The Ultimate List of Must-Have Tools for Every Type of Crafter

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, these tools belong in your craft stash.

Let’s be honest—half the fun of crafting is collecting the perfect tools to bring your creative visions to life. But with aisles of options and gadgets galore, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth it.

This ultimate list breaks it all down by craft type—so whether you’re a paper pro, a fabric fanatic, or a DIY décor queen, you’ll find exactly what you need (and maybe a few you didn’t know you needed!).

For Every Crafter

Let’s start with the basics—tools that every maker should have in their creative toolkit.

Sharp scissors (one for fabric, one for paper)
Self-healing cutting mat
Hot glue gun + extra glue sticks
Ruler or measuring tape
Craft knife or precision blade
Pencil & fine-tip permanent marker
Mod Podge or general-purpose craft glue
Storage containers or caddies to organize supplies

For the Paper Crafter

Whether you’re into scrapbooking, card-making, or planner decorating, these are essentials:

Paper trimmer
Scoring board or bone folder
Decorative punches
Double-sided tape + glue dots
Washi tape (in every color, of course)
Stamps + ink pads
Embossing heat tool (for next-level texture)

For the Sewing & Fabric Crafter

Love to stitch, sew, or quilt? You’ll want these on hand:

Rotary cutter
Fabric scissors (hide these from your household!)
Seam ripper (trust me… you’ll use it)
Pins + pincushion or clips
Iron + ironing mat
Fabric marking pens or chalk
Basic sewing machine (for machine crafters)

For the Painting & Mixed Media Artist

Into acrylics, watercolors, or multimedia masterpieces?

Variety of brushes (round, flat, detail)
Paint palette or mixing tray
Painter’s tape
Gesso and gel medium (for prepping and layering)
Apron or smock (to save your clothes!)
Water cup + paper towels
Craft heat tool (for drying layers quickly)

For the DIY Home Décor Crafter

Transforming furniture, wood signs, and décor? Here’s what you need:

Sanding block or electric sander
Paintbrushes + foam rollers
Wood glue
Painter’s tape
Screwdriver or small drill
Measuring level
Stencils + transfer tape

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Grow Slowly

You don’t need everything all at once. Start with the essentials for your craft type and build as you go. The right tools make a big difference—not just in the final result, but in how fun the process is.

Did I miss your favorite must-have tool? Drop it in the comments below—let’s make this the go-to list for crafters everywhere!