In recent years, there’s been a real surge in craft kits on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The variety of creative projects available is incredible—whether you want to try embroidery, lino printing, or macrame, there’s a kit for you. They make crafting accessible, they don’t take up much space, and there’s something to suit every budget.
But lately, I’ve been wondering… could craft kits actually be limiting creativity?
The benefits of craft kits
Don’t get me wrong—I love a good kit! There are so many reasons why they’re a great option:
✔️ Everything you need in one box – No stress over sourcing materials or tools, which can often feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out.
✔️ Perfect for beginners – The projects are usually well thought out, with easy-to-follow instructions or online tutorials to guide you.
✔️ Portable and convenient – You don’t need a dedicated craft space, and you can even take them away with you.
✔️ They make fantastic gifts – A beautifully packaged craft kit is such a thoughtful present.
The drawbacks of craft kits
But there are some downsides too:
❌ They’re not always personal – Since kits are designed to appeal to as many people as possible, the final piece might not be exactly to your taste. It can be frustrating to spend hours making something only to feel like it doesn’t quite fit in your home.
❌ They remove some of the creative decision-making – While this can be helpful for beginners, it also means you don’t get to experiment as much with your own colours, stitches, or designs.
❌ They can add to waste or clutter – Even with the best intentions, some kits come with non-recyclable materials, and leftover supplies can build up over time.
What does this mean for Make Your Own Happy kits?
I still believe that well-designed, high-quality embroidery kits have an important place. A thoughtfully made kit with sustainable packaging is a brilliant way for people to explore a new craft without breaking the bank or worrying about its environmental impact. And embroidery, in particular, is a skill that I think more people should learn—it’s a wonderful way to personalise, mend, and extend the life of your textiles, making it one of the most sustainable crafts out there.
That said, I want to do more. I want to give you more creative choices and encourage you to stretch your skills beyond the kit. That’s why I’m making some small but meaningful changes, like:
✨ Encouraging you to customise and adapt your projects.
✨ Providing inspiration for using up leftover threads in new and creative ways (check out my #MYOHcolour challenge over on Instagram and Facebook!).
✨ Exploring ways to make kits even more eco-friendly and personal.
Craft kits should be a stepping stone—not a limitation.
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