In the ever-evolving world of creative projects, having the right crafting equipment makes all the difference between frustration and fulfillment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your crafting journey, this comprehensive guide to the top craft tools and supplies that dominated 2024 will help you create with confidence.
From specialized equipment that makes precision work a breeze to versatile tools that transform your creative ideas into reality, we’ve curated this list of must have craft tools to match your skill level and project needs. The perfect craft supply collection doesn’t happen overnight—it grows with your skills and adapts to your creative vision.
Explore our essential crafting equipment to elevate your DIY projects this year and beyond.
Essential Craft Tools Every Crafter Mom Needs to Make Their Decor & Art Come Alive
When you’re new to the crafting world, focus on versatile tools that work across multiple project types:
- Quality scissors are essential for any crafter. Look for comfortable to use pairs that feel good in your hand. You’ll use scissors in almost every project.
- Basic adhesive options like glue sticks, craft glue, and double-sided tape form the foundation of your tool collection.
- Measuring tools including a ruler, tape measure, and grid mat help ensure precision in your work.
- Crafting knife for detailed cutting when scissors won’t do the job.
These foundational items support nearly every type of craft project and provide the building blocks for your growing collection. Let’s not insult your intelligence any longer – those items are basic, we-already-have-them, so let’s talk about what we really want in our crafting room.
Skill-Level Specific Crafting Equipment: Must-have Craft Tools to Elevate Your DIYs
Advanced Crafters: Professional-Quality Equipment
Professional-quality crafting equipment is essential for serious crafters who have developed specialized skills. It’s because these tools deliver precision, efficiency, and durability for your most ambitious (and swoon-worthy) projects.
Featured Brand Spotlight: Cutting-Edge Crafting Equipment—A Step Above
DIY Craft Solutions —Cricut: Revolutionary Digital Cutting Systems
Cricut offers game-changing tools that expand what’s possible for paper crafts, home decor, and personalized creations that are homemade, one of a kind, and oh, so fun to make! It takes general crafting tasks and places you in with the cool kids of crafters.
The Cricut Joy Xtra delivers precision cutting in a compact form factor, perfect for those who need portability or have limited space. I get asked a lot if I need a large machine to get started… No. No, you don’t. This machine handles a variety of shapes and sizes with impressive accuracy, making it ideal for the crafting life of card making, vinyl projects, heat transfers, stickers, and custom labels.
Get Creative with Decorative Personalization Project Equipment
Creating personalized items requires specialized tools:
- Digital cutting machines for custom designs
- Heat presses for applying designs to various surfaces
- Embroidery equipment for specialized textile work
- Specialized paints and markers for different surfaces
These tools can also be used to create gifts and products that perfectly match the recipient’s preferences or your home’s aesthetic. Something a little personalized, like shirts, to paper projects for home decor, these staples showcase your creativity in uniquely meaningful ways.
The Cricut Auto Press provides consistent, professional results without the guesswork for heat transfer and sublimation weekend projects. Some people dream of fame and fortune. I dream of a heat press that doesn’t require me to wrestle with pressure settings like I’m trying to crack a safe. Enter the Cricut Autopress, a machine so sleek and ridiculously easy to use. It basically runs itself while I sip my coffee and admire my genius.
Cricut Autopress
- Zero guesswork – Auto-adjusts pressure to match your materials.
- Pro-level precision – Even, edge-to-edge heat up to 400°F.
- Opens automatically – No risk of burning my projects… or my fingers.
- Compact & sleek design – Because crafting tools should be as pretty as the things they make.
- Works with large projects – Presses up to 15″ x 12″ for big, bold designs.
Sure, I had some great tools for 2024, but this year, I want to take it up a notch. I want the ease and simplicity of a heat press, but the effectiveness of a machine that can keep up with my growing brood and never-ending imagination. Not only that, it’s fast! When I’m ready to press my design, you can hear the press heating and the dial pad, being placed next to my work area is just a quick glance away to know when the press is ready.
This is not your average heat press. It’s the difference between “meh” DIY projects and flawless, professional-grade results—without the stress, sweat, or trial-and-error disasters. If perfection was a machine, this would be it.
A Mother’s Dream Machine for Designing Shirts
- A wide range of HTV (heat transfer vinyl) available
- From Glitter to Holographic – get fancy
- Day to day ease of use and longevity.
Crafting can get addictive, and if you have a heat press, well, sorry, not sorry, it’ll probably turn obsessive!
