Craft Magazines Tested: Top Picks for 2026

Why you should trust this guide

I have been following craft magazine publishing for over a decade, tracking which titles survive and which ones actually deliver value to their readers. The craft magazine market has contracted significantly in the last five years, with many beloved titles going digital-only or folding entirely. This guide focuses on the five magazines that have maintained consistent print schedules, strong subscriber bases, and editorial quality through that turbulence. I evaluated each magazine based on its stated editorial focus, the depth of its tutorial content, and the frequency of its publication, not on any personal testing or ownership of the products.

My research process included reviewing back issues where available, analyzing reader feedback on craft forums and retailer sites, and cross-referencing the magazines’ own editorial calendars and sample content. For each magazine, I considered what type of crafter would benefit most from a subscription, how the magazine’s format supports or hinders project completion, and whether the content justifies the cover price. I did not physically test any products, nor did I subscribe to every magazine for a set period. Instead, I relied on the publishers’ stated specifications and the aggregated experiences of long-term subscribers.

How we researched

To evaluate these craft magazines, I established five criteria that matter most to crafters who buy magazines for project completion and skill development. The first criterion was project density: how many complete, usable patterns or tutorials appear in a typical issue. A magazine that offers three full quilt patterns is more valuable than one that offers one pattern plus filler articles. The second criterion was instructional clarity: whether the tutorials include step-by-step photography, clear cutting charts, and material lists that make it possible to complete a project without guessing. The third criterion was audience fit: whether the magazine’s skill level matches its stated target reader, and whether it offers enough variety within its niche to keep subscribers engaged over multiple issues.

The fourth criterion was production quality: paper stock, photography, and layout all affect how easy it is to follow instructions and how inspiring the magazine feels on a coffee table. The fifth criterion was value beyond the cover price: free gifts, pull-out pattern sheets, and exclusive content that you cannot get from a blog or YouTube channel. I weighed these criteria against the magazines’ own marketing claims and against the feedback from crafters who have purchased multiple issues. I did not conduct any physical tests, measure any dimensions, or track usage over time. The evaluation is based on the magazines’ stated features and the reported experiences of the crafting community.

Quilts and More Magazine – Best Craft Magazine for Quilters and Sewers

Quilts and More Magazine is one of the most consistent quilting publications in print, delivering 4 to 5 complete quilt patterns per issue alongside smaller sewing projects, technique explainers, and fabric roundups. Patterns are sized from twin through king and include full cutting charts, fabric requirements, and step-by-step photography. The magazine targets intermediate quilters but includes beginner-accessible projects in every issue, making it a reliable resource for crafters who want to finish a quilt in a weekend or plan a larger bed-sized project over several weeks. The photography is clean and well-lit, showing each quilt from multiple angles so you can see the fabric placement and piecing details clearly.

One limitation of Quilts and More is that it does not offer the free gifts or bundled supplies that some other craft magazines include. You pay for the content and nothing else. This is not a drawback for experienced quilters who already have a stash, but beginners who want a kit to get started may find the magazine less immediately actionable. Another limitation is that the magazine’s focus on traditional and modern quilt styles means it rarely ventures into art quilting or improvisational piecing. If you want experimental techniques or avant-garde design, you will need to look elsewhere. However, for reliable, well-tested patterns that you can trust to produce a finished quilt, Quilts and More is the best option in print.

Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine – Best for Mixed Media and Collage Artists

Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine serves the mixed media art community with tutorials covering collage, book arts, surface design, encaustic, and fiber techniques that rarely appear in mainstream craft publications. Each issue features step-by-step artist tutorials, supply spotlights, and gallery-quality project photography that functions as both instruction and inspiration. The magazine introduced many readers to techniques like rust dyeing, image transfer, and stitch journaling before those methods became popular on social media. The production quality is high, with thick paper that holds up well to paint and glue splatters if you use the magazine as a reference while working.

A significant limitation is that Cloth Paper Scissors is available on Amazon only as a used book in good condition, not as a new subscription. This means you are buying back issues, which may be out of date in terms of supply recommendations or trend references. Another limitation is that the magazine’s projects often require specialized supplies like encaustic medium, art wax, or specific fabric paints that are not available at big-box craft stores. Beginners may find the supply lists intimidating and the techniques too advanced for their first attempts. That said, for experienced mixed media artists who want to push their practice, the magazine’s depth and artistic rigor are unmatched in the craft magazine space.

Papercraft Inspirations Magazine – Best for Paper Crafters and Cardmakers

Papercraft Inspirations Magazine is the most widely circulated UK-origin paper crafting magazine with strong North American distribution and a loyal subscriber base. Each issue includes stamping techniques, cardmaking projects, paper art tutorials, and a pull-out pattern sheet. Exclusive stamp sets and craft tools are frequently bundled with issues as free gifts, which makes the cover price significantly better value than many competitors. The magazine covers a wide range of papercraft styles, from clean and simple card designs to intricate layered scenes and 3D paper sculptures. The photography is bright and detailed, showing each step of the project so you can see exactly how the paper folds and layers.

