# CreativeTested

> Reviews and buying guides for art supplies, crafts, sewing and embroidery, cutting machines and 3D printing, with clear advice for beginners and makers.

CreativeTested publishes craft and making reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://creativetested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://creativetested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://creativetested.com/glossary): craft and making terms defined
- [How we review](https://creativetested.com/how-we-review)

## Topics
- [Sewing & embroidery](https://creativetested.com/category/sewing-embroidery): Sewing machines, embroidery machines, sergers, fabric and notions.
- [Art supplies](https://creativetested.com/category/art-supplies): Paints, markers, pencils, brushes, paper and sketchbooks.
- [Crafts & DIY](https://creativetested.com/category/crafts-diy): Cutting machines, papercraft, resin, candle making and craft kits.
- [3D printing](https://creativetested.com/category/3d-printing): 3D printers, filament, resin and tools for makers.

## Buying guides
- [3D Printer Filament Guide: PLA vs PETG vs ABS vs TPU](https://creativetested.com/guides/3d-printer-filament-guide): Start with PLA: it is the easiest filament to print, has little odor and suits most decorative and light-use prints. Choose PETG for stronger, more heat- and moisture-resistant functional parts. ABS and ASA handle more heat and outdoor use but need an enclosure and ventilation. TPU is flexible for phone cases and gaskets and prints best on direct-drive printers. Keep all filament dry.
- [Acrylic vs Oil vs Watercolor: Which Paint Should You Start With?](https://creativetested.com/guides/acrylic-vs-oil-vs-watercolor): Acrylics are the easiest all-round choice for beginners: they dry fast, clean up with water and work on almost any surface. Oils dry slowly, which allows smooth blending and reworking, but need solvents or solvent-free mediums and ventilation. Watercolors are portable and affordable but less forgiving, because light colors come from the paper rather than white paint.
- [Cutting Machine Buying Guide: Vinyl, Cardstock and More](https://creativetested.com/guides/cutting-machine-buying-guide): Choose a cutting machine by the materials and project sizes you need. Most cut vinyl, iron-on (heat transfer vinyl), paper and cardstock; larger or stronger models add fabric, felt, leather, chipboard and thin wood with specialty blades. A 12-inch cutting width suits most crafters; compact machines are fine for small decals and cards. Check the software, any subscription for designs, and the cost of mats and blades.
- [Embroidery Machine Buying Guide: Hoop Sizes, Formats and Features](https://creativetested.com/guides/embroidery-machine-buying-guide): Hoop size is the most important spec on an embroidery machine because it sets the largest design you can stitch in one hooping: 4 by 4 inches suits small monograms, while 5 by 7 inches and larger handle most home projects. Choose an embroidery-only machine for dedicated embroidery or a sewing-and-embroidery combo to save space. Check that the machine reads the design file format you plan to use.
- [FDM vs Resin 3D Printers: Which Should You Buy?](https://creativetested.com/guides/fdm-vs-resin-3d-printers): FDM printers melt plastic filament layer by layer. They are cheaper to run, cleaner to use and better for large and functional parts. Resin printers cure liquid resin with light and produce far finer detail, ideal for miniatures, jewelry models and figurines. Resin also needs washing, UV curing, gloves and ventilation. Most beginners should start with FDM unless detailed miniatures are the main goal.
- [How to Choose a Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Buying Guide](https://creativetested.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine): A good first sewing machine needs a few reliable stitches done well (straight, zigzag, stretch and a one-step buttonhole), adjustable stitch length and width, a drop-in bobbin, an automatic needle threader and a sturdy build. Mechanical machines are simple and durable; computerized machines add stitches, speed control and convenience. Ignore the stitch count and prioritize smooth feeding and ease of use.
- [Sewing Machine Needle Sizes and Types: A Complete Guide](https://creativetested.com/guides/sewing-machine-needle-sizes): Needle sizes have two numbers, European and American, such as 80/12; higher numbers mean thicker needles for heavier fabrics. Use 70/10 or 75/11 for light fabrics, 80/12 for medium cottons, 90/14 for medium-heavy fabrics, and 100/16 or 110/18 for denim and canvas. Match the type to the fabric too: universal for wovens, ballpoint or stretch for knits, jeans for denim. Change needles every six to eight hours of sewing.
- [Watercolor Paper Guide: Weight, Texture and Cotton Content](https://creativetested.com/guides/watercolor-paper-guide): For most watercolor painting, choose 140 lb (300 gsm) paper: heavy enough to take washes without much buckling. Cold press has a medium texture and suits most styles; hot press is smooth for fine detail and illustration; rough has the most texture for expressive washes. 100% cotton paper handles water, lifting and layering best; cellulose paper is cheaper and good for practice.

Contact: info@creativetested.com