For first-timers
Best craft kits for beginners
Seven first-timer kits, one per craft: crochet, punch needle, diamond art, embroidery, latch hook, paint by number and cross stitch. Here they are from quickest to longest, with time, finished size, what's in the box and price.
- 7 products compared
- From $24.95
- Free shipping over $49
| Kit | Craft | Time | Finished size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtle Crochet Kit | Crochet | About 2-4 hours | About 2.75 in long | From $24.95 |
| Cat Punch Needle Coaster Kit | Punch needle | About 3-6 hours | Six 4 x 4 in coasters | From $32.95 |
| Christmas Pearl Diamond Art Ornament Kit | Diamond art | About 6 hours | 7.9 in diameter | From $27.95 |
| Moon and Moth Embroidery Kit | Embroidery | About 8-12 hours | 8 in hoop | $27.95 |
| Flower Garden Latch Hook Pillow Kit | Latch hook | 12-25 hours | 17 x 17 in pillow front | $44.95 |
| Giraffe in Flowers Paint by Number Kit | Paint by number | About 20 hours | 11.8 x 15.7 in to 19.7 x 25.6 in | From $27.95 |
| Goldfinch Sampler Cross Stitch Kit | Cross stitch | 75-110 hours | 11 x 13 in | $26.95 |
1The quickest start: about 2-4 hours of crochet
Turtle Crochet Kit
A small amigurumi turtle, about 2.75 in long, worked in the round from a magic ring. In the box: yarn, a hook, a yarn needle, stitch markers, eyes and printed instructions with a stitch diagram. Keep a handful of toy stuffing nearby. From $24.95.
From $24.95
View product2Six cat coasters in about 3-6 hours
Cat Punch Needle Coaster Kit
Punch yarn loops into six printed cloths for six 4 x 4 in coasters, then finish each one with a felt back. In the box: printed cloth, yarn, a punch needle, a wire threader, a hoop, thread snips, six adhesive felt backs and instructions. From $32.95.
From $32.95
View product3Sparkle with no drawing: about 6 hours
Christmas Pearl Diamond Art Ornament Kit
A 7.9 in diamond art ornament in one of 13 Christmas designs, with pearl beads and round diamonds on an acrylic hanging board. In the box: the board, pearl beads, round diamonds, a hanging chain, a tray, a pen and wax. From $27.95.
From $27.95
View product4A moon or moth on one 8 in hoop
Moon and Moth Embroidery Kit
Choose a luna moth, autumn moth, bumblebee or crescent moon on black printed cotton, stitched in about 8-12 hours. In the box: printed fabric, floss, the hoop and instructions. $27.95.
$27.95
View product5A 17 x 17 in pillow front, one knot at a time
Flower Garden Latch Hook Pillow Kit
Pick one of 23 flower designs and knot pre-cut yarn into the printed canvas in 12-25 hours. Each square takes the color printed on it, so there is nothing to count. In the box: printed canvas, pre-cut yarn, a color card and a latch hook. The insert and back fabric are not included. $44.95.
$44.95
View product6Paint by number in about 20 hours
Giraffe in Flowers Paint by Number Kit
A giraffe among flowers on a printed canvas, from 11.8 x 15.7 in to 19.7 x 25.6 in, with 24 paint colors and 3 brushes in the box. From $27.95.
From $27.95
View product7The longest first-timer kit: 75-110 hours
Goldfinch Sampler Cross Stitch Kit
A goldfinch sampler of about 11,000 crosses on 14-count sky blue Aida, finishing at 11 x 13 in. In the box: Aida, cotton floss sorted on a numbered card, a printed symbol chart, instructions and a needle. A hoop is not included. $26.95.
$26.95
View product
How this list is ordered
Every kit here is marked first-timer. They are ordered by hands-on hours, quickest first, then by price. Times count hands-on making; a first attempt can take a little longer.
What else you need
The main tools are in every box, and each product page lists the exact contents. Household scissors, good light and a clear table are worth having nearby. Painting also needs a water cup and paper towel. The crochet turtle needs a handful of toy stuffing, the latch hook pillow an insert and backing fabric, and the cross stitch sampler an embroidery hoop.
Ready for a little more?
Kits marked a little practice are the next step: Mallard Duck Crochet Kit (crochet, about 2-4 hours), Birds and Blossoms Embroidery Kit (embroidery, about 10-18 hours), Van Gogh and Klimt Paint by Number Kit (paint by number, 12-40 hours), Blue Door Cottage Embroidery Kit (embroidery, about 15-25 hours), Chamomile Bouquet Cross Stitch Kit (cross stitch, 60-90 hours) and Winter House Sampler Cross Stitch Kit (cross stitch, 185-280 hours).
Setting up your workspace
Preparing your area before starting makes the work straightforward. For paint by number kits, punch needle kits, diamond art kits and latch hook kits, set up on a flat, steady table. Diamond art requires a clear surface for your sorting tray, while painting calls for a covered table. Crochet kits, embroidery kits and cross stitch kits only need a small lap-sized workspace.
Before beginning any project, read through the instructions or chart and try out a small section first to get used to the craft.
Pausing between crafting sessions
You do not need to finish a project in one go. When stepping away, a few simple habits protect your materials:
- Paint by number: Firmly close the paint pots between sessions so the acrylic paint stays moist.
- Diamond art: Cover the adhesive canvas between sessions to keep dust off the surface.
- Crochet: Clip a stitch marker into your last loop so your stitches do not unravel while stored.
- Needle crafts: Keep embroidery floss untangled and dry, and store your punch needle somewhere secure.
Caring for finished work
Keep completed projects dry and out of direct sunlight. Canvases from diamond art or painting can be dusted with a dry cloth. For yarn and fabric projects, spot-clean gently.
If you run out of a color, send your kit name, color number and order reference through the contact form to discuss a replacement. If you are still deciding which craft to take up, read our guide on which craft suits you, or check timeframes under delivery and returns.
Questions
Which kit is the quickest?
The Turtle Crochet Kit: about 2-4 hours of crochet for a turtle about 2.75 in long, from $24.95.
Which kit should I start with?
Start with a first-timer kit: the Turtle Crochet Kit (crochet), the Moon and Moth Embroidery Kit (embroidery) or the Giraffe in Flowers Paint by Number Kit (paint by number). Each product page lists exactly what's in the box.
Are these kits suitable for children?
No. They are designed for adults and include sharp needles, small parts or paints.