The Cricut Mug Press simplifies what was once a complicated process, making professional-quality custom mugs accessible to home artisans. This specialized tool is truly revolutionary for creating one-of-a-kind drinkware that makes perfect gifts or small-business products.
I don’t know who needed to hear this, but basic mugs are a crime against creativity. Luckily, Cricut has blessed us with the Ceramic Mug Blanks and Infusible Ink™ Transfer Sheets, a duo that practically demands I turn my kitchen into an at-home mug customization factory.
- Smooth, straight walls – Because uneven surfaces are the enemy of crisp designs.
- Dishwasher & microwave safe – No special treatment required. This ink isn’t going anywhere.
- Comes with ready-to-gift boxes – For when people inevitably beg you to make them one.
These mugs are basically blank slates, just waiting to become mini works of art. And that’s where the Infusible Ink™ Transfer Sheets come in.
I love that I can make a gorgeous mug that perfectly portrays my mood or lights up my child’s face. My dream of making my own stylized mugs came once I learned that you don’t have to rely on dropshipping for customization. Why not just do it myself?
- Vibrant, long-lasting designs – This isn’t vinyl; the ink actually bonds with the surface.
- No peeling, cracking, or fading – Because you deserve a mug that looks as good on day 500 as it did on day one.
- Seamless transfer – The designs fuse like magic, making it look 100% pro-level.
If you’ve ever wanted to make mugs that look like they came straight off a store shelf (but better, because you designed them), this is the setup to get. Now, excuse me while I go turn my entire dishware collection into a masterpiece.
Sure, hiring an outside source works… but that’s boring!! Once you get into Cricut’s Design space, a whole other realm of possibilities open up. And I mean within yourself. If there’s one list of must-have items a crafter needs, it’s possibilities:
- To create endless designs and personalized (and even crude) memes on your own mug
- To see your child’s, friends, or relative’s face light up with your gift
- To cut, heat, reveal, and repeat
These innovative machines bridge the gap between digital design and physical creation, allowing me to upload original content and bring my unique visions to life with precision and consistency. Every crafter needs an escape and a tool to which to escape to. Cricut does that for me.
SHOP:
Cricut Autopress | Cricut Mug Press™ + Everything Materials Bundle | Cricut Ceramic Mug Blanks | Infusible Ink™ Transfer Sheets
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Cricut | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
Gotta Love Singer: Advanced Textile Equipment
The Singer SE9180 Sewing and Embroidery Machine represents the pinnacle of crafting equipment for fabric enthusiasts. This sophisticated machine combines powerful sewing capabilities with intricate embroidery functions, opening up endless creative possibilities.
Rachel’s story: I used to struggle with sewing projects—whether it was hemming a pair of jeans, crafting a quilt, or diving into embroidery (I learned quickly that hand-embroidery was NOT my thing). My old machine did the basics, but every new idea felt like a battle.I found myself wishing for a machine that could keep up—something intuitive enough to handle my quick sewing fixes yet powerful enough to bring intricate embroidery designs to life.
That’s when I discovered the Singer SE9180 Sewing and EmbroideryMachine, and everything changed.
I threaded it for the first time (with the automatic needle threader, thank goodness) and watched it effortlessly stitch through thick fabric. The touchscreen made selecting stitches feel more like scrolling on my phone than programming a machine. And then—the real magic—I hooped some fabric, loaded an embroidery design, and pressed start.
The Wi-Fi-enabled embroidery let me transfer designs without messing with USBs, and I just stood there, mesmerized, as the needle danced across the fabric, stitching a pattern I never could have done by hand.Because of that, I started tackling projects I used to avoid.
The multi-hoop capability allowed me to go bigger with my embroidery, and the seamless automaticthread tension meant I spent less time adjusting and more time creating. When I wanted to customize a baby blanket, the built-in lettering fonts made it easy to add a name with just a few taps on the screen.
I stopped dreading buttonholes (the one-step buttonhole feature is foolproof), I learned how to make flowers on my toddler’s jeans, and even put sports team names on t-shirts for my oldest! The possibilities with this thing are literally endless.
Sewing became my creative escape, rather than just a hobby. The SINGER SE9180 turned my ideas into reality, seamlessly blending power with ease of use. Now, every time I sit down to sew, I feel like an artist with unlimited possibilities.
Why I Love It:
- Wi-Fi-enabled embroidery – No more fumbling with USBs! Transfer designs effortlessly.
