Just because something isn’t your area of expertise doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to try it out. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Learning about different trades and crafts can make you more knowledgeable and well-rounded.
Of course, this is hard to do unless you’re fond of reading about a variety of things. Finding the time to read can be challenging, but luckily, plenty of DIY books can help you learn new skills quickly.
Whether you’re looking to learn about gardening, carpentry, or even just how to make your own soap, there’s a book out there for you. You’ll still need to put in some time to find the right one but that’s where this buying guide comes in. We compiled a list of some of the most popular DIY books of 2025. Let’s get reading!
For many of us, keeping tabs on what comes in contact with our skin daily is essential. The Natural Soapmaking Book for Beginners can show you how to make your all-natural soaps using natural herbs, spices, and essential oils. This helpful DIY book provides step-by-step tutorials with photos, helpful tips, and over 55 recipes for making beautiful and nourishing soaps. You’ll also find an informative section on the basics of soapmaking, including the science behind what happens when you combine ingredients.
This option also takes into consideration the sensitivities your skin might have. So, if you have skin that is easily irritated, you’ll be pleased to know that there are recipes for making gentle soaps that will cleanse without causing any irritation. And if regular soap wasn’t enough, this DIY book also contains recipes for shampoo bars, face bars, and body bars, making it the best overall product.
Have you ever felt like creating your own stuffed toys or plushies? That can now be a reality with the simple instructions laid out in this DIY book by Sarah Zimmerman. It’s one of the most popular needlework books to ever hit the market, and rightfully so! From helpful reference pages to beginner-friendly materials, everything about this book is designed to be easily replicable. It encourages you to get started right away, allowing you to stitch, detail, and stuff your own adorable characters! From alligators to zebras, you get simple and easy-to-follow patterns to create whatever you want — awesome, right?
Your home’s electrical system is something that you might not know much about but probably should. From fixing a faulty outlet to installing a new light fixture, wiring projects are essential for maintaining your home’s value and safety. The DIY-minded homeowner will find this book invaluable as a reference guide for completing common electrical repairs and installations.
This project-based book guides you through all the major steps, be it from picking the right cable to properly connecting it. It’ll also help you learn about outdoor lighting, including security and low-voltage systems, to help you improve and illuminate the exterior areas around your home. All in all, this is a great DIY book for homeowners.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “jack of all trades, master of none.” But what about Martha Stewart? In The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything, Stewart shares her wealth of knowledge on various topics, from setting the table and carving pumpkins to fixing your toilet and caring for your pets. The content of this DIY book proves that you don’t need to be an expert at something to get the job done right. This pick can make even the most daunting tasks seem easy with clear instructions and helpful tips. It also contains many beautiful pictures that may just inspire you to start your next project.
DIY books are all the rage these days and for good reason! They allow you to be hands-on and creative while learning new skills and completing projects. This DIY book on lithium batteries is the perfect guide for those who want to build their own battery packs. Especially with the need for such batteries for many projects increasing, this handy product provides all the steps to create safe and effective custom lithium battery packs. Additionally, the book includes a troubleshooting guide in case you encounter any issues.
How often have you found yourself in a pickle, thinking, “I really wish I knew how to fix this”? We’ve all been there before. Whether it’s a clogged sink or a broken chain in a toilet tank, it can often feel like you’re just one project away from being a certified home repair expert. Well, wonder no more! Here’s a DIY book that is here to help. This comprehensive option takes you through all the important things in life, be it fixing drywall or changing brake oil. With Its helpful instructions and tips, you’ll be able to fix anything in no time.
Looking over some great options was only step one; now, it’s time to decide which DIY book (or books) to purchase. This guide will help you evaluate your choices and explain what you need to consider before making a purchase.
DIY books are a type of book that explains everyday or specialized projects that would otherwise require the assistance of or completion by a professional. These books walk the reader through each step of the process, providing information and tips along the way. They cover a range of topics and crafts, from cosmetics and skin care products to home repairs and electrical work.
Although they generally don’t teach you all the minuscule details of a trade or how to take care of complicated maintenance, they provide you with a broad understanding of the task at hand.
Buying a DIY book offers many more benefits than hiring a professional. The most obvious benefits are:
This is perhaps the most rewarding benefit of reading a DIY book. You feel satisfied knowing that you accomplished the task and have more knowledge and skill when it comes to a trade or craft.
After completing the project, you now have a go-to guide for the next time something needs to be fixed. This is especially helpful for homeowners who don’t want to hire someone whenever something goes wrong.
You’re not on someone else’s schedule, meaning you can complete the project at your own pace. If you need to take a break or return to it later, you can do so without feeling rushed. Plus, by doing it yourself, you’re saving money that you would otherwise have to spend to pay a professional.
When picking a book, you want to ensure it’s of high quality. This means the pages are thick and not see-through, the cover is sturdy, and the illustrations are clear. A good DIY book will also have clear instructions that don’t confuse the reader.
The best DIY books are also practical. This means that they provide projects that you actually want to do and that are relevant to your interests. For example, if you like cooking, you might want a book with recipes and kitchen hacks. Alternatively, if you are into woodworking, you probably would like a book on woodworking projects.
You also want a book that is going to be fun to read. This means that it is written in a way that engages the reader and encourages them to continue reading. A good DIY book will make you excited about trying new things and give you a sense of accomplishment when you finish a project.
The illustrations and diagrams in a DIY book are important because they provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete a project. Additionally, the illustrations should be relevant to the task at hand. For example, if you are looking at a book on knitting, the pictures should show you how to knit a specific stitch.
The projects in a DIY book should be effective. For example, if you are looking at a book on baking, the projects should result in delicious baked goods. Alternatively, if you are looking at a book on woodworking, the projects should lead to beautiful and well-crafted pieces of furniture.
While some people may find DIY books helpful, it's important to keep in mind that everyone learns differently. Some people learn through practical demonstration and may find DIY books more difficult to understand.
Whether or not DIY books are worth it depends on your circumstances. If you're the type of person who learns best by doing, then a DIY book may not be the best investment. If you're willing to spend time reading and understanding the material, DIY books can be a very helpful and fun resource.
Several skills can be learned from DIY books, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Many DIY books focus on teaching basic skills needed to survive life as an adult without having to pay someone else to fix your problems. They also can cover crafts like soapmaking or candlemaking, so you can make your own essential household items.
Yes, DIY is for all ages. They make DIY books for ages as young as toddlers. Even young kids who can't read yet can partner with an adult to complete projects. DIY books are a great way to spend time with your kid while also introducing them to reading and following directions.
Arts and crafts have been linked to various mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving overall well-being.