If you’re looking for a way to unwind, explore your creative side, make trendy homemade gifts, or just try something new—a fiber art could be your new favorite hobby. Many types of fiber art are easy to learn and only require a few inexpensive supplies to get started. Keep reading to learn more about these different types of crafts and which ones are best for you.

What are fiber arts?

Fiber arts are any craft or creative technique that incorporate fibers—such as thread, cloth, yarn, or string. You might also hear some types of fiber art referred to as “textile art.”

People create fiber art for many different reasons and these crafts are accessible to all skill levels. Whether you just want to unwind after work or have something to do with your hands while you watch your favorite Netflix show, or if you want to hone your skills to create your own fiber masterpiece—there’s a fiber art technique (or two, or more) that is perfect for you.

Want to start relaxing, making cool stuff, and having fun playing with fibers? Let’s learn the basics about the basics of a few popular types of fiber art and how to get started.

Pro tip: If you live in the Charlotte area—you can also sign up for one of my free fiber arts classes for beginners!

Disclosure: I only recommend products that I use or would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Crochet

What is it?

To crochet, you use a hook, usually made of metal, plastic or bamboo, to make stitches and eventually create your own fabric or garment.

Some examples of things you can make using crochet are socks, scarves, sweaters, and stuffed animals.

Once you get past the initial learning curve and learn how to make your first single crochet stitch—crocheting is a breeze. You can make beautiful garments using just 1 or 2 stitch techniques.

What tools do I need?

All you need is a crochet hook and your favorite yarn. Make sure make you have the correct size crochet hook for the thickness of the yarn. You can usually find this info on the label of your ball of yarn.

If you plan on working on more than one crochet project, I recommend having a full set of crochet hooks on hand to make sure that you have the size you need. You can get one of these for less than $20.

Pro tip: It also can be easier to learn to crochet when using a larger size of yarn and hook. I would recommend learning on a crochet hook that is at least size I/9 (or 5.5mm).

Suggested resources:

How to Crochet for Beginners YouTube video - Bella Coco

Free easy single crochet patterns for beginners - Sigoni Macaroni

Yarn and knitting needle/crochet hook sizing guide - Yarn Worx

Sewing and embroidery

What is it?

When you sew or embroider, you use a needle to create designs on fabric with thread. You can also sew pieces of fabric together to make clothing or textile sculptures.

What tools do I need?

All you need is a needle and thread. It can also be helpful to use an embroidery hoop to help keep your fabric in place as you sew your designs. You could also embellish your designs with sequins, beads, or anything else you imagine that you can sew to the fabric.

Recommended materials/kits

Hand stitch sample kit - learn different stitches

Embroidery kits for beginners - stitch a floral pattern ($10)

Embroidery materials kit (needles, thread, embroidery hoop, fabric + lots of other useful tools)

Macrame

What is it?

Macrame is a craft where you create patterns and designs by knotting pieces of string together in different ways. People most commonly use macrame to make plant holder and wall hangings. Some historians believe that macrame has been around since the 13th century, but most of us associate it with a 60’s and 70’s retro style.

What do I need?

You’ll just need macrame cord, and a dowel to hang your piece on if you’re making a tapestry.

Pro tip: Make sure to check your pattern to see how much macrame cord you’ll need. Even small patterns can use a deceptively large amount of cord.

Suggested resources:

28 Free Macrame Patterns - Gathered

Basic Macrame Knots YouTube Tutorial- Majestic Macrame

Beginner Macrame kits

Weaving

What is it?

Most of the clothes and fabrics you use in your daily life were created by weaving, or layering fibers on top of each other to create pieces of fabric, such as blankets, rugs, clothes, coasters, or tapestries.

What do I need?

You use a loom, which is a tool to help keep fibers in place as you weave them under and over each other, while weaving. Looms range in price from only a few dollars for a cardboard loom to hundreds for a more intricate loom.

If you’re just starting out but want something sturdy, you can find high-quality looms online for reasonable prices. A smaller loom can be as inexpensive as $10-20 dollars, while a larger loom could be about $40-50.

Suggested resources:

How to weave - A Beautiful Mess

Beginner Weaving Wall Hanging YouTube Tutorial - Spruce and Linen

Weaving techniques - the Weaving Loom

Beginner weaving loom kits on Etsy (price ranges from $21-80)

Recommended kits

Large lap loom kit ($32)

Weaving loom kit - giant wooly mammoth loom ($55-100)

Basic loom kit ($21)

Round weaving loom kit ($15-18)

Knitting

What is it?

Knitting is a craft where you create a series of loops using two needles. These loops eventually create a piece of fabric. You can make sweaters, blankets, scarves and more by knitting.

It can be a little tricky to learn your first knit stitch, but knitting gets a lot easier once you’ve gotten that down. You can also complete entire projects using the most basic stitches: knit and purl.