Writing Awesome Tutorials

Tutorials aren't just for jewelry making they apply to nearly every craft.

Think of a tutorial like a recipe:

Ingredients = materials

Mixing bowls and pans = tools and supplies

Instructions = step-by-step guide to create the final piece

I love baking rustic bread, and I've done it so often that I no longer need a recipe. But if I were making a soufflé, I'd absolutely need detailed steps to follow.

Start with a project or technique you know well and have completed multiple times.

List all materials and tools needed. Make sure they're easy to find and commonly available.

When writing your instructions, shift into "basic mode."

Write as if you're explaining it to someone who's never done this exact project or used these tools before. They may not be beginners, but they're new to this.

Pretend you're the beginner. Ask yourself what questions might come up at each step.

Keep your instructions detailed, but not overly wordy.

Avoid using "your" when referring to tools or materials. Use "the" instead.

For example:
Incorrect: Using your round nose pliers, make a loop...
Correct: Using the round nose pliers, make a loop...

If you're including process photos, use good lighting.

Photos should be sharp, well-lit, and have plain backgrounds. Only include your hands if absolutely necessary to show the step clearly.

If you're submitting your tutorial to an editor, label your photos clearly and make sure each one matches its step.

Using this approach, you're ready to start writing your tutorial!