If you love DIY crafts but your free time is limited, this post is for you. I know the feeling when you want to use the crafting supplies you already own, or grab a few smart thrift store finds, and make something fast, but there is just not enough time in the day to do it. Below is a list of easy craft projects for adults that you can complete quickly. Most take 30 to 60 minutes. A few are even quicker.
I also share links to good tutorials and tools I find useful. I’ve also added links to our site so you can learn more at trustiasg.com.
How to use this guide
- Pick a time box: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes.
- Choose one project that matches your supplies and skill.
- Set a timer and craft. Stop when the timer ends.
Where to find cheap crafting supplies
If you want low-cost supplies, try a thrift store near you or a thrift store online.
- Use the Goodwill store locator to find a thrift store near me and donation sites in your area. It lets you search by city or zip code.
- Shop a thrift store online at ShopGoodwill.com. You can bid on fabric, yarn, tools, and more. Great for unique thrift store finds.
- Check the Salvation Army thrift store locator to find local stores, hours, and donation drop-offs.
- For home goods and tools, try Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations. You can score frames, jars, wood, and hardware for upcycling.
Tip: keep a short list on your phone with sizes, color themes, and measurements. That way you grab the right crafting supplies fast.
Quick wins in sewing
1) Hand-sewn felt pouch
Time: 20 to 30 minutes
Why it is fast: felt does not fray, so there is no edge finishing
Supplies: felt sheet, needle, thread, button or simple zipper
Try this quick felt pouch tutorial to get the steps. It is simple and beginner-friendly. Felt zippered pouch. 30 Minute Crafts
Thrift swap: upcycle felted wool from a shrunken sweater for a sturdy pouch.
2) Drawstring gift bag
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Why it is fast: straight seams, easy casing
Supplies: two rectangles of cotton, ribbon or cord
Free patterns show this can sew up in under an hour, even for new sewists. Purl Soho Easy Drawstring Bag. Purl Soho
Thrift swap: use pillowcases or vintage sheets for fun prints.
3) Fabric coasters
Time: 20 to 30 minutes for a set of four
Why it is fast: small squares, low yardage
Supplies: cotton scraps, batting or felt
Step-by-step options abound. Here is a clear tutorial with a 30 minute estimate. Fabric coasters. positivelysplendid.com
Thrift swap: cut squares from men’s dress shirts or linen napkins.
4) Scrunchies
Time: 10 to 15 minutes each
Why it is fast: one straight seam and an elastic join
Supplies: fabric strip, elastic, safety pin
See a recent 10 minute method. DIY scrunchie tutorial. My Silly Squirts
Thrift swap: reuse cotton quilting scraps or a worn tee.
5) Zipper pouch
Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Why it is fast: two rectangles and a zipper, no darting
Supplies: exterior fabric, lining, 8 to 9 inch zipper
A classic, clear guide: Open Wide Zippered Pouch by Noodlehead. Noodlehead
Thrift swap: take zippers from old bags and jackets.
Quick wins in knitting and crochet
6) Arm-knit infinity scarf
Time: about 30 minutes
Why it is fast: you use your arms as the needles with super bulky yarn
Supplies: 1 to 2 skeins of super bulky yarn
Watch a 30 minute scarf demo here: Arm knit scarf. YouTube
Thrift swap: unravel a thrifted chunky sweater and reuse the yarn.
7) Crochet face scrubbies
Time: 15 to 30 minutes each
Why it is fast: small rounds, basic stitches
Supplies: cotton yarn, hook
Grab a free pattern and finish a few in one sitting. Face scrubbies roundup. cillacrochets.com
Thrift swap: check craft thrift stores for leftover cotton yarn cakes.
8) One-hour dishcloth
Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Why it is fast: simple repeat, square shape
Supplies: worsted cotton, hook
Beginner friendly and practical. Dishcloth in about an hour. Oombawka Design Crochet
Thrift swap: look for labeled cotton cones at thrift stores.
Quick wins in paper crafts
9) Easy greeting cards
Time: 10 to 20 minutes per card
Why it is fast: simple shapes, washi tape strips, or stamps
Supplies: cardstock, washi tape, glue stick
A beginner video helps you get results fast. Card making for beginners. Klompen Stampers
Thrift swap: grab old books for background pages and envelopes.
10) Corner bookmarks
Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Why it is fast: three folds, no cutting besides the square
Supplies: square paper, pen
Try a quick video how-to. Origami corner bookmark. YouTube
Thrift swap: use magazine covers or damaged maps.
11) Printable gift tags
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Why it is fast: print, trim, and punch
Supplies: printer, cardstock, hole punch
Free printable sets save time. Printable gift tags. The Spruce Crafts
Thrift swap: cut blanks from cereal boxes and cover with paper scraps.
12) Washi tape card series
Time: 15 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 cards
Why it is fast: repeat a simple layout across cards
Supplies: card bases, washi tape, scissors
See quick ideas to get you rolling. Quick washi tape cards. YouTube
Quick wins in upcycling and home
13) No-sew fleece blanket
Time: about 30 minutes for baby size
Why it is fast: cut, braid or knot, done
Supplies: two layers of fleece
Here is a braided edge method with a 30 minute time estimate. No-sew fleece blanket. Cutesy Crafts
Thrift swap: use clean fleece throws in good condition.
