Starting a new craft or hobby can be very expensive if you aren’t careful. Plus, it’s very hard to know where to start with a lot of hobbies (needle felting, anyone?)
Craft starter kits promise to solve this issue and make starting a new hobby a lot easier. A good kit generally gives you equipment and instructions to work towards a beginner-friendly project. This seems like a great way to make getting stuck in with a new craft a whole lot easier.
This guide looks at what starter kits are, when they may be worth buying and when not, and what beginners may need to consider before buying one.
What is a Craft Starter Kit?
A craft starter kit is a set of supplies that are put together in one box. A kit is usually designed to help you complete a specific project. Instead of having to buy everything separately, you get the main things that you need to get started, all in one box.
Common kits that are available include:
- Cross stitch kits
- Embroidery kits
- Crochet starter kits
- Card making kits
- Origami kits
- Model painting starter kits
- Warhammer starter kits
- Candle making kits
- Soap making kits (particularly melt and pour)
Are Craft Starter Kits Worth It?
Craft starter kits are worth it if you want to get stuck in to a new hobby quickly, without having to worry about buying the wrong things and spending too much money.
They are especially good if a craft has specific materials that you only want to start with in small amounts. Cross stitch, embroidery, needle felting and even miniature painting can be a lot easier to start with a kit instead of having to buy dedicated supplies.
For hobbies with more basic materials, such as origami or other paper crafts, you may not need to buy a kit. Some supplies you already have around the house and some simple paper may cut it.
When a Starter Kit Is a Good Idea
A starter kit can be a worthy investment when:
- You do not know what supplies to buy
- You want to work towards completing one clear project
- The craft needs specific materials
- You want to avoid buying too many or full sized supplies too soon
- You are buying a gift for someone else
- You want to test out a new hobby before you commit
When a Starter Kit May Not Be Worth It
As useful as starter kits are, they may not be needed in every situation. You may not need a starter kit if:
- You already own most of the necessary tools
- You only need one or two supplies in total
- You want to choose your own colours or projects
A specific kit may not be a good choice if:
- The materials look poor quality
- The instructions are unclear or badly written
- The kit includes lots of unnecessary extras
- The kit costs more than buying the supplies separately
Best Crafts to Try With a Starter Kit
- Cross stitch
- Embroidery
- Crochet
- Needle felting
- Card making
- Miniature painting
Crafts Where You May Not Need a Starter Kit
- Origami
- Adult colouring
- Sticker journaling