't represented at multiple skill levels.
Free trial to test it
Skillshare's free trial (currently 7 days) is enough to sample a short craft class or two before deciding. Worth testing before committing to a subscription — you can get a real sense of whether the platform's style suits you.
Where Skillshare falls short
Variable quality, no editorial floor
Skillshare allows anyone to publish a course, which means quality ranges from excellent to barely watchable. Unlike Domestika, there's no editorial commissioning process. Finding quality craft instruction requires reading reviews carefully — the star rating alone isn't reliable.
Shallower instruction than Domestika
Most Skillshare craft courses are shorter (1–3 hours versus Domestika's 3–8 hours) and cover less technique depth. Skillshare is good for tasters; Domestika is better for serious skill development. If you're looking to genuinely advance in a craft, you'll often hit the ceiling of Skillshare's available courses.
No physical kit
Like Domestika, Skillshare is entirely digital — no materials arrive in the post. You source everything yourself. For complete beginners who aren't sure what materials to buy, this can be a barrier.
Who should use Skillshare
Best for crafters who are still exploring and want to try multiple disciplines cheaply. The subscription model works well if you'll actually use it regularly. If you know which craft you want to learn and want quality instruction, Domestika's individual course model is more suitable. Skillshare also works as an affordable entry point before investing in in-person workshops.
Deciding between Skillshare and Domestika? See our full Skillshare vs Domestika comparison → Prefer to own your courses? Compare Skillshare vs Udemy →
Skillshare
FAQs
Everything you need to know before you book.