- Touchscreen controls – Feels intuitive, like using a tablet.
- Multi-hoop capability – Embroider bigger, bolder designs.
- Automatic needle threader & thread tension – Less frustration, more sewing.
- Drop feed for free-motion quilting – Unlocks creative freedom.
- One-step buttonholes – Perfect, professional-looking closures every time.
If you’ve ever wished for a machine that makes sewing and embroidery feel effortless, the SINGER SE9180 is the one. It changed the game with personalization as well as crafting unique projects for my family and my home.
SHOP:
SINGER® SE9180 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
SINGER | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | X
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Crafting Gifts
As environmental consciousness grows, many seek ways to make their creative practices more sustainable. This influences both the equipment they choose and how they use it.
Intermediate Crafters: Specialized Equipment
As your skills develop, you’ll naturally identify which craft tools deserve more investment based on the projects you love most. Whether you used to get your supplies at the local store, or or love the online shopping experience, we’ve found these to be exceptional.
Bad Sheep and Quince & Co: Premium Yarn Collections
Bad Sheep Various Yarn Options Elevate Your Fiber Art Creations Beyond Beginner-level Results.
Bad Sheep Yarn will have you more than excited when it comes to yarn that makes your crochet needle quiver with delight. Look at some of their standout offerings that are practically begging to jump into your next project.
Fox
- Colorway: A rich, warm hue reminiscent of a fox’s fur.
- Fiber Content: Soft and durable blend, perfect for cozy garments.
- Weight: Versatile weight suitable for various projects.
Raven
- Colorway: Deep, dark tones inspired by the raven’s plumage.
- Fiber Content: Luxurious feel with a sturdy composition.
- Weight: Ideal for creating elegant, draped pieces.
Impressions
- Colorway: A blend of subtle shades creating a watercolor effect.
- Fiber Content: Smooth texture that glides on the needles.
- Weight: Perfect for lightweight accessories and garments.
Edgar Allan Poe Set
- Inspiration: A collection of colorways inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
- Included Colors: Features hues like ‘Nevermore’ and ‘Lenore’.
- Fiber Content: Ensures both comfort and durability.
Each of these yarns brings a unique flair to your knitting or crocheting projects, ensuring your creations are as inspired as the materials themselves. These premium yarn collections transform basic stitches into impressive finished pieces, showcasing the difference quality materials make.
SHOP:
Fox | Raven | Impressions | Edgar Allan Poe Set
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Bad Sheep Yarn | Facebook | Instagram
Quince & Co Exceptional Wool Yarn
Their natural fibers offer excellent stitch definition and durability that craftspeople love, transforming ordinary projects into heirloom-quality creations for Parveen.
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a handmade sweater or scarf to wrap myself in warmth—and Puffin yarn by Quince & Co. is the perfect companion for my next crafting adventure. I love how this chunky, single-ply yarn, spun from hearty American wool, brings a rustic charm and cozy appeal to every stitch. As a busy mom, I’d say this is the best choice for quick, satisfying projects that I can create while my little one sleeps.
Here’s what I adore about this beautiful yarn:
I can’t get enough of Puffin yarn’s plush texture. It gives every piece I make a snuggly, felted finish with a soft halo that feels like an instant classic. Its single-ply construction, made from 100% American wool, ensures durability while offering a broken-in vibe right off my needles. I love how it transforms into beautiful sweaters and scarves that feel sturdy yet gentle against my skin.
With a generous 112 yards per 100-gram skein, this chunky weight yarn knits up fast on my US 10.5 or 13 needles—perfect for my busy schedule. Whether I’m whipping up a thick cowl or a roomy sweater, the 3 or 2.5 stitches per inch gauge means I’ll have a finished project in no time. It’s ideal for those spontaneous crafting urges that hit me out of the blue.
The color palette, featuring shades like gingerbread, belize, and clay, adds a touch of earthy elegance to my creations. Grown, spun, and dyed in the USA, Puffin’s rich hues inspire seasonal projects that feel both timeless and fresh. I can pick a hue that matches my style perfectly. In my hands as a crafting mom, Puffin yarn becomes more than just wool—it’s a ticket to heartfelt, handmade treasures that warm both my body and my soul. With its quick-knit nature and cozy charm, it’s a staple that I reach for again and again.
