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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: 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: Rubik’s Cube 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!

I don’t know any child of the 80s who didn’t spend hours puzzling over a Rubik’s Cube. So, in honor of countless lost hours and burned brain cells, I’ve put together this bold, colorful roundup of Rubik’s Cube-inspired crafts!

1. Happy Halloween 2010 from Design Mom

2. Rubik’s Battenburg Cake from stasty on Instructables

3. Rubik’s Cube — The Ottoman! from Obsessively Stitching

4. Rubik’s cube chest of drawers from makendo on Instructables

5. Rubik’s Cube Nails from Roslion90

6. Functional USB Flash Drive Rubiks Cube from BrittLiv on Instructables

Need more geeky craft ideas? Check out my Nerd Glasses Craft Roundup right here on FaveCrafts!

Geek Crafts: Geek Love Cross Stitch Pattern

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Hello, Geek Crafters!

Hi, I’m Haley Pierson-Cox! If you follow my blog, The Zen of Making, then you already know that I’m a pretty geeky gal. (The TARDIS dress really gives it away, doesn’t it?) But, if you’re just meeting me for the first time today, consider this your warning: I’m about to talk nerdy to you. So, strap on that proton pack, pick up the gold bikini from the cleaners, and make sure your sonic screwdriver is fully charged, because, thanks to FaveCrafts, I’ll be taking you on a new adventure into the fabulous and freaky world of geek crafts every week!

Since this is the first column in my series, I’m kicking things off by sharing a little geek love. So, if you’ve ever painted a Warhammer army, stalked Adam Savage at the Emmys (that actually happened), or studied Klingon in your spare time, download a free copy of my cross-stitch pattern and let your geek flag fly!

Materials:

  • Cross-stitch fabric, 5” x 5” square of 14-count
  • Embroidery floss, less than 1 skein each of navy blue, gray, light blue, red, green, yellow, and silver
  • Embroidery needle
  • Embroidery scissors or thread nippers
  • Pattern


Step 1
Cross-stitch patterns are worked in horizontal rows. To begin, work the first leg of each stitch across the full length of the row using 2-ply embroidery floss. Count each stitch carefully to ensure correct spacing.


Step 2
Once you’ve stitched all of the legs in one direction, cross each stitch in the opposite direction, working backwards toward the beginning of the row.


Step 3
Once you’ve completed the first row, finish each subsequent row following the instructions in steps 1 and 2.


Step 4
After you’ve completed all rows in the pattern, give your glasses a touch of personality by adding silver temples to the pairs in navy and yellow french knot “pearls” to the pairs in green.

Tips for successful stitching:

  • To avoid bumps, embroidery floss is not knotted on the back of cross-stitch pieces. To secure each color in place, leave a long tail on the back and stitch over the end as you work.
  • If you’re working a row that has more than one color, complete all of the stitches in one color before moving on to the next.
  • Get creative: mix up colors and glasses designs to make piece that’s perfect for you!

Are you ready to get your geek on? Leave a comment below and tell me about the shows, characters, movies, books, etc. that you’d like to see featured in my weekly geek crafts posts!

Geek Crafts: 18 Nerdy Crafts to Geek Out Over

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Greetings, fellow nerdlings! Let’s be honest: It seems like the definition of “geek” gets fuzzier and fuzzier these days. In fact, it’s almost become “cool” to be “nerdy” (whatever that means). I think we’d all admit we’ve got a little “geek” in us, right? I mean, I love to curl up with my laptop and indulge in a Lord of the Rings movie marathon on a Friday night as much as the next gal. So let’s celebrate the nerd in all of us with these awesome geek crafts!

May the Force Be with You

To most people, Star Wars is the epitome of nerd-dom, but who among us hasn’t turned an empty wrapping paper tube into a lightsaber? For the Jedi in all of us, we’ve brought together a few Star Wars craft ideas.

Nerdy Stenciled T-Shirts – Featuring everyone’s favorite furry beast, Chewbacca.
Little Yoda Crochet Tutorial – Crochet him, you will.
Darth Vader and R2D2 Tees – Good and evil, for every fashion mood.

 

Dungeons and Dragons

This collection of dragon craft ideas was inspired by the ultimate geek game: Dungeons and Dragons! Make one of these dragon-inspired wearable crafts to sport at your next Saturday night D&D session, and you’ll be the mythical envy of all your fellow fantasy fanatics.

Fun Dragon Hat – Complete with spikes and tail.
Dino Dragon Tails – Could work for paleontology parties too.
Dragon Scale Weave Tutorial – This chainmaille tutorial doubles as dragon scales AND armor, so you’re ready for battle.

All About Argyle

Argyle isn’t just for sweater vests anymore! These awesome argyle patterns are bringing your favorite nerd print to an afghan or ornament near you.

Easy Argyle Baby Quilt – It’s never too early to start.
Argyle Cream Afghan – Curl up with a stack of comic books.
Argyle Applique Ornament – Nerd out your Christmas tree!

Book Worm

Everyone’s familiar with this geek stereotype. Nerds always have their noses buried in a book, don’t they? These crafts are geared toward your inner book junkie!

Mini Bookshelf Quilt – It’s an instant library! You’re looking smarter already.
Book Jacket – It’s like a pocket protector for your book!
Make Your Own Binder Cover – Gotta keep those notes fresh.

Four Eyes and Fancy Free

Every good nerd needs a pair of glasses (complete with tape on the bridge). Glam up your specs with these visionary craft projects.

Eye Glass Holders – Steve Urkel style.
Eyeglass Case – Keep those Coke bottles scratch-free!
No Sew Eyeglasses Case – No broken glasses here!

Techie Accessories

The “techie” is like its own genre of nerd. Tech geeks would be lost without their laptops, tablets, and other gadgets. These crafts are for all you tech-savvy nerds out there.

Quick and Easy Reversible Laptop Sleeve – For the techie on the go.
Cute Computer Key Pendants – Hey, computer nerds can be fashion-forward.
iPad Cross Body Sleeve for Dad – Ultimate techie man bag.

There you have it: 18 nerd-tastic crafts to geek out over! The days of hiding your inner nerdiness are over; nerds are in! So throw on your collector’s edition Star Trek DVDs, and try out some of these geeky craft projects!

Do you consider yourself a “nerd”? What’s something you totally geek out over?

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