What Is Craftsy?
If you’re reading this you probably already know what it is. But just in case you’re a long-time follower that hasn’t heard of it, then let me share my Craftsy review with you. I think you’ll like it.
Craftsy.com is a creative resource website offering classes and resources for a wide variety of artistic interests. If there’s any creative endeavor you’ve always wanted to try, there’s a good chance Craftsy has a class covering that subject! The topics include (but are not limited to) popular crafts such as knitting, sewing, and baking, along with unique subjects such as woodworking, paper crafting, and various art techniques.
A Craftsy membership grants a subscriber access to over 1500 classes in 20 different categories, downloadable patterns, and recipes, along with the opportunity to participate in various Livestream events. If you are unsure about becoming a member, Craftsy also offers a number of free classes. You can also purchase classes one at a time, without committing to an annual membership.
If you’re short on time I’ll just say this. Craftsy is definitely worth the cost. There are some good things and bad things but overall it’s great.
Classes Offered by Craftsy
Craftsy offers well over 1500 classes on a wide variety of creative topics. That sounds a little overwhelming, doesn’t it? Thankfully, the Craftsy website is very user-friendly, and they have organized the class listings to make it easy to find hobbies that interest you!
The classes are arranged under the headings of Fabric Crafts, Yarn Crafts, Food, Art, and Living. There are numerous subcategories under each of these headings. For example, under the heading “Fabric Crafts”, you’ll find subcategories of Quilting, Sewing, and Embroidery.
It can be overwhelming to find the “right” class for your interests. For example: in the category of “Knitting”, there are 171 different classes! They range from a variety of techniques to specific projects.
Craftsy makes it easy to narrow your choices if you are looking for a particular instruction, though. Still using the “Knitting” category as an example, you can refine your search by choosing topics such as “Scarves and Shawls” or “Lace & Brioche Knitting”.
Many of these classes include bonus materials, such as PDF documents with patterns or step-by-step instructions, and once you buy or upload a class you can go on the Craftsy website any time and watch it again and again.
The Craftsy instructors are all qualified experts on the topics they’re teaching. Links to each class often include introductory bios for the instructor. You’ll find many professional authors, teachers, artists, and craft business owners who are ready to share the wealth of their knowledge.
Craftsy’s Classes and Video Quality
There is no shortage of online DIY videos available for just about any skill you’d want to learn. It can be frustrating because not all instructional videos are made the same! The videos on Craftsy are clearly produced by professional videographers and lighting teams. They’re bright and easy to see all the details. Perhaps most importantly, the sound quality of their video classes is excellent! There are few things more frustrating about watching instructional videos than not being able to hear everything or understand what the instructor is saying.
Craftsy Cost – Their Pricing Plans
Basic membership to craftsy.com is $8.99 per month or a slightly discounted rate of $89.99 per year. This gives you access to all of the online video classes, printable bonus materials, a weekly email newsletter with ideas and helpful tips, and access to occasional live online instructional events. Additionally, you can share your Craftsy membership with up to three friends or family at no additional cost to you or the “guest members” you invite. That’s like getting four memberships for one price! This is a great value, especially for families with creative youngsters.
The annual price for a Craftsy members ship of $89.99 seems a little steep at first, but consider how many classes you or your family might be interested in purchasing. Prices for premium classes on craftsy.com range from $4.99 to $69.99, with the average seeming to be around $30. Three or four classes will probably cost you the same amount as an annual membership (which gives you access to over 1,000 classes). While craft supply stores and local yarn stores routinely offer in-person classes, they typically cost $50 to $100, and you won’t have access to video to “retake” the class as often as you’d like.
Is Craftsy Right For You?
A Craftsy membership is a great resource for anyone who enjoys creating and learning. If you are always wanting to learn new skills, or improve on your current hobbies, this is a fantastic website.
The classes are best suited to people who are comfortable learning online and don’t feel the need for the social aspects of being in an “in-person” class.
The convenience of being able to watch the classes anytime is perfect for people who have busy work schedules, or who work shifts that don’t coincide with most in-person class times.
One special area of note is a category called “Fun For Kids”. These classes aren’t necessarily geared towards being specifically for children, but they are simple and enjoyable for any creative kids. These suggested classes could be a great resource for home-schooled children, or to keep creative minds engaged over holiday breaks.
If you’re ready to join you can use my special link below to sign up.
Small Things That Could Be Improved
The range of topics and quality of instruction on Craftsy is outstanding. However, there are a few minor things I feel could improve the website:
Some of the classes have a tab for “class discussion”. It’s an area where students can ask questions and offer tips among themselves. It doesn’t seem to be available for every class, though. It would be nice if that was a standard feature for all classes.
Another helpful feature would be if classes shared links to purchase suggested materials. It would be a timesaver to be able to purchase a class and the materials all on one page. At the very least, a page with links to suggested suppliers could be helpful.
Finally, there isn’t much of an online social aspect to being a Craftsy member. It would be fun if there was a way to share photos of completed projects from classes, and to connect with other members.
Conclusion: Is Craftsy Worth It?
Given the wide variety and professional quality of the classes offered, I think Craftsy is a good value, especially with the option to share a premium membership with up to three friends or family members.
Being able to try free classes, or just buy one or two of interest is a great way to give Craftsy a try if you’re unsure about paying for an entire year. If you’re a person who is comfortable with online classes and is always curious to try new skills or hobbies, you will love Craftsy.