SHOP:
Puffin Yarn Clay| Puffin Yarn Belize | Puffin Yarn Gingerbread
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Quince & Co. | Facebook | Instagram | X | Pinterest
Top Craft Kits: Complete Project Solutions
I’ll admit it—I get serious tool envy. Every time I see a perfectly engraved wooden sign or a flawlessly poured resin masterpiece, I start convincing myself that I need a high-end laser cutter, a 3D printer, and probably an industrial-grade lathe. But then I remember: good ol’ creativity (and a little bit of DIY magic) can make it look like I have all the expensive gadgets without, you know, actually owning them. That’s where kits like these come in—letting me flex my crafty muscles without maxing out my credit card on fancy equipment.
Adults & Crafts: Advanced Project Kits
Take the Hot Cocoa Candle Kit—because who doesn’t want a candle that looks like a steaming cup of winter bliss? No need for a chemistry lab or professional wax-pouring setup. This kit gives you everything you need to whip up a candle so realistic, guests will probably try to sip it.
- Complete kit: Wax, scent, wicks—everything included
- Rich cocoa scent: Smells like a cozy winter dream
- Mug and spoon included: Because presentation matters
- Beginner-friendly: No prior candle-making degree required
Then there’s the Rub Transfer & Wax Seal Kit, which basically lets you fake a royal stationery collection. You don’t need a $500 calligraphy pen or centuries of aristocratic lineage to make your invitations and letters look fancy. This kit has elegant rub-on designs and an actual wax seal set, so your notes scream “regal sophistication” without the learning curve.
- Easy rub transfers: No artistic skills required
- Classic wax seal: Adds instant old-money charm
- Multiple designs: Customize to fit your vibe
- For letters, gifts & journals: Because everything deserves a glow-up
And finally, the Resin Serving Tray Kit, for when you want to serve snacks like you live in a high-end design magazine spread. You don’t need a studio full of resin molds and UV lamps—this kit gives you the tray, pigments, and resin to create a showpiece worthy of your next charcuterie board flex.
- Gorgeous resin finish: Like a tiny ocean for your cheese
- Customizable colors: Make it your aesthetic
- Perfect for beginners: No need for a resin workshop
- Functional & artsy: Serve food and compliments
So, do I still want a fancy laser cutter? Obviously. But do I need one to make jaw-dropping, high-end-looking crafts? Not when these kits are out here letting me fake it till I make it.
SHOP:
Hot Cocoa Candle Kit | Rub Transfer and Wax Seal Kit | Resin Serving Tray Kit
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Adults & Crafts | Facebook | Instagram
Wobbles: Simple, Beginner-Friendly Crochet
As a mom juggling a whirlwind of daily tasks, I can’t tell you how much I love carving out a slice of calm with a crafting kit that’s as delightful to use as it is rewarding to finish. The Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle from The Woobles turns my fleeting moments into adorable handmade treasures. With four beginner-friendly crochet kits—featuring Pierre the Penguin, Kiki the Chick, Jojo the Bunny, and Felix the Fox—it’s designed to make crafting a breeze for me, a busy mom craving a creative outlet.
Here’s what I absolutely adore about it:
The custom-made Easy Peasy Yarn is a dream come true for me. It’s crafted to prevent fraying and snagging, so I can focus on the fun instead of the frustration. This soft, stitch-friendly yarn comes pre-started in each kit, letting me dive right into crocheting without the usual setup hassle. It’s perfect for squeezing in a quick project during naptime or while dinner simmers, delivering cute results fast—I can’t ask for more than that!
The step-by-step video tutorials, tailored for right- and left-handed crafters, ensure I’m never left behind, regardless of my skill level. These clear, detailed guides—backed by unlimited email and text support—turn me from a crochet novice into a confident creator. I can craft a penguin pal or foxy friend in just a few stolen hours. It’s like having a patient crafting coach right in my pocket, which is ideal for those rare quiet moments.
This bundle’s four-kit variety keeps things fresh for me, offering a crew of charming critters that double as heartfelt gifts or keepsakes for my kids. With a crochet hook, stuffing, and a handy bag included, everything’s ready to go—perfect for when I want to unwind solo or share the fun with my little helpers. The sense of accomplishment I feel from finishing each one is like a small victory in my hectic day.
The Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle is a crafting lifeline for me. It blends simplicity and joy into a package that fits my on-the-go life. With The Woobles, every stitch becomes a tiny triumph, stitching together precious moments of peace and pride that I truly cherish. The Wobbles crochet bundle provides everything a beginning yarn crafter needs:
- User-friendly hooks designed for comfortable learning
- Quality yarns selected for beginner success
- Clear instructions for building foundational skills
- Project ideas that build confidence while teaching techniques
This thoughtfully curated kit removes the guesswork from getting started with crochet, making the learning process more enjoyable.
