99% of orders dispatched within 24hrs, delivery times may vary.


Adding item to the basket

× Item added

This item has been added to your basket.

Proceed to checkout
US Flag Australian Flag
Search the site...

Search Press Beginners' Portal

Search Press

Creative Learning Portals

Master new skills with the world’s leading publisher of art and craft instructional books. Our expert-led beginner guides turn complex techniques into simple, successful projects.

Practical Art Portal

Watercolour Watercolour →

Master light, wash, and transparency with expert techniques for every level.

Drawing Drawing →

Foundational pencil, charcoal, and sketching basics to start your art journey.

Manga & Comics Manga & Comics →

Character design, storytelling, and digital art techniques for enthusiasts.

The Stitch Portal

Sewing Sewing →

Essential hand- and machine-sewing skills and beautiful home decor projects.

Dressmaking Dressmaking →

Master patterns, garment construction, and the perfect fit every time.

Knitting Knitting →

Step-by-step guides to mastering traditional and modern knitting stitches.

Crochet Crochet →

Create everything from motifs to amigurumi with our beginner guides.

Embroidery Embroidery →

Intricate hand-stitching techniques and stunning surface art designs.

Textiles & Fibre Arts

Macramé Macramé →

Modern knotting techniques to create beautiful bohemian home decor.

Needle Felting Needle Felting →

Transform loose wool into amazing 3D characters and textural art.

Fibre Crafts Fibre Crafts →

Discover mixed media, weaving, and creative yarnwork for all levels.

Endless Inspiration Awaits

These portals are just the beginning. We have thousands of expert titles across a range of art and craft categories – there are plenty more books to discover across the Search Press site.

Browse our full collection

Learning Arts & Crafts: Beginner’s FAQ

How do I choose the best craft for a beginner?
The best crafts for beginners are those with minimal tool requirements and quick results. Disciplines like Needle Felting or Macramé are excellent starting points. For those interested in functional art, our Sewing and Embroidery portals provide step-by-step technical foundations.

Can I teach myself to paint at home?
Yes. Our Practical Art books are structured specifically for self-guided learning. By focusing on foundational techniques such as water control in Watercolour or perspective in Drawing, beginners can build confidence and skill through expert-led instructions.

What are the easiest embroidery stitches to learn?
Most beginners start with the backstitch, running stitch, and satin stitch. These three stitches form the basis of most surface embroidery projects found in our Embroidery books, allowing you to create beautiful patterns almost immediately.

Is modern Dressmaking difficult to learn?
While dressmaking involves more fit and construction than basic sewing, it is highly accessible with the right guidance. Our Dressmaking titles focus on clear pattern reading and simple garment construction to help you move from basic stitches to wearable fashion.

We use cookies to personalise your experience and to analyse our traffic. Do you want to allow all cookies or view and change settings?