A limitation of Papercraft Inspirations is that its UK origin means some product recommendations and supply sources may not be directly available in North America. Crafters in the US may need to search for equivalent stamps, papers, and dies from local brands. Another limitation is that the free gifts, while generous, can accumulate quickly. If you do not use the specific stamp set or tool included with a given issue, you are essentially paying for something you will not use. The magazine also leans heavily toward cardmaking and scrapbooking, so if your interest is in paper sculpture or origami, you will find fewer projects that match your focus. Still, for cardmakers who want a steady stream of new techniques and free supplies, this is the top choice.

Make It Today Crafts Magazine – Best General Craft Magazine for Beginners

Make It Today Crafts Magazine is a multi-discipline craft magazine covering knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, jewelry, and paper crafts in each issue, making it the best option for crafters who have not settled into a single discipline yet. Tutorials are written for beginner to intermediate levels with detailed photography at each step. The variety format means subscribers encounter techniques they might not have tried on their own, such as bead weaving or punch needle embroidery, without having to commit to a specialty magazine. The projects are designed to be completed in a single sitting or over a weekend, which builds confidence for new crafters who want quick wins.

A limitation of Make It Today is that its broad focus means no single craft gets deep coverage. If you are an experienced knitter, you will find only one or two knitting projects per issue, and they may be too simple for your skill level. Another limitation is that the magazine does not include free gifts or pattern sheets like some specialty titles. Beginners who want a complete kit to get started will need to source their own supplies. The magazine also tends to favor trendy, seasonal projects over timeless techniques, so a back issue from two years ago may feel dated. However, for someone who wants to sample multiple crafts before committing to one, Make It Today provides the best introduction.

Uppercase Magazine – Best for Illustrated Arts and Design-Adjacent Crafting

Uppercase Magazine is a Canadian quarterly magazine that occupies the intersection of illustration, graphic design, and craft culture. It profiles independent makers, illustrators, and surface designers while including practical content on pattern making, fabric design, and the business of craft. Production quality is exceptional. Printed on heavy stock with full-bleed photography and hand-lettered feature titles, every issue feels like a collectible art book. The magazine covers topics like how to license your artwork for fabric, how to build a craft business on Etsy, and how to develop a personal illustration style, which are rare in traditional craft magazines.

A limitation of Uppercase is that it publishes only four times per year, so you get far less content than a monthly magazine. The subscription price per issue is also higher than most craft magazines, reflecting the premium production values. Another limitation is that the magazine is more about inspiration and professional development than step-by-step project tutorials. If you want a pattern to follow and a finished project to show for your time, Uppercase may leave you wanting. The profiles of artists and designers are fascinating, but they do not always translate into a craft you can do yourself. That said, for crafters who care about design quality, storytelling, and the business side of making, Uppercase is the most beautiful and thought-provoking magazine in this list.

What to look for

• Project density: Look for magazines that offer multiple complete patterns or tutorials per issue, not just one or two projects surrounded by filler articles.
• Instructional clarity: Check whether tutorials include step-by-step photography, clear cutting charts, and material lists that make it possible to complete a project without guessing.
• Skill level alignment: Choose a magazine whose stated difficulty matches your current experience. Beginner magazines will frustrate experts, and advanced magazines will discourage newcomers.
• Free gifts and extras: Some magazines include stamp sets, dies, yarn, or pattern sheets that add significant value to the cover price. Decide whether you will actually use those extras.
• Publication frequency: Monthly magazines offer more content per year, but quarterly magazines often have higher production quality and more in-depth features.
• Supply accessibility: Consider whether the recommended supplies are available at your local craft store or require specialty online ordering.
• Long-term relevance: Look for magazines that teach timeless techniques rather than only seasonal or trend-driven projects, especially if you plan to keep back issues.

The verdict

For quilters and sewers who want reliable patterns they can trust, Quilts and More Magazine is the clear winner. It delivers the highest density of complete quilt patterns per issue with full cutting charts and step-by-step photography, making it the most practical resource for intermediate crafters who want to finish projects. For mixed media artists, Cloth Paper Scissors offers techniques you will not find anywhere else, though availability is limited to used copies. Papercraft Inspirations is the best value for cardmakers thanks to its free gifts and pull-out pattern sheets. Make It Today is the ideal starting point for beginners exploring multiple crafts. And Uppercase is the premium choice for crafters who value design and the business of making over quick project completion. Choose based on your primary craft and your willingness to pay for depth versus breadth.