14) Picture frame tray
Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Why it is fast: two handles and a base panel
Supplies: old frame, small wood panel, handles, glue
Clear tutorial here: Picture frame tray. DIY Confessions
Thrift swap: look for sturdy frames and drawer pulls at the thrift store.
15) Mason jar soap dispenser
Time: 20 to 30 minutes
Why it is fast: drill lid, insert pump
Supplies: jar with lid, soap pump, drill or awl
An easy walkthrough: Mason jar soap pump. The Gracious Wife
Thrift swap: grab lids and jars from ReStore or thrift shelves.
16) T-shirt yarn
Time: 20 minutes per shirt
Why it is fast: one continuous cut, stretch, roll
Supplies: scissors, old tee
Use this to crochet baskets, trivets, or a quick rug. Make T-shirt yarn. Instructables
Thrift swap: buy tees in bulk for pennies.
17) Upcycled sweater mittens
Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Why it is fast: felted wool does not fray, pieces are simple
Supplies: felted sweater, paper pattern, needle and thread or machine
Learn the basics here: Sweater mittens tutorial. Salt in my Coffee
Thrift swap: look for 100 percent wool sweaters to felt.
Even more quick craft ideas by time box
15 minute ideas
- Fabric corner bookmarks with selvedge labels
- Washi tape bookmarks
- Felt gift card holders
- Beaded keychains
- Macrame keychain using two basic knots. Here is a 10 minute keychain tutorial: Macrame keychain. YouTube
30 minute ideas
- Simple headband from knit fabric
- Tea towel napkins with mitered corners
- Stamped clay tags for gifts
- Crochet mug rug
- Quick ribbon bookmarks
60 minute ideas
- Zipper pencil case with boxed corners
- Chunky knit headband on big needles
- Small drawstring shoe bag
- Envelope pillow cover
- Photo frame tray with fabric lining
Thrift store finds that work well for DIY and crafts
When you visit a thrift store, look for:
- Frames for trays and photo crafts
- Sweaters to felt into mittens or to unravel for yarn
- Buttons and zippers in grab bags
- Cotton sheets and linen for sewing yardage
- Jars and tins for storage and soap pumps
- Old books and maps for paper crafts and gift tags
If you want to hunt online for secondhand craft supplies, there are “creative reuse” shops and lists that point to craft-focused thrift stores, both local and online. These can be great sources for fabric, yarn, and notions at low prices. A good starting point: a curated list of secondhand fabric and craft stores online. swoodsonsays.cominterweave.com
Simple plan for short craft time
Use this plan when you only have 30 to 60 minutes on a weeknight.
- Pick one project from the list above
- Prep your station for five minutes
- Make until the timer rings
- Clean up your craft area
That last step matters. Keeping your area tidy now will save time for crafting later.
Projects you can finish today
Below are four fully spelled-out crafts you can complete in a very short time. Each one is an easy craft idea for adults and fits a single session. These use common crafting supplies and work well with thrift store finds.
A) Quick hand-sewn felt pouch
Time: 25 minutes
You need: 1 felt sheet, matching thread, needle, one button
Steps
- Cut a piece 6 by 12 inches.
- Fold up 4.5 inches to form the pocket. Pin sides.
- Blanket stitch the sides.
- Fold the top flap down. Mark button placement and sew the button.
- Cut a slit for a buttonhole in the felt flap.
- Why it works: felt is sturdy, no fray, and a blanket stitch is simple.
- Learn more: follow this 15 minute felt pouch with a zipper if you want the next step up. 30 Minute Crafts
B) 30 minute arm-knit scarf
Time: 30 minutes
You need: one or two skeins of super bulky yarn
Steps
- Cast on 6 to 8 stitches on your forearm.
- Knit both rows by moving stitches from arm to arm.
- Bind off and seam ends into a loop.
- Why it works: extra bulky yarn plus your arms make huge stitches fast.
- Learn more: watch a full 30 minute tutorial. YouTube
C) Five fast greeting cards
Time: 30 to 40 minutes total
You need: card bases, washi tape, scissors, glue stick, marker
Steps
- Lay three strips of washi diagonally across the front.
- Trim edges.
- Add a sentiment with a marker or stamp.
- Repeat with fresh colors for a set of five.
- Why it works: repeat one layout to save time and brain power.
- Learn more: these beginner card guides and washi tape ideas will help you get started. Klompen StampersYouTube
D) No-sew fleece blanket with braided edge
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
You need: two fleece cuts the same size, scissors, ruler
Steps
- Stack fleece with wrong sides together. Trim edges.
- Cut a square from each corner.
- Cut slits around the edge.
- Braid or loop the slits for a finished edge.
- Why it works: no sewing, quick cuts, warm result.
- Learn more: follow this braided edge tutorial. Cutesy Crafts
Final call to craft
Pick one project. Set a 30 minute timer. Finish and show someone. When you complete a quick craft, you feel that spark again.
Happy making.
Quick DIY Crafts Sprint Planner
Download the free, easy-to-use template in the link below to make life a little easier for you as you start your quick crafting journey:
