36 Crafts for Geeks and Nerds

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free-geek-craft-tutorialsWhen it comes to sci-fi TV, films, and books, there is a definite and loyal fan base. Movies like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have attracted such passionate fans that there are entire conventions devoted to reenacting, reliving, and reimagining favorite scenes and characters. For those super fans who affectionately label themselves as a Trekkies, Jedi’s, dragon slayers, wizards, or vampires, we bring you this epic collection of 36 geek-tastic crafts that are sure to satisfy your inner nerd!

From old favorites, like Star Wars and old school computer gadgets, to new obsessions, like Doctor Who and Downton Abbey, this collection of 36 Geeky Crafts for Nerds is all you need to take a well-deserved trip back to your childhood (or to satisfy your need to have Harry Potter marathons every October).  And, as an extra bonus, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a collection of even MORE awesome nerdy crafts!  Scroll on down for all the info!

36 Geeky Crafts for Nerds


Doctor Who


Harry Potter


Star Wars


Techie Nerds


Downton Abbey

 

Looking for more geek crafts? Check out our Pinterest Board full of nerdy craft projects!

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Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

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My companions, in all of time and space you will never find such a stockpile of incredible DIY crafts and free crochet patterns.

For those of you who don’t know the TV show Doctor Who, you’re probably going to be slightly lost. I’m sorry, just run with it. This is my second favorite pop culture trend (next to Harry Potter) and it has been getting a lot of attention. Whovians everywhere are making their own DIY costumes for Halloween and Comic-Con, not to mention their everyday representation of the incredible fandom. With the 50th Anniversary being just last year, and our introduction of the War Doctor and 12, fans are going crazy trying to get their hands on easy crafts and free crochet patterns. Let’s be honest, why would we spend our hard-earned money on something we can just make ourselves? Why would we especially spend a ton of money on handmade geeky crafts when you will save when you make it yourself and have the satisfaction of a job well done. You can make your very own Doctor like no one has ever seen with free amigurumi patterns, homemade t-shirts, and DIY crafts.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

Doctor Who Crafts and Crochet

If you thought I just talked a lot of gibberish, I thought the same thing before I became a Whovian. I highly encourage you to take the time and watch the show (please don’t be that person who skips 9). Even if you don’t watch the show yourself, there is somebody you know who does. Daughter, son, grandchildren, husband…one person does. I can guarantee it. Maybe they aren’t the incredible crocheter that you are, so a cuddly dalek pattern will be a great homemade gift. Amigurumi figures are small, doll-like figures that are normally crocheted and they are becoming a new trend with the younger population. There are amigurumi patterns that are really easy to follow and they’re so cute!

Now, my crafters, don’t panic. I haven’t forgotten you. I will admit that it was a little more difficult to find full craft tutorials. You can admit that Doctor Who is very much defined by the wardrobe and the faces of the characters. That said, you can easily make their accessories. Whoever (pun intended) is your favorite Doctor, they are each defined by a specific accessory. Think inside the TARDIS box. Your ideas are all there! But if you’re having a little trouble, you’re going to love these easy crafts that you can use over and over again.

 

Free Crochet Patterns

Tardis Amigurumi from Army of Owls on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi from Lucy Ravenscar on ravelry.com

Amigurumi Adipose from Jennifer Christensen on ravelry.com

Fez Toilet Paper Roll Cover from Irish Lace

10’s Sonic Screw Driver from The Bean Patch

Time Traveling Police Call Box Scarf from Happy Hooker

Doctor Who Set of Doctors (1-11) + Tardis from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Doctor Who War Doctor from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi Pattern from Craftster

Rose’s Scarf from Boomtown Pattern from The Worst Crochet Blog

4’s Scarf Pattern from Sandra Petit on ravelry.com

Baby Dalek Dress from Random Ramblings

Free Knitting Patterns

Insulate! Hat from Amy van de Laar on ravelry.com

Free Craft Projects

Homemade Fezzes from Tally’s Treasury

Tardis Needle Case from Craftster

Adipose Plush Toy from Tuts+

Doctor Who Painted Tardis Heels from Doodle Craft Blog

Bow Tie Necklace from 3 Chic Geeks

Tardis Closet from Madin Crafts

 

Interested in more geeky stuff? Check out this collection of easy superhero crafts!

Super Hero Crafts

The Ultimate Superhero Crafts Roundup

Who is your favorite Doctor, and how do you show your Who-love?

Trendy Quilted Gifts for Tech Geeks

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Although there are quilt designs called Grandma’s Garden Flowers and Log Cabin Blocks, quilting is anything but outdated. Actually, I’ve found that quilting and technology go hand in hand. Not only is there a diverse collection of free quilt patterns and quilting tutorials on sites like FaveQuilts, there is also a growing interest in small handmade gift patterns for tech accessories.

You can choose to create a graduation gift for a college student with a laptop, a birthday gift for a dad that likes to read his Kindle on the train, or a quilted Christmas present for a photographer who wants a DIY camera strap. You are guaranteed to find a fantastic free quilted gift pattern for every tech geek on your list.

 

 Camera Accessory Quilt Gift

Digital Camera Case

Whether they are a photographer for National Geographic or a new parent who loves snapping pictures of their baby, anyone with a camera will love a personalized camera strap. I’ve noticed that avid photographers always need to keep their cameras close to them; which is why a Quilted Camera Strap Cover is such a fashionable idea for anyone in need of a DIY camera strap. Need a quilted gift design for someone who goes on a lot of fun family trips? This Digital Camera Case is an easy quilted gift pattern that does an excellent job of protecting a camera on the go. For an even quicker pattern for a personalized camera case, check out a contemporary Quilted Camera Case that would be a perfect quilted gift for a teenager.

 

 

Laptop and iPad Case Quilt Gifts

Vintage-looking Laptop Case

Nowadays, every college and high school student has a laptop. Any young adult is sure to appreciate your talent when you make them a cool laptop or iPad case quilt gift. Your daughter or granddaughter will be the chicest girl on campus when you quilt her this Vintage-Looking Laptop Case to carry her computer between lecture halls. For college-aged guys, check out an ironic pattern for a Retro iPad Case DIY that actually looks like a vintage transistor radio. Last but not least, make a DIY laptop case for dear old dad or a beloved husband with this Manly Man Laptop Case.

 

 

eReader Cover Quilt Gifts

Love of Literature Tablet Cover

One of the greatest features about gadgets like ereaders is that they help save trees by putting news articles and books online. I especially love this idea for the Love of Literature Tablet Cover because it protects a tablet  but also flaunts an appliqued vintage typewriter. You can also protect your electronic reader by making this Mexican-themed scrap quilt design for a Dia de los Muertos Kindle Sleeve. For an even quicker tutorial on constructing a Kindle or eReader cover, check out this pattern for a  Last Minute Gift Kindle Cover.

 

The free quilted gift patterns for new technologies don’t stop there. Check out 23 Geeky Gifts for Nerds for even dorkier gift ideas!

 

Tell us, what kind of handmade quilt gift will you make YOUR tech geek?

 

 

Geek Crafts Roundup: Have a Nerdy Holiday

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your bi-weekly dose of geeky goodness.

Deck the halls with golden snitches and death stars (fa la la la laaaa)…

Now that we’re all feeling nice and festive, here are six DIY holiday projects that will have you spreading some seriously nerdy holiday cheer in no time flat!

1. Retro Space Age Stocking Tutorial from Tried & True

2. Death Star Ornament from Chris McVeigh

3. Golden Snitch Truffles from Girl Meets Bowl

4. DIY Star Wars Snowflakes from Matters of Grey

5. Gingerbread TARDIS from therru and pnr on LiveJournal

6. Tutorial: Nerdtastic Felt Ornaments from Nerd Jerk

Need something nerdy to fight those cold weather blues? Check out my Geek Crafts Roundup: Cozy Yarn Crafts right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts Roundup: Cozy Yarn Crafts

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your bi-weekly dose of geeky goodness.

If you’re going to venture out into the cold this winter, why not do it in style? Here are six cozy fiber projects that are sure to warm any geek’s heart—and, you know, various other parts of the body!

1. Bigger on The Inside Doctor Who Scarf from Knitty

2. Harry Potter Scarf! from Live. Love. Laugh.

3. Skull Stockings from Vintage Stitch-O-Rama Free Pattern Emporium

4. Dr. Montville’s Double Helix Seaman Scarf from TwoSheep.com

5. Das Monster Leggings from Hrönn Jónsdóttir on Ravelry

6. R2-D2 Hat from SO MUCH YARN, SO LITTLE TIME!

Want more? Grab your crochet hook and check out my list of 8 Awesomely Geek-tastic Crochet Projects right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts Roundup: Laptop Cases

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your bi-weekly dose of geeky goodness.

Since the dawn of portable computer time, laptops and nerds have always gone blissfully hand in hand. Why not show your faithful electronic pal some love with a fancy new laptop case?

1. Make Your Own Laptop Case! [DIY With CC] from College Candy

2. Carry on computing from The Guardian

3. Going to Grandma’s Laptop Case from CRAFT

4. Back to School ~ Laptop Bag from Sew, Mama, Sew!

5. Laptop Sleeve Tutorial by Yoonie from Yoonie-at-Home

6. Laptop Sleeve from Sew, Mama, Sew!

Want more? Take your geeky accessories to the next level with my Ruler Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts: Fairy Wing Roundup

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your bi-weekly dose of geeky goodness.

Whether it’s ren faire season, Halloween, or a night out with your fanciest pals, every geek needs a good set of fairy wings. (What? It’s true!) Are you ready to get your DIY pixie on? Here are a few of my favorite ideas to get you started:

 

 

1. How to Make Easy Cellophane Wings from Janel Norris on Instructables

2. Tutorial: Fairy Wings from Documenting Delight

3. How to make Fabric Fairy Wings from Firefly Path

4. Lightwings: Fiber Optic Fairy Wings from the_gella on Instructables

5. Crocheted Fairy Wings from Fruppi on Instructables

6. Twinkling Fairy Wings from Sparkfun Electronics

Want even more sparkly goodness? Head on over to my Geode and Rock Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts: Test Tube Craft Roundup

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness.

It might sound a bit strange to the uninitiated, but there’s something about lab glass that always sparks my creativity and gets my crafty brain cranking. Do test tubes and beakers have you seeing projects and tutorials too? Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

1. DIY: Test Tube Spice Rack from Jenny Linquist

2. diy | hanging test tube flowers from A Daily Something

3. Easy Halloween Crafts—Homemade Slime from The Idea Room

4. How to Make a Book Vase from Fresh Home Ideas

5. Give the Gift of Green With a Terrarium Necklace (DIY Tutorial) from ecouterre

6. Test Tube Spice Rack from Dream Book Design

Looking for more projects from the lab? Head on over to my Robot Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts: Geode and Rock Craft Roundup

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness.

When I was visiting a friend in Chicago a couple of months ago, we stopped by a toy store to pick up a few of those geodes that you break open with a hammer. (I’d been dying to try it since I was a little kid!) We only found a few sparkly spots inside our volcanic stones, but that was more than enough to start a full-on rock-related project obsession! Here’s a roundup of my favorite ideas:

 

1. DIY: Geode Ring from UNIQUE

2. DIY Turquoise Inspired Jewelry from Delighted Momma

3. DIY: Geode Bottle Stoppers from Cupcakes and Cashmere

4. Kryptonite Candy from BrittLiv on Instructables

5. Tutorial: Rain Chain from Wire-Wrapped Rock from Dollar Store Crafts

6. How to Make a Felted Stone from Lil Fish Studios

Need a double shot of science-tastic crafting? Head on over to my Steampunk Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts: Geometric Craft Roundup

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I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness.

We know that you secretly loved your high school geometry class. (Don’t worry—we’re not telling!) And sometimes there’s just nothing better than straight lines and bold shapes to really get your creativity going. So, for all of you polygon-loving makers out there, here are six geometric project ideas that are sure to make your inner mathematician happy!

 

 

1. DIY 3D Geometric Sculpture from CRAFT

2. DIY Geometric Pouch from Dismount Creative

3. I ♥ Mathematics {Platonic Solids Garland} from Mini Eco UK

4. DIY Geometric Felt Bookmarks from How About Orange

5. Tape painting from Maria Teorien

6. Geometric Wedges from Sincerely, Kinsey

Looking for more math-tastic ideas? Head on over to my Back-to-School Ruler Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!