20 Essential Arts And Crafts Tools You Simply Have To Know As A Crafter
Do you know what tool might be missing in your arts and crafts toolbox? Well, in this article you’re going to find out.
If you’re an arts and crafter, you already know how important the right tools are to your projects. They determine what types of projects you can undertake, how well you can carry out the projects, and how easy it is for you to carry them out.
Whether you’re leather crafter, a paper crafter, a jewelry maker or any other type of crafter, we’ve listed some of the best tools you need in your arts and crafts toolbox.
Table of Contents
Scissors
Scissors are essential for cutting various materials like paper, fabric, ribbon, and thin plastic. They are used in nearly every craft project, from cutting out shapes for scrapbooking to trimming fabric for sewing projects.
Craft Knife (X-Acto Knife)
This precision tool is ideal for detailed cutting, especially when working with paper, cardboard, foam, or stencils. It’s perfect for making intricate designs, cutting out small shapes, or trimming excess material where scissors might be too bulky.
Hole Punch
A hole punch is used to create uniform holes in paper, cardstock, or thin plastic. It’s useful for making tags, creating binders, or preparing paper for threading string or ribbon through.
Pliers
Needle-nose pliers are essential for jewelry making, wire bending, and handling small, delicate materials. They are also useful for opening and closing jump rings, attaching clasps, or forming wire shapes.
Tweezers
Tweezers are perfect for handling small objects like beads, rhinestones, or delicate paper pieces. They provide precision and control in detailed work, such as applying embellishments or arranging tiny elements in scrapbooking.
Paint Palette Knife
A palette knife is used for mixing paint on a palette and applying paint in a thick, textured manner. It’s also useful for creating various textures on the canvas, such as impasto effects in painting or spreading mediums like gesso.
Sewing Kit
A basic sewing kit is necessary for any fabric-related projects, repairs, or embellishments. It includes needles, thread, and pins, which are used for sewing fabrics together, attaching buttons, or adding decorative stitches to projects.
Cutting Mat
A cutting mat protects your work surface when using sharp tools like craft knives. It also often has grid lines to help with measuring and cutting straight lines. It’s essential for any project involving cutting, such as paper crafts, model making, or working with fabric.
Ruler
A ruler is a fundamental tool for measuring and drawing straight lines. It’s used in almost every project, from aligning paper in card-making to measuring fabric for sewing, or ensuring straight cuts in woodworking.
Pencil and Eraser
Pencils are used for sketching designs, marking measurements, and creating guidelines before committing to paint, cutting, or gluing. Erasers help correct mistakes, making them indispensable for drafting and planning stages.
Glue Gun
A hot glue gun is perfect for creating strong, quick bonds between materials like wood, plastic, fabric, and heavier papers. It’s commonly used in DIY projects, model making, wreath creation, and when attaching embellishments like beads or buttons.
Craft Glue
Craft glue is a must-have and works well for bonding paper, cardboard, and other lightweight materials. It’s often used in scrapbooking, card making, and paper crafts. It dries clear, making it suitable for projects where the glue might be visible.
Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is excellent for mounting photos, paper layers, or light materials without visible adhesive. It’s particularly useful in scrapbooking, card making, and other projects where a clean finish is essential.
Paintbrushes
Paintbrushes are used for applying paint, varnish, glue, or other liquids. They come in various sizes and shapes, allowing for broad strokes, fine details, or creating texture. They are essential for painting on canvas, wood, fabric, and other surfaces.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are a very versatile type of paint you can use on different types of surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper, and fabric. They are ideal for painting projects, from creating fine art to decorating objects like frames, boxes, or ornaments.
Colored Pencils/Markers
Colored pencils and markers are great for adding color, detail, and shading to drawings, coloring books, or mixed media projects. They can be used on paper, wood, and other surfaces to create vibrant, detailed artwork.
Palette
A palette is used for mixing paints and other mediums. It’s essential for artists who need to blend colors or prepare specific shades before applying them to their work.
Beads and String
Beads and string are used in jewelry making, decorative embellishments, or adding texture to mixed media projects. They can be threaded, sewn onto fabric, or glued onto surfaces to create designs.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is used to smooth rough edges, surfaces, and imperfections on wood, metal, or plastic. It’s crucial for preparing surfaces before painting or finishing and for giving a smooth, polished finish to DIY projects.
Storage Containers
Storage containers help keep small items like beads, sequins, buttons, and other tiny craft materials organized and easily accessible. They prevent materials from getting lost and make it easier to find what you need during a project.
Rounding Up
Whether you’re painting, cutting, gluing, or sewing, or carrying out any other arts and crafts project, having some or all of the tools listed above will help you not only make your job easier, but will also help you do it more effectively and efficiently.