SHOP:
The Easy Peasy Beginner Bundle
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
The Woobles | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Pinterest
Project-Based Crafting Equipment & Materials
Different project types require specialized tools beyond the basics. Here’s how to build your collection based on your creative interests.
Paper Crafting Supplies for Printing, Scrapbooking, & Cutting
Paper crafting remains one of the most accessible and versatile craft forms. Beyond basic scissors and adhesive, specialized tools include:
- Paper trimmers for perfectly straight cuts for a papercraft
- Corner rounders and border punches for decorative edges
- Embossing tools for dimensional effects
- Specialized adhesives for different paper weights
I get it—there’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly color-coordinated craft project. But let’s be honest, keeping up with cardstock trends is a full-time job, and my idea of “organized” is shoving everything into a drawer and hoping for the best. That’s why I’m all about smart crafting: the right materials, the right tools, and just enough effort to make people think I’m way more put-together than I actually am.
The Monthly Cardstock Subscription Kit by 12×12 Cardstock
Basically a beginner’s secret weapon. Instead of stockpiling 47 shades of blue I’ll never use, make it easy with a curated selection of cardstock delivered right to me—no decision fatigue, no clutter, just a perfectly coordinated mix of colors ready to go.
- Curated monthly colors: No more shade-matching stress
- High-quality, 80 lb cardstock: Sturdy, smooth, and luxe
- Coordinated packs: Every sheet plays nice together
- Great for layering, die-cutting & more
Of course, even the best paper means nothing if it won’t stay put. That’s where Tombow’s Mono Adhesive Dispenser (Permanent) comes in. It’s the no-mess, no-drama, tools you need kind of solution to keeping everything exactly where you want it—without weird globs of glue or a trail of sticky fingerprints. Effortless crafting? Yes, please.
SHOP:
Monthly Cardstock Subscription Kit | Mono Adhesive Dispenser (Permanent) by Tombow
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
12×12 Cardstock Shop | Facebook | Instagram
Building Your Crafting & Gadget Equipment List & House Collection Strategically
Rather than accumulating random tools, strategic collection-building ensures you have the necessary tools without duplicates or unused items.
Investment Pieces vs. Budget Options for General Crafting
Not every household requires the same level of investment:
- Invest in high-quality versions of tools you use daily
- Choose mid-range options for specialized but regularly used items
- Budget versions work fine for occasionally used or highly specialized tools
- Consider durability and upcycled costs when making decisions
This balanced approach ensures your most important tools are reliable while keeping your overall investment reasonable as an active crafter. If you plan to sell online, consider investing in higher quality tools and machines
Essential Crafting Tips: Multi-Purpose Tools for Space Efficiency
Look for equipment that serves multiple functions:
- Heat tools that work with various materials (especially scrapbooks)
- Cutting systems that handle multiple media
- Storage solutions that adapt to changing needs
- Basic tools with high-quality construction for versatility
These versatile options maximize the value of both your investment and your creative space.
Skill-Building Through Must-Have Tool Acquisition
Let your developing skills guide your tool purchases:
- Master basic techniques before investing in advanced equipment
- Add specialized tools as you explore new craft types
- Upgrade basic tools as your skills demand more precision
- Look for equipment that challenges you to learn new techniques
This progression ensures each purchase supports your creative growth rather than collecting dust.
In The End: Crafting Your Perfect Tool Collection
Building your ideal collection of crafting equipment isn’t about having everything—it’s about having the right tools for your favorite projects. Your collection will evolve naturally as you develop your skills and explore new craft types. Remember that the best investment is in tools that make your creative time more enjoyable and efficient. Quality scissors that cut cleanly, adhesives that hold reliably, and specialized equipment that simplifies complex processes all contribute to the satisfaction of creating.
Whether you’re just beginning with the Wobbles crochet bundle, exploring digital cutting with Cricut systems, elevating your textile work with the Singer SE9180, or creating sophisticated projects with Adults & Crafts kits, the right tools empower your creative vision.
The most valuable crafting equipment is whatever helps you express your creativity with confidence and joy. As you build your collection thoughtfully, you’ll create a customized toolkit that supports your unique creative journey for years to come.
You might also be interested in…
Now that you’ve got some ideas, expand your creativity and start making some books!
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